If you’ve ever arrived at your holiday destination, buzzing with excitement, only to spend your first precious hours rummaging through your suitcase or waiting for your luggage to arrive, you’re not alone.
It’s a classic travel blunder—one that can easily rob you of that magical ‘holiday mode’ feeling we all crave.
But what if there was a simple way to hit the ground running and make the most of every minute from the moment you check in?
Lachlan Walker, Regional General Manager for Fiji & Pacific at IHG Hotels & Resorts, has seen it all.
With thousands of guest stays under his belt, he’s picked up a few pearls of wisdom that can transform your travel experience—starting with the humble but mighty ‘first-hour kit’.
What’s a ‘First-Hour Kit’ and Why Should You Care?
According to Lachlan, the biggest mistake travellers make is not being ready for that all-important first afternoon. ‘Guests arrive excited but then lose their first afternoon to luggage,’ he explains. ‘They’ll check in, head to their room, and then spend 30 to 45 minutes unpacking or searching for swimwear and sunscreen.’
The solution? Pack a ‘first-hour kit’ in your carry-on. This isn’t just a travel hack—it’s a game-changer.
Your kit should include the essentials you’ll want immediate access to: swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, deodorant, and a phone charger at the very least. That way, even if your room isn’t ready or your suitcase is delayed, you can head straight to the pool or beach and start your holiday without missing a beat.
‘That way, even if your room isn’t quite ready or your suitcase hasn’t arrived yet, you can head straight to the pool or beach and immediately switch into holiday mode. It sounds simple, but it genuinely changes the tone of day one,’ he shared.
Bonus Travel Wisdom: The Suitcase Snapshot
Ever found yourself wondering if you packed your medication, favourite shirt, or that all-important phone charger? Or worse, had to file a lost luggage claim and struggled to remember what was inside your bag?
Here’s a tip that seasoned travellers swear by: take a quick photo of your packed suitcase before you zip it up.
‘It’s one of those habits that feels unnecessary until you need it,’ Lachlan says. That photo becomes invaluable for peace of mind, insurance claims, or simply double-checking what you’ve brought along.
‘It’s helpful for peace of mind, but also practical if you ever need to describe contents for insurance or in the unlikely event of lost luggage,’ he said. It takes just 10 seconds, but it can save you a world of stress later!
Keep Your Swimwear Fresh—Say No to Plastic Bags
If you’re heading somewhere tropical (lucky you!), chances are your swimwear won’t always be bone dry when it’s time to pack up. Many travellers make the mistake of stuffing damp bathers into a plastic bag, only to discover a musty odour and soggy clothes when they unpack at home.
Lachlan’s advice? Use a waterproof, breathable pouch instead. ‘A waterproof pouch makes a big difference. It allows airflow, keeps the rest of your luggage fresh and makes repacking much easier. It’s a small adjustment, but in humid climates it’s one of those practical details that seasoned travellers swear by,’ he stated.
Key Takeaways
- Travellers should pack a ‘first-hour kit’ in their carry-on, including swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, deodorant and a phone charger, so they can start enjoying their holiday straight away—even if their luggage or room isn’t ready.
- Taking a quick photo of your packed suitcase before zipping it up provides a useful visual record, making it much easier to remember what you’ve packed and helping if you need to make an insurance or lost luggage claim.
- It’s best to keep your swimwear in a breathable or waterproof pouch instead of a plastic bag, as this prevents trapped moisture, odours, and keeps the rest of your luggage fresh—especially in humid or tropical climates.
- Simple travel habits—like preparing a first-hour kit, photographing your suitcase, and using the right pouch for wet items—can save time, reduce stress, and make the start and end of your holiday much smoother.
We’d love to hear from you! Do you have a tried-and-true travel tip that makes your holidays smoother? Have you ever been caught out without your swimmers or sunscreen on arrival? Share your stories and advice in the comments below—your wisdom could help fellow members make the most of their next adventure.
Happy travels, and remember: a little planning means a lot more relaxing!
