How to pack for a holiday to any destination

With the world and Australia opening up with fewer restrictions, travel is back on the schedule for so many. There is a huge back catalogue of “what to pack” blog posts HERE but when it comes down to it, below is my tried and true method for how to pack for a holiday to any destination.

I’ve put together a video that includes some of my tips, specific to what to pack for an Easter holiday at the beach in south-east Queensland. It’s how we’re spending Easter but according to Wotif.com, it’s also how many Australians are spending Easter this year.

What I’m packing is all about beach casual but with light layers and a raincoat because it’s a late Easter this year and, let’s face it, any day when the sun has come out is a bonus that we don’t take for granted. Watch the video for more.

10 tips for how to pack for a holiday to any destination

1. Check the weather at the destination of the place/places you’re visiting. I use the weather app for this and find that it rarely steers me off course, even working a week in advance. 

2. Consider what activities or events you’ll be doing or attending. Whether this swimming, an event or a specific tour or activity, make sure you have outfits to suit.

3. Write down outfit possibilities and start a packing list in advance. I use the notes function on my phone. The beauty of doing this is that I can refer to it when travelling if I forget the combinations I’d planned at home.

4. Put all proposed outfits – including shoes and accessories – out in one place. I like to hang up the clothes to see just exactly how much my list translates to and what I might need to add or cull. I do this a week or so out so I can keep going back to what I’ve selected and make changes before putting in a suitcase. Working from a capsule wardrobe where separates work back with each other is key to creating lots of outfit options for while you’re away from home.

5. The key to a workable travel capsule wardrobe, I think, is keeping to one or two neutral colours. But it’s totally ok if your neutrals are hot pink and red. If they work back with each other and most of what you’re packing, you’ll always have something to wear.

6. Ensure all – or the majority – of packed pieces clothes that don’t crush or need ironing. Who wants to iron while away? Not me. Styling You The Label was created for this in mind – especially for travel.

7. Add in a couple of extra white or black tees for luck. If you have the pants, jeans, shorts and accessories sorted then these are all you need to extend your travel wardrobe. 

8. Don’t forget underwear. Seems obvious but there have been many a time I’ve nearly forgotten mine. And then one time I actually did forget. I’d been so engrossed in the outfit-planning mode that I forgot the essentials. 

9. Don’t forget the activewear. I don’t leave home without mine – and my sneakers. Exploring somewhere new by walking is one of my favourite things to do.

10. Roll and pack into packing cubes. I’m a huge fan of packing cubes for keeping different types of clothing all in one place, eg underwear, activewear and swimsuits. It makes for a better organised suitcase during your holiday too.

Are you heading away somewhere soon? What’s your number one packing tip?

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