Chances are you’re looking at an active holiday after you’ve already sampled few other styles of travel. Perhaps you’re used to cruising, or heading down south to a resort, and are now looking for something with a little more participation. (By the way, you’ve made a great decision!)
But what to pack if you have chosen a vacation with a higher degree of active like a safari or a hiking holiday?
First, let’s start with your suitcase. Chances are you’ll be more responsible for getting your luggage from point A to B (from the vehicle to your room, for example) than you may be used to. This may entail stairs or a longish walk. So you don’t want to overpack.
I strongly recommend travelling with a suitcase which is a combination back-pack and roller bag. That way you can hoist it onto your back in case you have to navigate cobblestones or staircases. Also, you’ll find your stuff easier to access if you pack a case which opens like a suitcase rather than one that opens only from the top.
When shopping for such a suitcase, look for one with a zip-off day pack which will be very useful. Also if if you are doing a walking/hiking trip, remember to buy one big enough for walking poles. Collapsible poles telescope down to about 25”.
Clothing is of course a personal choice but for active travel I recommend travelling with earth-tone colours. Clothes that wick away (pulls moisture away from your body) are a must in a hot climate. This applies to socks too, which should be made of wool: do not travel with synthetic socks!
Pants which have “zip-off” legs converting them into shorts are handy as well. A hat and, if you are cycling or using walking poles, sports gloves are recommended. Ladies, an inexpensive pashmina-style shawl can serve as a blanket (especially inflight), something to sit on, a head-covering in churches and, oh yes, a shawl!
Compression bags are available wherever you buy luggage and are great for travel. They are essentially heavy-duty ziplock bags: place your clothing in them, roll the air out and seal. Tremendous space savers, especially if you are travelling with bulky clothes as fleeces or sweaters.
Footwear is an important consideration on any active holiday. Opt for something that offers good ankle support and wear your boots when flying to save suitcase space. A second pair of walking shoes will give your feet a break and flip flops or Crocs are handy for the beach, pool, on a rainy day and even as a pair of slippers when in your hotel room.
Other miscellaneous items could include: freezer bags for damp clothes; Camp Suds (biodegradable soap/shampoo/detergent available at outdoor supply stores); a facecloth if you are travelling outside North America; a clothes peg to hold stubborn hotel curtains together and block the light; a headlamp; hand sanitizer; lip balm; snacks such as trail mix or power bars; refillable water bottle; notebook and pen; and a utility knife – may I suggest one avec corkscrew! – which must be packed in your checked luggage.
Add a sense of adventure – and your sense of humour – and you’ll have a great trip!
By Pat Rochon, Senior Manager, Active Travel Division