Packing for a Vacation with Jane Godman

Packing for a Vacation

Although I travel regularly, I tend to fall into the trap of over-packing. On recent trips, I’ve tried to stick to the following, minimalist rules:

1.Know the weather forecast for your destination. If it’s scorching sunshine, you don’t need that just-in-case jacket or (being British) umbrella.

2. Make a travel packing list and plan your daily outfits. Most of items can be worn twice, which saves suitcase space. Planning your outfits in advance also takes the guesswork out of getting ready (allowing you an extra 15 minutes in bed each day).

3. Stick to a colour palette. Planning your outfits becomes a whole lot easier when you stick with colours that work together. Keeping it neutral when travelling and opting for monochrome, denim, grey with a little khaki thrown in the mix means you know every piece works with a least three others. That way multiple outfits can be created with ease.

4. Keep shoes to a minimum. Shoes take up a lot of weight and packing space. Make them work for it by taking no more than: one walking everyday shoe – this might be a pair of white converse, boots if it’s a colder climate, or leather sandals if it’s a tropical getaway, one going out shoe – this could include a dressier boot or jewelled flats depending on the location, one basic dressy heel that will take you to an unexpected night out.

5. Pack a few carefully chosen accessories. Take scarves that can be used in multiple ways. Winter, to keep warm. Summer, poolside cover-up. These can instantly change the look of your basic wardrobe and they take up minimal space in your suitcase. Earrings and a necklace are all that’s needed to change the look of a basic outfit.

6. Roll don’t Fold. I know there’s an ongoing debate about this, but I prefer to roll. Stuff all your shoes with socks and underwear and layer your accessories between each layer of clothing.

7. Keep toiletries in a waterproof bag. Only take the size of toiletries you need (no jumbo packs!) and put bottles in separate zip lock bags to avoid leakage disasters.

8. Makeup basics only. I don’t wear makeup on holiday but, if you do, keep it to the bare necessities that can give you both a day look and a night look.

9. Invest in a cross body bag. This is important for security and comfort. A cross body bag is the perfect vacation investment as it will force you to pack lightly and also free up your hands.

10. Don’t forget your adapters. If you do, the prices at airports and in some holiday destinations will be sky high.   

Finally, do observe the luggage restrictions for your airline. There is nothing worse than starting a vacation by having to pay extra at the airport or having to redistribute items until your bags meet the weight restrictions.

JANE GODMAN is a 2019 Romantic Novelists’ Award winner and 2018 Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. She writes thrillers for Harlequin Romantic Suspense/Mills and Boon Heroes and paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne/Mills and Boon Supernatural and St. Martin’s Press Romance. She also self publishes her historical and gothic stories.

Jane was born in Scotland and has lived in Germany, Wales, Malta, South Africa, and England. She still gets the urge to travel, although these days she tends to head for a Spanish beach, or a European city that is steeped in history. 

When she isn’t reading or writing romance, Jane enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and enjoying the antics of her dogs, Gravy and Vera.  

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Jane Godman has a new book out this month...

Colton’s Secret Bodyguard (The Coltons of Roaring Spring)

His mission: keep her safe, no matter what…

A Coltons of Roaring Springs thriller.

Just as Bree Colton is about to take the local art world by storm, someone is determined to sabotage her success…unless Rylan Bennet can keep her safe. Bree doesn’t want anyone to protect her—not even gorgeous Rylan, whose secrets threaten them both. But can the former soldier win the battle for Bree’s heart and the war against a sinister foe?

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