What Needs To Be in Your Suitcase For A Holiday, If Lifting Your Handbag Is Too Much Work

Well, not too much – not enough to make your arms stretch out like an orangutan at the airport, as you carry your bag.  Not as much as to make you look like an explorer off to scale Mount Everest – umbrella and puffy jacket, laptop and the kitchen sink, a few essential pots and pans, all strapped to the top of your suitcase with wheels (which groans under the weight).

No, for a nice holiday in the countryside or in the city (so you can take in the plays and museums and night life and great restaurants) there are a few essentials.  A comfortable robe and slippers are an essential.  Make sure the robe is not as big or furry as the one you use at home.  It, too, could bulge out of the suitcase if your zipper starts to go.  A nice terry cloth short robe and slippers is great and one for your spouse too, if you are staying somewhere in order to relax together.  If your room has a nice private patio with a good view, you can sit out there in the evening (unless it’s snowing I would imagine) in your robes and sipping a glass of wine.  How beautiful it would be to talk about some things that you have experienced together.  Hold hands too, as you watch the sunset. 

A couple of books are essential for a week’s holiday.  If you can grab a couple of paperbacks, so much the better, hardbacks are heavy in a suitcase.  Some hotels even have a lending library of their own, or a nearby public library.  Why not take your own books that you’ve been meaning to read for a while, but never had the chance.   Don’t forget a travel sized shampoo and conditioner (so you won’t look like Little Orphan Annie and frizz out), possibly your favorite bar of soap in a container, travel sized toothpaste and a couple of brushes, any medications you need in a separate bag, some comfortable clothes you can relax in, and a few basics for when you are out and about.  Ladies may consider a simple dress and pair of shoes for the evening – gentlemen best if you can take a tie, jacket and pants that are fairly dressy, in case a theatre or restaurant outing is in order.

A cardigan or a jacket for both of you is good in case the weather turns chilly, and a couple of those short portable umbrellas are easy to take along in case of spring showers.   Make sure that you both have a good, worn-in pair of walking shoes.  The pleasures of taking a walk together are underrated.  It’s a great way to communicate, see the sights, and perhaps walk off a bit of last night’s dinner (people tend to get hungry at the sight and stimulation of new food and surroundings).

Get a good night’s sleep the first night you are away, and the first day of your holiday will be a great one.  Enjoy!