Our ten top tips for packing light when travelling on short breaks.

I write this as I’m planning my next holiday break with my now 5 year old.  We’re heading away for a couple of days to Monaco.  I’ve become an expert at this packing light gig.  Only because I’ve become victim to over packing and yes having to leave stuff behind, just because I can’t fit anymore things in my suitcase.  I’ve also been seen wheeling around a heavy suitcase on and off a sleeper train from Bangkok all the way to Chang Mai… full of stuff I never wore let alone used.  So read along and let me know if I’ve missed out any of the important stuff for packing light.

10 top packing light tips

1. Plan what you’re going to do. So not a detailed list of; “on Sunday I’m doing this and Saturday I’m doing that”, but rather like this; a nice place for dinner, sighting seeing or some spontaneous on the hop stuff, running gear you’re training for half marathon and a set of wet wipes, as kid one is coming along with you.

2. Now half that activity; as truly you’ll never get round to it. Seriously, it’s a short weekend break and the idea is to have fun, not be bogged down with carrying ‘stuff’ you simply won’t get around to wearing.

3. This means you can now scrap at least 2/3 of the ‘stuff’ you had originally planned to do and clothes you need to take… “YAY”!

Wear trainers to the airport – we love our converse all stars

4. Always wear a set of trainers to the airport (great if you’re running late to check in).

5. And pack flat shoes and if you can, always pack a smart pair of ballet pumps. This’s it! No other footwear is permitted.

Zara Silk Dress

6. Try pack some bright stuff – I know it good to mix and blend, and or try and mix ‘n’ match everything you have so you can extend your travel wardrobe. But you’re away, or planning to get away from it all – so try and leave the corporate world behind you.  I’ve always pack a silky bright patterned colourful dress for every weekend trip away and trust me I do wear it.

7. Avoid large suitcases, you’re only gone for a couple of days… consider a backpack instead.

Mason Leather Backpack

8. Your backpack needs to be compact and small, you could go small and stylish, but consider going practical such as the Nariva Boutique Mason backpack in silver or  some of these .

9. Roll instead of flat packing – simply because I love to travel with my favourite bottle of rum. It really does provide you with more space.

Nariva Boutique Bronze Passport Wallet

10. Travel with your passport in a holder or secure separate zip compartment. We use this and it can be attached to practically any backpack or bag.  Means checking in and out is a breeze.

The important stuff

The most important stuff like always travel with a photocopy of your passport blah, blah, blah… A list of emergency numbers and oh – try not to take any calls when abroad – it’s your holiday, lets someone else take care of it. Plus if you’re on a remote island, you’ll never have great signal. Besides you’ll be back to face the music, 2 – 3 days later!

And oh super, super important

ENJOY! and don’t let the weight of your travel contents slow you down!