If you’ve watched any of my ‘Pack With Me’ videos, you’ll know how seriously I take packing. First of all, I’m the type of person that starts packing weeks before the actual trip. I enjoy figuring out the most efficient way to organise everything and as with most things, I love a good list! If you’re like me then today’s you’re lucky day because I’m sharing my packing list and my top packing essentials for your summer holiday.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
- Luggage
A lot of research goes into any purchase I make – especially expensive ones. After my last Samsonite suitcase set fell apart, I knew I wanted to invest in some good quality hard cases. And after literal months of researching and going back and forth between brands and between polycarbonate and aluminium – I finally decided to purchase a Rimowa Classic Cabin S suitcase during my trip to Berlin.
I personally think Rimowa make some of the most beautiful cases I have ever seen, and I strongly believe that it’s important for your luggage to look great – it’s an extension of your outfit right? But this decision was not solely an aesthetic one. If you ever have the chance to go into a Rimowa store and feel their suitcases in person it’s evident that their cases are built to last. But the one thing that stands out heads and shoulders above any of their competition are the Rimowa wheels.
I don’t know how they do it but Rimowa cases don’t roll, they glide.
The experience of rolling your Rimowa suitcase through the airport feels effortless and as someone who is partial to a solo trip, it makes all the difference knowing I can carry my own luggage comfortably. I loved the quality of their cases so much that I decided to purchase the Classic Check In L suitcase for longer trips and even with over 20kg of my stuff in it, it still glided through the airport like a breeze.
So yes, Rimowa cases are extortionately priced and I think the fact that they are only guaranteed for 5 years is cheeky (Away suitcases for instance, come with a lifetime warranty!), in the world of luxury luggage they are not as expensive as say Louis Vuitton suitcases. And as someone who has actually tested out Louis Vuitton suitcases, I’d argue that Rimowa cases are better made, more subtle and in my opinion better value for money.
In the ‘personal item’ category a tote bag is my first choice. I prefer the silhouette of a structured tote bag such as the Lady Dior Book Tote or the Rimowa Tote bag but I haven’t been able to bring myself to purchase either yet. Duffel bags are a great alternative to tote bags, and in the future I would consider buying a Louis Vuitton Keepall bag. I think they are beautiful, well-made and extremely practical, but not something I need or would buy anytime soon. I have a Bric’s duffel bag that I found in TK Maxx for £60 – 50% off retail, making it officially one of my best ever TK Maxx finds!
2. Clear Travel Pouches
I’m a pouch gal. I like to keep things separate and organised. And for travel, I especially recommend clear pouches because you can easily see through the bag to locate what you’re looking for. I categorise all my loose items such as toiletries, makeup, jewellery etc. into separate pouches and it helps to keep me sane on my holiday. My pouches are from Primark, but I’ve linked some alternatives here and below.
3. Packing Cubes
I still can’t believe I hadn’t tried packing cubes before this year. They are honestly game changing. Besides also helping to keep your suitcase organised, compression cubes help to save space. I’ve been really impressed with the set I purchased from Antler and I’ve also linked some alternatives below. I know there is a huge debate over whether packing cubes are even necessary – and trust me when I say, they are absolutely are.
4. Travel Adapter
Have you ever been to a different country, called the front desk of your hotel for a travel adapter and have them tell you they don’t have any? Well I have. Ever since then I purchased a travel adapter that lives permanently in my cabin suitcase, and it has saved me so many times.
5. AirTags
AirTags are a packing essential that I haven’t purchased yet, but I will! I saw a hack on TikTok where someone put one in their suitcase and was able to find it after it was lost by an airline. I’m not quite sure how they work but that is genius to me and I’m going to order some right now.
PACKING LIST
Here’s a list of things I run through whilst I’m packing – it doesn’t include clothes, accessories or shoes and there may be a tonne of things that you either need to add or remove from this list, to make it work for you. But I find this to be a good starting point that should hopefully help you never forget to pack anything again!
Toiletries
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Moisturiser
- Face wipes / Makeup Remover
- Body wash
- Deodorant
- Body cream
- Perfume
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hair products
- Bath sponge
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Floss
- Toothbrush
- Cotton Pads
- Ear buds
Makeup
- Primer
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Eyebrow products
- Mascara
- Powder
- Blush
- Bronzer
- Lip products
- Setting spray
- Makeup brushes
- Pencil sharpener
Miscellaneous
- Hair Tools
- Shower cap
- Tweezers
- Ear plugs
- Sleep Mask
- Headscarf / Bonnet
- Hand sanitiser
- Anti-bacterial wipes
- Face masks
- Scissors
- Lint roller
- Sewing Kit
- Books
Electronics
- Phone & Charger
- Laptop & Charger
- Tablet & Charger
- Travel Adaptor
- Headphones
- Power bank
- Tripod & Bluetooth Remote
If you find any of this helpful, or have any other suggestions, please leave a comment below and let me know.
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