Going on a cruise is a great way to spend your holiday. Sailing through a serene water body, immersed in the calm and quiet of nature, you are sure to have a truly memorable experience. However, this activity will be even more enjoyable and seamless if you pack the right things.
Image via Mekong Kingdoms
Find out where you’re going and what you’ll be doing
The first thing you need to do when packing for a Mekong river cruise is to find out what attractions you will be visiting and what activities you will be engaging in. This will help you get an idea on the items that will be required for your journey. For instance, your Mekong Kingdoms cruise might make stops at lush forests, quiet villages or even visit places of religious importance. Some of these places would require you to wear certain types of attire. If you are hiking through a thick forest, you will need hardy shoes and bug repellent. If you are visiting a monastery, you will need long and modest clothing. So, knowing your itinerary for the cruise will help you pack everything you need.
Make a list
Next, make a list. Knowing your itinerary will give you a general idea of what you’ll be needing. However, there can be several other essentials that you must take with you on the cruise. These can include your accessories, any particular medication you need, camera, binoculars, etc. When you board a boat or ship, it can be difficult to access shops that cater to your needs. Therefore, making a list and making sure that you take everything that you are bound to need on the few days you are away is important.
Pack light
When making the list that was mentioned above, it is important to consider packing as light as possible. No trip is enjoyable when you have a ton of luggage to drag around. So, make an effort to pack only the things that you consider as being absolutely essential for your trip. Remember that most cruises only require very light clothes. So, avoid taking anything too bulky or heavy. It will also be helpful to avoid taking any equipment that is heavy. Not only are you going to have to carry them around, but you could also be taking the risk of water damage.
Remember that you’ll be surrounded by water
This brings us to the most important factor to remember. During a cruise, you will be surrounded by water most of the time. Therefore, taking things that are suited for this environment is essential. Waterproof ponchos with hoods are absolute necessities when going on a cruise. In addition, clothes that are quick to dry and are lightweight will also be quite useful. Some people like to ensure that they wear a waterproof watch and have a small waterproof bag to carry their phone, camera and other essentials.
Sun protection
This is an item that you must not forget if you want to embrace the sun during your trip. Take sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat that will help shelter your face from the strong rays of the sun. This will ensure that you protect your skin during your excursions while making sure that you have a great time.
Form follows function
Another important philosophy to remember when packing for a cruise is that form follows function. Taking clothes, shoes and accessories that are comfortable will make sure that you have a cruise that is enjoyable and fun. Take things that help you spend time outdoors like a comfortable pair of walking shoes that are also waterproof.