BNE Traveller Tips: How to pack like a pro

If our recent Facebook poll is anything to go by, it seems personal packing style is as divisive as a person’s favourite breed of dog.  

Some travellers plan weeks or months ahead, while others live at the other end of the luggage spectrum, throwing a selection of clothes into a suitcase a few hours before taking off.

To get insight into our travellers’ packing rituals, we asked them how they like to pack for a holiday, so you can improve your packing skills for your next holiday.

 

 

How to: Pack like a planner

Already know which outfit you’ll wear while walking through the Colosseum on a warm #EuroSummer day, or while drinking sundowners on the Amalfi Coast? Chances are you’ve got this packing thing down to a fine art and don’t even need to read this blog.

But if you want to get more organised than Marie Kondo on a business trip, visualise the activities you have planned for each day of the holiday and lay out outfit choices to suit.  

Make like BNE Traveller Di Ritchie, who told us,

“Everything is set aside in the spare room about three weeks prior, then I cull before I pack a few days before.”

Pack with a printout of your itinerary and before you place your outfits into your suitcase, check over your selection to refine your wardrobe one last time.

 

 

How to: Pack more spontaneously

Sick of over-planning? Leave old habits at home and live on the wild side by packing at the last minute. 

Chances are, you’ll end up packing more judiciously because you don’t have time to overthink what’s going in.

Follow in the footsteps of last-minute packing warrior, BNE Traveller Wendy Campbell,

“Night before if it’s an early flight or on the day if later.”

To save yourself from any wardrobe disasters, pick neutral colours and stick to your basics which can be mixed and matched: jeans, tops, jackets, shorts or skirts. 

TIP:  If you feel like you need a lifeline with your new packing habit, remember you can usually buy anything you’ve missed at the airport or your final destination. 

 

 

How to: Pack for a multi-climate itinerary

Heading on a round-the-world itinerary or multi-country stop? Lucky you. While crossing multiple timelines you may also be crossing multiple weather forecasts. 

If you’re hitting both the United Kingdom and Spain at the start of Autumn, the temperatures could sway 10 to 15 degrees between countries which presents its own packing challenges. 

Invest in packing cubes or separate your bag with the clothes you’ll need for the different stops along your journey – keeping the summer dresses set aside until touching down in Europe, so you’re not pulling out your entire wardrobe with each stop along the way. 

Make sure you mimic BNE Traveller Kseniya Williams,

“Check over everything again the day before, after checking the destination weather forecast.”

 

 

How to: Pack for an international sabbatical

Planning on being away for several months? Take BNE Traveller Kim Mills’ advice and pack well in advance,

“Europe for four months, several seasons, car tripping and cruising - packed months in advance…and happy I did.”

Just like it’s important to choose the right people to travel with for an extended trip you’ll want to make sure you pack your wardrobe favourites too. 

Pack only the pieces you absolutely love and feel good in. Remember, you’ll want to look good while making all your friends double tap your photos with green-eyed envy.

Once you’ve worn them to death, drop them at a local charity shop to let someone else enjoy your well-worn wardrobe and make room for new purchases for the way home – double win. 

 

 

How to: Pack the perfect plane attire

Forget the holiday - what are you going to wear to get there? 

For BNE Traveller Nicholas Breust, ensuring his plane outfit is on point trumps his holiday wardrobe,

“Suitcase packed the night before, but I know what I’m wearing on the plane weeks or months ahead.”

Unless you’re flying in the pointy end of the plane and will be presented with pyjamas to change into, you’ll want to ensure you fly comfortable. 

Remember: long haul flights = swollen feet and legs so make sure your shoes have room to move.  

 

Do you have any packing tips to share? Leave a comment on Facebook.

 

CREDITS

• Feature image: What style of holiday packer are you? | Image by Shutterstock
• Check out these tips from packing expert Nikki Parkinson.