100 Travel Packing Tips – Travel Style Guide

I travel frequently…after many years I have (almost) managed to make an art form of my travel packing tips.  I say almost, because it really is the part of travelling I like the least. However having a system in place helps; there are now certain essentials I would not leave home without.

This series begins with the basics (the items I would not consider ever leaving behind); tried and tested over the years. Further along I will chat to other travel packing experts to consider specifics; packing tips for skiing trips (with kids), what to take to keep kids happy away from home, food you should bring ( and what you should leave behind), what to wear on the plane, pack in your hand luggage…

My number one rule – keep it light – very, very light. Do I always listen to my own good advice? No. But I am getting better…you never wear all that you have packed, more organised souls keep a list of what they don’t use each trip so the mistakes are not repeated.  I keep a tally in my head. Besides, no matter your destination there is always something enticing to bring home – so you need to keep room for this.

Travel can be mind altering, exciting, and yes (with kids in tow) hard work… I am currently staring down the barrel of venturing into our  storage for ski gear for four…each day sees me putting off the task (did I mention how much I loathe packing…maybe once or twice…).

Over the years I have honed my list, refined it to the degree that I can get it all together virtually by remote. The afore mentioned ski gear is actually already clean and separated (googles, gloves etc) – so really – once started – the task will not be too arduous.

100 packing tips from Frequent Flyers – highlights how the experts tackle packing; what they take, how they carry it and also what can be left behind…

The skill of packing boils down to some basic pre-trip planning. With this in place; once you set forth on your trip you can be free to enjoy and go with the flow, be in the hands of the gods, relax and do what it is you bothered leaving home for.  Explore and journey…

SLEEP – different time zones play havoc with sleep. I take precautions to ensure I get as much as I can (see HEALTH suggestions for more sleep aids).  For sleep comfort I swear by my favourite eye-mask (this one by Olivia von Halle); earplugs to put you into your own little world (I like these basic foam ones), and a robe (this is a great easy care one from Nordstroms) .  I know every hotel worth it’s salt has a luxury robe – I just like my lightweight one – it feels like home and is handy for popping on over swimmers for a trip to the pool – and keeping warm in a heavily air conditioned room.

COMFORT – when I travel I always take these three items (the exception is resort holidays). A cosy Cashmere/Wool wrap becomes a blanket, a scarf, dresses up an outfit (this is one from my resort+travel collection Monique van Tulder). I love walking – however without comfortable shoes it is a nightmare – add feet swollen from travel and you can forget it. These Nike sneakers take you almost anywear – keep the colour neutral and you will not feel like you escaped from a Seinfeld episode. This North Face jacket tucks into it’s own pocket – and becomes the size of a small purse – genius, and it is warm, so very warm.

HEALTH – feeling unwell is dreadful at the best of times.  When you are on the move it is a disaster, so I take precautions in the form of; vitamins (I start taking Berroca as soon as I am onboard – there are other brands, although these have always worked for me). Lack of sleep = lowered immunity, I have used Melatonin for years and it really does help get me in the time-zone (I get a prescription from my GP, but friends swear by these over the counter ones). Funny tummies are NOT funny; Probiotics help keep your gut healthy (if they worked for me in India then they are worth keeping in your travel kit). Not just for off the beaten track travel; a difference in drinking water, different foods can upset things – speak to your pharmacist for suggestions.

BEAUTY – I love nothing more than making purchases from beauty counters overseas (Sephora anyone…); but there are a couple of items I always travel with. I have dry skin which does not enjoy long hours flying – this moisturiser is pricy but worth it for the lovely nourished glow it gives (Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream). Wipes, so many uses – removing make-up, sticky fingers, emergency bathroom clean, wiping down horrid airline tables. The correct oil for your skin type can save you from dry cuticles, frizzy hair, dehydrated skin, and makes a lovely bath soak (this one from Sephora online) is not too greasy and absorbs well (although it is too large to check in so you may need to decant it).

TECH – it used to be that I left home with a diary, a favourite pen and a little camera.  However (as my kids continually tell me), things have moved on. Well not everything – I still travel with a diary, love it for jotting down notes and names, sticking in cards and paper treasures (Moleskine are the traditional travellers notebook of choice). iPhone (or your own equivalent) – for keeping in touch, reading books, camera, maps (now if only it could pack for me too…), and because I spend so much time on my iPhone I need this Morphie powerstation to keep me on the move.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST EVER PACKING TIP; guaranteed to have you travelling in style?