Stress Free Packing

We all know that to experience stress free packing we should pack light, right? We’ve all seen those “top tips”, whereby your capsule wardrobe consists of one black bikini, one white bikini, a sarong, a sundress and a pair of day-to-night wedges. All rolled up to avoid creases in your tiny carry-on case.

However, we also all know that there’s no chance of most of us being so organised. And besides, what happens if one of your bikinis has a malfunction, or you spill red wine on your sundress (or set it on fire with an unnoticed tealight, as happened to one of the Barrhead Travel team during a romantic break in Croatia…)

Here are our own “top tips” for realistic packing for your next break. We can’t guarantee that you won’t still have to check your luggage in the hold, but at least you might not be over the weight limit when you do.

Plan your wardrobe

We bet there are many, many women out there (and possibly several thousand men, too) who take pairs of shoes on holiday which match only one outfit. There, reading that in black and white has made it seem silly, hasn’t it? Sensible travellers know that taking shoes which go with a number of dresses, skirts or trousers mean that they have more room in the case for essentials, like teabags or chocolate Hob Nobs. Take shoes you’ve broken in, too – there’s nothing worse than new shoes in the heat, a recipe for blisters and hobbling about cobbled streets, restaurants and bars as if you’re walking on hot coals.

Make a list

Write down columns detailing Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and so on, and then figure out what you’ll be doing and what you might need to wear. We promise, a little planning before you even open the suitcase to pack will help you whittle down what’s absolutely necessary, what you can fit in if you have the space, and what you were mad to even think of taking in the first place. Basically, squashed clothes are creased and crinkled clothes, so the more space you leave, the less like Worzel Gummidge you’ll look on your longed-for break.

Think before you pack it

Prescription medicines, things that have huge sentimental value, valuable items like tablets, cameras or money…never, ever put anything in your checked baggage that you would be upset over losing. The odds on your suitcase being delayed or lost are long, but it does happen. Take them in your hand luggage – or leave them at home. And always lock your checked baggage, making sure you have a baggage tag outside and contact details inside, before you wave it goodbye at the check in desk or bag drop.

Keep within the weight limit

Know your baggage weight restrictions – these can vary from airline to airline and from route to route. If they state 20kg, and you like to pack everything but the kitchen sink, invest in a hand-held baggage scale and weigh it before you go, so you don’t get any excess baggage charge “surprises” at the airport. And don’t try to get around the restrictions by wearing 12 sets of clothes, as a boyband member tried recently – he fell ill on the flight as a result and had to be given oxygen by the crew.

Research pays off

Does your accommodation provide hairdryers and irons? If so, don’t bother taking your own – travel light and you’ll feel relaxed even before you hit the check-in queue, plus you’ll have more space in your case for mementos of your trip.

Don’t forget…

Passport, ticket, money – that’s the holy trinity of travellers. But also think of things such as adaptors, an umbrella (check the weather forecast in advance of travel), sun lotion, insect repellent…savvy travellers, remember that the likelihood is that a lot of toiletries and cosmetics will be available in the destination you’re travelling to. Why not buy it there and avoid dragging it all the way from home? If you really must, decant enough for the duration of your stay into travel-sized bottles, and save yourself some space and weight into the bargain. (Handy tip – wrap any toilet bags or cosmetics in plastic bags too – then if the worst happens and something bursts mid-flight, your clothes will be protected.)