Holiday baggage and packing for our trip is probably one of the things that gives us girls the biggest headache when it comes to getting out of the country for a well-deserved rest. Well that and finding the perfect bikini, oh, and the perfect bikini body to match! But never fear, with our tried-and-tested tips you’ll be good to go in no time at all.
1. Write a list
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dnorman/5423251626/
photo by D’Arcy Norman
No, not a list that includes every single item you need, just a list for those essentials you might forget, like a travel adapter, insect repellent, medication – or those all-important REAL tea bags!
2. Lay everything out
photo by Wagner T. Cassimiro “Aranha”
I like to lay all my packing out on the bed, so I can get an overview of what I want to take with me. Try not to go crazy and drag everything you own out of the wardrobe, but you don’t have to restrict yourself too much at this stage.
3. Be realistic
photo by UggBoyUggGirl
Are you really going to wear that floaty cocktail dress when you’re more likely to want to wander bare foot along the shore? And a couple of pairs of shoes is all you’ll need, consider ditching the heels altogether in favour of a pair of flats which will make it all the easier when you come to make that walk home from the bar! Aim to cut quite a bit out at this stage.
4. Coordinate
photo by crestedcrazy
Whenever I go away I make sure that all my clothes can be worn in a variety of combinations (think Gok’s capsule wardrobe) so you can instantly remove large chunks of your clothing requirements. If you’re worried about wearing something more than once, take some hand wash gel (or consider just airing it out on the balcony – we won’t tell anyone!)
5. Prepare for the weather
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilspicys/2348928469/
photo by Neils Photography
There’s nothing worse than not having the right gear for the weather so check the forecasts and if you’re going somewhere hot make sure you have a light jumper to throw on in case of a chilly wind. Heading somewhere colder? Wear your bulkiest items on the plane!
6. Cosmetics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pumpkincat210/4810251487/
photo by greamglowpumpkincat210
Be realistic here too, you might think that you’re going to get glammed up all the time but think back to previous holidays, and try to cut down on the things you really didn’t use. Think about getting your eyelashes tinted beforehand and you can easily go bare-faced all day – this has the advantage of eliminating those unsightly panda-eyes from the pool too! Get travel-sized shampoos, conditioners and shower gels BUT don’t scrimp on suncream and moisturiser if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in the sun.
7. To roll or nor to roll?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joost-ijmuiden/5453282232/
photo by Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden
I’m not really a believer in the adage that you’ll get more in if you roll. I prefer to keep things in their nearly ironed squares and then use pants and bikinis to fill in any small gaps. Pack your bottles in plastic bags in case of an in-flight accident and with a few gentle pushes on the top of your suitcase you should be done. Whatever you do, don’t just chuck it all in if you want to make the most of your luggage allowance!
8. Last-minute additions
photo by Mingo.nl
I always find there are a few things that I forget so I like to pack the night before, so I have time to remember them. If you close your bag up before you go to sleep it’s normally settled by the morning, giving you a little extra room to cram those last-minute additions in.
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