STARTING Part 5: Packing Bits

Pack Lightly (Unless You Have Strong Arms) :

Are you the king or queen of cover-packing? Someone who takes 14 pairs of shoes on a ten-day trip? Well, unless you want stress on your journey and return you need to learn to travel light. The best way to pack, says a well-known fashion stylist, is to lay out everything you want to take on your bed and then enlist a friend (who’s not coming with you) to help you thin it out.

First out should be :

1. Anything you haven’t worn in the last year. If you  on’t wear it at home, you won’t wear it on a trip.
2. Anything that is wildly impractical (four-inch heels on a trekking trip for instance).
 3. Excess shoes – you need trainers to travel, flip-flops/sandals for the beach, and one pair of sexy shoes for nights out and that’s it.
 Remember you don’t need to think of everything; they do have shops in other countries.

Essentials You Do Need to Pack :

Weirdly it’s the stuff you skimp on that you need to pack more of. Forget the diamanté four-inch heels and the 17 tops for night out and think about what you’re really going to need. First envisage exactly what you will be doing on this trip and pack accordingly. If you plan on going down the beach path, pack more beach-type clothing and less party-girl gear.

Suitcase must-haves :

1. A copy of the first pages of your passport (the ones with all the details on), a copy of your bookings and a copy of your insurance. Keep these separate from your hand luggage so you don’t have to panic if one of your bags goes missing.
2. A loose linen shirt – covers a multitude of sunburn sins, plus keeps the insect out.
3. Two pieces of swimwear or two jumpers depending on your destination
4. A hat, especially if you’re going somewhere tropical.
5. Enough underwear.
6. A good book.

To Pack Effectively :

1. Roll your clothes, don’t fold them. This allows you to get more items in your case, plus it avoids too many wrinkles.
2. Think about Ziploc vacuum bags. These allow you to take clothes in a vacuum-packed bag that makes even the chunkiest jumper appear flat as a pancake.
3. Place shoes along the side of cases and bags.
4. Think about your case. Bags with wheels have smaller insides than bags with normal handles (as the wheelie handle needs space to fold within the bag) and so you’ll get less in.

     Buy Products That Do Two Jobs in One :

    Another way to cut down on make-up and toiletries to use products that do two jobs in one. While they aren’t always efficient on a long-term basis they work perfectly well for a two-week trip.

     Trip Doubles :

1.           Shampoo and conditioner.
2.           Foundation with SPF 15.
3.           A Combination sunscreen and insect repellent.
4.           Vasseline, which not only take off make-up but can also be used as a moisturizer (under sunblock) and lip balm.
5.           Aftersuns as body lotion.
6.           Shaving gel and shower gel.
7.           Toothpaste mixed with mouthwash.
       Take Some Toiletries in Your Hand Luggage :

       This is essential if you’re travelling with kids. Pack a variety of products that will ease your mind if you suddenly end up with lost luggage, an overnight delay or simply want to freshen up on your way to your destination.

        Essential items to include :

1. 1.     Wet wipes – work for everything from cleaning dirty hands to removing make-up, freshening you up and relieving a heat rash.
2. 2.     Toothbrushes – to get rid of aeroplane breath.
3. 3.     Travel calm tablets or crystallised ginger to alleviate travel nausea.
4. 4.     Sunscreen – for arrival.
5. 5.     Aspirin – handy for any number if stress-related disasters.
6. 6.     Remember to take out nail scissors, tweezers or anything sharp and put them in your main luggage as you can no longer travel by plane with these items in your hand luggage.
7. 7.     Finally, check the size and weight of your hand luggage before you check in so you aren’t made to put it in the hold.