SPRING BREAK: Are you ready? Find out what to pack

byYiQing Shao

Step 1. Make a list.

Step 2. Organize the list by subject. Think about what you’ll be doing, and what you’ll need to do it.

Example:

Day 4: Hiking in La Canada

To bring: More long pants than shorts, insect repellent and a sturdy backpack.

Going to Florida? Pack a beach towel. Going to New York? Don’t pack a beach towel.

Next to toothbrush should say toothpaste. Pants should be somewhere between shirts and socks. Don’t forget the essentials: money (more than enough), passport or ID, cell phone and charger, keys, headphones, etc.  The list goes on.

Headed to an island? Wear sneakers to the airport and pack flip-flops. Why bring your Uggs or North Face to Tahiti?

Step 3. Don’t over pack. You’ll be in denial when it’s time to go back to school, but Spring Break is only one week long. Don’t pack more than two pairs of shoes, and if you thought reading a book was hard in school, what makes you think you’ll get through any novel over Spring Break? Face it, War and Peace is too heavy to be taking to Cabo San Lucas.

Ladies, that box of makeup your boyfriend doesn’t dare to peek in? Leave it. Grab your essentials, put them in a small pouch and tuck that in a safe corner of your carry-on. Leave all your nail polish on the dresser at home.

Guys, don’t worry about the snacks. Trust me when I say Double-Stuffed Oreos have just as much trans fat in LA as they do in East Lansing.

Staying somewhere nice? Don’t worry about packing soap. Stealing hotel shampoo isn’t cheap – it’s smart.

Step 4: Don’t wait until the night before your flight to pack. Do it at least two days beforehand so you have at least another day to realize you forgot something.

Try to fit everything in two bags max. Most airlines allow you to check two pieces, and then you get one carry-on. Your carry-on should be light and to the point – ID, money, cell, a sweater, and snacks if you are a frequent eater. Don’t forget liquids and gels are prohibited, so girls, don’t bother with the big bottles of fancy lotion either.

If you’re the sporty type and insist on bringing skis, snowboards, roller blades or skateboards with you, do us all a favor and check them. Over winter break a guy had his skateboard tied to his backpack and almost whacked half a dozen passengers with it.

Step 5: When packing, don’t check anything off the list until it’s in your luggage. There’s a reason the most popular item to forget is your toothbrush.

Step 6: Listen to Mom and Dad. Chances are they remembered something you didn’t, and BE SAFE. Money and a charged cell phone ensure you’ll be okay if a flight is delayed, if you have to spend the night in a layover city, etc.

Step 7: Oh, and try not to flash too many videocameras…for everyone’s sake. 

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