Packing for a holiday is often a dreaded chore because many people fear they'll forget something important. Whether it's an essential clothing item, daily necessities you take for granted or vacation-specific items, under-packing or over-packing can add inconvenience to your trip.   Before your next holiday, follow these 10 tips for packing wisely so that you can concentrate on your destination plans instead.

1. Bring clothing essentials

Know what the weather will be like when you get to your destination. December weather in New York is much different from what you’d experience staying on the other side of the world in Australia hotels. Pack one top for each day of your trip, and select pants, skirts or shorts that can be worn for two or three days. Don't forget a swimsuit, undergarments, clean socks for each day and an extra pair of shoes.

2. Pack appropriate outerwear and gear

Even warm weather destinations have cooler temperatures or rain sometimes. Choose a jacket that can keep you warm on chilly evenings and dry in an unexpected shower. If you've signed up for any excursions that require specific gear, find out if you have to bring your own or if the excursion company rents it. Ask your hotel staff about gear rental ahead of time to save you from lugging it along.

3. Keep money secure

You can learn to do without many things on a vacation, but money is not one of them. Invest in a small money belt that fits under your clothes and wraps around your waist like a normal belt. A money belt will carry your currency, a credit card or debit card.

4. Electronics

Although most Australia hotels, even cheap hotels, have a computer available for guest use, if you need to spend a portion of your vacation working or simply want to stay connected, a laptop can be important. Don't forget your charger and, if you're traveling out of the country, the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlet. Pack your camera, and fill the extra compartments on your camera bag with batteries and memory cards so you can preserve your vacation memories from beginning to end.

5. Toiletries

Security stations in most countries will check to ensure you've packed the appropriate size toiletries for carry-on luggage. If you're not planning to check baggage, remember to use travel size items for your bathing, makeup and hair care needs. Although you can carry full-sized items in checked luggage, these can take up a lot of space and add extra weight to your suitcase. When conducting your hotel search, check to see if the rooms provide essentials like shampoo, soap and lotion. Purchase reusable travel-size bottles, and pour makeup and hair care products into these space-saving containers.

6. Nighttime necessities

Nothing is worse than getting out of bed tired because the guest in the next hotel room kept you from getting a good night's sleep. Unless you can find hotels with extra thick walls, a pair of earplugs might come in handy, especially if you're sensitive to noise at night. Pack weather-appropriate pajamas with a light extra layer in case your hotel room is cold at night. Tuck a sleep mask into your suitcase if you expect the local nightlife to cause you to need extra rest during the day.

7. Daily health and skincare items

Medicine and vitamins taken daily might be such a regular part of your routine that you don't even think twice about them. Bring prescription medicine in the original containers in case of an emergency. Make your own first aid kit in a small, re-sealable plastic bag containing pain reliever, bandages, antibiotic ointment and medicine for upset stomachs. Don't forget sunscreen, whether the temperatures are cold or hot.

8. Documents and paperwork

Arriving at your Australia hotels without needed paperwork can put a damper on your vacation. Print out your travel vouchers or tickets, confirmations for your hotel and rental car, and any information required for planned excursions. Bring important identification, such as your passport, driver's license or student ID, and make photocopies of everything to keep separately in your suitcase.

9. Contact information

Names, addresses and telephone numbers come in handy if you want to call home or send a postcard to friends and family. They can also be vital in case of an emergency. Write down your hotel name and address and keep it in your wallet, too.

10. Destination-specific information

Don't forget area travel guides and local maps. Whether you're on foot or driving around, these essentials can reduce valuable time wasted trying to find places.

With the aid of a packing list, you'll be sure to remember all of your travel essentials. Plan ahead to keep your suitcase organized and avoid overpacking it with unnecessary items, so you can spend your vacation relaxing and enjoying the sights.

This guest post article was written and provided by Erica Gustafson who is a freelance writer, avid traveler and online media consultant for Expedia.