What to take on your charter vacation

You've planned, you've booked, now it's time to pack!

When packing for your luxury holiday, keep in mind that a private yacht charter is vastly different from a holiday resort or a cruise ship vacation. As such, this may affect your usual packing routine. With limited room on board for luggage, packing for luxury a yacht charter may require an element of restraint.

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure you pack the essentials;

Luggage

First and foremost it is important to remember that there is often restrictive storage space on board a luxury yacht, therefore ensure to take soft sided luggage which will be easy to fold away. Pack light and take only duffel bags for instance, which can stored away easily. Hard suitcases are difficult to store and may even scratch and damage the paint and woodwork.

Clothing

Light summer clothing including bathing suites, lights t-shirts, skirts and shorts are to be expected on board a luxury yacht. Consider the climate of your chosen destination, if you’re headed for sun, sea and sand, be sure to pack clothes to keep you cool. Consider packing some light trousers, collared shirts and summer dresses if you intend to eat ashore as most restaurants will expect customers to comply with a "smart casual" dress code. If you're thinking of taking to the water or for a spin on a Jet Ski pack a few old t-shirts to keep your skin protected from the sun.

Shoes

Most yachts will ask guests to abide by the "bare feet" rule whilst on board. Tennis shoes and a good pair of white rubber soled sandals should be ideal when roaming around the deck, though stiletto heels can damage the teak decking and black soled shoes can leave unsightly scuff marks making them an absolute no-no. Land shoes are fine for venturing ashore though remember to take them off as you step back on board.

Accessories

Sunglasses, headwear and a high factor sun screen are absolute essentials when exposed to the sun, particularly if you intend to sun lounge for the best part of an afternoon. A good book or two, a personal music player such as an iPod and of course a camera are also necessities.

Tips

Leave your valuables at home, particularly such things which are not waterproof.
Pack light, you may find you wear half the clothes you pack.
Leave room for souvenirs or pack an extra foldable bag for items you purchase while you're away.
It is not uncommon for the wind to claim your hat, pack more than one.
Take essentials such as camera batteries, in non-touristy areas these things may be hard to find.