It might seem easy to pack for a ferry trip, but careful planning can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Smart packing helps you avoid stress that isn’t necessary, like figuring out how much luggage you can bring and making sure you have everything you need. Unlike air travel, ferries often allow more flexibility in what you can bring, but understanding the unique requirements of ferry travel is key to a successful trip.
Follow this guide to walk you through the essentials of packing for ferry travel, helping you prepare for everything from short commutes to longer voyages:
1. Know How Much Luggage You Can Bring
Every ferry operator has its own baggage policy, and being aware of these rules is important:
- Checked Luggage: Most ferries allow checked luggage but there are size and weight limits. For more information, check the operator’s website, especially if you have a lot of stuff to take.
- Carry-On Bags: Most of the time, you can bring a carry-on bag with you that can hold your travel documents, snacks, and entertainment.
- Extra Luggage Fees: Some operators charge extra for oversized or additional bags, so make sure you plan ahead.
2. Things You Need to Bring
Packing the right items ensures comfort and preparedness during your journey. These are the must-haves:
- Travel Documents: Keep your passport, tickets, itineraries, and visas (if needed) close at all times.
- Comfort Items: For longer rides, bring neck pillows, light blankets, and headphones that block out sounds.
- Drinks and Snacks: Bring snacks that are easy to clean up, for example toast, cereal bars, or nuts. It’s handy to bring reusable water bottles, but make sure your ferry lets you bring your own drinks.
- Electronics: Make sure your phone, portable charger, and any other electronic devices you’ll need are fully charged.
- Weather Gear: Bring a light jacket or poncho with you in case it rains while you’re getting on or off the boat.
3. Packing for Safety
It’s very important to stay safe on the boat. To make sure you pack safely, follow these steps:
- Medicines: Bring along medicine for motion sickness, personal meds, and basic first-aid items such as bandages and antiseptic cream.
- Valuables: Keep wallets, phones, and travel documents in a safe carry-on bag. Do not put them in checked luggage.
- Waterproof Bags: Use waterproof cases or bags to keep electronics and important documents safe.
4. Packing for Kids
You need to carefully pack for a trip with kids to make sure they’re comfy and happy:
- Games or Toys: Bring small toys, coloring books, or a tablet that already has games and movies on it.
- Healthy Snacks: Put healthy food and drinks in containers that won’t leak.
- Comfort Items: Plush toys, blankets, and pacifiers are great comfort items that you shouldn’t forget.
5. Things You Shouldn’t Bring
Don’t bring things that aren’t needed or aren’t allowed to avoid delays or trouble:
- Items Not Allowed: Check the ferry’s rules to see what you can’t bring on board, for example sharp objects, flammable materials, or big batteries.
- Excessive Luggage: Ferries often have limited space for large bags. Pack light and only bring what you need.
- Perishables: Bring food that doesn’t need to be kept cold or that goes bad fast.
6. Organizing Your Luggage
Get your bags in order before you leave:
- Use Cubes for Packing: Putting your things away in packing cubes or ziplock bags will help them stay neat and easy to find.
- Label Your Bags: Label all of your bags clearly with your name, contact information, and destination so they don’t get lost.
- Keep Important Things Close at Hand: In a carry-on or an outer bag, put things you use often, like tickets, water, and business papers.
Summary
It doesn’t have to be hard to pack for a ferry trip. You can have a stress-free trip by knowing how much luggage you can bring, bringing the things you need, and packing your bags well. Prioritize safety, plan for your specific needs, and avoid overpacking to make the most of your ferry journey. These tips will help you get ready for any trip, whether you’re going by yourself, with kids, or for work.