Summer is here! Time for packing tips! In 2 weeks I’m going to France for vacation! The last time I was there was when I was 15 (more than 10 years ago #old). I love France, because of the food (HYPERMARCHÉ), skincare and nature. We are going to Normandy, which is 6 hours’ driving from home. Usually, I went to Les Landes and Bretagne or to the South. Can’t wait to go on an adventure!
But first things first: PACKING! I consider myself an early packer. Already a few weeks before departure I’m working on a little list to use while packing. In this blog, I will share my packing tips and tricks. Hopefully, this is useful for you too 🙂
Packing tips and tricks
Before I start packing I always check what the weather prediction is on the destination. Especially in France/Europe, the weather can change a lot. Another thing I always keep in mind is the days of travel. For one week I usually pack light, but now for 2 weeks I probably need a bit more.
Tip 1: Underwear and socks
When I start packing I always start with gathering all my underwear and socks. For 10 days I would pack around 10 panties, 3 bras, and 4 pairs of socks. Afraid it will not be enough? I always bring laundry detergent to wash 🙂
Tip 2: Tops
I actually thought about calling this paragraph ‘capsule collection’, but decided to rather explain my process so tops it is. Before I start with the cute outfits I collect at least 2 long sleeves and 2 sweaters/hoodies. Since those are the items that I actually wear the most. When that is laid out on my bed I go to the cute tops. I pick 2 or 3 cute tops, 2 button-down shirts, and 3 or 4 t-shirts. Now I can hear you think: no dresses or jumpsuits or shorts/jeans?! Of course, I will bring those, so let’s move onto nr 3.Â
Tip 3: Bottoms
I always make sure I have at least 1 pair of jeans, 1 jogger or yoga pants, and 2 or 3 shorts. I always make sure they match with the tops. Additionally, I add a dress or 2 to the mix and one jumpsuit.
Tip 4: Fabrics
I decided to add this topic in one paragraph. Since fabrics are covered for both but wanted to have tops and bottoms to be separated. The right choice of fabrics is very important because I like my travel things light and airy, easy to layer, and wrinkle-free.
Tip 5: Swimwear
For swimwear, I pack always 2 bikinis and 1 bathing suit. I always get my favorites from Hunkemoller. My first bikini is always a bit more showing, the second one has a bit more coverage and the bathing suit fully covered. I do this so I can always pick and choose based on how I feel.Â
Tip 6: Entertainment
This is basically the paragraph for anything entertainment: board games (scrabble or 30 seconds), card games (deck of cards and saboteur), books, e-reader, magazines, Nintendo switch, mini speaker, camera, and all the chargers that come with all of the above. I dump all of these in one backpack that I can easily grab in the car or in the plane.
Tip 7: Skincare, Haircare, Bodycare, and sunscreen
Of course, I cannot bring my whole skincare collection, so I always try to bring the bare minimum. I will pack a gel cleanser, a toner, a serum, a moisturizer, and SPF. The next step is haircare. Right now I think I will bring the usual as described here. But on the other hand, France is great for both Skincare and Haircare. I mean hello they have Sephora! Also for the body, I don’t think I will bring a lot since I love buying it at the destination. Usually, I bring some minis for the first days.
Tip 8:Â Shoes and bags
For shoes and bags, I keep them basic. One big backpack I bring for bigger day trips, one handbag, and one beach bag/tote. Shoes: Birkenstock slippers, Havaianas for shower/pool/sea, and one pair of sneakers for hiking.