by Noleen Wyatt-Jones

Created on: June 15, 2010

When I read in a magazine recently that packing the perfect summer holiday wardrobe was akin to cooking Christmas dinner I thought how ridiculous, but when I sat back and thought about it properly it actually makes perfect sense. At the end of the day there is nothing particularly onerous about either task, but somehow we all manage to panic and turn it into a far bigger issue than it needs to be; after all Christmas dinner is just another Sunday roast and a summer holiday suitcase is just a holiday suitcase! I know a couple of people who write endless lists of what to pack, all items under sub-headings to ensure nothing is forgotten, and one other dear friend who packs months in advance of her departure date thus ensuring that when she arrives at her destination all her clothes are horribly creased and inevitably she has forgotten the one item she really meant to pack! So how do we simplify this one vital part of the holiday process to ensure our pre holiday stress levels are kept to a minimum, and the all important holiday is not marred by the items we failed to pack?

Simplicity is the keyword to all holiday packing traumas. It really is not necessary to pack every single item of clothing you own on the off-chance you might wear it. Be honest with yourself; how many times have you come home with a suitcase bulging with items you have not worn? So to enjoy the perfect holiday you need to arrive with the perfect holiday wardrobe and the key to achieving that is planning and preparation, and not leaving the packing until the last moment! Think about your destination and if you are off to a hot country it really is unlikely that you will need several thick jumpers. Equally if the Arctic is your destination then the flimsy sarong may not get much use. Focus on packing 'outfits' which will go some way to avoiding the spectre of over-packing and it will also help to ensure that you don't pack the top that doesn't go with anything you have. Think about your footwear; if you are off on a beach holiday will you really need your Manolo Blahniks? and in reality how many pairs of shoes will you actually wear? The summer holiday staples of flip flops and a nice wedged espadrille will do you nicely and can fit with a multitude of clothing options. Instead of folding your clothes keep everything on its hanger and just lay it in your case. That way when you arrive unpacking will take the minimal amount of time and effort because you won't spend an eternity looking for non-existent coat hangers! It is also helpful to put the same thought into your flight outfit and your hand luggage. A light pair of trousers combined with a t shirt and cardigan/jacket  and a pair of flat pumps always works for me. It is always advisable to pack a spare outfit and swimming costume in your hand luggage just in case the luggage gets lost and you will then have two outfits to keep you going until your luggage finally arrives.

Ultimately a little pre planning and preparation will ensure that you arrive chilled and relaxed, and will very soon be sipping your first cocktail by the pool secure in the knowledge that you have packed the perfect summer holiday wardrobe.

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