As a chronic holiday over-packer, it’s taken me years to find a formula that works for me, so with thoughts firmly on holidays right now, not least to escape this unseasonably miserable weather, I thought I’d cheer myself up by looking back at old holiday photos and sharing my packing tips.
I caveat everything I’m about to say with the warning that I love clothes and I have far too many which I’ve invested in over the years (or so my accountant keeps telling me!) And, as my figure has changed, and to continues to change in this my 7th decade, I’m learning how to disguise the bits I don’t like, especially that dreaded middle aged spread!
If you are heading to a hot destination this year, here are my top 10 ten packing tips:
1. Get organised. Don’t leave it to the last minute and then chuck everything in, hoping it’s both clean and still fits – plan according to your itinerary and start thinking a couple of weeks in advance so you can get things cleaned, mended or altered. And if you need to supplement your existing wardrobe, hit the shops in plenty of time. Beware white tops from last year, deodorants have a habit of staining whilst they’ve been packed away. Check your itinerary for recommendations on what to take – especially if you are joining a group excursion such as those offered by @exodustravels – they usually offer a comprehensive packing list which can help plan for all eventualities.
2. Pack for you, not anyone else. I used to worry about creating the right impression, but now I pack to suit myself. Personally, if I’ve been round the pool or out on an excursion and have got a bit hot and sweating, I really enjoy getting smartened up in the evening with clean hair and a smear of make-up. I don’t pack much these days, and restrict myself to good quality SPFs and for evening I add a bit of bronzer, eye liner, mascara and a few lip-glosses. NB: good, leave-in hair conditioner is a must. No matter how careful I am, I always seem to return with straw like hair, so I smother it in conditioner at every opportunity (take your own, don’t rely on the cheap hotel alternatives)
3. Neutrals. Invest in an assortment of neutrals tops and bottoms which you can mix and match and make multiple outfits out of by swapping them around. If you like a particular style of t-shirt, shorts or leggings, invest in several pairs. M&S had a splendid range of t-shirt vests this year and I bought one in every colour and 2 of the white ones as they rarely last more than one season. However, if you want to jazz up an outfit, take a patterned top or bottom and pair with an existing neutral – it will certainly extend the life of your wardrobe.
4. Accessories no 1 – hats & scarves! I have a few favourite hats, and always pack a couple for hot country visits as sometimes the sun can be unbearable whilst exploring historic sites, but be warned of the curse of hat hair, especially if you have fine hair like mine. So, once the hat is on, it will stay on for the whole day! As my hair doesn’t respond well to heat or humidity, I’ve become a fan of scarfs. Scarfs are especially useful and can be worn in many different ways to protect your head from the sun and they can elevate an outfit. Scarfs are also useful sun protectors for shoulders, or if you are visiting religious buildings which require ladies to cover their heads and shoulders. They are also lightweight and are easily transported.
5. Accessories no 2 – a choice of sunglasses and bags. This might just be me, but I like to switch up my look and usually take at least 2-3 pairs so that I have options. I’ve also learnt the importance of Polaroid lenses when visiting hot climates, they really do make a difference. One top tip, if you play a lot of sport – like golf or running – and have your sports pair, these often work well during the day whilst sightseeing as they tend to be very comfortable and often wrap around. I try to restrict my bags and tend to take a very functional daytime bag (with multiple compartments to confound pick pockets) which can easily slip into my rucksack if I’m out exploring, and one multi-purpose bag for evenings which can easily slip into my onboard flight bag if the aircrew are super strict on the ‘one cabin bag’ rule 😊.
6. Dresses. I’m not going to lie, I love a flouncy, feminine dress. They are super comfortable for eating and or travelling in. I usually pack of couple of statement dresses for evening occasions, which I find can be adapted with a scarf or a pair of sunglasses for wearing again later in the day time too. NB: Obviously not the other way around, as daytime temperatures often mean I end up a bit hot and sticky, whereas evenings are usually cooler.
7. Jewellery. I usually leave the good stuff at home and will keep it simple during the day, preferring to pack a few different looks for evening. I’m also a fan of a wrist full of bracelets which can be left on throughout the trip and topped up with some local beads here and there. Again, statement earrings or necklaces can really elevate a neutral wardrobe and no one will notice that it’s the same outfit re-purposed!
8. Sensible underwear. Especially big knickers – move over Bridget Jones, big knickers were a must once I hit 50 (comfort overrules style!); how I ever managed to travel in thongs, sitting for hours on a plane, is beyond me. A choice of bras is also a must – make sure your bras suit your wardrobe – t shirt bras for the daytime and something more uplifting or enchanting for evening. And if you’ve taken an off the shoulder number too, don’t forget the strapless version (unless you are lucky enough not to need these particular accoutrements!) If in doubt about black, white, coloured, I recommend neutrals as they go with everything.
9. Footwear. Ensure it’s fit for purpose and no, you don’t need half a dozen of different coloured flip-flops! I always pack a pair of lightweight trainers, a pair of simple sandals for night time, flip-flops or sliders. If I’m trekking, appropriate walking boots or robust walking shoes; if I’m intending to hit the gym, robust trainers. If I’m running out of space or weight allowance, I will wear these to the airport. Gone are the days of tripping around in high heels!
10. Travel outfit. This should obviously be comfortable and I tend to err on the side of smart comfortable just because that’s my style. It goes without saying that layers are the key to comfort here and natural fabrics if you can. My travel outfit always includes a large scarf / pashmina and socks. My feet always end up freezing and being cold on a flight (or at anytime really) is bound to make me miserable. If you’re a contact lenses wearer like me, stick to wearing your specs on the flight and change once you get there (if you really need to). Your long-term eye health will really thank you!
Fellas, you can adapt accordingly, but never underestimate the impact a well put together wardrobe has 😉.
I’d love to know your holiday packing tips, there’s always something to learn, so drop me a line at [email protected] or add a comment below.
With love
Julia, AKA Just Me.