A Packing Conundrum ………

Last weekend I did a three night mini cruise from Bristol to Dublin (more about that next week) and back again on the Cruise and Maritime ship, Marco Polo. We had a great time but before I went I had the same conundrum that I have all the time, no matter if I am going for one night or 14 nights – WHAT AM I TO PACK!!!!!!

I can hear you all moan loudly at the thoughts and I will gladly take your commiserations. I HATE PACKING!! Be it for my holidays or moving house (which I am doing in the new year) I just hate it. I know I know, hate is such a strong word but honestly, I do. Now I am back home sit back, relax and get a baileys in my hand as I start to wrap my Christmas Pressies.

With two holidays coming up in the next nine months I am already starting to sweat about having to go through my packing nightmare again – but this time I shall be prepared. The packing monster will not win!! So I have decided to share some packing tips I found online to try and share the love and help you zip up that holiday case with love and not a fight with you sitting on top of it trying to get the thing closed.

• To pack successfully the key is a To Do list, now don’t groan! I think you really need to have one to at least be some what organised. I think you need to have done it at least two weeks before you are going. You need to be relaxed and in a holiday mood. Sit and think about what you need in sections – toiletries/shoes (very important)/clothes etc. Then do a mini list from that one for things you still need to get. No more rushing around to the chemist the night before or spending a fortune at the one at the airport. Two weeks is plenty of time to get shopping.
• Use a simple formula –  Pack three tops for every bottom. Usually your bottoms take up more room and can easily be worn multiple times. Start with your wardrobe staples of canvas trousers etc  and add tops to compliment them.
• Don’t make the mistake of thinking Maxi Dresses are just for nights. If you have a nice maxi dress that you jazz up for night times, just relax it down for wearing a day or two later around the pool. Think of it as a trendy throw for over your bikini and team it with flip flops to complete the look.
• Packing aids are your best friend and savour when getting organised and trying to fit everything in neat and tidy. You can pick some up in pound stores now so no need to break the piggy bank and you can pass them on to friends and family after you are home.
• Rolling your clothes will also save space, and it helps reduce wrinkles – very important when packing for a cruise.
• Line the bottom of your luggage with your shoes, trousers and bulky items. TIP: women’s shoes can often be packed inside a man’s to save space and our luggage allowance.
• Finally the most important thing to pack in this technology age are travel adapters – if only I could remember those!

Hopefully these tips have helped. I would love to hear from you if you have any more that you think is useful and worked for you.