Carry-on only: How to pack light for a girls’ weekend away
Girls’ holidays are something to look forward to whenever you need an escape. There is nothing better than spending a long weekend with your best girlfriends. Whether you choose to rent a cottage in the UK or fly to an all-inclusive resort, memories made will last a lifetime.
Before you can get down to the laughter and fun, you’ll need to pack. Going away for a weekend means you can get away with only packing carry-on luggage and avoiding any extra charges for a bigger suitcase. Here are some tips to help you pack everything you need without sacrificing on essentials or comfort.
Master the art of smart outfit planning
Capsule wardrobes are ideal ways to make sure you have enough outfits and enough space in your case.
Start by working out the number of outfits you need and any specific events. For example, heading to a themed party requires additional pieces which may not work for other occasions.
Next, think about ways to mix and match your clothes. Versatile items such as casual women’s dresses can be dressed up and down, paired with jackets or knitwear to account for weather changes, and don’t take up much space at all.
Beauty, toiletries and gadgets you actually need
The rules regarding liquids in hand luggage have changed somewhat recently. If you are travelling from Edinburgh or Birmingham, the usual 100ml rule has been scrapped. Everywhere else still has this in place, though. Make sure you check before you fly to avoid tossing out precious lotions and cosmetics at security.
Most skincare and cosmetics brands sell travel-sized versions of their products, so investing in these takes out the stress of measuring fluids. Think about multi-use products, too. 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner may be OK for a couple of days away, as will using blush as eyeshadow.
Multi-use plugs are also a must on short trips. Plugs with several USB ports mean you can charge a couple of things at once – just don’t forget any travel adaptors! Alternatively, you could pack an extension cord. A tip from avid travellers is to pack a USB-powered hand fan, which is helpful in a hot country as you can pop it in your hand luggage and your handbag when out and about.
Packing techniques to maximise space (without stress)
Everyone has their own packing method to maximise space, and a lot of it is thinking logically. Rolling clothes is a classic method. Some people roll their clothes individually, whereas others like to roll complete outfits together. Another way is to use cubes for each outfit.
Digital checklists are a great way to make sure you don’t overpack. Even if you create a note on your phone, having a visual reminder when packing helps to eliminate excess items, saving space for the important bits.
Before you head to the airport. Try to use your scales at home to weigh your bag. Overweight bags are often charged more or end up being checked into the hold. The same goes for oversized bags, so double-check the measurements against your airline’s policy.
