Chaos ensues in much of my life, but when it comes to packing for holidays my super-organised mother has instilled a methodical approach in me. From what to pack to how to store it. Packing the perfect suitcase is an acquired art form that takes practice. Follow these tips and hacks. You’ll never want to go back to hurriedly throwing what’s on your bedroom floor in a suitcase ever again.
How to pack for a holiday?
i- Start early:
Check what you have a week before you travel so there’s enough time to pick up anything you need and wash what you already have.
ii- Pack outfits:
It avoids overpacking and makes getting dressed on holidays enjoyably mindless.
iii- Less is more:
Opt for items that can have a dual purpose, like a scarf that can double as a sarong.
iv- Use packing cubes:
They’re a great way to keep everything organized. And can be put straight in the drawers when you get to your destination.
The ultimate summer holiday packing list
1- Essential carry-on luggage items:
With check-in luggage presents an ever-increasing risk of getting lost (an Apple AirTag is a genius invention). I always make sure to include a bikini and underwear in my carry-on. As well as the obvious passport, wallet, Kindle, and headphones. If I’m on a long haul I take a couple of toiletries too. A pillow spray, moisturizer and sleep mask, and I’ll wear some comfortable leggings. If it’s a short flight I wear jeans and a jacket on the plane. This then acts as my backup if the weather fails.
2- A travel wallet:
If you’re anything like me your initially carefully organized flight bag quickly overflows. And having all your important documents becomes vital.
3- An everything bag:
If you’re tight on space, choose a bag which doubles as a beach bag-slash-cabin bag. Keep things organised inside with little clear plastic pouches like these by Anya Hindmarch. They then adapt to protect your valuables against sand and sea on the beach.
4- Shoes:
I pack one pair of comfortable walking shoes, a pair of flip-flops that can get wet, and one pair of heels or smarter sandals for going out. I use old shoe bags to keep shoes separate from everything else.
5- Clothing:
This hugely depends on where I’m going of course, but a balance of light summer dresses, a pair of shorts, some t-shirts and some beach cover-ups make up the majority of my packing. I always pack a light cardigan for cooler evenings.
6- Underwear and swimwear:
Take into consideration what underwear you need to wear with the clothing you’re packing. Additionally, I love to take a few bikini and swimsuit options so you don’t have to wait for them to dry out, and I always pack travel wash for hand-washing swimwear.
7- Accessories:
Sunglasses, a hat, a sarong, and a little bag that works for evening.
8- Pyjamas:
A cotton nightdress, like this one by If Only, doubles up as a dress for daytime
9- Toiletries and SPF:
I keep a wash bag packed with minis of my essentials like toothpaste and shampoo, so when it comes to packing, it’s just a matter of adding in anything I use day-to-day.
Tech:
A portable charger, headphones and moreover, a tablet with my favorite TV shows downloaded.
Laundry bag:
I take a cotton drawstring bag (or use an old shoe bag) with me to fill with laundry, which makes life a lot easier when I get home.
The everything bag
Named so because it’s everything from a flight bag to a beach bag and doubles as a shopping bag for trips to the supermarket too.
