PACK WELL FOR YOUR HOLIDAYS

When it comes to the summer holidays, organisation is the key to successfully planning and packing for a trip. So once everything has been ticked off the shopping list, what next? Here are our top tips for your holiday packing:

• Save room with miniatures. People rarely need a full bottle of shower gel when travelling abroad for less than a week; save room in the case by substituting family-sized bottles for miniature versions which can be easily rolled up in socks, or packed tightly into a compartment.

• Roll instead of fold. Although most UK holidaymakers prefer to fold their clothes, rolling allows for more items to be packed into even the smallest of cases, and prevents some items from creasing too much.

• Remove bulky packaging. Shoeboxes can be sacrificed; packing shoes and toiletries separately rather than altogether in packaging will not only allow extra room for essentials, but smaller items or items which can be worn creased such as underwear and socks, can be stuffed into shoes and wrapped up around bottles (handy for providing extra packaging for perfume bottles or make up).

• Make use of hand luggage. Check your hand luggage allowance – to avoid any nasty charges at check-in, packing heavier items such as beach towels, books and hairbrushes in hand luggage will free up the weight allowance and room in the main suitcase.

• Optimise suitcase compartments. Many suitcases come with extra zip compartments for security and protection. Fill these with toiletries, chargers and items which require immediate access upon arrival. This can prevent toiletry spillages on clothing items, as well as making space in the main suitcase compartment.

Prepare Well for A Stress Free Trip

Use a list to plan your trip without forgetting a thing, so you can head off on your hols well prepared.

Essentials: • Passport • Visa • ID card • Airline ticket or E-ticket • Reservation numbers: hotel and car rental • Money: both local and foreign currency • Credit cards • House keys

Tip: Contact your bank and let them know exactly where you’re travelling to and the dates you’ll be gone to avoid having your credit/debit card declined.

Toiletries: • Shampoo/conditioner • Body wash • Cleanser • Lotion • Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss • Shaver/shaving cream • Cotton buds • Deodorant • Hairbrush/comb • Tweezers

Tip: Always save any samples you pick up at stores to take with you or buy travel size bottles and fill them with your favourite products. And to avoid unwanted leaks, place liquids in re-sealable plastic bags.

Clothing: • Pyjamas • Underwear • Trousers/jeans • Socks • Skirts • Dress • Shirts: casual and dressy • Belts • Sweater • Jacket • Shoes: comfortable and dressy • Slippers • Swimsuit • Shorts • Accessories: Scarves, hats, and jewellery.

Tip: It’s always a good idea to pack a light sweater or a shawl for cool nights.

• Electricals: • Hairdryer • Adapter • Portable speaker • Camera • Recharging equipment for electrical equipment, i.e. mobile, camera

Tip: Electrical appliances in the US work at 110 volts - while most countries in the world use 220 - 240 volts. Always have an adapter or converter handy.

Extras: • Sun block • Sunglasses • Mosquito repellent • Plasters • Any prescription medicine you’re taking • Extra locks - in case you lose any