Packing for your hols should be fun. I mean you’re soon to be jetting off to sunnier climes, exotic locations or just getting away from it all for a while - so why does this part of any trip usually involve stress that you’ve over packed, worries about the weight of your case, panic that you’ve missed something essential out and heated arguments over whether you really do need all this stuff?
No matter how many times I’ve tried to do the classic ‘pack your bag then take it all out and just re-pack half’, I usually always bring back unworn clothes and have had to nip to the shops to pick up extra bits I could have taken from home!
So, to help both you and I, I’ve teamed up with Matalan who have created a really handy holiday abroad checklist for you to start your trip the right way - not with an aching arm from lugging your case or bickering at the airport that you’ve had to pay out for extra baggage costs. It breaks down exactly what you need for your holiday abroad from clothing to accessories, from toiletries to essential gadgets and documents. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love a list so being able to print this out and tick it off means the tricky packing stage becomes stress-free and even *gasp* fun!
I also had a peek on their site to see what I’d be bunging into my case to make a capsule holiday wardrobe … All the items are pictured below along with their links - I feel a shopping spree coming on!
City Break
Going away for a weekend means you can survive with the bare minimum. I promise you. This off the shoulder denim dress, paired with these adorable flats and topped off with this cute necklace would make the perfect look for strolling around the Seine, wandering the busy streets of Barcelona or mooching around Amsterdam. When the nights get cooler add a cover up for the evenings, maybe a hat and you’re good to go!
UK Break
We all know how unpredictable the Great British weather can be i.e packing an umbrella and suncream so you don’t get caught out! I live in my jeans and I have such love for stripes. Check out my Instagram and most of what I’m wearing (if it’s not a bikini) will be stripy! So this top would be perfect. Then make sure you have a big enough bag to keep your brolly, purse, phone, camera and enough space for any cheeky purchases!
Flight Wear
On any flight, comfort is king. Layers are your best friend, plus, the more you wear to travel in the less needs to go in your bag! I always wear stretchy leggings, comfy pumps for all the walking (what is it with airports that trick you when you get off your flight and then make you clock up your Fitbit score just to get to arrivals?) and a loose top with a hoodie or this chic (and cheap!) cardigan to snuggle up in under the chilly air con.
Holiday Abroad
Heading to the sun? Well then, swimwear is essential as this is one of the key items I live in when I’m away in sunshine drenched countries. This bikini top and bottoms (stripes again!) covered up with a kimono or a pretty light-weight dress and holiday must-have flip flops will see you through most beachy days. In the heat make sure to choose breathable material unless you want some unattractive heat rash. I also adore wearing comfy baggy trousers, which are great for trying to keep mosquitos at bay, to cover up if you head to any cultural sites and means you can basically wear your pjs in public! Result!
I also wrote this post with tips on packing your backpack but I’m always on the look out for other tricks and hacks! Would you use a packing checklist like this one? Let me know!
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