What clothes to pack and how to pack them

Travelling Light

Obey the new security restrictions

Have the correct size baggage

Buy luggage that is easy to carry

Pack small size toiletries

Don’t forget first aid

Clothes

Electrical appliances

Telecommunication

Computers

Other essentials

Home

Travelling light means that you must be able to wash things, wear things that don’t need ironing or stay in hotels which have cleaning and pressing facilities. Do colour co-ordinate everything so that a minimum number of items can be worn in different combinations. As a woman I find it easier to pack for business trips than for pleasure because life is more predictable.

I find that for any business trip of more than four days I need:

  • 2 jackets (one that can be worn with everything)
  • 1 skirt
  • 1 pair of smart trousers
  • 1 pair of casual trousers (not blue jeans, they are heavy and take forever to dry)
  • 1 pair of smart shoes
  • 2 short sleeve T-shirts or blouses
  • 1 long sleeve T-shirt or blouse
  • 1 long sleeve button shirt
  • 1 pair of casual shoes
  • 2 bras (preferably without wires, given the metal detectors at most airports)
  • 4 pairs of knickers
  • 4 pairs of stockings/tights
  • 1 swimsuit (a light way of carrying exercise equipment)
  • 1 cotton wrap, large scarf, pashmina or sarong

    • Wear a jacket, casual trousers and long sleeve T-shirt for travelling and pack everything else.

    I find that the best way to pack is to leave as much as possible in the plastic bags on the wire hangers that you get your dry cleaning back in and then lay the jacket, skirt, trousers and shirt flat and fold the T-shirts in the centre then fold everything up together to form a flat sausage of clothing. Lay this flat at the bottom or back of the carry-on and stuff corners with toiletries, shoes, first aid kit and underwear. Just hang it all up when you get to the hotel and it should be fine.

    My friends tell me that it is easier for men. They can wear the same jacket all week (or carry a spare), and survive with 2 smart pairs of trousers and one pair of casual trousers. They may carry 3 shirts and 3 t-shirts, underpants and socks with an additional pair of swimming shorts.

    I know that everyone says that polyester clothing is the best for travelling (least creasing) but I just don’t like it and prefer light wool or cotton as much as possible.