Have you ever wondered what to pack for a three-day vacation, only to realise that you have over-packed your bags despite planning early and ahead of time? Yeah, that happens to me quite frequently. Also, I don’t travel often so mistakes are inevitable.

For every five websites I visited, each would tell me the necessary clothing I should bring on my three-day vacation, from swimsuits to evening gowns. But they rarely ever touch on what are the activities and/or hobby items that you can pack when you’re away for only a handful of days.

The reason why I’m talking about this now is because I will be away over the weekend at the Lexis Hibiscus Resort in Port Dickson. It is actually a company trip for my husband but since they allowed spouses to tag along, I decided to go as well. My husband can participate in whatever activities they have for him while I, the wife, shall explore the resort and partake in my own activities.

See, this is how you should do it. Always ask yourself what is the one thing that you enjoy doing the most. Would you prefer to bury your nose in a book? Are you the outdoorsy type and want to capture every waking moment with a camera? Or you’d rather stay in and catch up on your knitting and cross-stitching sessions? There is always something for everyone and each activity differs from one person to another.

Books, Books, and More Books

If you are an avid reader like yours truly, then you should always have a book with you wherever you go. Or, if you think you can finish reading a book within the day itself, then you should have a second one with you.

Some books are such deliciously good reads that you absolutely must have an emergency book on hand. That short trip of yours is the perfect time to catch up on your reading (as well as your Goodreads book reading challenges).

Paint, Sketch, Knit. Repeat.

Get in touch with the artist in you by packing a small bag of your arts and crafts supplies. I don’t recommend scrapbooking or card making while on holiday because of the tiny embellishments that may get lost or misplaced. However, hobbies like painting, sketching, and knitting have sizable accessories that you can keep track of while being away from home.

Keep it simple. Have a case of your best paintbrushes or sketching pencils, a box of watercolour pens or acrylic paint tubes, and a paint or sketch pad. And you’re all set to go. The same can be said for knitting. Make sure you have a box-full of supplies that you can keep track of and you won’t lose your head when you find something missing.

Photojournalist or Potential Filmmaker

If you’re the outdoorsy type, and want to be Lara Croft or Indiana Jones, bring along your beloved camera (be it the digital SLR or a compact camera) or camcorder to record and capture memories and soak up your surrounding.

Find inspiration in the least-visited tourist spots. Be your own version of a National Geographic explorer and film the breathtaking sunset, silent streams, or gushing waterfalls. Take snapshots of the environment and be one among nature.

Future Man Booker Prize Award Winner

Some people travel the world or within their own country or state for inspiration for their next masterpiece. I know a friend who did that. She came back with more ideas for her next short story. Perhaps you can do the same too.

Turn on your creative taps and open your eyes (and mind) as wide as possible. Look around you. What do you see? Are there any potential ideas for your next book? Make sure you have a pen and a notebook handy in case you need to jot down your thoughts.

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Don’t just think of heading down to the beach to get a suntan. Bring your interest(s) with you while you soak up the sun, sea, sand, and surf. Because you’ll never know when the next lightbulb pops up above your head!

As for me, I usually bring everything. From a book to my camera and my pen, notebook, and coloured pens. Johanna Basford’s The Enchanted Forest will be coming along with me this weekend too!