Summer means travel and since that’s one  of my favourite things to do I thought it was about time to share my favourite packing tips. 

I would consider myself a pretty good packer, I try to travel light, but since I love clothes I’m not going to miss an opportunity to wear a great outfit in a new city (or even in my hometown while visiting my parents). With the exception of moving back to Canada from Ireland 3 years ago I can’t remember the last time I flew with more than a carry on, even while flying with a toddler. I love flying carryon  because it means less time waiting for bags, it's easier to navigate streets to get to your destination, and it forces you to be mindful of what you really need on holiday, and the reality is it's usually less than you think, the key is  strategic outfit planning and organized packing, plus leaving a little space for the new additions you’ll inevitably buy. 

Make a list

I created a list in google keep notes years ago and have modified it as things change Ie. we don’t need to pack diapers anymore. I have one for the beach, one for city breaks, and one for essentials that we would take on any trip. This helps me stay organized and since it’s a shared file with my husband he’s able to look there and pack what is needed so I don’t have to handle it all. Keep reading to the end to get a copy of my carryon and personal bag checklists.

Plan outfits ahead

Now for the fun part I start by thinking of where we’re going and the time of year, will I need layers, how many days? Do I need something for the evening and the day? And what can be worn multiple times in different ways, then I try everything on to make sure it’s comfortable. Be realistic about what you’ll actually want to wear. I went to London and Bristol last fall for a friend 40th and I brought exactly enough, my only regret was packing Chelsea boots instead of a pair of flats since it was unseasonably warm.

I pack each outfit together into packing cubes and use the liner of the bag for any additional shoes. 

Since my daughter is now 5 she packs for herself but  I help with folding each outfit she picks together along with underwear and socks so she knows  exactly what she’s wearing each day. 

Packing cubes

I use packing cubes strategically, if it's a trip to my in-laws at the beach we use one for swimsuits and towels and one each for clothes. My daughter always gets her own and we each get one, then one becomes the laundry cube. I bring an extra for dirty clothes. Roll your items to make more room and to avoid tangled jewelry, wrap necklaces in tissue before placing them in a ziploc bag. 

Don’t unpack your toiletries

Keeping a set of bathroom products already packed also ensures that you don’t forget a toothbrush or contact lens case that you might use the morning of takeoff. Keep these items in a small pouch in the corner of a cabinet or drawer (in my case the linen closet) for easy access when packing for a trip. To streamline what you need, consider all-in-one options like BB creams, which combine foundation, moisturizer and sunblock. To prevent leakage, double up that plastic bag.

Click here to get my carry on and personal bag checklists!

Happy Travels!

Jocelyn