be unpacking everything before you can put waterproofs on. Take 2 pairs of gloves. When the rain has stopped, it's deeply unpleasant to put wet gloves back on. Fill a pair of thin socks with rice, knot the ends, and take them with you. Nothing dries out wet boots (or gloves) faster. I've been laughed at before, but in the morning I'm the one with dry feet. Don't over-pack If you're riding round the world, fine, you'll need a full toolkit, medical kit, arctic survival kit, etc. I do a week in France staying in hotels -- anything I forget I can probably buy in the next town. Don't spoil your holiday riding by overloading your motorbike. Take the time to load well Tuck in any trailing straps and make sure there's nowhere the rain can get in. My top tip -- cover the whole bag with a hi-vis waterproof. Keeps out water & prying eyes, and in an emergency you can wear it. (In France the law says I have to carry a hi-vis waistcoat -- bingo!) Make sure nothing is going to move or fall off. Cargo nets are handy, as they can cover the whole load. Before you ride off, give the bag a good pulling about. If it's going to come loose, better on your drive than on a motorway. Always have one more layer than you think you'll need, ready to put on instantly. You're on holiday, you don't want to be shivering. Ditto waterproofs.