How to Pack for a Summer in Europe...and Still Feel Fashionable

Packing for a summer in Europe for a 20 something female traveller requires strategic planning. Wardrobe choices in a 55L backpack have to be limited. This means that items of clothing have to do double duty. Dresses have to be able to go beach cover up in Mykonos to being dance-floor appropriate by sundown. 


1. Pack your backpack twice


The first time you pack your backpack is to gauge how heavy it is. Note down the weight. On the second pack, aim to get rid of multiple items and slice away some extra kilos from your backpack. Be ruthless. I had to say farewell to my beloved maxi dress...


2. Pack one classic LBD


If you only bring one dress, make sure it's black. In this case my Little Black Dress can go from smart casual dinner to job interview in London. For others having one classic LBD in your wardrobe helps you feel fashionable in case you're invited to dinner with Carla Bruni. Ensure this LBD is lightweight and easy to wash, preferable of jersey-type material.


3. Separate your clothes by using packing cubes or bags


I bought some great plastic bags from the $2 shop (of all places!) that divides my clothes. At the same time I can use these for keeping my dirty clothes separate or for storing wet bathers.


4. Use a toiletry/cosmetics bag with separate see through compartments


I picked up a Revlon bag with three separate compartments which makes for easy packing. I used mine as a makeup and jewellery holder. The best thing about it is that you can easily see what's inside. To hold necklaces and earrings I've reused the little bags you get from jewellery stores so nothing gets tangled up.


5. Don't forget your chargers!


Of all the things that are easily replaceable, chargers always seem to be the most expensive. Check your chargers and if there's room pack them in your carry on. If your laptop runs out of battery in transit you should be able to find a power outlet in the airport...I saw someone waiting in line to board their flight to Singapore with their iPod stuck into the wall.


I'm about to head on the road, so my future blog posts will soon be straight from Europe. 

How to Pack for a South East Asian holiday...

Before you're on the plane to eventually drinking out of a coconut, as I'm doing in Bali in December 2009, you need to pack for your trip.

You either love or hate packing for a trip. Fastidious packers have a list and get themselves organised well in advance. Last minute packers run around throwing things into their suitcase that they might never end up wearing. Personally, I usually have a list of what to pack and pile it into my bag the night before a holiday.

Shorter trips can be just as hard to pack for as longer ones. You need to maximise use of your clothes and ensure that there's enough purchase space for your new buys. This can be a challenge on a budget airline on a 15kg limit! It's possible though, with some strategic outfit planning ahead of time.

Visiting a tropical Asian holiday destination presents different challenges. The weather is going to be hot, humid and sticky when you step off the plane. Your pashmina needs to be unwrapped even before you disembark the aircraft. You need light, summery clothing items and appropriate cover-ups.

In my suitcase, I'll be packing the following essential items for my trip to the Philippines:

1. A cardigan for the evenings

Preferably black! A black cardigan complements any outfit. Even a maxi dress. See #5.

2. Comfortable walking shoes

 

An obvious essential. My good old Converse shoes survived hours of walking the streets of Japan! They're slightly worn but will still be making this trip.


3. Across the shoulder sling bag

I was a green traveller when I did a Contiki Europe and realised most of the girls but had brought satchel style black bags. This bag style is practical and safe. It's easy to swap shoulder-sides if it gets heavy. You have easy access to your bag at all times. I've been using an Esprit bag but am in the market for a new one. Perhaps this one from Urban Outfitters...

4. More than one bikini

 

One for Monday, one for Tuesday, one for Wednesday...you get the idea. On the plus side swimsuits are light and are technically "underwear".

5. Dual wear dresses

You need a dress that translates seamlessly from beach to bar. Maxi dresses and sundresses are great options.

6 more sleeps to go!