Packing advice?

Vixi

I am in desperate need of tips/advice!

I am going away with a group of friends for August bank hol, Thursday to Monday, to Spain.

I had planned to take the following:
- 4 dresses
- 2 skirts
- 1 pair shorts, 1 pair skinny jeans
- several mix/match vests/tops
- 3 bikinis
- flip flops, flat gladiators, heels
This already looks too much, and yet I was thinking of taking more because I don't know some of the people very well, and I'm worried about not fitting in!!!

I realise this sounds a bit silly, but I don't do packing light!!

Any ideas for a "capsule" weekend break case??:o

kerri_gt

So you're going away for 5 days - two of which where you will most likely be spending a lot of time travelling. First thing I ask is do you really need three bikinis?

An obvious answer is 'wear what you want and don't worry about fitting in with others - just be yourself'

However, if you're not sure about where you might be going/doing then try and take items that can multi task - cut down on the dresses for a start but ensure the two you take are quite different - so you have different occasions covered. Also take one that you could wear casually in the day, then perhaps dress up in the evening.

For tops you are taking, make sure you can wear them with the jeans, shorts or skirts - that way you have more outfit choices and need to take less tops.

Also,think about what you are going to wear to travel in. For example, are you going to wear jeans to travel plus plan to take a pair...if so, why not just wear your skinny jeans to travel.

Remember you're only going for a few days, so you are going to have max 2 outfits per day (one for the day and one in the evening).

If you can take items that you can mix/match then you can wear things more than once - x skirt with a casual top on one day, then x skirt with a dressy top the next night when you go out. Trust me, no one will notice.

Also, think about what toiletries you're taking as these add weight - you don't all need to take sun cream, shampoo, conditioner etc. Even if you don't know all the group that well, try writing up a list with those who you do know better (and might feel more comfortable discussing this with) and arrange to take certain items that you don't all need to double up on. This will save space, and weight.

I travel with work quite a lot of often take flights with luggage weight restrictions in the EU (so 15kg usually). Be critical about what you're taking, pack early so you can review what you are taking and don't end up throwing things in while in a last minute panic and don't take items you barely wear at home as a 'just in case' because if you don't wear them at home, you're unlikely to wear them on hols.

Hope this helps - have a fab holiday

Vixi

:TThanks so much!

I know its all pretty common sense, but it has helped hugely having someone to tell me straight!

kerri_gt

No problem at all. There's actually a feature I just found on Yahoo this evening too http://uk.travel.yahoo.com/p-promo-3342067

I've learnt from experience - at the end of the day whats the worst that can happen if you don't take X top? You'll end up choosing something else and once out enjoying your holiday will forget all about it. Plus, the less you take, the less you have to unpack when you get home, and the more room you have for souveniers

Enjoy your holiday x

belfastgirl23

Also remember there are shops in spain. except for your passport and credit cards there's very little that isn't replaceable. Not very MS in one way but nor is ending up spending money on excess luggage

lucylucky

Vixi wrote: »

I am in desperate need of tips/advice!

I am going away with a group of friends for August bank hol, Thursday to Monday, to Spain.

I had planned to take the following:
- 2 dresses
- 1 skirts
- 1 pair shorts, 1 pair skinny jeans
- several No more than 4 mix/match vests/tops
- 2 bikinis
- flip flops, flat gladiators, heels
This already looks too much, and yet I was thinking of taking more because I don't know some of the people very well, and I'm worried about not fitting in!!!

I realise this sounds a bit silly, but I don't do packing light!!

Any ideas for a "capsule" weekend break case??:o

In red my changes and that is still too much

kerri_gt

Looking at your list I don't personally think that is too much - are you wearing your jeans to travel? I'm not convinced you need 2 bikinis, but since they hardly take up any room, I wouldn't fret about that.

Also, are you going to wear one of the pairs of shoes listed to travel? This would make more space too (though suggest you take a pair of socks in your hand luggage in case your feet are chilly on the flight).

What makes you think you are taking too much? Is it case size or weight limit?

I assume you are wearing a jumper/cardi when travelling too?

shandyclover

My only suggestion is to make sure you've worn the flip flops and sandals before. Walking for long in hot weather can give you blisters, so I always wear a pair of comfy sports shoes on the flight just as back up.

Also make sure you take sunglasses and insect repellent - I lived a year in Spain and these both were essential.