THE countdown to a holiday is part of the fun, right? Ooh, just a few more sleeps – you can almost taste the Pina Coladas already!
Until you start packing, that is, and you suddenly remember (amid a tornado of tossed garments and short fuses) why you always start a holiday feeling like, well, you really need a holiday.
We all know people who start packing weeks in advance, gleefully planning outfits, gathering up essentials, folding-unfolding-refolding clothes, just for the joy of it. And then there are those of us who, no matter how hard we try, will simply never be that organised – packing inevitably becomes a mad last-minute mess of raised blood-pressure, raised voices and panicked laundry bin and back-of-the-wardrobe raids, and then a dash round Boots at the airport for all those crucial items you didn't buy in advance.
If you fall into the latter camp, you might be surprised to learn the majority of people actually consider themselves to be 'perfectionist packers', according to a new survey by UK air travel licenser ATOL.
Two-fifths (39 per cent) claim they fit this category, while 22 per cent confess to being 'kitchen sinkers' (they pack far more than they possibly need), and another 22 per cent class themselves as 'seasoned savvy sorters'.
Just one-in-10 admit their packing approach is 'chaotic' and last-minute – which we think sounds pretty low (be honest, folks!).
To be fair though, my packing has improved immensely over the years. I've learnt the hard way – but I have learnt nonetheless, and developed a bit of a 'system'.
Here are seven top tips for panic-free packing...
PACK LIGHT
It really is so much simpler when you have less to lug around, you don't have to stand in line at the check-in desk worrying you're about to be charged an arm and a leg for excess baggage, or fret about your case bursting open because the zip's so strained. My main rule for packing light is to stick to the, 'Do I actually need to take this?', rather than the, 'Ooh, you never know, I might fancy wearing this', method.
PLAN IT OUT
Think about actual outfits you'll wear, rather than aimlessly pulling random garments out of your wardrobe. Mix and match items – you really don't need to take the equivalent of three distinct outfits a day – and remember you can wash clothes when you're away too.
PRODUCT PROTOCOL
Being realistic about the products – and amounts of products – you'll actually use, saves so much hassle. If you're holidaying with other people, how about sharing stuff like shampoo, shower gel and toothpaste, with each of you responsible for bringing different things?
BUY WISE
There's always the temptation to splash out on a 'whole new holiday wardrobe'. But most of us are on tight budgets, and we all know impulse buys often end up being a waste of money. Investing carefully in one or two items, however, that will enhance your holiday experience and be useful time and time again, is a wiser approach. Perhaps really well-made luggage, a great carry-on bag, a lightweight shawl you'll wear constantly, quality footwear, compact gadgets, travel towels...
SWAP IT OUT
Save space and time packing by considering clever alternatives. A light sarong instead of a bulky beach towel, two-in-one shampoo/conditioner, soft hats that can lay flat in your case rather than rigid ones...
GET ROLLING
Just fold it up, place it in the case, right? There might be a more efficient way – top tips include rolling garments up tightly; ensuring all space is used by tucking smaller items inside shoes, for instance, and removing things from unnecessary bulky packaging wherever possible. This is where starting early really counts: give yourself time to make sure everything fits, and either play around with how you're packing – or be stricter about how much you're taking – and still have time for a good night's sleep before you set off for the airport.
BAG IT
Getting hand luggage right makes a world of difference. Make sure all those vital documents (passport, ticket, hotel details etc) are all securely stored together, so you know exactly where they are and can access them quickly when needed. Empty your hand luggage and pack it from scratch before travelling – you really don't need to be carrying unnecessary weight, and you don't want to be that annoying person who holds everybody up going through security.
