The right bag
- If you plan on travelling with a suitcase, get one with an expandable zipper. The extra room will come in handy for those holiday souvenirs you didn't plan on buying.
Quality gear
- Avoid trying to save on gear that you will wear every day, especially if you're going to be spending most of your trip walking or hiking.
Quality gear
- If you're going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, it's best to invest in durable items . Keep your eye out for a sale. Many sports shops have discounts and sales racks all year round.
Neutrals
- Light materials, like cotton and polyester, are easy to fold and don't take up too much room. Ideally, you should be comfortable wearing each outfit anywhere you choose to go, whether it be hiking or out to eat, so choose neutral items.
Multi-purpose gear
- Multi-purpose items will save a lot of space. A sarong can be used as a scarf, a towel, a sleeping mask, or even turned into a dress.
Multi-purpose gear
- A pair of multipurpose sneakers will reduce the weight of your bag and save loads of space. If you're going to be spending lots of time outdoors, make sure your footwear is waterproof, durable, and comfortable.
Versatile bottoms
- Solid and neutral coloured bottoms can be worn for both formal and casual occasions. Try opting for one pair of shorts and one pair of trousers in a solid colour.
Versatile bottoms
- Versatile materials such as khaki and denim work great too. They can be easily paired and are socially acceptable almost everywhere.
Flip flops
- Flip flops are useful for days at the beach and don't take up too much space in your bag. They also protect your feet in shared showers and communal spaces.
Ditch the electronics
- Try to keep electronics to the minimum. If you really need access to the internet and you can't access a browser through your phone, try taking something small and light like an iPad or a pocket tablet.
Ditch the straighteners
- Blow dryers and straighteners are heavy and take up lots of space. Not to mention, you'll probably need an converter if you're travelling abroad. Try a natural look for your holiday.
Get a combination lock
- If you're staying at a hostel or travelling on trains and buses, you'll want to keep your belongings safe. Many hostels offer lockers but not all provide locks. Getting a combination lock means you don't have to worry about losing a key.
A versatile jacket
- If you're planning a trip to a country with unpredictable weather, it's best to be prepared. A travel jacket needs to be versatile enough to wear to a nice dinner and durable enough withstand harsh weather.
Space blanket
- A space blanket is made out of heat-reflective material to keep warm. They're light and come in handy for unexpected cold nights and emergencies.
Dry bag
- If you're carrying important documents, electronics, or anything of value, a waterproof bag can be useful. Some bags are durable enough to take into the ocean.
T-shirt
- An old t-shirt can be extremely useful. As well as wearing it in the day, it can be used as pyjamas, stuffed and turned into a travel pillow, or tied up and turned into a bag.
All-purpose soap
- Some all-purpose soaps can be used as toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, shampoo, and laundry detergent. Why pack multiple products or bottles that can spill, when one bar can do it all?
