🧳 Ready, Set, Pack! A Holiday Packing Guide.

kirsteen310
Aug 5
4 min read

Planning a holiday soon? How thrilling! Whether it's a quick weekend getaway or an extended journey abroad, packing can be tricky. But fear not—this guide will teach you to pack like an expert. Read on, discover new vocabulary, and prepare for your travels!

✈️ Packing Panic? Not Anymore!

You’ve booked your holiday, the countdown is on…

and suddenly you wonder: What should I pack?

We’ve all experienced it. Staring at an empty suitcase, feeling both excited and slightly anxious. Are three jackets necessary? Should you bring your lucky flip-flops? Don't forget your passport! We've all left it behind once haven't we? I once actually left mine at security! luckily it was there when I ran back in a panic. Phew!

Packing can be daunting, but with some planning—and a few helpful tips—you’ll soon be closing your suitcase like a seasoned traveler.

🧳 Start with the Destination

Are you planning to visit a beach in Thailand or a mountain cabin in Switzerland? Or perhaps you're off for a fun city break. Your destination significantly influences what you should pack. For cold destinations, opt for warm clothing, and for hot places, choose light attire. Ok, that seems pretty straightforward, yet many people overlook checking the weather forecast prior to packing, particularly for regions with unpredictable climates like England or North America. So, plan a little and try not to over pack. Though, I'm one to talk.

📋 The Unexpected Essentials

There are items you believe you won't ever require... until you actually do. Consider sun scream in the autumn, or a portable phone charger when your battery runs out on that seven hour coach trip. It's these small essentials that can prevent your vacation from turning into a disaster and greatly enhance your trip. Sure, you can pick these up during your trip, but who wants to waste time buying boring 'essentials', when you could be exploring? Plus, things like sun cream are often more expensive in tourist spots. So, put it on the list.

Here are a few items that experienced travelers swear by:

A Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!)
Small bag or backpack for day trips (handy to keep your water in and any souvenirs you buy)
Travel documents in a zip pouch (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later)
A book or your favourite podcast for long journeys (we often don't get the chance to do these things whilst at home and working/studying, so indulge a little)
A good pair of trainers if you're planning on visiting lots of places (in hot climates, we all love to live in our flip flops, but walk around ancient ruins, city streets or a cliff top path for a while and you'll feel the pain)
Packing cubes! (They're a game changer and save so much space)

👕 Less is More (Usually)

Planning Your Outfits Ahead of Time

Planning your outfits in advance can simplify your mornings and boost your style. Spend a few moments selecting key pieces you love, such as versatile tops and well-fitting jeans. This foundational combination allows for easy transitions between casual and formal occasions. Consider adding a favorite dress or smart shirt, perfect for those meals out. These can can be styled up or down, making it a flexible choice. The key is to mix and match creatively, maximizing your wardrobe while expressing your personal style. After all, it's fun to dress up a little on holiday.

Embracing the Mix and Match Philosophy

Mixing and matching items is essential for creating diverse looks with fewer pieces. Experiment with combinations to discover what works best for you, as one top can pair well with various bottoms. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to wear your favorite hoodie multiple times; comfort often trumps variety and they're super comfy and warm for those unexpected cold nights.

And remember: shoes take up more space than you think. Be picky! A pair of trainers and flip flops will suit you just fine for most trips.

🌍 Packing = Part of the Adventure

Believe it or not, packing is the first step of your adventure. To be honest, the build up to a holiday is one of my favourite parts. I love packing to go somewhere (not so much for coming home though!) Each item tells a story of where you’re going and how you want to feel when you get there. It also builds that excitement and gets you in the holiday spirit. So take a deep breath, fold with love, and imagine the journey ahead.

? Question Time!

What’s the first thing you pack for a holiday? Is there a "must-have" item you can’t travel without? It sounds boring, but my laptop follows me everywhere. On a more exciting note, my camera is glued to my side for all those exciting sites I get to explore.