I love going on holiday but I dislike airports. Remember when travel used to be fun, but now airports are so stressful, particularly until you get through security.
And then there is the packing. I nearly always get it wrong, returning home with half of the clothes never seeing the light of day. But last October we went to Slovenia with Travel Department and I got it right. Yay! We had checked the weather before we went and it was surprisingly hot for October, so I did pack accordingly. No shorts though!
TRAVELLING OUTFIT
I always like to be comfortable when travelling. My wide-legged sports-style trousers from M&S are perfect and I wore runners, tee-shirt and cardigan. My big bag (above) is from Absolutely Patsy and is great for carrying all the bits you need for a flight, including hand sanitiser, wipes (to clean the table, seat belt etc), a book and an extra outfit in case the bag in the hold goes missing. Also in that yellow bag was a raincoat and a swimsuit. There were pools in the hotel, but in fact we ended up swimming quite a bit in the sea, because it was so warm.
We checked in a 10k bag each. Usually, Graham and I share out our clothes between both cases, in case one goes missing. But I was using one travel cube for all my tops and packing in everything else around that.
If you are on Instagram, you can see a video of my packing. I had 2 pairs of light denim jeans (white and blue) and 8 tops/shirts. I wore 7 of them. There were 2 dresses and a jumpsuit. And I had an extra pair of runners and a pair of mules.
WHAT I WORE WITH MY BLUE DENIMS
These denims (bought in Studio 124, Malahide) are so comfy that I could practise my yoga in them. Shopped my wardrobe for the tops….. Zara, Frnch and Topshop.
WHAT I WORE WITH MY WHITE DENIMS
White denims are Primark! Tops are ancient.
EVENINGS OUT
These trousers of a two-piece from Never Fully Dressed were worn on one evening with a cream top.
I wore this dress from Lolly’s Laundry (below) one evening and then the following day because the temperatures were in the mid-20s.
It is perfect for travelling as, firstly it does not crease, and secondly, it is really easy to wear and cool in warm weather.
My Whistles jumpsuit also got an airing.
You may notice my red Landa Cassia Phone Bag (gifted) in nearly every pic. This has been a lifesaver. It easily holds a phone, lippy, and sun screen. Check out www.landabags.com.
PACKING TIPS
- Check out the weather forecast before you pack
- Plan your outfits: separates work well
- Use packing cubes
- Roll your clothes
- Save space by using travel size e.g.my contact lens solution
- If you are travelling with someone, it is good to split clothes between 2 cases.
FOR THE AIRPLANE
- Pack a sandwich or two in case of delays
- Clean your table and seatbelt with sanitising wipes
- Use a nasal spray before and after flight to reduce risk of picking up a virus
FINALLY
So that was my most successful packing ever. And I decided to share it with you as we are heading off in May with Travel Department, this time to Tuscany. They have some offers on at the moment, so have a look for some savings on your holidays.
You know I value all of you who follow my little blog, FB and Instagram too. I hope you find something of interest in my posts on health, travel, beauty and whatever. Maybe, I have given you some tips on packing for a holiday away.
Thank you
Love Hilda x
For the last few years, I am an ambassador for Travel Department and my holiday was gifted. I have been travelling with them for 18 years and love what they offer. You can read about the trips with their sister company TD Active to India and to Morocco . Neither of those were gifted.
Thank you Hilda for those useful tips te packing. I HATE packing to go anywhere and agree about rolling things but I will always bring too much! Shoes are my problem and it is ridiculous to try and match outfits as WHO is going to notice them!
You always look very well put together Hilary. So I obviously notice. HA Ha
I am going to Italy on first of May, stating in Venice then to Florence and can’t wait ! I’m still working on what to take with me 😁
We are in Italy for a week then too. Going to check out weather before we go. Could be mid 20s.
Good tips Hilda! And great outfits. I always take to much,, and I travel by car….lol.
It is no problem when you travel by car! I throw everything in then too.xxx
Great post Hilda. Like you I always take way too much, great idea to share items between two bags ( I ‘share’ some of my stuff in my hubbys wheel-on bag, 😂he travels light. But I will keep that tip in mind. Someday I’ll get it right and wear everything I bring on holiday.. someday!! A good top is to start with footwear and then choose clothes that will work with your choices ( runners, Birks, sandals). And for me it has to be comfort on holiday, so loose flowery dresses and linens especially. I think I gain a size by day 2 but try to ignore it by wearing forgiving clothes. Life’s too short 🍸
I totally agree with everything you wrote Bernadette. Yes and comfort is key. xxx
Ps. I forgot to say I love your Travel Department adventures. We’ve just been to Lake Como with TD and it was wonderful. High time I checked them out. I’d really like to check out the TD Active holidays. It’s just hard to pin my husband down ( between one thing and another ⛳️), and we have an apartment in Spain that we need to be using as much as possible. But maybe soon
Vietnam, India, South Africa all amazing. We would like to do some of South America….
TUSCANY!
YOU KNOW I LIVED THERE FOR THREE YEARS!
I WAS MARRIED IN FLORENCE TOO AT SAN MINIATO al MONTE!LOOK FOR THE CHURCH BASILICO ON TOP OF A HILL!
I was married upstairs where the MONKS SING!NOTE very thin stained glass windows!
CIAO CIAO!!!!!!!!!!
Please down a gelato or three for me!
XXX
Will try to find it. Would love to see it. And yes to the gelatos xxxx
Hilda. I am reading this while sitting in the Montreal airport (layover from NB). I remember fondly when Jock would have layovers in Montreal
We are headed to The Netherlands and I have tried to pack very light. Not an easy task as it is going to be cool and rainy.
I love my packing cubes. They compact my clothes and keep things organized. I am also a roller. It makes it easy to locate items when you open the cubes
I haven’t hit the stylish level of over the Hilda but I am looking forward to biking through the Tulips
*I also loved the family photo from the wedding *
Love to you all
Ah Anne have a wonderful time and I hope the weather is better than you expect. Thank you for commenting and your kind words. It is really lovely to hear from you. xxxxx
Great tips, particularly packing cubes and rolling clothes. I don’t mind flying but the hubster hates it now, so we will only have flights to Greece this year. Love that red/white striped top! Thanks for linking x
I do not like to check in my bag so I try to pack lightly. We will be away for two weeks (and will be able to do laundry) so I am packing accordingly. My travel outfit is very similar to yours.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Once you can do laundry, it is so much easier.
I always feel so accomplished when I pack right; sadly it doesn’t happen often though. It never fails that I wish I had something I had left at home and end up not wearing an item or two I did pack and bring with me.
So much depends on the weather, doesn’t it?
Great tips Hilda, I try to really think about what I’m packing and only take dresses and one pieces away, makes it so much easier for me. X Jacqui.