Expedia recently surveyed British travelers to try and get a sense of their packing habits. The survey revealed that 40% of them spend up to two days packing, but that 27% manage to pack everything in under an hour. 73% of those interviewed revealed that they pack items they don’t actually need.
More troubling is that Brits apparently have trouble making sure they don’t pack items that are not allowed in their (hand) baggage. 72% of those interviewed admitted that they’d had items confiscated at the security checkpoint, with cosmetics and toiletries taking the top spot (19%) and food taking the second (12%.)
For Brits, the short city break is the most challenging to pack for, because most travelers don’t plan much in advance, and are not alway aware of the activities they plan to participate in. When asked what items they can’t live without on their holiday, the number one item was “my camera”, followed by “books” and “sun cream”. The iPod doesn’t show up on the list till the 9th spot.
To create the perfect packing process, Expedia UK asked fashion writer Siam Goorwich for her tips on how to fight packing woes.
Top tips for the perfect holiday wardrobe
Beach break
Be honest with yourself
There’s no point dragging that bikini/ dress/ pair of shorts half way across the world if you don’t actually feel comfortable in them. If you’re not sure in your bedroom leave it.
Pack a cotton sarong
It will keep you cool in the heat, and warm if it gets a bit chilly. Also great for covering burnt bits!
City Break
Create a capsule wardrobe
On a city break you want to feel and look good, but ultimately it’s all about speed and ease – you’re only there for a couple of days, so don’t want to waste time faffing over outfits. Take time at home to put together the perfect capsule wardrobe. First choose a colour theme, and then pack versatile items that you can mix and match together. Layers are also great – so you can move from day to night without having to waste time going back to your hotel.
These boots were made for walking
City break’s usually mean lots of walking, so be sensible in your shoe selection. There’s no point only taking your Louboutins if you’re sight-seeing in Rome. Pick something like a biker or riding boot which is comfortable, stylish, waterproof, and will also work for day and night.
Ski break
Wear what you can on the plane!
It’s a bit cheeky, but for the time being it’s your bags, not you, which are weighed at check-in. Therefore save suitcase space and stretch your weight restriction by thinking carefully about your travel gear. Obviously be sensible (turning up to the airport piste perfect might earn you a couple of strange looks), but you can definitely get away with wearing your jacket and heaviest boots on the plane!
Leave your glad-rags at home
A ski resort is no place for a stiletto (believe me, I’ve tried), or a party dress for that matter. Apres ski is all about a stylish jumper and jean so don’t waste valuable suitcase space on anything more glamorous!
[Photo credit: JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images]