Hold Luggage Packing For Girls- Less Is More

Excuse the delay, I've been sunning myself in Lanzarote! It was wonderful, thank you for asking, but as I hauled around a 20kg bag back home with an unused set of straighteners, a hair dryer that was still in it's carry case and untouched clothes, I started thinking on what to pack for a summer holiday that would be a capsule wardrobe, and guaranteed to be worn!

As a girl it’s tempting to pack as much that fits into your wheeled luggage. From watching girls wearing two hoodies and piling trousers on under maxi dresses to cut back on weight, I can only suggest that less is more.

The Flight: Less is more

Stepping onto our Monarch flight at 5pm I was shocked by the amount of young girls dressed like Victoria Beckham. High heels, blouses, fashionable hair and not a sweat pant in sight, they clearly wanted to look high class in cattle class.

You need to get your head around comfort when it comes to flying. Tucked in with your knees touching the chair in front of you, a broken tray and a constant stream of buttocks in your face as people grab their overhead baggage and people ‘hopping out’ for yet another toilet break, you need to feel comfy at least.

So for a flight I recommend:

Flip flops, great for airing your feet when they swell

A decent pair of yoga pants (not trakkies, these should be slim fitting and long!)

A pashmina and a vest top

Keep a thick hoodie or sweater in your hand luggage for using as a makeshift pillow.

Sunglasses

2/3 magazines / 1 or 2 interesting books

Earphones and ipod (an iPhone with flight mode on)

Water, snacks (and haribo!)

A hairband

100ml or under of cosmetics to freshen up with (kept in a resealable bag)

A minty moisturiser (under 100ml) for tired eyes

The rest of your packing

3 x bikinis

1 x beach towel

Something to wear over your bikini to head to the pool or the beach that can be taken off and on easily ( a light dress x 2 a loose vest top x 3 and 3 x skirts) x 7

Something to change into at night (maxi dresses, shorts and top combos, small dresses) x 7

(Think about clothes that suit activities like going to a posh restaurant, a night stroll at the beach, watching the onsite entertainment, drinks at the bar, clubbing and loose comfy clothes for wandering about.)

Something comfy for the return flight x 1

Something for chilly evenings (cardigan) x 3

Something to cover burns/rashes- a high necked t-shirt and light, cotton shorts or a long length skirt.

A multitude of vest tops x 3

Something for ‘activities’ or gym – Sweat pants/shorts and a baselayer x 1

An emergency wet weather outfit – long sleeved top and trousers x 1

Shoes

Trainers x 1

Flip flops x 2

Wedges x 1

Ballet pumps for longer walks x 1

Underwear

Socks x 7

Bras x 3

Knickers x 10

Accessories

A big handbag for the flight

A small handbag/rucksack for the beach

3 x headbands and bobbles (keep hair loose and wavy, it's too hot for straighteners!)

3 x necklaces and 3 x earrings

Make up and Toiletries

Bronzer

Pink blush

Foundation in a darker colour than normal

Eyeshadow

Eyeliner

Waterproof mascara

Lipgloss with SPF

3 bottles of suncream

1 large bottle of aftersun

1 sun protecting lip balm

1 x shampoo

1 x conditioner

1 x minty shower gel

1 x razor

1 x facewash

1x roll on anti perspirant

1 x bug spray

1 small moisturiser

Other

Bat and ball/frisbee (cheaper at home than bought away)

Large water bottle (to refill as needed)

Spare batteries x 3

An i-dock or mp3 player for the room (avoid dodgy Spanish radio!)

Camera with free memory

At least 3 good books you’ve read the first few pages of to 'sanity check!'

Sudoku or similar puzzles for sozzled brain cells

Local currency with change if possible

Passport - check it's in date

Boarding details and transfer info

And that should be all!

If you’re off on a late flight, have a wonderful time.

Elaine @ Morethanakeyword x

Ryan Air Hand Luggage Packing Guide For Girls

The Ryan Air Woman's Packing Challenge

If you want to get a cheap flight away- but you're a typical woman who packs a wheeled case for a night away, but you want to just take a carry on, you need to take stock. Packing extra can cost loads at the airport- or you will have to leave it! You need to get your scales and tape measure out to have access to Ryan Air's free 10kg luggage carry on limit.

It can be done, is the good news. From a city break in Barcelona to a hostel trip away for you and your boyfriend in Poland, keep it cheap and cheerful with this guide to looking good and saving more for drinks and dinners at the other side!

The Woman's Packing Challenge

This is your bag. It isn't posh, or sexy, but make friends, this is your new weapon against waiting for a rolling case and losing your luggage. This will fit into Ryan Air's online dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20. Mine was from some cheap bag shop- great for slinging on your shoulder. I like to keep an eye on my bag, a rucksack makes me paranoid. (Unless you wear it on your front - a bit like shouting 'rob me!' - in my opinion.)

Look for:

- Squidgy fabric for 'manipulation'

-A removable cardboard base

-A zip

The Cargo! For me this includes:

- 1 Maxi dress

-1 Plain black cotton dress

-One bright pencil skirt

-One black vest top

-Two striped vest tops

-One red pashmina

-One pair black ballet pumps

-One pair of flat sandals

-One beanie hat

-Straighteners

-Day bag

-Clutch bag

-Underwear

You might also want to add in (if you don't want to buy them)

Tooth brush, deodrant (roll on for the cabin), a small towel, mini soaps, a bikini, gloves and a coat. (I would recommend wearing some sort of jacket, be it denim or down.)

DON'T FORGET!

-No liquids over 100ml

-Put all your liquids in a clear baggy.

-Your bag has to hold duty free too!

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How to wear it!

1. A simple but punchy coloured outfit for evening drinks with flats when you don't want to splurge on a taxi.

2. A simple maxi dress great over sunburn or if you fancy clubbing- the length disguises your flats!

3. A chic french look outfit for inter-railing in style or sightseeing from the cafe.

4. A comfy outfit for a day shopping in the capital

5. An outfit for a chilly day looking around the churches or heading to the coastline.

6. The last night. A cover up for romance on the balcony.

And there you have it. 6 nights and days away all packed into one bag for carry on with a package airline so you can avoid those baggage fees. You can also beat Ryan Air at their own game and wear all your heavy layers. You can chuck on some biker boots, wear your heavy jeans and your big coat.

As you can see, a cheap package flight can be packed for with a little time spent thinking through your plans, the climate and cutting down. Remember that accessories can go a long way - and can multi task. The pashmina can make a great on flight pillow, the clutch can hold your make up or passports safe so they aren't loose and your shopping/day bag can hold smelly laundry when the time to travel home draws near and it's time to get your car from the airport. (I used Air Parks - banner should be below!) 

Let me know about your must have packing items!

Elaine