Packing Do’s And Don’ts

Packing for that holiday trip can be a trying experience - decisions about what to pack, how to pack it and even where to pack it can all make the days before a holiday very frustrating indeed. Here are a few packing suggestions to help you on your way with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of luggage space for those nifty souvenirs you're sure to bring back!

Do...

• Dresses are best carried in a suit carrier. Use plastic or wooden hangers rather than wire ones.

• Pack anything flat and too big to roll, eg towels, in the main part of the suitcase first.

• Instead of folding clothes, roll them up tightly — it takes up less space.

• Put books down the side of the case. This will fill any gaps and keep the sides sturdy.

• Fill any the edges of your luggage with ties or socks.

• Pack shoes last. Lie them soles-up across the top over a layer of flat clothes. You can also stuff them with underwear or handkerchiefs to save space.

• Pack bottles in plastic bags, to protect your clothes in case they leak.

• Bring some detergent along. Hand-washing underwear and small items takes only a few minutes and means children's clothes can be worn more than once.

• Leave the sun care and after-sun creams at home. They are often much cheaper in popular holiday destinations, and you save space in your suitcase.

• Take toiletries that can do more than one job, such as toner/cleanser or hair and body shampoo/ conditioner. Use sample-sized toiletries to save space.

• Put medicines, travel documents and valuables in your hand luggage, for easy access.

• Pack a few clothes in your hand luggage as well, in case your suitcase goes missing en route.

• Wear your bulkiest clothes, e.g. jeans, trainers and jacket, while traveling, to save space in your suitcase.

• If you have a long flight ahead, take a tracksuit or something comfy in your hand luggage to change into during the flight.

• Check what is provided if you are staying in a hotel. You may not need to pack beach towels or hair-dryer.

Don't...

• Take anything that will not be allowed on the plane for security or safety reasons. Check with the airline you will be using, or with the Civil Aviation Authority for a list of such items.

• Leave packing until the last minute. Make a list in advance and go through each item to check you really need it.

• Pack too much. Two pairs of trousers or two skirts or dresses for adults are generally enough. Different tops will vary outfits dramatically and bringing something ‘just in case’ invariably results in overweight bags.

• Forget to leave room for any gifts you’d want to bring home.

• Be tempted to take too many differently coloured outfits. Careful coordination works best.

• Take expensive jewellery - it's just not worth the risk of it being lost or stolen.

• Pack too many clothes that crease easily. The last thing you want to do on holiday is to iron.