I would love to tell you that I have always been one of those people who can pack for a trip in a tiny carry-on, take three outfits and coordinate them so well that I don’t need anything else, but I haven’t. Whether I’m heading away for a solo trip, a press trip or just a couple of nights somewhere, I somehow manage to convince myself that I need 47 outfit options, my entire skincare routine and enough chargers to open a small electrical shop.
On a recent trip, I had to fly out from London, and there was absolutely no way I was taking the biggest suitcase I owned on the train for four hours to London Stansted, so I had to pack smart and light. Very light.
Was it a bit of a struggle? Yes. Did I manage? Also yes! And I will not be packing like I’m trying to hit a PB in the gym ever again. :)
Skincare
Pack the essentials. Day and night cream, SPF and makeup if you wear it. If you’re only going away for a few days, every serum you usually use can hold out until you get home.It makes your bag lighter and, let’s be honest, we all know you probably won’t use them anyway. I never do after the first day. :)
I try to keep everything as simple as possible now. Cleanser, moisturiser, SPF and the makeup I know I’ll actually wear. I do not need to recreate my entire bathroom shelf in another country!
Electrical Stuff
I picked up a universal travel plug with a ton of outputs on it, so instead of taking a million different plugs, I take one and Bob’s your uncle. You are not losing anything, all you need is the one plug and your wires.
Most places have hairdryers too, so check before you go. I’ve taken mine so many times only to arrive and find one sitting there waiting for me.
Another little trick: plait your hair when it’s around 90% dry and in the morning you’ll have gorgeous curly waves. No need for a hairdryer, straighteners, curling wand and everything else in your bedroom drawer!
Footwear
One pair of sandals, one strappy heel and trainers,and I’ll wear the trainers while travelling to save even more space. That is all we need. We are minimising, we do not need a new pair of shoes for every single day!
Shoes take up so much room in a suitcase, so wearing the biggest pair while travelling makes such a difference too.
Outfits
Mix and match is your new best friend. A nice dress can be worn more than once with different accessories. The same bottoms can be worn with different tops. Hair up one day, down the next. Add jewellery, change your shoes, get creative instead of just chucking half the wardrobe into the suitcase and hoping for the best!
I have finally realised that I don’t need seven completely different outfits for a four day trip. Who knew?!
I also try to actually think about what we are doing before packing now. There’s no point taking five nice evening outfits when I know I’m probably going to spend half the trip in something comfy anyway.
Toiletries and Medication
This is another area where I used to massively overpack. Do I really need full size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and every other product I own for a few days away? Absolutely not.
Travel size bottles are your best friend. Decant what you already use at home rather than buying everything again, and only take what you know you are actually going to use.
I also always pack a little bag with the boring but important bits, painkillers, plasters, antihistamines and any medication I need. Nothing exciting, but you can guarantee the one time you don’t pack them will be the time you need them!
The Things I Always Keep In My Hand Luggage
There are some things I refuse to put in my suitcase, especially if I’m flying. Passport, purse, phone, charger, camera, headphones and anything valuable stays with me, and snacks. Always snacks. I don’t care how short the journey is, I apparently need enough food to survive being stranded for several days!!
I also keep anything I’d be absolutely gutted to lose in my hand luggage. Suitcases can be replaced. My camera full of photos from a trip? I’d probably need a week to recover.
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