Hey everyone! This week I'm back with something a bit different. I'm spending a few days scuba diving in the Canaries (Currently writing this before I fly out there, so excited!!), but I thought it might be interesting to tell you guys what I'm bringing. I always feel a bit lost when the time comes to pack for a trip, and it always helps to have some sort of master list I can customize depending on where I'm going. I divided it in a few different categories, so if you're not interested in bringing diving gear or photo equipment, you can just leave those out! Full disclosure, the header photo is not from me, it's actually from StillClassics, my suitcase at the end had me in a frenzy running around and looked more like I giant mess that wouldn't close.
To give you a bit of context, despite my best efforts I'm not a light packer. I have no problem cutting down on personal stuff, but I usually bring loads of gear of all sorts. I'm also flying carry-on only for this trip, so it's a good challenge! So guys, here you go, a master packing list you can refer back to if you're going away in the sun:
THE DIVING BITS
Obviously this is optional and personal. I prefer to bring my wetsuit because it just feels more comfortable and I know it will fit me right and I won't have to think about it. I'm trying something new for this trip though. I plan on going snorkelling on my own and so I won't have the gear provided. Because of this I am bringing my own snorkel, mask and fins. I'm lucky that the fins I have fit in a carry on (I did think about that when purchasing them) but this is still all pretty bulky. I'm also bringing a mesh bag for the boat, since I'll have camera equipment I want to keep my stuff as tidy as possible. And lastly, never forget your log book and dive card!
- Wetsuit
- Boots
- Swimsuit
- Snorkel
- Mask
- Fins
- Towel
- Dive Book
- Dive Card
- Boat Bag
- Underwater Camera
- Camera Housing
- Land mini-tripod
- GoPro
- GoPro Pole
- Chargers/Cables
- Memory Cards (SD/MicroSD)
THE PHOTO BITS
As you may or may not know, even though I work as a graphic designer, my actual training is in photography. That being said, because it isn't the purpose of my trip I choose not to bring my whole DSLR camera. I don't want to worry about it being safe and lugging around 12 pounds of stuff with me everywhere. BUT, I do have a waterproof compact camera that can shoot RAW files, so it's a good compromise for me. I have a housing to be able to bring it deeper with me, and this will be my first time using it for scuba diving! So exciting! I also bring a GoPro because sometimes it's just more convenient to bring everywhere!
THE TECH BITS
I wish I could say I could totally disconnect, but that would be an absolute lie. My phone comes everywhere with me, and I also use it as a remote control for my GoPro and my Olympus camera so... Since the roaming charges were abolished in the EU, it's also pretty convenient to do research or figure out buses when abroad! I also have a tablet that I never use apart from when I'm traveling. I download loads of offline Netflix shows and watch them on the plane. It also comes in pretty handy when I'm traveling alone and want some downtime and watch a movie (yes, it happens!).
- Phone
- Tablet
- Chargers/Cables
- Earphones
- Portable battery x2
- Plug adapters
- Power strip/Multiplier
- 5 tops
- 2 bottoms
- 5 pairs underwear
- 1 nice bralette
- 5 pairs socks
- Sandals
- Flip flops
- Pyjama
THE FASHION BITS
This is a diving trip, if I'm being honest, I don't really care about what I'm going to wear because hopefully I won't be wearing most of it all that much. Also I don't own much summer clothes since I live in Ireland and it's never warm enough for them. I'm bringing 3 casual tops and 2 that can be a bit more dressy if I'm going out for dinner or parties or something. This time I'm bringing 2 pairs of jean shorts that fit with all the tops. I'll be wearing runners on the plane and using them if I do a bit of hiking, and a pair of nice sandals if I'm going out. And the thing I ALWAYS forget to pack : a pyjama.
THE BEAUTY & HEALTH BITS
Again I'm trying to keep things minimal since I'll be in and out of the water a lot. Also I'm a sweaty person so I need to prep for that. I'm bringing a minimal makeup kit that I'll talk about in details in another post but mostly BB cream, bronzer, mascara & a nice lip product. It's also super important to pack reef-safe sun care to protect the skin, especially when diving or when we're around boats and the water. My hair will become a mess so I always bring a comb and plenty of conditioner. Finally, never forget a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste and any medications you need.
- Minimal makeup bag
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Nail Strengthener
- Deodorant
- Hair comb
- Hair ties x1000
- Hair conditioner
- Medications
- Bamboo toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- 1 Outfit
- Handbag
- Small wallet
- Reusable bottle
- Sunglasses
- Phone
- Passport
- Bag of liquids
- Reusable cotton bag
- Book
THE IN-FLIGHT BITS
The thing I pack the last is what I'll keep on me & accessible on the plane. I use a small wallet instead of my regular one with all the loyalty cards and things. I keep my bag of liquid in my handbag to be ready for security (Top tip!). My best trick is to also bring a reusable cotton bag, so you can keep items from your overhead suitcase with you if they don't fit in your handbag (Like a tablet..). It can also be useful if you want to do a bit of airport shopping. Depending on the trip I'll then add things from the other categories, like my portable chargers. I also like to keep a book in case all my electronics go dead.
2 comments
It’s super helpful to break it down into categories like that! Hmm I should want to go somewhere new for my next trip, but I really just want to go back to my favs, Germany, Austria, England and Ireland!
Yeah ? I was struggling to make it easier to read, so that’s good to know 🙂 And I feel you for the trips… my life is a constant travel dilemma! (But to be fair.. there are far worst problems 😉 )