The Art of Packing like a Pro
Packing can feel like a daunting task for even the most experienced of travellers so here’s my quick-fire packing ‘check list’ of dos and don’ts for all durations to help make for a stress-free experience.
Preparation – five days before
• Order your currency or organise a currency card in advance. Airport exchange rates and commission charges are terrible so always take time to research this. My favourite is Thomas Exchange in central London, they do delivery door to door too. • Invest in some good quality small and medium ‘megalite’ light weight cases. I prefer soft cases with outside zips for easy liquids access and expandable zips to allow for purchases (and bad packing) on the way home. My cases are from IT Luggage and I have found them fantastic. Remember you will always fill your case so I would say opt for a medium bag for 7 or 14 nights. • A colourful luggage strap makes your bag stand out on the baggage reclaim belt so is worth the investment. It also significantly reduces the risk of seeing your knickers on the conveyer belt if your zip breaks! • Buy a TSA friendly padlock. This means if your suitcase needs to be opened by security after it leaves you it won’t mean them cutting off the lock! • Use your inflight toiletries bag or a small make up bag to tuck all your loose charging cables and headphones.
Packing – 24-48hrs before
• First and foremost, stagger your packing – ensure any last minute online clothes orders are due allowing for any delay in postage and wash your clothes a few days before, so you have the full choice of what you want to bring ready to go. • I tend to have my suitcase open from a few days before, I sling everything I want to take in and then do the ruthless cull at the final stage. • Remember if you are staying in a 4 or 5* hotel they will have all toiletries, adapter plugs etc available for you. • Pack a lightweight scarf, these are great for keeping the chill out on long flights and double up as a poolside sarong or evening shawl. • Think ‘Parisian chic’ and go for neutral colours and prints, with a few statement pieces plus accessories thrown in. This logic works for ladies and gents. Sticking to this means mixing and matching is easy, resulting in you packing less overall. I personally love long maxi skirts and vest tops plus a few day to night maxi dresses, remember to bring leggings as they are so comfy for long flights and road trips as well as being great for any impromptu hiking/horseback riding/skydives that should take your fancy! • Always ask your travel agent for the best excursions prior to departure, we have access to better rates and won’t give you any hard sell which you can sometimes experience locally. • Remember there are very few places in the world you would travel to where you can’t buy top up bits like cardigans and extra layers – don’t over pack, go lighter and use it as an excuse to buy a couple of unique pieces locally. I love that a lot of my clothes and jewellery have been bought in weird and wonderful places, it also means there is far less chance of seeing someone else in the same dress you bought in a back-street market in Marrakech or downtown New York boutique at your next summer wedding! • An old favourite – roll don’t fold! I can’t tell you how much more can be squeezed in with this simple trick.
Don’t go crazy on the shoes
• Take one pair of light weight leather flipflops that can be used from poolside to sightseeing, on to dinner and drinks. • Only bring a maximum of one pair of heels/smart evening shoes – remember unless you plan to take taxis everywhere in a city/resort you don’t know well you are unlikely to be wearing your highest heels or smartest brogues to navigate cobbled alleyways or high curbs. I personally think wedges or espadrilles are the best choice here. • Bring one pair of trainers/converse for chillier days or in the event of rain showers. • If heading on a city break a waterproof mac weighs almost nothing but keeps you dry plus really blocks out the wind in the event of a chilly morning excursion.
The Big Day - Airport Tips
Many airlines now enforce a strict hand baggage policy, depending on whether you have opted to travel light for a couple of days or have the luxury of checking a bag and taking a hand baggage wheeler plus a handbag/laptop case (as is the case with BA) this may differ.
Hand baggage regulations are changing all the time with a recent alteration to the carriage of powders to the USA. As a rule, always speak to your travel agent about anything you are unsure of with good time before your departure.
• All airlines enforce the 100mls maximum liquid allowance so when I travel I like to grab all my extra bits airside, buying miniatures like deodorant/sun cream/toothpaste etc means they do not form part of your baggage allowance on the outbound leg. • For perfumes I love my miniature travel pump atomisers, you simply pump them onto the top of your regular perfume and take your favourite perfumes away in a teeny tiny bottle - much more practical. I find mine lasts me around five days so if you are going for a little longer maybe buy two in different colours and take your two favourite scents with you.
• Download the Kindle App and your favourite books to your phone or iPad for on the go reading, gone are the days of dragging heavy books around in your beach bag. • Take advantage of the great duty-free rates airside and invest in a pair of sunglasses with polarised lenses, Aviator and Erica Ray Bans are my favourites – super chic and light on your face too.
Check out my pages for future travel inspiration - www.facebook.com/misslarastravels www.instagram.com/misslarastravels https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-harris-45237161/
Happy travels!