Follow these 10 tips for how to pack for any destination and you will stress less about your next trip. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a three-month trip that takes you half way around the world, these tips will set you up for success.
The biggest key to stressing less about the packing process is not leaving it until the last minute. Trust me, this is a big factor. All you want to be doing just before you head to the airport or pack everything in the car is adding in the things you can’t add until the very end, ie toiletries and medication.
When I’m travelling, I very much embrace the concept of holiday theme dressing. I love the theatre of creating outfits that reflect the destination. I know this isn’t for everyone but it’s who I am. Let’s just say, I’m only saved by the luggage limit set by the airlines!
The below tips very much work regardless of whether you are a considered, checked luggage packer or a minimalist packer and wanting to do carry-on only.
10 tips for how to pack for any destination
1. Check the weather at the destination of the place/places you’re visiting. I use the weather app for this and find that it rarely steers me off course, even working a week in advance. If planning a trip a year in advance, screenshot the weather app readings for the destinations you’re heading to. This will give you a rough idea of what to expect and plan for. If you’re travelling trans-seasonally – in early spring and autumn – keep in mind the temperature will vary wildly between cool and warm, even hot.
2. Consider what activities or events you’ll be doing or attending. Whether this swimming, an event, a special evening out, or a specific tour or activity, make sure you have outfits to suit.
3. Think about the different destinations you’ll be visiting and plan outfits accordingly. This is where holiday theme dressing comes in for me. I know I’m a tourist but I want to dress to suit the location. Greek Island? Yes, I’ve got a heavy palette of blue and white. Paris? I’ll be all about effortless neutrals.
4. Write down outfit possibilities and start a packing list in advance. I use the notes function on my phone. The beauty of doing this is that I can refer to it when travelling if I forget the combinations I’d planned at home.
5. Put all proposed outfits – including shoes and accessories – out in one place. I like to hang up the clothes to see just exactly how much my list translates to and what I might need to add or cull. I do this weeks out if it’s a big trip, so out so I can keep going back to what I’ve selected and make changes before putting in a suitcase.
6. Create a travel capsule wardrobe. Working from a capsule wardrobe where separates work back with each other is key to creating lots of outfit options for while you’re away from home.The key to a workable travel capsule wardrobe is keeping to quality basics in one or two neutral colours. It’s totally ok if your “neutrals” are hot pink and red. If they work back with each other and most of what you’re packing, you’ll always have something to wear.
7. Lightweight layers are you friend if travelling in trans-seasonal months. Spring and autumn are the trickiest months to pack for as the temperatures will fluctuate more than mid-winter or mid-summer. Of course, in some countries – I’m looking at you the UK – summer temperatures can wildly fluctuate too. Pack lightweight knits that can go over t-shirts or shirts and under a blazer or jacket. My Uniqlo ultra light down puffer jacket is a great insurance policy against feeling cold at any time and rolls up to next to nothing in my suitcase.
8. Be smart with your footwear. The shoes you choose to take could make or break your time away. If you’re on holiday/vacation you’ll typically do way more walking than in your everyday life. Comfort is key, even if packing for a special occasion. I only pack shoes that offer comfort. Depending on space/luggage limits, I choose three-four pairs that are interchangeable with your entire capsule wardrobe.
9. Don’t forget underwear. This seems obvious but there have been many a time I’ve nearly forgotten mine. And then one time I actually did forget. I’d been so engrossed in the outfit-planning mode that I forgot the essentials.
10. Pack into packing cubes. I’m a huge fan of packing cubes – particularly compression packing cubes – for keeping different types of clothing all in one place, eg underwear, activewear and swimsuits. It makes for a better organised suitcase during your holiday too. These are my suitcases of choice because they open from the top and will fit easier in hotel room.
BONUS TIP: If you’re travelling long haul, pack outfits for two-three days in your carry-on. This is your insurance policy against your luggage not making it to your destination with you. You’ll be able to do what you want to do – start that long-awaited holiday.
More tips via my latest Instagram videos