Having travelled to a lot of places I really have gotten the knack of packing. Long be the days where I over pack, struggling to drag my case from the station/airport to the hotel. So today I'm here to share these packing hacks with you.
1. Make a List
Organisation is key when packing for trips. There is no point packing last minute throwing anything into the bag thinking you'll definitely make outfits out of it all. You are fighting a hopeless battle and you won't wear half of the things in that bag. So even if it is last minute packing, sit down and analyse your wardrobe and analyse the time you have on this trip. If you logically think of day outfit and evening wear you are sorted, then pj's, airport/train attire, toiletries, hair needs and makeup.
2. What to pack for a winter holiday?
Now, my advice when choosing outfits you need to pack statement pieces. For example, 2 pairs of jeans, one good coat, plain t-shirts you can wear with jeans or a skirt/shorts, statement autumn/winter boots, a statement handbag. The key is to bring pieces that would go with everything that's why statement pieces are worth the investment. If you bring pieces that don't, you will feel the need to pack more and this is a big no no. When I go away I always have one night where I want to dress up so I allow myself to bring a gorgeous dress specifically for that occasion.
3. What to pack for a summer holiday?
Summer holidays are easier to pack for as there is always more room in the bag due to the fact the clothes and pieces are very minimal.
Pack 2 bikinis and alternate between the two every day.
Bring 2 pairs of good summer sandals, ones which are very comfortable for walking and a pair for those summer nights and of course flipflops for the beach.
I would advise on bringing 2 pairs of denim shorts so you can wear them with any top you like and again plain as plain can be for your tops. The amount depends on how long your trip is and what you plan to do. If you plan to spend everyday by the pool/beach only one beach top is necessary and keep any other tops for the evening time.
Pack one very light jacket/cardigan just in case you experience a chilly evening.
I would advise one other skirt and a summer dress/ co-ord. Don't forget you have the denim shorts you can wear anytime. When I was in Gallipoli I wore them everyday!
4. Toiletries
This section can often be peoples' downfall. Believe me I've been there too going out to buy miniature sized bottles of my favourite shampoo/ conditioner. It's just too expensive so I've stopped and what I have started doing is buying the clear plastic 100ml bottles you can get in any pharmacy/ Boots/ Primark. Life savers! Just put in the shampoo in your shower and voila your own miniature bottle without spending too much! Thinking 100ml isn't enough? Then just fill up another bottle!
If you are going on a sun holiday I would advise to buy sunblock and after-sun there because believe me you will go through a lot and 100ml isn't enough so no point wasting your money only having to buy more when you're there. With regards body wash I always rely on the hotel to supply that.
For your skincare routine if your products are under 100ml anyways just bring them as is. If not pop them into the bottles. Simple as. 😄
5. Makeup/ Hair
Winter: I wear a lot more makeup in winter than in summer. I normally bring: foundation, concealer, contour and highlight palette, one eye shadow palette, eyeliner, mascara, highlighter and 2 lipsticks (day and night). With that 3 brushes: Contour, eye shadow and a beauty blender. For hair I would bring a hair straightener and a hairbrush.
Summer: Because it's so hot I wear very minimal makeup and I never do anything with my hair. For my face I would bring foundation, bronzer, eye shadow, pencil eyeliner and mascara. I can't wear makeup while sunbathing so I only wear it in the evening. If foundation is too heavy for you a tinted moisturiser would be just as good! For my hair I let it dry naturally and I either put a plait in it to tame it or let it go naturally.
Here is a sample list I have made for my upcoming trip to Italy:
Clothes:
- 2 pairs of Jeans (black and grey)
- Pink cigarette pants (for evening time)
- 5 plain tops (white, black, striped and nude)
- Socks and underwear
- One coat (either black or grey)
- One pair of walking shoes and one pair of statement boots
- Pj's
- 2 Turtle Neck jumpers
- 1 plain white jumper
- 1 white shirt
- 1 handbag (black)
Toiletries/Makeup/Hair:
- My winter makeup bag as mentioned above (all under 100ml)
- Hair Brush
- Curling wand or straightener
- Cleansing oil
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Moisturiser
Miscellaneous:
- Passport
- Earphones
- Power-bank battery
- Camera
- Chargers
- Sun Glasses
Keep up to date with my travels on my Snapchat and Instagram! Find me @CiaraSwalsh
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