HOLIDAY S.O.S

Headed off on a much-needed winter break? Try our suitcase strategy to help steer you into a stress-free holiday.

 

1. Take one light suitcase

Samsonite make the best ones. Weighing in around the 2kg mark, you will more get in it without over-stepping the (horrendous) 23kg bag limit set by the local airlines.

 

 2. Ditch the white

White clothing is painfully limiting for travel. It can only be worn once and              when you send it off for cleaning at the hotel or resort, they will almost always screw it up and have it returned looking grey. 

 

 

3. Only pack enough outfits that forces you to wear everything once - at the very least.

Less is more when travelling. Less thinking, less decisions and less stuff. Lay out your clothes on the bed and work out how many outfits you have verses days. If you have fourteen looks for a seven day holiday, cut this by half and add three back in as evening options. You will have ample to choose from and will be sure to wear everything taken. Choose pieces that style easily together.

 

 

4. Remove all clothes that need an iron. 

The sound of the ironing board opening is dreadful enough at home. On holiday, it feels like nails on a blackboard. 

 

5. Take two to three pairs of shoes (max).

Shoes are weighty and cumbersome in the suitcase. Heels seem silly in the islands. And in the city, they become impractical as there is a high chance are you will be walking to explore your location. Reduce your footwear options to a pair of dressy trainers, ballet flats or sandals, and - if you must - a kitten heel for dinner.

Pictured Below: Paula Ryan Gold Flats $290

 

6. Bring two carry bags – total

This means one large (but light) tote that you can that pack down flat into a suitcase for extra shopping or take on the plane. Ensure it has a zip across the top to keep everything inside. The second bag should be a small flat canvas over -the-shoulder bag with multiple pockets. This will see you hands-free when on the move.

Picture below: Paula Ryan Tote Bag $140

 

Pictured Below: Paula Ryan Cross-body Multipurpose bag $110

 

 

7. Wear a neutral coloured scarf on the plane - in wool or cashmere (not acrylic!).

Grey or sand tones will style back with everything and not look too wintery on arrival. A warm, but light, scarf is also a blessing if the temperature unexpectantly drops.

Pictured below: Bridget wears the Luxury Scarf Company Merino/Cashmere scarf $165

 

 

8. Have a dedicated travel wallet or pouch to house jewellery and valuables

Losing your valuables on holiday is no joke. Keep them (and your money safe)    in a jewellery travel wallet and lock it in the safe before heading out. Having one central unit where everything is housed will also keep you from leaving things left lying around in your hotel room – to be forgotten or stolen. Taking statement jewellery pieces? Opt for the light pieces only.

 

Pictured below: Paula Ryan Large Jewellery Travel Wallet $95

Pictured Below: Paula Ryan Small Jewellery Wallet $75

 

9. Heading for the tropics?

Take a small selection of easy-care kaftans that you can wear day or night, but    not so fussy they can’t stand exposure to sunscreen. Preferably in crease-free      fabrics  for easy washing and wear.
“I’ll meet you by the pool, just as soon as I iron this kaftan” said no-one ever

 Pictured Below: Bridget wears the Paula Ryan Holiday Kaftan in Tropical Print, $395

 

 

10. Leave a little wiggle room in your case for shopping. 

Even if you are travelling to a desert island, chances are you will find yourself raiding the spa of Pure Fiji products. Despite your best intentions, we always return with more that we packed so leave a little room to remove that inevitable suitcase struggle on your final day.

 

 

 

 

 Written by Bridget Hope, Wardrobe Director

www.magpiestyle.co.nz