HOW TO PACK LIKE A PRO – Tips For Your Mini Getaway!

Mastering The Art Of Packing Right

So, I take it you’ve already done the fun part of finally deciding where you want to go? Great. Now you’re wondering what you should pack for your mini getaway. You’ve landed on just the right page. Packing can be daunting, especially if you forget something you need or get the whole wardrobe completely wrong.

Typically, I overpack—not just one or two items but ten items, at least. My theory is that I’d rather be safely overpacked than annoyingly underpacked. I’ve experienced both on quite a few occasions and let me say I’d rather be spoilt for choice on outfits than scrambling to put together an outfit from items I’ve already worn.

I’ve been there and done that; now it’s time to pass on my tips and tricks for better preparation for a quick getaway. What if I told you that packing can be stress-free and completed in just a few simple steps? You’d say I’m lying… you’re correct; I am. Packing is never completely stress-free, but it can be made much easier; here is how…

GET YOUR PACKING GAME ON!

First, start with your luggage. The rule I use is that hand luggage is three days away or less. I’m talking about cabin size, weekend bag, essentials bag, or whatever you want to call it. Decide on the luggage you’ll be taking and stick with it. It makes it easier to know what bag you’ll be using when packing, so you have a similar idea of how much you can bring and don’t go overboard.

Previously, I would take out all the items I wanted or might wear, along with everything I thought I needed, and then start packing. It was a nightmare. Most times, it would be double my luggage size, and the struggle to choose what to ditch was too time-consuming. So, select your luggage size first for an easier life.

Let me also mention that my three-day or less hand luggage rule also comes from the fact that I avoid paying silly luggage prices for the sake of a little extra luggage. Check your airline’s baggage policies to avoid paying extra silly prices at the airport.

WHAT TO TOSS IN YOUR SUITCASE

Have you ever packed summer clothes, assuming it would be warm somewhere, to turn up and find it colder than England on a good day? Yeah, it’s no fun shivering your butt off. Sure, you can shop, but do you even have extra space in your bag to pack? I don’t go abroad for clothes shopping; I don’t need any more clothes; I’m already trying to get rid of my gear on Vinted! Thanks.

I use Accuweather to check the exact dates I’m travelling. This tool has been very accurate and useful for determining temperature and UV rays, so I know whether I’ll get a tan.

My rule is anything over 20 degrees is generally T-shirt, shorts, dress, and skirts weather. With an evening cardigan/jumper for that nighttime breeze. Here is an example of what I would bring for a weekend trip to somewhere hot in the peak of summer:

Bikinis: I tend to bring a different bikini for every day I’m away. I’m a fan of Instagram, and so you know, I’m trying to get those bikini shots. Bikinis are also my favourite clothing item. They are super light and require minimal packing space. If I were going during the winter, I would only pack one set of bikinis for spa opportunities.

Underwear & Socks: Everyone is different, but I need at least two pairs of panties and socks daily, plus a spare – you never know what might happen, haha. Underwear and socks are an obvious must-pack, but once upon a time… I forgot, and trust me, it wasn’t cute, and I wasted hours searching to replace them abroad!

Clothing: I would pack three outfits: something chilled, cute, and comfortable for a weekend away. This is for during the day or for a potential day tour. Then, two additional outfits for the evening, or just in case. I like having different outfits for different moods and different scenarios. So that’s five outfits, but as it is summer, these items tend to be lighter and take up less space. If I were going during the winter, I would have two pairs of jeans to alternate, three jumpers and just one spare outfit.

Airport Clothing: I usually wear an airport outfit en route to the destination and on the way back. If I have space in my luggage, I pack a different outfit to return. I don’t know about you, but I love some comfy airport wear; I usually opt for something baggy and comfortable in case of any delays and to feel cosy on the plane and travel. During the winter, a jacket is key. I would wear this over my outfits, so my outfits don’t matter so much.

DON’T FORGET YOUR TRAVEL MUST-HAVES!

You’re typically bound to forget an essential item, and the personal bits and bobs are the hardest to remember. I usually start with shower bits—remember the 100ml rule for hand luggage.

Bath Bag: Glove scrub, razors, toothbrush. Items like toothpaste and shower gel need to be 100ml or less, so sometimes I grab them after I’ve checked in at the airport or a shop in the city. For convenience, I usually grab 3-4-2 miniature items at Superdrugs before I travel or order online: shower gel, toothpaste and deodorant. Remember to check your perfume, which is less than 100ml. Also, nothing is more disheartening than throwing away expensive perfume because you forgot.

Makeup: Ensure your foundation and any other liquid in your makeup routine is under 100ml. Depending on where I am going, I take a few of my makeup essentials instead of all to free up bag space.

Hair Products: If you are a girlie with an afro, I know how especially important it is to bring your products. I can not travel without them, so I usually empty some of my products into 50ml/100ml containers to take with me. These are great for taking your shampoo, conditioner, and other hair-related products abroad.

Chargers & Battery Pack: There is nothing fun about forgetting to pack these! A battery pack is essential for any trip, especially for a solo traveller. Don’t forget to pack your phone charger and the wire that charges your battery pack! Travelling abroad means you’ll likely need a universal plug to fit their socket, so remember to chuck that in.

Lady Bits: Even if it’s not my time of the month, I always pack in case. You can really struggle to find sanitary items in some places abroad. Once in Dubai, I entered five stores before eventually finding tampons. Pack some wipes also; you never know when you will need them.

Spare Bag: For your used items. I pack a few empty sealed bags to put my used clothing in so the dirty items don’t mix with the fresh clothing. If you shop from Shein, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of empty sealed bags lying around; use those.

After packing all this, your bag should be full and ready to go. If there is spare space, I tend to pack a book, a diary and a pen to keep me preoccupied. That’s it. You should be ready to go!

Have you ever… never mind. I’m sure you’re not as clumsy as me. Don’t forget to pack your passport! Remember, have fun and have a fantastic trip.

Have a safe flight!

If you need inspiration on where to go, check out the Top 5 Countries to Visit in Europe 2024.