So as you’re reading this I’m probably sat in an airport with my mum and my little sister on our way to Slovenia for two weeks. I am so beyond excited, I haven’t been on a family holiday in years, and I’ve never been to Slovenia.

The only downside to this whole thing is: we’re only taking hand luggage.

Two weeks. Up mountains, down caves, in cities and at the coast, in summer. Hand luggage. I’m not the best at packing light. Here’s to hoping I haven’t forgotten anything major, but I did learn a thing or two when I packed for this trip.

They’re all probably ridiculously obvious, but I don’t generally pack light.  So if you’re anything like me, then I hope this helps.

1: Look at what the destination you’re going to like:

Or at what the people you’re going with usually like to do. Because if you’re going on a city break then it’s probably not the best idea to bring skis. Not that everyone has skis knocking around but you get my point, right?  I’ve grown up with holidays where beaches aren’t really much of an attraction, mountains are far more my mum’s type of thing, so I’m pretty sure I’ll be doing a fair bit of walking.

2: Check the weather forecast:

Rain all the time? Scorching sunshine? Obviously, no one can predict the exact conditions you’ll get but a precursory glance at what you’ll probably be expecting will stand you in good stead for what you’ll want to pack. I’d also suggest one or two options in case you get super mega brilliant/horrific surprises.

3: Do you really need an outfit for every single day?

If yes, wrong post honey. Unless you’re going for a weekend/short break, then carry on! I’ve learned that for two weeks, in which a lot of walking will be involved, I probably don’t need a totally different outfit for every single day. Variations on a theme/basics will probably feature heavily. For the city part of the trip I have cute alternatives, but for the bulk of the walking, same old same old.

4. Do you really need the entire contents of your makeup bag?

Short answer, no. I’m packing 4 things: concealer, mascara, an eyebrow pencil, and makeup wipes. A decanted pot of moisturiser, sheet masks and a tinted lip balm have made the cut too, but I just don’t have the room to add more.

5: Do you have the essentials?

Essentials being whatever you know you absolutely positively definitely cannot go without. This can change from person to person, but mine would be: medication, ointments/creams, toothbrush & toothpaste. Passport and documents too. Ooh and my cameras.

6: Pack skilfully. 

You fit more in by rolling clothes instead of laying them flat, trufax. Stuff socks in shoes and small, harder to reach places. I also have extra space in my camera bag to put things so that I don’t waste space.

Do you have any tips for packing super duper light? Or do you have as many issues as me, with that ‘just one more thing I swear I’ll need this!!!’ reasoning? I have a feeling this is something I’m going to have to get way better at as I get older…

♥

connect with me: bloglovin | instagram | twitter