I am writing this list in the hopes that you will also find it helpful regardless of your destination unless specialist clothing is required which might be quite bulky. I am lucky enough to be exploring India (yes, India!!!) for two weeks and decided early on that I wanted to pack light, so challenged myself to hand luggage only for the duration of the trip. I know, at first, this sounds quite scary and perhaps, impossible. However, once you get going you will soon become ruthless when packing and hopefully feel rather accomplished, like me. It's the small things...and you get to avoid:
*constantly sitting on your luggage to close
*not having enough room to buy/pack those how-can-i-possibly-live-without items discovered on your travels
*exceeding the maximum hand luggage weight and potential for being fined - you know what some of those airlines are like!
*too many options - sometimes it's a real drag on holiday
*this could well be an exhaustive list...
Having searched the web, I couldn't quite find anything satisfying enough, so here it goes...
Firstly, pack your suitcase/backpack as you normally would and try to roll rather than fold to save space. No time for waste, if you have closed-toe shoes, stuff them with small items such as socks and undies. I would even go as far as to plan your outfit for each day if space is really at a premium. You can still be flexible and switch the days up and it's great for list lovers! Oh and please measure your luggage to ensure it meets your airline's requirements.
1) haircare and skincare - decant into small bottles/containers - 100ml or less in a clear + sealable plastic bag. Sealable being key here or they may make you leave some items behind at security - I can attest to this first-hand! Avoid that awkward moment when it is suggested that you prioritise your hand sanitiser over your conditioner...I mean, really?!
2) headscarf 1 - to protect your curls overnight + even works for looking cute over breakfast when with company!
3) headscarf 2 - express your creativity/cover up for modesty when visiting monuments/be cosy on those AC-filled taxi or bus journeys/use as belt paired with a maxi dress to highlight your waist
4) THE maxi dress
5) beauty maintenance: razor, nail file, flannel/loofah, cotton wool + buds etc
6) swimwear x2 - easy to wash and dries quickly + doubles up as underwear too. I personally like a simple, strapless bikini for taking in the sun as well as a swimsuit - you're guaranteed to look cute even on those bloated days
7) multi-tasking garments: shorts/leggings + kaftan/tunic - love these to complete an outfit/cover-up at the beach
8) underwear: bras x3/4 + socks x3/4 + as many cotton undies as you can fit including thongs for fitted outfits
9) tops x7 (or like me, one for each day). You can always wash as you go, so travel soap is a must which won't eat into your liquids allowance. Failing that, pay to get your laundry done or source a local lavanderÃa (LOVE that word, sounds so much nicer in Spanish, I digress...)
10) pants/skirts x4 - light fabrics - I love cotton, silks + linens...
11) PJs - the smarter the better if you want to get away with them at breakfast/those in-between moments when you need to go to the store etc
12) footwear: trainers (especially if walking a lot), sandals with small heels which can be worn day to night + flats/flipflops. If you're hostelling it additional flipflops for the communal showers
13) airport outfit - just change your top + undies + socks on your flight back
14) your medication + over-the-counter essentials such as painkillers, rehydration salts + antihistamines etc
15) entertainment: ebook/real book, mobile phone (ditch the extra camera unless essential) + charger. I think audio books + music apps on your phone are great as less things to carry
16) small/medium-sized bag to carry on the plane and to be used throughout the trip - I like to stick to a neutral colour
17) jewellery - less is more for me but whatever works for you. I like to change up my look with earrings and ear cuffs
18) candle - comforting and makes your surroundings smell gorgeous which is lovely especially when sharing a space with others
19) padlock
20) your passport!
Happy travels!
*constantly sitting on your luggage to close
*not having enough room to buy/pack those how-can-i-possibly-live-without items discovered on your travels
*exceeding the maximum hand luggage weight and potential for being fined - you know what some of those airlines are like!
*too many options - sometimes it's a real drag on holiday
*this could well be an exhaustive list...
Having searched the web, I couldn't quite find anything satisfying enough, so here it goes...
Firstly, pack your suitcase/backpack as you normally would and try to roll rather than fold to save space. No time for waste, if you have closed-toe shoes, stuff them with small items such as socks and undies. I would even go as far as to plan your outfit for each day if space is really at a premium. You can still be flexible and switch the days up and it's great for list lovers! Oh and please measure your luggage to ensure it meets your airline's requirements.
1) haircare and skincare - decant into small bottles/containers - 100ml or less in a clear + sealable plastic bag. Sealable being key here or they may make you leave some items behind at security - I can attest to this first-hand! Avoid that awkward moment when it is suggested that you prioritise your hand sanitiser over your conditioner...I mean, really?!
2) headscarf 1 - to protect your curls overnight + even works for looking cute over breakfast when with company!
3) headscarf 2 - express your creativity/cover up for modesty when visiting monuments/be cosy on those AC-filled taxi or bus journeys/use as belt paired with a maxi dress to highlight your waist
4) THE maxi dress
5) beauty maintenance: razor, nail file, flannel/loofah, cotton wool + buds etc
6) swimwear x2 - easy to wash and dries quickly + doubles up as underwear too. I personally like a simple, strapless bikini for taking in the sun as well as a swimsuit - you're guaranteed to look cute even on those bloated days
7) multi-tasking garments: shorts/leggings + kaftan/tunic - love these to complete an outfit/cover-up at the beach
8) underwear: bras x3/4 + socks x3/4 + as many cotton undies as you can fit including thongs for fitted outfits
9) tops x7 (or like me, one for each day). You can always wash as you go, so travel soap is a must which won't eat into your liquids allowance. Failing that, pay to get your laundry done or source a local lavanderÃa (LOVE that word, sounds so much nicer in Spanish, I digress...)
10) pants/skirts x4 - light fabrics - I love cotton, silks + linens...
11) PJs - the smarter the better if you want to get away with them at breakfast/those in-between moments when you need to go to the store etc
12) footwear: trainers (especially if walking a lot), sandals with small heels which can be worn day to night + flats/flipflops. If you're hostelling it additional flipflops for the communal showers
13) airport outfit - just change your top + undies + socks on your flight back
14) your medication + over-the-counter essentials such as painkillers, rehydration salts + antihistamines etc
15) entertainment: ebook/real book, mobile phone (ditch the extra camera unless essential) + charger. I think audio books + music apps on your phone are great as less things to carry
16) small/medium-sized bag to carry on the plane and to be used throughout the trip - I like to stick to a neutral colour
17) jewellery - less is more for me but whatever works for you. I like to change up my look with earrings and ear cuffs
18) candle - comforting and makes your surroundings smell gorgeous which is lovely especially when sharing a space with others
19) padlock
20) your passport!
Happy travels!
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