From suitcase to adventure

Is your next vacation trip coming up and you're still losing sleep over what to pack? We’d love to share some essential tips that every seasoned traveler should keep in their suitcase.

You’ve probably arrived at your destination only to start unpacking and realize you forgot something essential. Don’t let poor organization or a lack of time ruin your plans. Follow these tips to make sure you have everything you need in your luggage.

To start, we recommend checking the weather at your destination for the duration of your stay so you know what kind of clothes to pack: whether it will be hot or cold, rainy or humid. Whether you're heading to the beach, the city, or the countryside, this information is crucial for deciding what to wear.

Choose a pair of very comfortable sneakers for walking or sightseeing that you’ve already broken in. Avoid new shoes, especially if you know your trip will involve a lot of moving around. As a recommendation, a pair of white sneakers that go with most of your outfits is ideal, as you can wear them during the day or out to dinner or a party at night.

Something very important when packing is to put your personal care and hygiene products in small (100 ml) containers inside Ziploc bags or a small toiletry kit—this includes toothpaste, body and face creams, sunscreen, shampoo, liquid soap, deodorant, etc. This helps avoid any issues when going through airport security.

If you're traveling by car, this will help you keep essentials handy and save space in your luggage. Speaking of personal items, a great tip I can share is that I can't travel away from home without my shower sandals; they are an important part of my morning routine and I take them with me whenever I travel. So, if you're like me, don't forget them—you never know when you'll really need them.  

You can't go wrong with a light jacket or a hoodie for those cool nights, and a pair of jeans that keep you comfortable during the day but also active, which you can pair with different blouses, t-shirts, or shirts throughout your trip to get the most out of them. This tip works especially well for women, who tend to be a bit more fashion-conscious than men. Think about an outfit in the morning that works for any occasion in case you don't have time to head back to your hotel; that way, you'll be ready for any plan, whether it's going out to dinner or hitting the town at night.

Something else that’s essential is to keep all your electronic accessories organized in a small zippered pouch; this way, your cables won't get tangled and everything will be in one place and easy to reach. At the same time, I’d recommend bringing some entertainment for those long hours of waiting or travel, such as a book, a tablet, a downloaded series or movie, or a good playlist to keep you company along the way.

Personal documents are among the first important things to pack, such as your passport, ID, driver's license, or visa, depending on your destination and whether you are traveling domestically or internationally. You should check everything you need in advance and keep it in your personal bag so it’s always close at hand.

Finally, it’s a good idea to carry a first-aid kit with basic medications that might be useful for any situation or discomfort that arises during your trip. It’s always better to be prepared.

If you decide that Guadalajara is the perfect city for your next vacation, check out our website at Barrio Mexico to book your accommodation in advance; we’re sure you’ll love the experience.

See you soon.