11 Unnecessary items girls always back for a vacation

Ever start off following the packing tips for your trip and end up with a 40kg suitcase? Forgetting something is a scary thought, which leads to over-packing being a very serious problem for most of us.
The struggle is real when you're trying to pare down, but thankfully there are items that you can DEFINITELY rule out from the start, and these 11 things are on the top of that 'what not to pack' list:

1. Your hair dryer

Most hotels have them in the room or at reception, and chances are the wattage will get funky and your dryer from home will die on you. Embrace the evening hair wash and air dry, or use the dryers on hand. You won’t die without your ionic supersonic version for a couple of weeks, we promise.

2. Magazines and books

They’re just too heavy. Pick ONE or compromise and opt for electronic versions. Paper purist or not, sacrifices must be made when packing.


3. Jewellery

Don’t cut it out completely, but definitely cut it down. DON’T bring your grandma’s pearls, or your favorite bracelet. If you would be devastated if it broke or got lost, leave it at home. Bring a few cheap pieces that will work for several outfits and call it a day.


4. High heels

Say NO to stilettos. You’re gonna be walking a lot, stilettos and cobblestones don’t mix, and shoes in general take up too much room. You won’t need ’em. Opt for ONE pair of comfy heels or cute flats instead. Your ankles and soles will thank you.

5. Too many pairs of underwear and socks

Yes, accidents happen, and sweat happens, but be realistic ladies. You’re not gonna go through 30 pairs in 10 days. Practical and cotton options are ideal, so leave the bra-panty matching combo at home. Buy more or do laundry if you really need to.

6. Too many clothes

You CAN wear the same outfit twice. Really. Especially outside of summer since your jacket will cover it most of the time anyway. Mix and matching is your friend, so put some thought into wardrobe planning.

7. Brand new clothes

If the last time you wore it was in the dressing room, don’t be prepared to pack it yet. Give it a test run at home before your trip, because there’s a good chance it won’t fit as well or look as good as it did in the store. Comfort is key.

8. All of your jeans

They’re cute, but they’re bulky, and no one notices if you’re repeating the same pair a few times. They’re also not the most practical or comfortable choice for adventure activities (hiking, bike riding etc.) or in hot weather. Embrace other options.

9. Accessories

Accessories are everything to us at home, but they’re also high on the ‘what not to pack’ list. Too many shoes, too many cute scarves, too many headbands, too many one-off props that you think you might need just in case you feel the sudden urge to cover yourself in temporary tattoos or a belly chain or a flower crown or a belt. Just say NO.

10. Every piece of makeup/ beauty product you own

Leakage and breakage is evident. Pack it securely, and don’t bring your whole arsenal. Embrace the travel size bottles and go back to the basics, or else be prepared to lose a lot of your luggage weight capacity to the beauty gods.

11. Cute hats

Unless it’s on your head, chances are it won’t survive your trip intact. A squishy hat is always a letdown, so unless you plan on wearing it a lot or are willing to carry it in-hand, buy one there or opt for a more durable version like a baseball cap instead.

Go Wild on a Family Safari

New Children’s Retreat in Botswana

Reopening just in time for the high season, the newly refurbished Sanctuary Chief’s Camp will have its own dedicated kid’s area, designed with children aged six upwards in mind. The area includes a fancy dress corner and a nature table, where guides are on hand to help young guests identify wildlife by their droppings. There’s even an entertainment zone for kids aged 11+ complete with PlayStation and table football. So there’s no chance that your little animals will get bored once the excitement of the morning’s predator safari game drive is over.

Make tracks to South Africa

Where better to spot the ‘Big Five’ than with a visit to the malaria-free, wildlife-rich Madikwe Game Reserve. Renowned for offering children the quintessential African safari experience, one of the main draws of the Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge is its Junior Ranger Course offered to children 12 and over (children of all ages are welcome when the lodge is booked exclusively). Here your mini Bear Grylls will learn survival, tracking and orientation skills whilst the rangers help instil an appreciation of why conservation is vital to preserve the African plains and the creatures who call them home.

Star gazing in Zambia

Overlooking the game-filled valleys of South Luangwa National Park, the historic hilltop Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge has thought of everything to encourage younger guests to embrace its stunning natural surroundings. Activities at the one-time holiday haven of Zambia’s first president range from crafting papier maché African masks and elephant dung paper to making a camp fire around which your little angels can admire the night sky with marshmallows and a warming cup of hot chocolate.

Reconnect with Mother Nature

What better way to encourage your children’s spirit of adventure than with a child-friendly treasure hunt. Let them search for hidden clues and then collect indigenous flora on a guided walking safari within the spectacular grounds.  At Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero families can venture into the heart of the Botswana bush on especially shortened game drives.  Then, after returning to your new riverside home, there’s plenty of time for the kids to indulge in a pizza-making session with the lodge’s Chef whilst you wallow in the luxurious split-level pool.

Treehouse memories to treasure

Hoping to combine quality family time with the ultimate in luxury safaris? If so, our Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma may have just the answer. With 12 treehouses connected by wooden walkways, and two exclusive family houses, each with their own private vehicle, chef and plunge pool, this boutique Zambezi lodge is just 7 miles from Victoria Falls yet feels a million miles from reality. As the sun sets on this special place, why not enjoy a relaxing sundowner cruise, leaving the kids mesmerised by the guides’ tales of African explorers round the camp fire.