Keeping it light and compact

Airlines are putting more and more pressure on passengers to keep their checked luggage light and compact. Some airlines even charge extra for checked luggage. Checked luggage is your luggage that you hand to the airline at the check in counters (or drop-off counters when checked in online). You need to collect your luggage again at your arrival airport.
Some airlines impose weight as well as size limitations. Some also limit you to one bag.
In Europe, most airlines only allow 23kg per bag, one bag per person. You will find more information about luggage allowances on your airline ticket, your booking agent or from the airline.  You can expect to have a more generous allowance when booking a higher class ticket e.g. business class, or having a higher frequent flyer status.

I must admit, I used to be a nervous packer, trying to fit in just one more pair of shoes, in case the other three pairs don't go with my outfits. You soon realise that you wear less than half the clothes you packed and end up sticking to your favourite pair of jeans and comfortable shoes. Today's blog is focusing on holiday packing only. 

Packing tips

• It is important to keep your destination in mind and to respect their culture.  Some countries do not allow woman to wear pants or go out in public with bare shoulders.
• Keep your type of accommodation in mind, it will be different for staying in a hotel, backpackers or self catering facility.
• Plan ahead, check the weather and have a list of activities - pack accordingly.
• Make a list of what you need to pack.

Clothes

• Try to pack clothes that you can mix and match, and that can be dressed up for going out at night.
• Consider darker clothes that can be worn more than once. A pair of dark jeans will match with almost any top or shirt.  Do not only pack jeans, they weigh heavier than cotton pants and jeans do not work well in hot and humid climates.
• Always pack something warm that does not fill up your suitcase e.g. a cardigan.  When travelling to colder climates pack accordingly, and try to wear your jacket while travelling as it can take up a lot of luggage space
• Pack lightweight clothes that you can layer for different temperatures
• Always pack swimwear but keep beachwear for the beach, not for sightseeing.
• For ladies - a pashmina can be very versatile and it's easy to carry in your hand luggage. It can keep you warm on the aircraft or on outings. It can be used as a scarf or wrapped around your waist. It is also very handy when sightseeing as most places of worship will not allow you to enter with bare shoulders
• Try to pack clothes that do not crease/wrinkle easily
• Pack enough underwear, if you consider washing them while on holiday, take along a bar of detergent soap or liquid detergent

Shoes

• Travel with comfortable shoes that match most of your outfits. Try to keep shoes to the minimum as they take up a lot of luggage space. Pack only one extra pair that you can wear to dress up your outfits - darker colours works best. Keep comfort in mind.

Toiletries

• Liquids are heavy and take up a lot of space, consider buying small plastic bottles (that seal well) and fill them with shampoo, face wash etc.  Consider using 2-in-1 products or try to buy travel size items e.g. toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant
• Keep toiletries and makeup to the minimum.
• Consider buying sunscreen, batteries, insect repellent etc at your destination if possible
• Always pack a face cloth
• Ladies - Consider removing unwanted hair, e.g. waxing,  before going on holiday so you don't need to shave

Good ideas

• Find out what is available at your place of accommodation e.g. hairdryers, bathroom towels and beach/pool towels as well as toiletries. Do they offer a laundry service or are there any Laundromats nearby. Hotel laundry services can be very expensive, it is more economical to opt for a Laundromat, but this will take more time out of your day.
• Stuff shoes with socks and other small items
• Do no put any valuables in your check luggage. 
• Pack medicine, phone chargers, sunglasses, valuables in your hand luggage
• Put tags on your suitcase with your name and contact details on it. No need to put your physical address on it, just your name and telephone number.
• Make use of electronic travel guides or keep travel books to the minimum
• Wrap bottles that contain liquids with news paper or a towel and put it inside a plastic bag (ziploc works good) - Pressure inside the aircraft can cause bottles to leak.