Packing Light For Your Holiday

We’ve all been there. Packed and squeezed yet another summer top, pair of shoes, or god forbid more toiletries into the suitcase for that ‘just in case’ moment we all dread! But how often do you actually reach for that last minute item you poured your blood, sweat and tears into squeezing in the suitcase, praying that the zip doesn’t bust!

Through our adventures and many years of travelling the world, we like to think of ourselves as ‘mini’ experts at travelling light! Not only does it save you on extra luggage charges for heavier bags, or grief getting the suitcase in/out of the car or taxi…but it also helps to completely change your mindset when travelling.

Let me explain…

Light Suitcase – Light Mindset

You see, when we pack light, we shed all the things we hold on to. The heaviness of ‘home-life’ / bills / to-do-lists / the must-have things we always need to be doing. It’s the same with your suitcase – we pack that extra pair of shoes, bikini, 3 pairs of jeans instead of just 1 pair, 2 jumpers and 1 hoodie instead of just 1 of each. Learning to relax into packing light will allow you to travel with more ease and freedom.

And not to mention – the dreaded thought of an airline losing your suitcase!!! Imagine how much more relaxed you’ll be if you packed light instead of packing everything bar the kitchen sink!

And so here is our guide to helping you pack light for your next holiday…

1. Check Your Airline’s Baggage Policy First

Before you start throwing clothes into your suitcase, make sure to check your airline's baggage rules. Every airline has its quirks—some are super generous with allowances, while others…not so much. Check how many bags you can take, the size, and the weight limits. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not caught off guard at the airport and you look to blame your other half for not checking first! (Been there, done that, got the t-shirt!)

2. Create An Awesome Packing Checklist

I love a good checklist! Especially when it comes to packing for your holiday! A good old fashioned travel checklist is your best friend. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver!

Double-check the weather at your destination. And if you're someone who always forgets something (guilty!), ask your travel buddy to check it for you as well. Sit down, have a cuppa and run through your checklist together.

3. Use Lightweight Luggage & Handheld Scales

Choosing lightweight luggage gives you a few more kilos to play with—perfect for those souvenirs for friends & family!

Keep a handheld scale handy so you can easily check your bag's weight as you pack. Hopefully, there should be no more last-minute airport panics over excess baggage fees!

4. Master the Art of Space-Saving Hacks

Through many travels and adventures, I’ve learned the best way to pack for holidays. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them is a great way at saving space and keeping your clothes crease-free! Trust me – game-changer!! And if you’re a bit OCD like me, then why not try vacuum-sealed bags or packing cubes to keep everything neat and organised – it’s kind of like playing Tetris with your wardrobe! (However, I’m totally guilty at packing neatly on the way out, and then simply flinging everything in all messy for the return!)

5. Embrace Minimalist Packing

Less is more, especially when packing for a trip! Try the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule: 1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 bottoms, 4 tops, 5 pairs of socks, and 6 pairs of underwear. That’s all you need for a week! If you're staying longer, bring some laundry detergent and wash on the go. Pack light and pack smart. If washing isn’t your bag on holiday, then most hotels provide a cleaning service (albeit at a cost!).

Pro Tips:

Stick to a simple colour palette for mix-and-match magic for your outfits (really hard to do for the summer months, but it gets you thinking and planning more effectively!)

Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane (I’ve even had one client wear an extra pair of walk boots round her neck to Australia to save on suitcase space!) Whilst I’m not suggesting going to that extreme, it’s always a good idea to wear your heaviest boots / trainers on the plane.

Use your shoes as extra storage—stuff them with socks, accessories, delicate items.

6. Make the Most of Your Hand Luggage

Switch your handbag (or man-bag) for a backpack. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can fit in, plus it leaves your hands free for your important travel docs when standing in line! Multiple compartments help keep things organized, which is always welcomed when trying to find anything on the plane. Please just remember to double-check the airline's size and weight rules for hand luggage, and whether they are allowed in the lockers or expected to be under the seats on the low-cost carriers!

Packing Light Summary

So there you have it – our thoughts on packing and travelling light, based on all our holidays around the world, come rain or shine!

Here is a quick summary to help you out:

Footwear & Clothing

Footwear: You can get away with just three pairs—hiking or walking shoes, casual sneakers, and flip-flops.

Clothing: Stick to about a week’s worth, mix and match, and go for lightweight, easy-to-wash fabrics. Throw in a rain jacket and a sweater if needed, and you’re good to go!

Toiletries

Stick to travel-sized bottles—no need to lug around full-size versions of your favourite shampoo.

Pack the basics: toothbrush, deodorant, razors, etc. Do you reeeeally need your face mask and hair oil and multiple moisturizers?

Electronics

Your electronics can really weigh you down, so keep it simple. A mini tablet is perfect for reading, watching videos, and backing up travel photos. Leave the heavy laptops at home unless you absolutely need them. But always remember a small portable power bank – you will thank us when your phone is losing power during an unexpected delay!

And there you have it — packing can be fun and stress-free with a few smart tips and a travel buddy to bounce ideas around with and discuss wardrobes and holiday plans.

Happy travels and may your luggage always be just under the weight limit! ✈️🎉

Top 6 Tips For How To Pack Light For Your Holiday