With reduced luggage allowances being introduced by most airlines, the best solution is to pack wisely writes Karen Creed
1. Do your research. Call the hotel where you are staying and ask if they have a hairdryer, iron, beach towels, bathrobes etc – basically anything that’s bulky and that you would rather leave at home.
2. Check temperatures and events at your destination. Only pack what corresponds, don’t bring too many ‘just in case’ clothes.
3. Choose a central colour to pack around. A neutral such as brown, black, or tan is a good place to start, then bring accessories and accent pieces that go with this colour palette.
4. Play the numbers game. A good rule of thumb for trips less than one week is one shirt per day, one jumper and jacket, one bottom per every two days (but never less than two pairs of pants), no more than two pairs of shoes (one you wear and one you pack), underwear for every day, and seasonal additions, like a swimsuit.
5. Wash it. If you are travelling for more than a week, follow the same numbers as above and plan on washing clothes instead of bringing more. Take advantage of the hotel laundry service or dry cleaning. Otherwise, bring individual packets of Woolite and a travel stain-treatment stick.
6. Downsize toiletries. Pick up travel-size versions of your favourite products whenever you see them, not just when you’re getting ready to travel. If you can’t find miniatures, buy small plastic bottles and decant from larger products.
7. Wear your heaviest clothes for the flight. That way, you don’t have to pack them.
8. Pack outside your bag. Before you actually pack your suitcase, pile everything you plan to bring on your bed or dresser. If you pack directly into your suitcase, you’ll be tempted to throw in a few extra items.
Karen Creed, Unravel Travel www.unraveltravel.eu
