Summer holiday season is well and truly in full swing and that means one thing: the dreaded packing of suitcases. If you're feeling at a loss, here's what you need to know
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Last minute packing for your weekend away? Our editors have compiled their go-tos help aid any last minute panic. From lip balms to a handheld fan, here's their holy grail of travel must-haves. The items they simply couldn't do without...
Clare McInerney, acting digital editor
As an indecisive Libran, it can be torturous to shortlist days or weeks of vacation outfits and accoutrements ahead of time. But one item that I have never second-guessed is a silk eye mask: guaranteeing uninterrupted shut-eye during long-haul journeys, while also shielding jet-lagged eyes from early-rising summertime sun or unfamiliar hotel lighting. Another tip for the more disciplined of packers is to always leave a little space in the suitcase for those special buys while abroad, whether it be a keepsake designer investment or one-of-a-kind market stall find.
Allyson Shiffman, print editor
I am notoriously last minute and I don't pack so much stuff. Still, one thing that has been travelling with me ever since I received it as a high school graduation present is my Smythson passport cover. It's a totally unnecessary luxury that brings a little glamour to jet-setting... even if you're flying economy, your luggage will probably get lost and the lines at the airport are a billion miles long.
Anna Clarke, deputy digital editor
As a raging Virgo, I’m someone that likes to be overly organised, right down to the eleventh degree – and this extends to holiday attire too. When I’m packing for a summer vacation, I will always pre-plan my outfits (both day and night) to ensure that what does eventually make it into the suitcase is streamlined right down. I hate hoisting around unnecessary baggage weight if I don’t have to. This filters down to my jewellery too – I make a mini edit of my collection especially for the break and compartmentalise it into this handy Stackers jewellery wallet. It’s small enough to fit in any carry-on, but spacious enough to include four necklaces, so I can still upkeep my ‘neck mess’ whilst abroad. When I head off to Copenhagen for my friend’s wedding later this August, this will be the first thing that goes into my case.
Greta Westman, junior shopping editor
As someone who has packed for far too many weekend trips, I have plenty of tips. I have quickly learnt that the item I always overpack is shoes. This has prompted the realisation that if I want to bring boots and heels, I have to learn to wear my biggest pair to the airport – even if it means travelling for hours in six-inch heeled boots (which I have done more than once).
It’s common sense to prioritise comfort for a plane, but if you are a shoe person like me, comfort must be sacrificed. The one item that I never travel without, however, is my most trusted Burt's Bees lip balm. This lip balm has been with me in sickness and in health and will forever be my most trusted travel companion.
Esteban Villanueva, beauty editor
No matter where I'm going and how I'm getting there, there are some rules (skincare related, obviously) that I follow when travelling. First of all: no makeup is allowed. Sometimes, I'll let pass a slick of concealer and brow gel, but other than that, I focus on keeping to a hydrating routine with a strong SPF that will prep my skin for the journey. Especially when flying, skin is under terrible conditions. The recycled air-con atmosphere, the closeness to the sun (thus higher exposure to UV rays) and the change in pressure can really take a toll on your skin, so I always carry a lip balm, a hydrating mist, a hydrating shimmery gloss (NARS' Afterglow Lip Shine Lipgloss in Orgasm) which both hydrates and also gives a shimmering tint.
I also pack some eyepatches for the elevated experience (yes, I'm that person who flies with eye patches), mints and bubblegum. Recently I've been on quite a few red-eye flights, so I've been packing electrolyte tablets that dissolve in water for the extra morning boost once I get to my end destination. Thankfully, I’m great at sleeping anywhere, including planes, so the moment that I sit down, I pop the patches on, plug my headphones in and usually by the time we're cruising, I'm already dreaming.
Mona M Ali, diversity and inclusion editor
My tip for holiday packing is to pack as many dresses as you can, this way you don't have to outfit plan too much. A dress is quick to throw on and can be easily styled into either day and night looks. One thing which I’m not able to travel without is my body lotion as I have dry skin and when you're spending a lot of time in the ocean, it’s great to have one handy.
Doris Daga, music editor
I recently travelled to Greece and it was unbelievably warm, but I came prepared. I brought a fan and put it on a velvet ribbon so I could carry it as a cross-body. It was practical, chic, and ensured I kept cool even on the hottest of days. It also added an extra flair of drama to channel my inner 1950s movie star in the summer heat.
Josefin Forsberg, expert editor
I've always been a carry-on kinda girl. Very rarely do I rely on checking in my luggage and it has definitely served me well this summer. As a self-proclaimed cabin bag connoiseur, nothing beats the small Rimowa classic – it's a classic for a reason. However, there are restrictions when it comes to travelling light as you can only fit so much in.
My best tip on curating a multi-functional wardrobe on the go is to choose a colour scheme and then stick to it. For me, this usually means a base of muted neutrals which I elevate with a statement bag or shoe. And a final tip to master the carry-on luggage? Invest in small travel cases and transfer your favourite liquid beauty products instead of buying travel sizes. It allows you to keep to the same routine when away and they neatly fit into those pesky plastic bags.