The golden rule when packing, is to bring only your absolute essentials. Photo / 123RF
The golden rule when packing, is to bring only your absolute essentials. Photo / 123RF
Plan ahead, pack well and you are halfway there writes Michiko Hylands.
Travelling light brings a wonderful sense of freedom. There's nothing worse than lugging giant bags through a busy airport and standing in queues for hours on end to collect them when you arrive. Why waste time at the baggage claim, when you could be already outside exploring a new, exciting destination.
It's actually totally possible to take everything you need in your hand luggage.
Yes, that's right, hand luggage! For those who have a habit of over packing, this may sound completely incomprehensible but once you master it, there's no going back. Gone are the days of yesteryear when suitcases were huge, albeit glamorous objects, made for "staff" to deal with.
Traveller extraordinaire, Chrystelle Baran of Baran de Bordeaux antiques swears by bringing a beautiful scarf or shawl on flights, to keep her warm in unpredictable cabin temperature. Photo / Supplied
The golden rule when packing, is to bring only your absolute essentials. Be super savvy and ask yourself, "do I really need it?"
Remember that versatility is your best friend here. A neutral colour palette always works well. Simply add splashes of colour to jazz it all up.
Clothes that are interchangeable and complementary are the key. Most importantly, this means that style doesn't have to be left at the front door.
Traveller extraordinaire, Chrystelle Baran of Baran de Bordeaux antiques always looks stylish. When flying, she swears by bringing on board a beautiful scarf or shawl, to keep you warm in unpredictable cabin temperature. Once you arrive at your destination, they can also work as a style accessory for all occasions. Baran adores her Louis Vuitton shawls.
"They're easy to pack, light and can instantly make something chic out of the simplest outfit. They're a great substitute for jackets if the weather turns out colder than expected".
• A good quality white cotton T-shirt, an item that works well with shorts and jeans.
• An oversized jacket in a neutral tone to dress up any outfit.
• Tailored shorts in a neutral tone that can take you from day to night — dress them up with a pair of heels.
• A collared shirt or a chambray/denim shirt works with practically everything.
• A plain white sneaker is the perfect shoe for inner-city sightseeing. Choose flats in nude, tan, black or metallic tones.
• Accessories such as a hat, sunglasses and jewellery can help make an outfit look great. Little touches bring a neutral wardrobe to life.
• A metallic cosmetic bag can double as an evening clutch bag.
And don't forget your little black dress — an absolute must-have. Baran says she always throws in "something extra special in case a last minute invite arrives during my travels. A girl has to be prepared for anything!"
Liam Salina Dress $249. Photo / Supplied
When it comes to packing your suitcase, roll your clothes instead of folding them and stuff your underwear and socks into your shoes to save space. If something becomes creased, try hanging it up in a steamy bathroom when you reach your destination — wrinkles should drop out easily.
Baran also notes that packing cells are a traveller's best friend. "The best way to save space is packing everything into zip-up pouches, she says. "I love them. They reduce the size of everything and minimise the amount of ironing at the other end."
Holiday essentials:
When it comes to beauty items, PR and fashion guru Jacqui Ansin, Director and Owner of Lily & Louis says, "I decant all my beauty essentials into mini travel bottles". She states that she can't live without her "MAC Fix Plus spray ... for rehydration while travelling".
Countless celebrities swear by Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream for keeping skin and lips hydrated while travelling. Moroccan oil is a godsend to keep frizzy hair at bay in hot climates, and to help accentuate your golden holiday glow — without looking overly made up, try a bronzing powder and a couple of coats of mascara.
Luggage:
For choice of suitcases, Ansin prefers using a hard cover option because "it is light and easy to manoeuvre".
Suitcases with four 360-degree spinning wheels are convenient and stress-free. Stick to sizes that are cabin baggage approved, like the Samsonite Lite-Cube deluxe, a 55cm deluxe suitcase that features a sophisticated leather trim and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Samsonite Firelite Spinner 55cm Cabin Case in charcoal $749 from Smith & Caughey's. Photo / Supplied
Bags that have a handy zipped up and roomy front pocket give easy access to all your important travel documents. The Delsey Tuileries 55cm Softside Spinner is a carry-on dream — the interior pocket and a large front zip section makes passing through security a breeze.
For a versatile option, a large, lightweight tote bag can double as a beach bag or shopping bag.
