By You've picked your destination, booked your ticket and the holiday vibes await. But the art of packing? That's one hurdle we're still struggling to master.
It's a familiar scene: chaotically cramming every dress, top and hat you own into one suitcase only to arrive with an array of mis-matched pieces. And yep, that expensive bottle of shampoo has leaked everywhere.
Well folks, these professional jet-setters are here to help. They know a thing or two about travelling in style, so take note of their savvy insider tips. Now all you have to worry about is ordering another piña colada…
"Packing is something I've had to get really good at, as I travel often for work and living out of a suitcase is the pits if I don't stick to my golden rule: pack in outfits! Lay them out, try them on and make sure you've got your favourite pieces that can be worn and re-worn throughout the trip. I always take at least one pair of trusty denim shorts that I know I'll wear at least three times."
Renee Shoulder Bag, £150; Hotchpotch Brodierie Top, £60; Rachel Chino Shorts, £45
- Lindsey Holland, founder and editor of RopesofHolland.com
"If you're a bookworm like me but want to avoid overweight luggage, you can pre-order books to be delivered to your destination. Before travelling, I order my favourites so they're at my hotel when I arrive. The best books that I've read recently are 'The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k', all of Elena Ferrante's novels (I went in a black hole for a few weeks!) and 'Departures' by Anna Hart."
Althea Sunglasses, £70; The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k, £9; Departures book, £10
- Serena Guen, founder of SUITCASE
"Before going on holiday, I love to Insta-search the destination and find locations that are photo-worthy. I then plan what to wear depending on the vibe — if it's a vibrant place, I'll pack all-white pieces or if it's more mellow, it's time to add some colour. Otherwise, I make sure I have a good lip balm and a great moisturiser so I can give my skin a break and let it glow."
Swimsuit, £60; Balm, £25; Pompom Beach Bag, £70
- Nia Pettitt, Content Creator
"Using shoe dust bags I've accumulated over the years, I separate everything into compartments within my suitcase. One for underwear, one for swimwear, one for T-shirts and so on. Not only does it save on space, I find it makes the unpacking process much quicker and keeps everything organised. I then re-use those bags to organise my laundry as I re-pack before going home. It makes the post-holiday unpacking far less traumatising!
"I also try to pack things that have double usage. For example, a loose linen shirt works as a beach cover-up during the day, and then worn with high-waisted shorts and knotted at the middle works for evening drinks. If I'm packing winter boots I stuff them with socks or vests to help keep their shape."
The Linen Shirt, £55; Teresa Espadrilles, £65; Cora Shorts, £50; Althea Sunglasses, £70
- Harriet Stewart, ELLE's Associate Fashion Editor
"For me, it's vital to take beauty items that I know make me feel good wherever I am. Rose water spray is essential for long flights and organic makeup wipes are bliss after a day of travelling. I find mini versions so I can take them on as hand luggage.
"I also rely heavily on apps — a Kindle is great for holiday reading without carting round endless books, Google Translate helps when travelling in foreign countries and I love to use Shazam for picking up new music on the road."
Kira Shoulder Bag, £130; Rose face mist, £28; Organic face wipes, £5.50
- Ciara Johnson, travel blogger
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