17 July 2014

TOP TIPS ON TRAVELLING LIGHT



Image via Pinterest

Some people take the art of travel quite seriously and others are much more of a last minute dash sort of person, where clothes are grabbed, shoes are flung and passports are clutched in hand while racing to the airport. As a traveller I think I fall between the two, not organised enough to plan that far ahead but happy that I know what essentials I couldn't fly without. Often I like to travel light but be prepared for any event, and no I'm not talking first aid kits and travellers cheques, but fun adventures and serendipitous moments.

There are a few places that I've been itching to visit: San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Amsterdam and Berlin are a few that come to mind, and as I get nearer to jetting off into the big blue I thought I'd share some of my top tips for travelling light to one of my top destinations, New York City.


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1. First choose the right luggage, for those long weekends abroad it's easy to get carried away and pack everything but the kitchen sink, when actually all you need is a carry on case like this TRIPP Cabin Luggage from Debenhams which will allow you to jump all those airport cues when you check in online.

2. To save time going through airport security make sure you carry any toiletries in a transparent wash bag, allowing all your essentials to be viewed at the same time. It is also worth noting that you can't take any liquid based products over 100ml on a plane, so buy the travel size version of your usual products, this will save space in your case as well as time at airport security.

3. When going away for a mini break, try to narrow your footwear down to two pair only. I know this sounds like an impossible task but it can be done. Pack a pair of day shoes that are comfortable and go with the clothes you've chosen to take with you, and pack a pair of versatile sandals, like these Roberto Vianni wedge sandals which are on trend and look perfect teamed up with a little black dress, but equally work well with skinny jeans if you want to style it up during the day. Packing only one pair of shoes in your case while wearing the other pair will save room and keep your case light.

4. When deciding on what clothes to pack, take a moment to go through your outfits and choose items that can be mixed and matched. This will allow you to minimise the amount you take with you and make it easier for you to get ready quickly while abroad. One of my must takes is a pair of black skinny jeans, by packing a few different tops and some statement jewellery you can dress them up or down depending on your mood. Wear them with pumps and a vest during the day for a casual look or team with wedge sandals, gold jewellery and a silk floral kimono jacket for something a bit more chic. Black tends to go with everything so it's a must have for travelling.

5. Always take swimwear! You never know when it might come in handy. Imagine sipping cocktails on a roof top pool with the city bustling below or heading out to the Lido on Staten Island, it feels like a scene out of Sex in the City. I love my Green Tropical Ruched Bikini which allows me to be ready for a quick dip wherever I am.


6. While travelling light be sure to take these four important things:

• Passport. You would be surprised at how many people miss their flight due to a misplaced passport. Be sure to carry this on your person rather than in your case.

A Guide Book with map. Almost everyone has google maps at their finger tips and various travel apps to find those cool places off the beaten track, call me old skool but I find it useful to have a travel guide to hand with my must see places highlighted, so if my phone runs out of battery when I'm out and about I'm still able to navigate the streets and find that famous NYC coffee house you were desperate to go check out. Plus I always like to scribble notes in mine which makes it a nice memento to keep from the holiday.

A Small Notepad/Phone Book for keeping those all important numbers safe. It's best to write down the hotel/apartment address and postcode, telephone number as well as the number of your foreign office and your passport details. These can be a lifesaver if you find yourself lost or in trouble.

A Good Book. This item is a must, it will keep you occupied on the flight, it can be used as a companion if dining alone, a conversation starter when meeting new people, a tool to reject unwanted attention, and a good excuse to sit back, relax and soak in the city.

7. When packing split the case into two sections, one side for clothes, and the other side for shoes, toiletries, books and camera. This way you can ensure you haven't overpacked and simultaneously makes everything easy to find.

8. I always take my Mini Diana Lomo camera with me when travelling, there's something so gratifying about shooting on film and it's aways a great surprise to see the developed images when you're back at home. I find this a great way to appease those post holiday blues.

Now I've packed my case I can't wait to jet off on an adventure. I'll be posting some travel tips on Twitter with the hashtag #travellight Why not join in and let me know what your top tips for travelling light are using.

This post is in collaboration with Debenhams

You can read my post on travelling to Paris here and our engagement story in Rome here


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25 comments

  1. iphones and ipads make it much easier to travel light - they're a guidebook, map, holiday read, etc. all in one! Just don't forget to pack the charger and an adapter.

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  2. Great tips! I would love to go to New York x

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  3. great tips - I'm terrible at traveling light!

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  4. Great tips, I'm actually going away on Sunday for three days and freaking out what to pack!

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  5. I'm terrible at packing light which is probably why we always holiday in the UK! This has reminded me though that I need to get a new suitcase as I found my son jumping on it before I was able to put it away!

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  6. I haven't been abroad since having children, this post makes me want to go somewhere!

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  7. I am a last minute packer, but really organised.

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  8. Great post. We're about to travel hand luggage only to Russia....3 kids, 2 adults for 8 days away - eek!!

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  9. I can't travel light - I always overpack!! Great tips though

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  10. Some very good tips, thank you so much for sharing .x

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  11. This is a great list for light holiday packing.Good advice here.

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  12. I loved this little peak into your suitcase and all your gorgeous holiday bits (especially the camera). Great tips, I found it impossible to pack light for just two days in Dorset recently!

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  13. i've never been abroad and i've very rarely had any holidays in the uk so i have pretty much no packing experience! great tips though, and i love your diana ..and your glasses :)

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  14. With two young children, we're not really able to pack light yet. We're planning our first foreign holiday as a family next year and I'm dreading the amount of stuff we'll end up taking! Good tips though

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  15. Such great tips! I am so rubbish at packing. We're going on holiday next month, though, and are determined to travel light, especially since I'd like to bring some things back (we're going home).

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  16. Great tips! And you are right, the bag is so important! Everything depends on having a good luggage that is safe and good to handle!

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  17. Roll your clothes instead of folding them, you'll get loads more in your case! #travellight

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  18. If you're going to NYC at this time of year take as few clothes as possible. Don't underestimate how shockingly hot and humid it is. But, ironically, take a sweater and a scarf for air conditioned offices/restaurants! I lived there for a year and the seasons are extreme to say the least. And, always walk on the shady side of the street. You can tell the tourists by the fact they're the ones milling about in the sun! #travellight

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  19. I am one of those weird people who loves to pack and then repack again to see how I can slim things down - I always make sure I have my essentials but I don't like to carry anything unnecessary or that adds extra weight. Great post btw :)

    Laura x

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  20. Absolutely fabulous tips. Your photography is out of this world.
    Liska x

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  21. I always over-pack. I am really not good with traveling light, that's why I adore car travel, so I can pack all I need (+100s things I don't really need but they got to go anyway)

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  22. I always end up packing to much. Since having Max I have promised to try a new tact of packing but it has yet to work. I would adore to visit New York - has been a dream of mine for a long time.

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  23. I love your packing tips - I would never have thought of taking swimwear on a mini break! Definitely a good book is essential for mini holidays or trips away!

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  24. Genius tips :) I'm terrible, terrible at packing light. x

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  25. This is very comprehensively nice piece of information. I will have to keep these in mind. Going on vacation is all about having fun, but poor planning can ruin your trip before you get to your destination.

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