Want some great packing tips for, stress free, holidays?

With Coronavirus lockdown being eased, we can, hopefully, look forward to travelling again soon! I thought it would be a good time to share some useful tips on packing for your break

For many people, knowing what to pack, to look good and feel relaxed, whilst travelling, is a huge dilemma so they end up taking everything but the kitchen sink “just in case” they need it!

Below you will find tips on packing to look and feel great whilst staying well within your baggage allowance

1.Avoid Pure Cotton

Unless you don’t mind ironing whilst you’re away! Cotton wrinkles rapidly and it is probably one of the most difficult fabrics to pack when traveling. Instead, look for clothing that is either supposed to be wrinkled, such as linen, or which is wrinkle-resistant. There are several brands of clothing which are specially designed not to need ironing and these work very well for travel.

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2.Roll Your Clothes

A good way to pack your clothing is to roll it, rather than fold it. As well as minimising creases, you can make use of every inch of available space e.g. gaps between shoes, bags and hairbrushes etc.  If you roll the more delicate items, with a thin towel or washcloth in them, it will help smooth them out even more.

3.Choose A Capsule Wardrobe and Colour Palette

Pick two main colours, that go together, for your wardrobe, plus two or three accent colours. At least one of your two main colours should be neutrals: black, white, brown, tan, or navy. All your main pieces of clothing e.g. skirts, trousers or shorts, should be one of the two main colors. Smaller items like t-shirts, vests, scarves and belts can be in brighter accent colors. 

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I love taking dresses as can be any colour/pattern, as long as you have shoes in neutral colours (See tip 5 below). Maxis & midi dresses are great as they are a bang on trend and can be worn casually during the day or dressed up with accessories at night.  This means that all the clothing in your suitcase can be mixed and matched to look great

I bought this dress on Amazon – I love it and it was a bargain!

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Take 2 lots of swimwear so they have time to dry out between swims!

A lightweight beachwear cover up, or two, is a must

Don’t forget to take a lightweight jacket, or two, as it may be a bit cooler at night. Denim, black or white are great neutral colours

4.Pack Lots Of Accessories

Earrings, necklaces and belts take up very little room, yet can change your look in just seconds.

A pair of dangly earrings will dress up a basic blouse for daytime whilst a set of pearl earrings and choker turn that same blouse into the perfect evening wear. You can pack them in a compact jewellery organiser

Bring a couple of different belts and scarves/wraps as well, since these can drastically change how an outfit looks.

A couple of hats would be useful. If they are not foldable, you can put one inside the other and then fill the middle with small items such as, underwear or jewellery. Sunglasses should be packed in your hand luggage so that they are readily available as soon as you step off the plane.

5.Stick To Three Pairs of Shoes

A pair of comfortable shoes such as trainers or flip flops, are essential if you plan on doing any walking or sightseeing.   Stylish but comfortable, wedge shoes are ideal for a dressier occasion such as dinner out with friends or family and, if you are near the beach or plan to enjoy some warm weather, flat sandals can look nice and still let your feet breathe. There really should be no need for more pairs of shoes and if you go with the neutral colours, in your colour palette (see tip 3. above) the three pairs that you bring will match anything in your travel wardrobe. Metallic silver, gold or bronze shoes are also great as they go with any other colours.

6.Consider Gravity When Packing

Pack heavier items such as shoes, near the bottom and use beach towels or sarongs to create layers and sections in the case so that you can find something in a hurry.  Fill the shoes with socks, underwear and accessories to make the best use of available space. *Remember, if you are using a wheelie case, that will be upright a lot of the time, the heaviest items should be near the wheel end to prevent the case from toppling over*

7. Pack For The Time Of Day That You Arrive

If you are due to arrive at your destination in the middle of the night, you may want your nightwear and toiletries are at the top of the case. If, on the other hand, you are due to arrive early in the day and want a dip in the pool before you can check into your room, keep your beach towel, sun cream and swimwear within easy reach. Microfibre beachtowels are great for holidays as they are super lightweight yet absorbant!

8. Always choose lightweight luggage

This will enable you to put more items in your suitcase and still be within the baggage limits. It will also be so much easier to carry, or pull, around the airport and to lift into overhead lockers on the plane!

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9.Downsize Your Toiletries

Carrying miniature sized toiletries will save on space. If you can’t find travel sized versions of your favourite products, you can just decant them into plastic containers, made for the purpose. (Readily available from most pharmacies and supermarkets or on-line stores ) Don’t forget to place containers of liquid in a protective bag in case they leak in transit.

10.Take A Folding Bag (or two!)

These fold away neatly, taking up very little space in your case and can be used as a beach or excursion bag during your break. They are also handy to use on the way home, for duty free shopping!  Choose a neutral colour that will go with all your clothes.

11. Be Sensible With Security

It’s a good idea to have two identity luggage tags.  One should be on the inside in case the outside label is ripped off.  This will ensure that if your case goes missing, it will always find its way back to you. Use the name of the hotel where you are staying and your mobile number rather than your home address and telephone number.  If you are taking valuables with you, it’s always best to keep them in your hand luggage rather than pack them in the suitcase.

Plan your travel wardrobe ahead of time. Try on everything before you pack it and be sure to only include clothes that fit well and that you find comfortable. Looking great is far easier when you are comfortable with yourself and your clothes. Follow these tips before your next trip and you will be sure to look great and feel great too!

Have a wonderful, relaxing trip!