An edit of 15 packing list essentials you’ll need for your next trip …
Yesterday, Contributing Editor Sarah Macken shared some tips and tricks to help squeeze as much as possible into your 10kg carry-on. From years of experience, she is a firm believer in the rolling technique and making good use of her ‘small personal item’ to take on the plane. Today, here’s a selection of pieces that are worthy of the space they take up. You can use space saving hacks like packing cubes, rolling your clothing and compression packs, but the smartest way to travel is by bringing multi-use items – they can be anything from versatile clothing that can be worn multiple times, for day and night, right down to moisturiser that doubles as suncream as recommended by Sarah, and silk scarves that can double up as headpieces to keep the sun away and colourful accessories to switch up your (repeated) outfits. Keep scrolling for the pieces that deserve a space in your 10kg hand luggage this summer …
Start with the luggage – opt for a hard shell and low weight suitcase – this one weighs 2.8kg, something to factor into your 10kg allowance that often gets overlooked! Clifton cabin in taupe, €189, eu.antler.com.
Versatile linen trousers can be worn in so many ways – beach, airport, dinner, you name it. White linen-blend trousers, €19.99, at H&M.
If you’re not a fan of the rolling method, compression bags will mean your clothing can take up less space. Compression bags for clothing, €8.95, at Muji.
Pack smart multi-use beauty products like this CeraVe moisturiser that has SPF 50. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50, €15, at boots.ie.
Packing cubes are an easy way to compartmentalise your items and keep everything organised. Tulip print packing cubes, €54.99, at Base Camp.
A kaftan is a winning holiday wardrobe item – comfortable enough to throw on in the morning (save space and leave your dressing gown behind) or to the beach while being smart enough to dress up for dinner too. Throw on and go. Kaftan with geometric print, €99.95, at Massimo Dutti.
Make use of your extra ‘small personal item’ that you are permitted to take on the plane. A big tote will house everything from magazines picked up in the airport to an extra pair of shoes that wouldn’t fit in the case! This will double up as your beach/pool bag once you reach your destination. Rust braided shopping bag, €29.99, at Parfois.
However, you’ll also need a small easy-to-access crossbody bag for important items like your phone, passport and wallet so you don’t have to root through your larger tote each time. Keep this on you until you reach the boarding gate then pop it inside your tote. Black leather crossbody bag, €99, at Cos.
Maxi dresses are so comfortable and easy to wear on holiday evenings. Free People does some great ones. Just add sandals or slides and some jewellery and you’re good to go. Golden Hour Maxi Dress, €168, at Free People.
Speaking of slides, these palm raffia slip-ons by Olivia von Halle, hand-crafted by artisans in Tuscany, will double up as slippers for pottering around in the villa each morning but are chic enough to wear at night too. Natural Contessa raffia slippers, €595, Olivia von Halle.
A dedicated beauty bag will help keep all your skincare, suncream and make-up in one place – and avoid any disasterous spillages leaking onto your holiday wardrobe while on the move. Black Travel Bag, €41, at Space NK.
If you’re worried about liquid allowance, experiment with some solid products like this shampoo bar from L’Occitane. Gentle & Balance solid shampoo, €12.50, at L’Occitane.
A silk scarf, like this Rixo one, can be worn as a head wrap in the sun, fashioned as a top or tied onto your bag or belt for a splash of colour. Jagger silk scarf, €103, at Rixo.
Pack items that are easy to wear but will make an impact, like this embroidered Zara blouse. White cotton embroidered blouse, €39.95, at Zara.
And remember to always leave a little room for holiday finds, one of our favourite parts of travelling is discovering new local shops and markets. Read this guide to the Best Shops in Portugal, Greece, Spain, France and Italy to visit this summer. These simple linen shorts will take up far less space than a denim pair – meaning you’ll be able to squeeze in some souvenirs. Khaki linen shorts, €29.99, at Mango.
