I am by no means a packing expert, but ever since my long distance relationship days with Mark a couple of years back now, it’s not unusual for me to be packing up a mini suitcase for a weekend away with Mark’s family in Birmingham, my family in Brighton or various other family and friend engagements which somehow leave me with my next free weekend sometime in September. I’ve got pretty quick at it and though short breaks are my speciality I thought I’d cobble together some of my thought processes when it comes to packing for holidays which will hopefully help you to avoid taking the kitchen sink with you and leave a bit of space for purchases from Duty Free. Priorities, you know?
START PACKING EARLY. This is pretty dull advance, but I find that starting to throw a few things into my suitcase a week or so before I actually leave is a good way of ensuring that I don’t forget anything. Two days later I find myself on the loo having a think and shouting out ‘PLUG ADAPTERS‘. From packing in advance it’s also easier to see if you need anything; any miniatures of toiletry products, a pair of summer PJ’s, you haven’t got enough pairs of shorts – you know the drill. Make a list of any essentials that are missing and stick to it. That way you don’t end up in H&M buying 10 bikinis the day before you leave in a panic.
WORK OUT YOUR OUTFITS. Now I’m pretty awful at this step, so I take this advice in the vaguest of ways. Instead of working out exactly what you’re going to wear every single day, I just try to make sure that I’ve got a few outfit options for different occasions: beach/dressy/casual and comfy. Oh and jacket that goes with everything, because you always need one of those. Count the days you’re there for and make sure there’s a different top for each day (especially if you’re going somewhere hot) – that’s definitely not the sexiest piece of advance I’ve ever given…
KEEP ROLLIN, ROLLIN’, ROLLIN’, ROLLIN’. You’ve heard this one a million and one times before but rolling up your clothing is the best way to keep everything crease-free and the most compact to store. And you can sing Limp Bizkit while you’re doing it.
LESS IS MORE (except when it comes to underwear obviously). It’s really it’s not the end of the world if you run out of t-shirts for example; you can always wash one up or buy another while you’re there. Forgetting to pack something is not a holiday ruiner unless you’ve forgotten your passport/money/phone, then there’s going to be a bit of an issue. So err on the minimalistic side when it comes to packing. Not sure you’re going to wear those pair of wedges? Leave ’em at home.
DOWNLOAD THIS HANDY PDF. If all else fails, then download this handy PDF that’s got a little tick-list for all the beauty bits that you need to pack, hand-luggage and all. Also have a browse of Pinterest because there are some awesome lists there that make sure that nothing gets left behind.
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