Packing is not rocket science
So, let’s not make it more complicated than it needs to be. We don’t need lists or charts or hours of planning. Of course, if that’s something you enjoy doing, by all means do it. As far as I’m concerned, that just sounds like a lot of work, and can do without it.
So, where do we start?
The weather, destination, duration of the trip and airline luggage allowance, that’s what we need to keep in mind. In this case I was packing for a 3-day trip in Barcelona in early June (= hot weather, casual wear), and travelling with cabin luggage only. In fact, I was travelling Business Class, so I could have taken an extra piece of cabin luggage, but I was fine with my cabin-size trolley and a tote bag.
Cabin luggage dos and don’ts
Cabin luggage means a bag or a trolley that fits into the aircraft overhead locker and a handbag / small(ish) tote (or just the one bag / trolley, depending on the airline) that you place under the seat in front of you.
It does not mean half a dozen bags and parcels of various shapes and sizes that you try to smuggle past the cabin crew. Don’t be that space hogging egomaniac who thinks aircraft overhead lockers are just for their personal use. There is absolutely no excuse for such rude behaviour; it is stealing, plain and simple. Remember, your fellow passengers have paid for their share of the overhead locker, too. In other words, if what you plan to take with you doesn’t fit into one trolley, either leave it home or check it in.
Worried about potentially losing your checked luggage? Use a Trakdot or other similar gizmo to keep track of it. That way you can see your suitcase moving around the airport where it got stuck when you changed planes (yep, been there…).
What about cosmetics and toiletries? Well, you know those resealable plastic bags you’re supposed to fit everything in? Repeat after me: if it doesn’t fit into the plastic bag, leave it home or check it in…
What to pack for 3 days?
First things first: the bag. A small crossbody bag always works: hands-free and bag-snatcher safe (this is a real concern in Barcelona). And two pairs of sunglasses should be enough. What, one pair should do it? NO WAY! I always take my favourite (of the moment) pair and a spare.
And the clothes? Well, what goes with the bag? The orange and navy maxi dress you saw in an earlier post, and this jersey maxi skirt, for example. I wore the skirt on two days out of the three (mainly because I like it so much). I also had another maxi skirt that I was wearing on the flight over, but there are no photos of that. Oh well, another day and another post…
OK, making progress…
Next, let’s find some tops that go with the skirt, non-iron only. A linen shirt (or two) is always good as it also protects me from the sun. No, I don’t iron them. It’s linen for heaven’s sake, it starts wrinkling the second you take it out of the wardrobe…
OK, where were we? A couple of t-shirts and two pairs of shoes. That’s a lot of walking around in 3 days, so let’s make that 2 pairs of walking shoes. Well, that’s easy: all my shoes are walking shoes (as I have no car or a chauffeur, I have no use for impractical shoes). Let’s make the other pair sandals, it’s summer after all. I could probably manage with just one pair of shoes, but it’s nice to give my feet an alternative. You know, when they get sore and angry after a long day of walking, a ‘new’ pair of shoes might fool them into thinking they’re being pampered…
OK, now all we need to do is toss a couple of necklaces into the mix and we’re done. So, to revise, that was one cabin-size trolley containing a maxi dress, 2 maxi skirts (well, obviously I was wearing one on the plane…), 2 t-shirts, 2 linen shirts, underwear and a nightie, a big round hairbrush, 2 pairs of shoes, 2 pairs of sunglasses, 4 necklaces (I only wore two, hmm…), a sun umbrella, a pashmina (to wear on the plane), a crossbody bag, a Longchamp le pliage tote (to toss magazines, handbag, etc into for the flight for easy access), some toiletries (yes, I bring my own shampoo and conditioner; my hair is a real diva…).
Yes, there was enough room for some shopping, too…
Outfit details:
maxi skirt: lexington / sunglasses: Marimekko / bag: Furla / linen shirt: Marks and Spencer (old) /
t-shirt: KappAhl / white shoes: Clarks (old) / sandals: Clarks / sun umbrella: James Smith and Sons
And if was going away for a longer period, a week maybe? How would I fit everything in, then? Well, that’s easy, I’d take a suitcase and check it in…
Tiina
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I think you must be an expert by now on flying with luggage. Also wearing layers in the plain, to spare space in your trolley, and in plaines its often cold, so layering isn t a bad thing then.
I don't know if I'm an expert, but I have learned that being a frequent flyer makes me lazy. As in, I try to find ways to simplify my life, make do with less and carry as little as possible. And I've always been very good at living out of a suitcase…
I definitely agree to pack less, but more important stuff, thanks for other tips xoxohttps://theninebyivana.blogspot.com/
Yes, it all about WHAT you pack… Clothes that can multitask ratjer than one-off outfits, and only clothes that weigh nothing.
Great skirt! And I definitely agree that you don't need very many clothes when you travel. I always used to take "just in case" clothes, but I'm determined to be very efficient this year and only take well-selected pieces that all go together and can be mixed and matched. We'll see how it'll go!
I always take some 'just in case' clothes, too! It's good to have a long-sleeved top or a raincoat if you need it. I always pack something that I end up not wearing at all, and that's OK. As long as everything (including the 'just in case' clothes) mix and match perfectly and there is plenty of choice.
Loving the shirt+skirt+bag combo! This said, those are great tips. I use the exact same ones and only take clothes that I can mix and match.Regards,Albawww.thealblog.com
I really, really love that skirt! I actually have two of them. Yes, the same skirt. I wear it so much, and it travels really well.
Great tips and nice look(s). I need to try wearing my chambray top like that again.Thank you for linking up to "Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me"Rachel xohttp://garaytreasures.com
Thanks, Rachel! A long-sleeved linen chambray shirt is a summer / hot weather necessity for me, a great way to protect my skin from the sun
I feel the exact same way! When I was younger, I took so much STUFF and now I wonder how much I can get away with NOT taking! lol. Cute picks! Stopping by from the Pleated Poppy Link-Up!-AdrieleStyleAssisted.com
Thanks, Adriele! It's amazing how little you actually need, isn't it?
I love this post. lol Nothing makes me any more upset than to be seated on the plane and have someone standing over me trying to stuff a too big bag/bags in the overhead. Carryon wears me out and I think the airline companies should monitor it better. Now off my rant. lol Love your skirt and linen top, I hate to say it but I have always ironed by linen, but you make a good point why? lol
Oh yes, those people with their many, many bags… Just one of the things that make travelling so frustrating.
Great post. I love to travel, and packing is always a challenge. My problem is I like to have choices, but how many choices does a girl need for a three day get away. Love your outfits!Amywww.stylingrannymama.com
I actually really dislike travelling, I mean the actual travelling from A to B, the airports, luggage etc, I find it very stressful. And that had led me to streamline the whole process as much as possible, even if it means 'less choice' when it comes to outfits. But seriously, 3 days is a very short time, how many different outfits do we normally wear in that time?
You are a pro at packing. We went for a weekend getaway a few weeks ago and the car was so full. Love this outfit!Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon! Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com
Thanks, Alice. I still manage to pack way more than I actually need, or forget something. But I'm learning.