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Summer Suitcase: Jet-setting overseas? Tick off these Packing List Basics for the perfect break.

14 May 2008

I may be your favourite tipster, but that doesn't mean I can't learn and pick up a few of my own every now and then!

Having recently choofed off to China (yep, that's a brag...as opposed to a blog) travelliing at break-neck speed to take in 4 cities (5 if you include the Forbidden one), 2 'receptions', 5 dinners, 3 shopping sprees, 4 temples, 352 steps, 1 Great Wall (well sure, only part of one) and a Hutong...I really put my packing skills to the test.

Here's the best of what I learned for rapid travel get aways:

Luggage Organisers are a God send: For frequent, easy and efficient unpacking and repacking they are fantastic. I could find what I needed instantly and then when it came time to pack again, I simply threw 'em in and away I went. They pack flat very well and capably keep smells and dirt contained. When I got home, it was an easy dump, wash and put away. No tedious scarifying and sniffing to sort required.

Refillable Toiletry Containers in a Regulation Clear Resealable Bag are a must: When moving from plane to bus and hotel rooms, this handy ensemble got me through security in a breeze and really helped to keep my beauty bag stash to a minimum. Snap lock Glad bags just don't cut it...keep them for the sambo's. Ciao Bella Travel have a great selection and they are cheap as.

Ditch the jogging shoes unless that is what you intend to use them for: It's just not a good look I'm sorry. There are great shoes out there that not only look stylish, but you can actually wear them with more things and not look like a desperate tourist! I had a pair of black suede Naots and I wore them with confidence from shopping, out to lunch and walking the Great Wall. Simple black flat pumps and thong-sandals, their perfect partners for a touch of 'chic'.

A Black, White, Caramel & Koala Grey palette rules!:

Bottoms: I took 3 pairs of full length black pants and 1 pair of tights. Full length are a must, no 3/4's please they just don't have the versatility. Fabric choice is key. Bamboo (from Bamboo Body) for comfort and no creases, cotton for the heat and fine soft wool for the cooler days and nights.

Tops: I lived in my Sam and Mia white cotton kaftans. On their own, layerd over my cotton bottoms and with tights - handy variations again with minimum fuss and space. I threw in a dash of red and green with long sleeves for a bit of variety.

Caramel Throw: this was cashmere and was always rolled up in my day bag just in case. It was my blanket on the plane, my extra layer for day or night, so easy to dress up or down...indispensible! I bought it from Peony.

Grey Wrap Top: again, cashmere. Light, no creases but again, very warm. Because it was an open wrap style, I could wear it so many ways. It became my most prized piece because I could change my look totally, just by changing how I wore it...belted, pinned, open, tied. Again, a Peony purchase.

I never had to iron and because I'm a 'roller', everything fitted perfectly and in a smaller bag - hubby and I needed only one between us!

Bags - aside from your suitcase, you need 3:

A stylish document holder is very handy too. Again, to keep things all together for an easy grab and processing through security and customs. Matching the carry-on a particularly nice touch.
Just make sure your ticket folders fit!

Well, I think that's about it. If you are jetting off for your next break, these basics should get you through with ease and of course, with style.

Ciao bellas!
Until next time.
H.G.
xx

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