The key to a good holiday is all in the planning. And thus the key to good planning is all in the packing! Having tried a variety of approaches to packing over the years, I feel well equipt to advise on such matters. First off, I will strongly advise against the last-minute method (you know- the one where you end up packing a delightful selection of mix and match bikini pieces and flip flops, but little in the way of actual clothing)! Yes, it is extremely important that in the dizzying anticipation of sunshine, you don’t lose your head (Tip 1)…
Tip 2: Choose a versatile colour palette- Now, as much as the term ‘colour palette’ may evoke images of paint colour swatches, it is also one that can be appropriately adapted to your wardrobe. When packing space is limited and paying excess baggage charges isn’t an option, it’s important get colour clever. Basically, you need a theme and you need to stick to it- that way you should get away with only packing two cardigans instead of the usual 10!
Tip 3: Invest in a good all-round pair of sandals- yes a carefully chosen pair of practical yet elegant footwear can go a long way to ensuring you have a happy holiday. You may think it’s asking a bit much to find a pair of shoes that will fare well at the beach, the sites, the shops, and a nice restaurant in the evening, but rest assured with a little pre-holiday time investment you WILL find your sole-mate sandals!
Tip 4: It’s all in the hair- When it comes to mastering the perfect beach- tousled look on those tresses it’s not always as easy as the mags make out. What about those of us who were born with the limpest and lifeless of hair? Hair that refuses to liven up, even with the aid of salty water and a Mediterranean breeze calls for extra help. And as it happens I think I may just have found my new hair-style crush- the Instyler rotating iron! It really does do everything a girl could ask. Having tirelessly, and unsuccessfully attempting to create glossy waves likened to those of Giselle with my hair straighteners, I thought I’d give the Instylers a go. As a result, the miracle-working rotating iron is now firmly on my list of holiday packing must-haves.
Tip 5: Layers- Finally, don’t be a fool- just because you’re going somewhere with a warm climate, that doesn’t mean the airport terminal climate is going to be equally as pleasant. There will almost definitely, wherever you’re going, be the need at some point for a comfy cardy! I recommend taking 3 or four thin over-layers that will allow for varying degrees of air-con strength!
