P.A.C.K.I.N.G for a trip away…..

I’m heading to New York City in a week’s time, and a friend has asked me to share how and what I pack when I travel.

Obviously depending on where you go, cultural requirements must be considered, however NYC in the summer …… Anything goes. Being a cosmopolitan city they tend to dress a little more up market, so if you are out shopping and decide to hit a little roof top bar for a  glass of Rosé you can!

A couple of weeks out from travelling is a great time for me to start to plan what I will be taking along in my suitcase on my next adventure…… With  a rather abundant wardrobe, I do find I have a collection of  holiday fav’s that I like to pack. Summer light dresses for beach style trips to Bali, Fiji or Thailand.  Shorts and pretty tops are a staple for a European summer, along with swim wear, neutral sandals and of course that little black dress is always required for sipping Prosecco whilst people watching or doing a fancy pants cooking course in India!

I’m also the layer queen, so slip dresses with cotton layers that mix and match work well for me along with a black and white singlet, these are my go to travel clothes. My favourite shoes to travel with are the saltwater sandals…… They can be worn to the beach, shopping, riding a bike and out to dinner. And of course this leaves room for buying shoes, whilst away!

To start to pack I try to get a colour sequence happening.  I line up all the fav’s that have been chosen and depending on how long I’m travelling for, I usually plan 4 day/4 night combos, for 2-3 week trips, unless I’m on a shopping tour then it’s usually the clothes I wear on the plane plus 2 more out fits.

My next plan is to cull my chosen outfits and only pack whatever treasures I have chosen, that fit into a carry on bag. This way if you over pack or over shop you still have a carry on bag to use. 

I love cottons, linens and silks, that can be dressed up or down and layered for warmth or cultural moments.

It’s hard sometimes to get a balance, especially when you have decided not to pack your favourite denim shorts.  I’m a great packer but Im also an A grade shopper so I try to allow for extra purchases, that fall into my bag!  Most hotels have laundry service available so if you are staying for 2 nights it’s a great opportunity to get your laundry done.

I always travel with a Sards wonder soap stick. It’s great for spills on clothes (check the label first) and I use hotel hand soap for smaller items and wash them in the hand basin or shower. If you wring them out in a towel to absorb most of the moisture, they usually dry over night.

I usually also take minimal jewellery and never pack anything I don’t want to lose.  I’ve lost couple of  favourite necklaces from “plonking them down” somewhere never to be seen again.  Of course this also helps with the dreaded scanning X-ray machines at busy airports. Whilst I love to people watch and enjoy the buzz of an airport ( think Love Actually) it’s also my least favourite travel time, all that 3 hours before and belts and shoes off -any time not spent at an airport when travelling is a bonus unless you are in the lounge of course!

New York – Im coming at you with a few gal pals. Bring on the sunshine, rooftop bars, Farmers markets  and making memories with my ” gang of 4 friends”

xoxo