5 Things Friday - The Big Pack
One long haul flight, 5 short hauls, 5 different locations - a city break, the rainforest and a beach. This was one heck of a packing challenge!
When it comes to capsule packing, I think I’ve pretty much got it nailed. You can probably tell by now how much I love a holiday, and over the years I’ve written a fair few newsletters about how I’ve fine tuned my holiday packing. I also love a little organisation! If I need to work to a tight agenda (a three- or four-night city break, a fortnight by the beach) I can pull together a well-thought-out edit without too much stress.
But what about 16 nights away with five flights and five different locations? Add in the various clothing requirements - city sightseeing, rainforest trekking, and relaxing by the beach - and it becomes a whole different challenge. By the time you read this, I’ll be halfway through our holiday in Kuala Lumpur and Borneo. I’ve been wanting to get a few long haul holidays ticked off now that are girls are older - as are we! It’s been a long time (over 20 years) since our last long haul holiday and, finally, after a small panic and changing routes, we are off for 16 nights travelling to Malaysia. I won’t lie, the itinerary for this trip really tested my packing skills. But, with some planning and a few tips I’ve picked up along the way, I’m confident it has all gone to plan.
My last travel edit focused on a four-night break in Budapest, which you all loved. I had a few requests for a summer edition, and I think this newsletter delivers a little something for everyone. So, whether you’re just looking to become a more efficient packer or you’ve got a summer holiday on the horizon, here’s my method for making light work of a long haul trip.
1. Deep Dive into Your Itinerary
My starting point for every trip is to work out what I’m doing and what I’m going to need. I’ve said this lots of times, but for me it really makes or breaks your packing. Over the years, fine tuning my approach to align with the itinerary, whether it’s a short city break or a two-week summer holiday, has meant I’ve stopped over packing. I don’t waste time putting together outfits while I’m away, and I genuinely love what I’m wearing. There's no last minute scramble to pull something together from what’s in your case - the hard work has been done already.
The itinerary for this holiday was pretty complicated and involved.
One long-haul flight and four internal flights
Four-night city stay in Kuala Lumpur
Three stops over five nights taking in the rainforests in Borneo
Six nights at a beach resort
I always write my itinerary out in a day-by-day plan so I can work out exactly what I’m doing and what I need, making sure I don’t forget anything! It might seem a little over kill but, when I don’t write it down, I end up forgetting something no matter how short the trip. Recently, I was packing for a one night spa trip with my daughter, and didn’t bother with the list! Despite reminding Poppy several times not to forget her swimming costume, guess who had to do a U-turn halfway up the motorway to go back and get hers?
A list I can check, add to, and tick off is essential nowadays. It really helps turn the chaos into calm and ensures I don’t forget anything!
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