across endless corridors of airport, up and
down escalators only to pay the equivalent
of a small country's GNP in excess weight.
Finding that most of your clothes are
not right at your destination means you
need to learn a few packing tips, after all,
that excess fee would have bought new
shoes overseas. A failsafe wardrobe for any
destination means your holiday fun starts
before you walk out the door.
let's start at the beginning; it makes
sense to pack only what you will wear. If
you don't wear it at home, trust me, you
won't want to anywhere else. Comfort is
another reality check, be honest, those
wedges were not made for walking, do
not be tempted to pack them. Ditto the
tight jeans, never a flattering look. Myriad
colours and styles or simply too much of
everything causes confusion. Just when
you want to unwind on holiday you are
thrown into a wardrobe crisis of your
own making.
how to pack like a pro? The answer
is to choose a coordinated and versatile,
yet interesting, selection and above
all, allow room for that dream jacket or
fabulous cocktail dress (on discount, my
dear), all your friends will envy back home.
it might seem obvious but choose
a light suitcase, ditch that family sized or
hard shell case; no one looks travel savvy
hauling them up to the taxi rank. Instead,
source a medium sized light framed model
with wheels and forgo leopard print or
hot pink; look understated in black or
gunmetal grey luggage is guaranteed to
match your outfit that way. Identification
on the airport carousel is easy with a
snazzy luggage tag; indulge your creative
side with that irresistible zebra stripe.
destination and your itinerary. If it's all
sun and sea, your clothing should reflect
this. Allowing five changes of clothing for
a week away is simple if you make your
choices work for you. Two light sundresses
that double for evening with silver
earrings then add a couple of pairs of
shorts, or skirts, in tones that match your
tees, (pack five plus a black tank).
bikinis and one-piece swimsuits are
where you can go to town, they weigh
nothing and it's a fun mix up of colours,
stripes and florals. A cover up is perfect
for that café lunch. Throw over a light
cardigan in cream or soft grey for that
evening breeze. Flat sandals, a kitten
heel and flip flops for the beach, done.
Make your souvenirs wearable, a scarf
that doubles as a shawl, a funky bracelet,
become creative.
a work trip wardrobe should mirror
your usual one, adding two after hours
outfits. Think black dress and tailored
trousers with statement jewellery or
bright jacket. remember, shoes are heavy,
two pairs, one only if black, mid heel,
comfortable. Never buy new, your feet will
hate you for it. A casual team of light flats,
cotton trousers, a couple of bright shirts
with a useful V-neck and, you're off.
pack the day before you leave. roll
smalls, tees, stuff socks into shoes. Fold the
rest. Heavy items first, fill those gaps. One
option I love is to store different items in
light, nylon, mini travel bags. Grab a few
from a camping store, underwear in one,
and accessories in another even one
for laundry. Once at your hotel, just pop
them into drawers organised! Pack mini
sized toiletries, and then put into snap lock
bags. Oh, and please don't pack what will
be there, hairdryer and pillow, really?