10 Packing Tips for the Traveler
Have you ever had luggage show up late or been to your destination to realize you don’t have the basics of what you need? Have you gone on vacation or to your assignments and realized you brought too much stuff? This goes with my YouTube video: Here’s my basic packing list:
Things I do:
Pack for just 7 -10 days.
Have a set of dress casual clothes for day 1 at work, clothes appropriate to the season, and for any events or activities you have already planned .
Have my devices and phone fully charged and have the cables in one place so you know where to go to get them.
Pack imperative items for the first day of work in my carry-on luggage (stethoscope, scrubs, special scrub hat, pens, phone, and any paperwork/bag/or typical items you normally take with you to work). You want to walk in as prepared as you normally are in the OR.
Have all my assignment details either memorized, in your phone, or printed. It’s horrible to get in the rental car and not know where your going because your phone died as you were listening to that amazing audio-book on the plane.
Have something you love to do with you (audio books, continuing education, iPad for movies).
If you work-out everyday but forgot your favorite gear. That will make you alter your routine or put you in a funk from the beginning.
Make sure you unpack on arrival and know exactly what you have to go to work with in the morning. Take the time to have your paperwork printed, or in one email, and ready to go so you aren’t looking for it desperately at 5AM.
Follow a routine so when you are packing you have checked your list and not just brought everything from home that you won’t use. Pack how you will most want to unpack after a long day of travel.
Don’t over analyze and pack for unlikely contingencies. Pack your everyday items for about one week. Take time to look at the resources in the area you are traveling too. Restaurants, stores, laundry facilities, and those things/places/stores that will give you an outlet once you arrive (hiking spots, spa, shopping, or sports).