I have made it no secret that I have been attacked by the travel bug and have a deep case of wanderlust that only shopping can sate. Dreaming of far flung sun drenched locations and tropical paradises are all part of a Londoners daily daydream and I wish I could escape the rain spattered pavements and step into a world where I can detoxify my reality. The trees would be swaying in the breeze, gently tapping me on the shoulder while the sea waves pool at my feet, a tingling sensation. I would run through fearsome jungles, a chorus of parrots my only companions and dive into the Mediterranean tropics, at one with the rainbow of fishes huddling nearby. I would shield my eyes from the blazing glory of the pyramids and trudge through the burning sand, awaiting an oasis to bathe in. To me travel is the epitome of ‘living life to the full’, no cultural experience is the same and it allows you to transcend multiple boundaries without losing sight of self. If I had the money I would go travelling every week and tick off the countries with a marker,making my way through the bucket list at record speed. But for now I have to settle for second best and share my holiday essentials with you including the ultimate suitcase, an outfit for every occasion and my top three holiday destinations I most want to visit.
Tips & Tricks
1.Make a List– Before you begin to pack your suitcase write a list of essential items you need to take on the journey. Be realistic and remember that luggage can not be over 21 KG due to luggage restrictions unless you want to pay luggage fines. On your list create two sub-headings- Luxury vs Essential items as shown below via the picture collage. For example a luxury item would be ‘makeup’ whereas an essential item is a passport otherwise you will be going nowhere!
Essential Items 1. Map 2. Notebook 3. Camera 4. Passport
Luxury Items 1. Watch 2. Perfume 3. Perspex Boots
2. Name Tags
We all know what it is like to wait hours at the airport for our luggage to arrive only to realize it was there this whole time and you did not have a name tag. Be more savvy and get a luggage name tag as shown below which help your suitcase stand out from the crowd.
3. Roll your clothes– This is a must for me especially because I always travel with a lot of clothes when I go on long term vacations. Roll your clothes into a small compact bundles and squeeze some small essentials i.e shoes between each bundle to keep them firmly in place. Just be careful to not overpack.
4. Categorize your clothes– When rolling the clothes [see step 3] roll them into bundles of trousers. skirts, shirts ect and if you want to be extra organized roll into sub-categories. For example you can roll trousers into formal/casual and the same with dresses i.e. beach dresses and cocktail dresses. Whatever floats your boat just ensure that the categories are relevant to you and your holiday
.5. Convert to the currency before you go– If you are going within Europe the normal currency is the Euro whereas the US would be Dollars ect.
6. Limit your liquids– Due to recent handling and content control regulation changes pan-European baggage restrictions state that all liquids carried in hand luggage must be no more than 100 ml per item, and must fit into one small and resealable transparent bag. If you do not have a resealable bag on you then they will give one for a nominal undisclosed fee.
How To Pack Your Hand Luggage
1. Choose your hand luggage wisely-opt for a square cornered, soft-sided bag, that is within the carry-on bag size limits [check your airlines restrictions as it varies]. Soft cases are easier to pack, lighter to carry and its compact tailoring means it can be easily placed in an overhead locker.
2. Pack the essentials– These include [but are not limited to] Passport, Drivers License [if you have one], Health Insurance Information, Bank Cards, Plane Ticket, Boarding Passes, Details of Accommodation [if relevant] Converted Cash ect.
3. Pack accessories– These will include phone chargers, adapters, a Laptop (if necessary) , headphones, a book and to avoid plane food buy beforehand or bring food from home.4. If you carry any liquids or medication put them in a resealable bag and label each item to avoid further waiting and wasted time at the security check out. Remember to check regulations before you go but the standard regulation limit is 100 ml and under. Always check all the policies before you go.
My Floral Weekender Top Pick: The Floral Splurge
At £65 the ‘Flowers of Liberty’ mini suitcase may be expensive but its delicate traditional floral print is ideal for those who love the natural world. With its heritage style charm and vanity box style this suitcase is perfect for short weekend breaks to cottages in the country side. If you are a fan of Cath Kidston then Liberty’s floral suitcase is the one for you. Click Here to buy.
5 Essential Top Picks For A Beach Holiday
1. Towels 2. Swimsuit 3. Hat & Sunglasses 4. SPF (100 ML & under)5.Mosquito Repellent
Essential Top Picks For A Ski Holiday 1. Ski Jacket & Trousers 2. Ski Boots 3. Backpack 4. Ski/Snowboard Gloves 5. First Aid
Essential Top Picks For A Hiking Holiday
1. Waterproof Navigation 2. Hardshell Raincoat 3. Hiking Boots 4. Insect Repellent 5. TentEssential Top Picks For A Clubbing Holiday 1. Selfie Stick2. Neon Accessories3. The Bodycon Dress 4. Cheap Camera 5. Bikini or Swimsuit
Sites You Should Use
Best For Medication
Best For Flight Comparisons- Skyscanner
Best For Holiday Inspiration- Pinterest
My Holiday Outfits
Pair a gauzy silk co-ord with cobalt accessories to stop the dress from looking too formal. The polarized ‘blue steel’ lens are a swift nod to Zoolander chic while the fringed tassel cobalt blue wedges compliments the blue floral clutch effectively. The woolen sky blue blue coat is ideal for ‘island weather’ and acts as a great cover-up for chilly nights Go bold or go home and shop the look HERE
Destination- Greece
Funky and retro the revival of 60’s cool meets 70’s hippy culture is a trend going nowhere fast. Simply pair retro cat eye sunglasses with a chunky frame and add a faux fur jacket in a showstopping shade of russet orange to have all eyes on you. The mustard ribbed dress can either be worn on its own with a pair of Charlotte Olympia flats during the day and add the rust suede boots and two tone bag for night.Click to buy the look HERE
Destination: New York
Undoubtedly cool, the monochrome shirt dress is a staple that can be reworn and restyled without it ever going out of fashion. The 60’s classic is suitably modern with a minimalist bangle, striped clutch, two tone heels and plain black cat eye sunglasses adding 50’s glamour to the look.Click HERE to buy the look.
Destination: Milan
Baby it’s cold outside but that is no excuse for poor style. Wear with brogues or small wedges to make it appropriate for the day while the addition of strappy sandals, faux fur scarf and aubergine clutch makes the ice blue tulle skirt smart enough for any formal occasion.Click HERE to buy the look.
Destination- Paris
Inspired by Audrey Hepburn and the Golden era of Hollywood the pussybow blouse and tulle skirt is paired with sugar-sweet accessories to keep the outfit theme feminine. Add a kitsch clutch bag and baby pink heels to freshen up the 50’s look while an oversized boxy printed coat allows the outfit to be more holiday appropriate.
Click Here to buy the look. Destination-Tokyo
Please note all items pictured are either created through Polyvore, as a canvas collage on Picmonkey or taken by my photographer.
*Disclaimer I was given compensation for this post by Click Pharmacy but all thoughts, opinions and research are my own
Excellent article. I loved your holiday hacks and it will come in useful when I go on holiday in the summer!