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Strategically Pack for Vacation: Travel Diaries

I’m a self-confessed over-packer. If hold luggage is included in my flight price even for a short trip, then you better believe I’ll use every last kg. Our most recent trip to Ibiza put me to the ultimate test by only allowing hand luggage. I had to work out how to strategically pack for vacation, and imposed some ground rules for myself.

Overpacking is a hard habit to break, especially if you’re someone who likes options for every eventuality. Realistically, I have to admit than packing lighter boasts so many benefits. Not only does eliminating the need for hold luggage usually save money, it also saves time. It might be nice to have outfit options but waiting at the airport for your luggage to make an appearance is the worst part of any trip.

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On arrival at the Ibiza airport, we strolled right off of the plane, through security and out of the airport in a matter of minutes (yes, really!). It was the quickest and most relaxed airport experience I think I’ve ever had, and it definitely converted my favour from hold to hand. It is still super important to have the right outfit options for your trip, to feel comfortable, confident and stylish in your vacation clothes. Good news is, I’ve now created a cheat sheet and some basic rules for how to strategically pack for vacation.

PACK FOR DIFFERENT EVENTUALITIES: LAYER UP

Depending on the type of vacation, different eventualities (activities and weather) may be impossible to avoid. Even if your destination is known for being warm, the crazy weather happening across the world right now is a reminder that you just never know. If temperature fluctuations are unlikely, then simply taking a few options in the form of layers will be enough to ease your mind (and warm you up). I like to wear layers during travel if at all possible, bulky sweaters or overcoats take up so much luggage space that they’re much easier to wear than to pack.

HOW WILL YOU SPEND YOUR TIME?

Some vacations are easier to pack for than others. A beach vacation is easy, you’ll want to grab some swimwear (I’ve been lusting over pieces from UNE PIECE USA). Packing a few options should be easy as one pieces and bikinis don’t take up much room. City breaks, especially in places where the weather does tend to fluctuate does prove more difficult. Wearing the bulkier items and being realistic about what you’ll want to wear is essential. I’m someone who wants to take as many options as possible but realistically only ends up wearing about half of it. Act like a Kardashian and plan your outfits before you pack. Bonus points for if you can rewear something in a couple of different ways.

Heading to a resort? Controversially, there’s nothing better (easier, and more comfortable) to wear than ‘resort wear’, think linens, crochet and woven straw bags. This type of outfit will have you looking and feeling relaxed the second you put it on.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE COMFORT

Fancy vacations call for fancy outfits, but don’t fall into the trap of only packing fancy. You might be eating at a black tie restaurant every night of your expensive cruise, but I promise you that you’ll want something comfortable for breakfast or at the very least, lounging in your room. Smart clothes might make you feel and look amazing in the evenings, but comfy clothes and relaxed vibes also need a time to shine. Being pregnant on our most recent trip to Ibiza really validated the need for comfort for me. Yes, I still wanted to look nice and put together, but I wasn’t going to compromise on comfort.

It’s also worth honouring your personal style. Make sure that you’re packing for yourself and not just to impress others. Staying true to the styles you genuinely like and know how to wear is always a good idea.

I am new to having to strategically pack for vacation, specifically packing ‘light’ but these considerations have served me well. I’m looking forward to taking more short trips and challenging myself. Of course, it is also helpful if you’re travelling with a naturally light packer like my husband. I’ll admit to cheating ever so slightly by using all of my packing allocation as well as half of his! If you have any other tips please let me know.