We all know how hard it is to pack for a trip abroad. Whether it’s six months or six days, the endless possibilities for outfits and activities keeps your bag bulging in a way that no airline will accept. It’s tough to be brutal and cut down on your luggage, so we’ve collected some of the top travel must-haves that will surely allow you to cull the unnecessary extras.
Comfortable pants
Pants that are comfortable for long periods of time are the ultimate travel staple. Whether they’re long leggings or loose trousers, it’s important to have long pants that will keep you warm and stylish. They’re great for the plane, train and bus, where you need all the mobility you can get. In conservative countries like India and Myanmar, it’s always best to wear long pants to avoid extra attention and of course, bug bites! Even if you’re headed for a tropical climate, pants or leggings won’t go astray in the occurrence of a random thunderstorm. We just love these tights from Lululemon these pants available from The Iconic.
Sarong
The sarong is a magical travel must. It can be used as a towel, blanket, picnic rug, scarf, skirt, dress or even a pillow. Travel is all about versatility so items like the sarong that can be everything at once are essential. It’s best to choose a pattern or colour that matches the majority of your clothing so that it won’t clash when you use it as a scarf or a skirt. A sturdy and easily washable fabric is ideal so that you can keep it clean while you’re on the go. We’re obsessed with this sarong from Lyloh which also looks amazing as a dress.
Lightweight jumper
Like your mum always says, you can’t leave the house without a jumper. Even if you’re headed to the Bahamas, it’s best to pack a lightweight jumper that compresses easily. After all, you could be whisked away on an extended vacation to the French Alps, you never know! Besides, it’s almost always cold on the plane and your jumper could be used as a multipurpose cushion for that long flight. As with sarongs, it’s best to select a jumper that is versatile in colour and pattern. It should be easily coordinated with most of your outfits for maximum impact and space saving. We like this cute jumper from ASOS and this wool cardigan from Myer.
Fashionable Hat
Hats don’t just look good, they serve to protect your pretty little head from extreme environmental conditions. A stylish hat will jazz up any outfit and make you stand out from the crowd. They are also incredibly useful in retaining heat and in protecting your face from the sun. You can wear it whilst travelling or choose a hat that packs away easily, like the sunhat below. Beanies are usually pretty flexible and small, so they shouldn’t be a problem in your small bag. We think this Hats in the Belfry sunhat will complement your summer look, whilst this adorable beanie from David Jones is just perfect for your winter getup.
General packing tips
So now you’ve got a few essentials, it’s time to think long and hard about what else you really need. Don’t forget to pack cleverly. Pack complementary colours and styles, not items that can only be worn in particular combinations. If you can avoid it, try not to pack anything that will crease or crumple. It can be difficult to find an iron or a steamer while on the move, so it’s better to rely on materials like cashmere that don’t wrinkle. If you’re still concerned about your packing, or you want a more detailed list of what to pack, the useful blog, Travel Fashion Girl has you covered. Remember, you can always buy it there!
