For those lucky enough to be making an escape to warm and sunny locations, here are my top 10 travel packing tips to help take the stress out of getting away:

  1. Use the 80/20 rule – pack 80% of items for your top half and 20% of items for the bottom. Limit yourself to 2-3 colours that work together and can be layered and combined in multiple ways to allow for day and evening needs. It’s simple to change the look with accessories such as scarves, jewellery and a change of shoes.
  2. Transfer skin care, and toiletries (including sunscreen) into small cosmetic bottles/jars which you can pick up at the supermarket. Alternatively (unless you use specialist products) you can save space by picking these up at your destination. Put your toiletries bag into a plastic bag and secure the top before you pack it, that way if anything spills during your journey it is less likely to get into everything else. I use a large zip lock bag.
  3. A small bag with a long strap that can be removed (or tucked inside) is great for outings and can double as an evening bag.
  4. 1 or 2 scarves that mix and match with everything can also be used to hide a bad hair day or double as a belt.
  5. A wrap, which is great for an extra layer of lightweight warmth and fantastic for on the plane.
  6. Swimwear and a sarong (a stylish sarong can also be used as a wrap for evening).
  7. A fold up beach/shopping bag for when you’re out and about or for those must-have holiday purchases.
  8. Charger for phone, iPod, laptop etc plus conversion electrical plugs if required. These are often available at the airport but can be difficult to find if you’re going to an out of the way destination.
  9. You can fit more in or save room for things you buy when you’re away if you roll anything that can be rolled up and then squeeze each item into gaps around bulky items such as shoes and toiletries.
  10. Save room by wearing your bulkiest items (such as runners/jeans/jacket) on the plane.

And one more thing; not a packing tip but a good travel tip nonetheless. Scan/copy your passport, drivers licence, and credit cards and email them to yourself using an email account accessible at any internet cafe. That way if you do lose them you have easy access to proof of ID which will speed up the replacement process.

Bon voyage!