How to pack for your Holiday

Here we are with my (almost) annual holiday-packing blog. I really do try to keep it streamlined, because over the years I have learnt that you don’t need three outfit changes a day. In fact – shock! horror! – it’s even OK to repeat some outfits. Inevitably, I end up wearing the same pair of shorts to the pool almost every day. Please bear in mind that I don’t know where you’re going or for how long, so this is a rough guide to packing for a summer holiday based on a standard seven- to 10-day trip somewhere reasonably hot in Europe, where you’ll be doing more than just sunbathing. If you’re off to a tropical rainforest to meet gorillas or on a walking holiday in the Scottish Highlands, then obviously this is not going to work.

I’m purely thinking of myself here (as usual), as I’m currently on a short break in Portugal – a friend knew someone with a house that they were willing to lend to us in return for just the cleaning fee. I mean, it would have been rude not to go. And we’re going on a family holiday to Italy again for eight days in August. So I use this guide for myself.

My top tip before packing is to think in terms of outfits, not items. Yes, you might want to take that certain something with you, but if you can’t make it work with at least two other pieces, leave it be. What I like to do is lay out all the things I want to take on my bed and then put them together into outfits. Even if I’m doing a city break with hand luggage only, I’ll usually go to the trouble of trying everything on first, so I can be sure that it all works. It really does help you curb that excessive packing habit.

Here’s my rough list, which you don’t need to follow to the letter, of course. Just tweak it to make it your own.

3 x DRESSES: Because it’s nice to wear dresses on holiday. I definitely wear them more abroad than I do at home. I don’t know why, and I really should wear mine more here too. More dresses here.
1 x OVERSIZED SHIRT: To be worn on the beach as a cover-up, but also over dresses etc to cover your shoulders from the sun. Linen ideally, but cotton will do.
3 x SHORTS: I’ll always take a casual Adidas pair and a nice linen pair, plus possibly some denim shorts. See here for more shorts ideas.
2 x SWIMWEAR: In case one is wet from the previous day. I’m definitely a one-piece woman here, as you can also wear them as a vest top, but I’ll add some bikinis for those who enjoy wearing them.
2 x SANDALS: I’d go for a pair suitable for walking around all day in the sun, along with a daintier leather pair for evenings. Don’t bother with heels: you’ll never wear them. The sandals I find easiest to wear are here.
1 x TRAINERS: I’d opt for your most comfortable pair for walking while you’re out sightseeing.
3 x T‑SHIRTS: Just those you like the most. I often go for one black, one white and one graphic.
2 x VEST TOPS: Because it’s going to be hot, right? Uniqlo do the best ones with a built-in bra.
2 x SHORT-SLEEVE SHIRTS/BLOUSES: I prefer these to T‑shirts when on holiday, as you can layer them open over a vest or a swimming costume, or wear buttoned up on their own. They feel a bit more airy in the heat.
1 x TROUSERS: I usually take my trusty black linen pair, but my son stole them, so I’ve bought these to replace them.
1 x SKIRT: A nice, airy cotton or linen one, ideally.
1 x CO-ORD SET: I’ll be taking this top and matching bottoms I got from Zara earlier this month (my set is black, but it’s out of stock).
2 x BAGS: One large tote for the plane and the beach – I’d go for a basket bag – and one small one for sightseeing and evening.
1 x LIGHT JACKET: For travelling and in case of any chilly evenings.
1 x LIGHT SWEATER or CARDIGAN: See above.
1 x HAT: Whether it’s straw or baseball, just something for the beach.
2 x SUNGLASSES: Because I like to have options when it comes to eyewear.

AIRPORT AND TRAVEL

Fingers crossed this will be the only time you need your jacket and/or jumper. Planes can be chilly, so this is my fail-safe airport outfit: light layers and always a vest top to air out the armpits as soon as we land. I still use a clear case for toiletries, even though most places don’t use that rule anymore. It’s just easier to see what you’ve got. If you’re doing a hand-luggage-only trip, this case is excellent and complies with the easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways cabin suitcase policies. I always take my personalised Say What You C tote bag on holiday, and then I put my other bags inside it along with all my essentials (and a change of clothes in case the suitcase gets lost).

SWANNING AROUND THE TOWN

Nice dress and sandals – yes please, and thank you. I have a stack of dresses waiting to be worn. I feel sad for them. They must have their day in the sun, although this year we’ve actually had the weather at home to wear them more than usual. I always carry this sunscreen with me as it’s easy to spray over your makeup when you need a top-up.

BEACH OR POOL DAY

Shorts, a swimming costume and a shirt: that’s all I need for a beach or pool day. Plus a good book, of course. If anyone has any summer reading recommendations, let me know. I’ve recently read three great books: London Falling, Yesteryear and Strangers. All very different but gripping in their own way.

EVENING DINNER

Maxi dress, some gold accessories, maybe some tapas, some cold meats, a plate of cheese and lashings of wine in a location that’s not your kitchen counter. Again, yes please. Maybe stop at a bar for an after-dinner cocktail on the way back to your lodgings. I mean, why not? You’re on holiday, after all.

SIGHTSEEING

We could go with a skirt for a change here, but if you’re out seeing some ancient ruins and you need to trek across treacherous rocks because other countries don’t have our stringent health and safety regulations, you may need to go with shorts again.

SOME NICE CO-ORDS

For no other reason than I love the look of a matching set on holiday. They don’t necessarily have to be from the same brand; just look for details that tie them nicely together. Plus you can mix and match with other items in your suitcase.

SOME EXTRA SWIMWEAR

Because why not? We all like to have options. You know I prefer a one-piece, but I’ve added some bikinis underneath for those of you who like to get a stomach tan. I’d like a stomach tan, but I don’t fancy getting my gut out.

I hope this helps a little bit. Inevitably, I will, like you, throw in a few extras, but this is a good place to start.

Happy holidays!

Kate x

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I spent it all on clothes by the looks of things...