Going on a sailing holiday is still a vacation. The only thing that separates cruising from those spent mostly on the road is the fact that guests will spend most of their time aboard a private yacht rather than in a hotel, inn, or driving across states.
In cases such as this, cruisers need to consider that basic essentials, should they run out or forget something, will be difficult to get. Even if you’re the one manning your yacht or signing an experienced skipper as part of a package, dropping anchor and going mainland will mean spending fuel, time and resources. In addition, some necessities might be expensive once you’re in another country, and things will get worse if you haven’t exchanged your currency.
This, however will be prevented if you and your guests know how to pack properly. This will ensure that you will enjoy your week-long Med Sailing Holiday from the time you set sail, to the time you dock on the last day.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT
PASSPORT AND OTHER PAPERS
Whether you’re sailing Greece’s famous Cyclades or the expanse of the Ionian, your passport will be the first thing that you need to check. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that the booklet will be your ticket on where you’re going. At the same time, your passport will serve as a universal ID since it is accepted anywhere in the planet.
Your plane ticket, travel itinerary and insurance is next. Again, you can’t go nowhere without a certified ticket, while printing your seven-day Med Sailing Holiday itinerary will keep things in order. This will also come as an assurance to security personnel that you are visiting their country for a vacation, and not for something else.
If you have time to spare, grab a map and study the places to go of the country that you are visiting. Familiarize yourself and stick to a standard agenda so that you can get most of every day.
MEDICATION
Take precaution and advice your doctor that you’re going on a vacation. This will make him prescribe additional pills for you to use if you’re under medication. Of course, there’s no harm in bringing aspirins, anti-allergy and anti-seasickness medicine just in case. Although yachts already have first aid kits onboard, it’s best to pack a travel-friendly version.
TOILETRIES
Toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, wet wipes and the like need to go to your bag. There’s no exchange in feeling fresh any time of the day, even if you’re floating in the middle of the sea. For those who doesn’t want to get too much tan, a tube of sunblock will be handy.
CLOTHES
Leave your shiny heels and opt to go with slippers or rubber-soled shoes. Remember, you will be basking in the sun and sea most of the time, so it’s a good idea to be comfortable. Don’t forget to bring a hat (or a cap), sunglasses, loose clothes, underwear and a couple of nice outfits in case you and your friends decide to try the nightlife. Just remember to pack light and not to get your entire wardrobe out of your closet.
OTHER THINGS
Cameras, laptops, chargers and other electronic devices should be kept safe. The last thing you want to have on your sailing holiday is a soaking laptop with a deadline coming up. Cameras, of course, are there to document your trip.
On the other side, you can leave your laptop (read: work) at home. After all, you’re in a vacation, and you should be enjoying every minute of it and not thinking about your next deadline.