Now that we know just What to pack – hand luggage edition let get into out checked bags.
While I know you’ve probably heard this a thousand times but I cannot stress how important it is to pack light! That dress in the back of your cupboard that you have never worn is not magically going to look the way you expected and make an appearance on your holiday – so DON’T pack it!
This is a list I use to make sure I’m only packing clothes I need and will actually wear.
Clothes
- x7 shirts
- x3 pairs of jeans/longs
- x2 pairs of shorts
- x2 skirts/dresses (Ladies)
- x1 set of pjs
- x1 fancy dinner/party outfit
- x1 pair of formal shoes to wear when you’re looking to be fancy
- x1 pair of slops/flip-flops – casual everyday shoes
- x1/2 pair of takkies/Sneakers/trainers (Whatever you’d like to call them) closed shoes for gym or casual wear.`
- x1 Swimming costume (Unless you’re going on an island vac-cay and will be spending all your time in a costume one will be enough)
- x1 sarong/scarf – for colder days or to cover up for cultural reasons
- x7 pairs of underwear
- x5 pairs of socks (x2 gym, x2 everyday wear, x1 warm)
- x1 light jersey
These items are aimed more at a summer/light winter destination. If you’re heading somewhere colder you’ll want to consider not packing a few of those items (like a swimming costume) and pack things like:
- x1 pair of boots
- x1 heavy winter jacket
- x1 wind breaker/poncho
- Extra warm socks
- x1 thermal jersey
- x1 beanie
Toiletries – bigger items that aren’t essential in your hand luggage
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Travel size shampoo and conditioner
- Travel size shower gel
- Facewash + moisturizer (ideally to be decanted into smaller travel bottles)
- Body cream (Travel bottle size)
- Earbuds + cotton pads
- Nail clippers
- Sanitary products (ladies)
Miscellaneous
- A microfibre towel (Great for not taking up too much space!)
- Small medical kit
- Any medication you take regularly
- Travel size laundry detergent
Remember this list is not fool proof – it’s just a guide to use and it’s what works for me. If you are going to a summer island then pack all of the bikinis and shorts you can fit in but if you’re headed to the Alps trade the bikinis in for some jerseys and jackets.
You don’t need to jam pack every section of your bag. There are always a ton of things you pack ‘just in case’ and even if they’re little they are unnecessary, taking up spaces and are not needed. A trick I use is to not buy the biggest suitcase I can find, you will naturally try and fill it even if you have already packed the essentials. To avoid this buy a slightly smaller suitcase which will be easier to carry around and will ensure you only pack what you need. Don’t forget you’ll probably do some shopping while away and want to make sure you have space for any new items!
All my wheel friends – click here to see the essentials I pack to make wheelchair travel as easy as possible!
