HOW TO PACK SMART – BALI ADDITION

So you’re heading somewhere a little more tropical, and want to feel like you have options when you get there, however don’t want to break an arm lugging your suitcase around….? I hear ya!

The very thought of packing for most can be quiet daunting and I’m sure most of us are guilty of over packing and taking way more than we actually need.

The total items of clothing in this picture is 10 (not including shoes)

However this made me 18 different outfit variations, and that’s not even including swapping shoes to create different moods

This trip was 7 days and a mix of relaxing, shopping, keeping fit, fine dinning and cocktails so I needed to be prepared for everything.

Follow the link in my bio to see my “SMART PACKING TIPS” and you might just have enough room to bring back some shopping lol..

1. Weather & activities: Its tropical, so its hot and humid. Cautious when packing anything that’s tight and fitted, keep these to a minimum as you may just feel sticky and sweat through it, think light and floaty garments that allow air in and natural fabrics will also breath best. Know what kind of trip this is going to be for you. Is it going to be a lazy, low key, chilling by the pool everyday or is it about hitting the beach bars with the girls? No use bringing a suitcase full of fancy pieces if most of the trip you just want to be super casual and relaxed.

2. Plan, plan, plan: You need to mix and match your little heart out before your trip!! You want items that come on holiday with you to earn its spot in your suitcase. They need to work hard and most of the items must be able to work back with everything else (please refer to pictures) Think of those staple pieces in your wardrobe that you can dress up & down easily and can possibly wear 3 ways.

Tip: All tops should match all bottoms (unless it’s for a special occasion)

3. Colour co-ordinate: I personally like to pack mostly neutrals, and then you can easily add pops of colour if that’s your style. Try and stick to 2-3 co-ordinating colours as this will give you lots of variety & options.

4. Avoid the black trap: Just like your wardrobe at home, your travel wardrobe needs both light and dark options to create variety (please refer to pictures) Pack lighter & darker options for bottoms & tops & even shoes where you can.

5. Shoes: This can be many women’s down fall… No you don’t need to take 7 pairs of shoes. An open toe, a closed toe and I always add a 3^rd pair to give me variety.. That may look different to every person depending on your trip, but this particular trip I took an extra open toe, however made sure I had a darker and lighter pair for variety

6. Rolling: This is a key technique when it comes to compact traveling, it has revolutionised my packing & will also minimize creasing and the need to iron. Stay tuned for my folding vs rolling post in a few days

My packing list

Bottoms:

denim shorts: 1 x dark, 1 x light pair,

skirts: 1 x light, 1 x dark

Tops:            

1 x white singlet, 1 x khaki, 2 x black (I’m a neutral girl, so feel free to add your own splash of colour here)

Dresses:

2 x black

Shoes:

1 x closed toe, 2 x open toes (light and dark)

Items not in picture:

2 x bikini, a pair of bikram shorts and signlet to wear to bed, 2 x active wear outfits for the gym with 1 x sneakers, plus a pair of sunnies!