When winter arrives and the coast is calling you like a siren song, it’s time to pack a bag & head north to warmer climes.
But how to minimise the amount of kit you take, and hence the size of your suitcase?
Now, any avid traveller will tell you that’s all in the packing – rolling not folding clothes to fill every space, putting your smalls or jewels inside handbags, using miniature containers for your lotions & potions etc etc.
But if you don’t want to overpack, here’s a list of some summery travel must-pack pieces that can multitask AND save you lugging more than your body weight in resortwear.
#1 - Noise-cancelling ear pods & an eye mask
Teeny-tiny and super effective at blocking out cabin noise and light.
Also handy for sleep disruption if you cross a few time zones and suffer annoying jetset-lag!
#2 – Clutch bags as travel packs
As mentioned earlier, use your evening clutch bag to pack your smalls or jewels, and a waterproofed-lined beach clutch to pack your toiletries and then use as a daytime bag – to safely contain valuables inside your beach basket, or to put your wet cozzie in after you change poolside for lunch
#3 – Kit for the plane trip
Sarongs are terrific to do triple-duty as a scarf to keep your neck in-flight, but also on arrival as a wrap at night if it’s cooler or the air con is cranked.
If you’re heading from Arctic to tropical weather it’s tempting to wear a coat, but if you can get away with a fine cashmere knit that passes the bulk & weight test it’ll save you lugging that damn coat for hours.
Travel in some light & loose linen pants with your knit, then later you can wear them at night with a tank, or on a cooler day.
Footwear is also tricky if it’s winter at home but you’ll probably need some form of bulky trainers as walking shoes so don’t pack them, wear them.
And for an inflight bag use your beach basket, but I’d suggest a basket with a flat bottom so it stands up. Though we do have some fantastic flat-pack beach baskets too that you can put in your suitcase easily.
Personally, I love a Panama hat at the other end but have donated so many to airlines over the years I now know its best not to carry them onboard. Stick to a packable bucket hat & baseball cap.
#4 – Resort wear that multitasks
Buttondown shirts, whether short or long sleeved, and perfect as coverups by day, or worn open over dresses as a jacket by night.
You can even use a caftan or coverup as a dress, or a sarong as a skirt with a tank, for day or night – just add jewels.
A cool white sun dress is easy to style back with sandals & your clutch or beach basket.
Pack a floaty dress or two for a bit of resort romance – they’ll take you from sundowner cocktails to a restaurant evening out.
Leave the stilettos at home and opt for wedged espadrilles or a kitten heel sandal, but a great slide can look equally glam.
Jewels are best kept simple with neutral hoops, bangles, and necklaces that can transform a dress from day to night.
Add some colour-pop accessories like your clutch or sarong/scarf/wrap and you’re done.
Oh, and do take some rubber thongs or slides for beach or pool, or God-forbid a rainy day.
Bon voyage!
