I recently went on a month’s holiday, involving a two week cruise where the weather could have been cool and very wet, and another area where the temperature was warm and dry! The suitcase allowance was 23Kg, with a further 10Kg allowed as carry-on luggage on the plane and I could have a handbag. How did I cope? I share below my packing tips for an extended trip.
Tip #1: Plan, and well in advance
I was preparing for this trip in terms of my suitcase a couple of weeks before. I had a separate rail to hang all my intended clothes on, so that I could decide on shoes, bags and jewellery that would go with everything. Luckily, knowing my colours, helped me choose clothes that would all go together not only in terms of colour but also style (patterns and materials etc). I chose a handful range of the colours that I could wear: blue, brown, coral, green, red and cream.
We had planned to do one load of washing mid-holiday, and that worked out well, plus we did get a couple of things cleaned on the cruise ship.
I managed to fit in a bit of shopping in my favourite American store: Talbots, so had to make a bit of room in the case for the return. Of course I managed it!
Tip #2: Check that everything goes together
Ensuring that items were interchangeable with all or most other items gave maximum flexibility. Dresses give less options than skirts and tops, but I like dresses, so six went with me. I managed to squeeze in 5 cami’s, 9 “cardigan” type items or jumpers for layering for warmth, 10 pairs of trousers or leggings, 15 tops, 1 skirt and two ponchos – which proved useful – plus 5 pairs of footwear and 3 handbags. I stuffed socks and pants in my shoes and bags to help them retain their shape in the case, and rolled the clothes. (I don’t know why but this seems to help get more in, plus they come out less creased.)
When I had packed (the evening before) we weighed the case. Initially it was a little over, so a few things came out. My biggest regret was taking a book which was quite heavy, and I only read a few pages. I don’t have a Kindle. Maybe I’ll rethink my reading options in future. I also ditched my feminine lightweight silk sunhat so ended up using my husband’s for several days! Certainly not my colour or style!
In my hand luggage (which had been measured to ensure it would be accepted by the airline), I had a couple of changes of clothes and my immediate needs (wash bag and undies) in case my big case got lost. Luckily I’ve never suffered this, but I have heard from a few who have. Another reason why you don’t want to take too much of your lovely wardrobe – in case you never see these things again!
Tip #3: Use a checklist
Luckily I have created a checklist over the years I have been travelling, and each time I return I would add a note for the next trip. For example, I was glad my husband put the binoculars in as they weren’t on my list and proved vital for this particular holiday!
Tip #4: Pack smart
By packing smart, I mean decanting things into smaller containers if you can, or taking “sample” or holiday size things like shampoo, hairspray, toothpaste, perfume etc. Normal size containers can be weighty and you won’t need that much for 2-4 weeks. Plus, anything liquid can leak and ruin clothes in your case. I put liquid things in a sealable plastic bag, just in case. Again, I was fortunate to not have any issues here, but best to be prepared.
The result?
Have to say, I did wear 95% of my clothes. The reason why I didn’t wear everything planned was that it was colder on the cruise ship than I was expecting, so it would have been too cold for me to wear my two sleeveless/summer/eveningy dresses that I took, and they were a bit too dressy for the warm part of the holiday. However, they were lightweight and didn’t take up much room, so that didn’t matter.
I was very pleased to get home, though, and be able to choose some other clothes. I had got a bit bored of my restricted choice, although to most people it may not have seemed limited!
I do hope you gained something from reading this, and hope your next holiday goes to plan and is the break you hoped for.
If you’d like more ideas about packing for your holiday I’d love to help. Do get in touch.
Fiona Mobbs
Your Colour & Style Consultant
07469 246722
