The habit I’ll never pack in
DASH AND CARRY
This canvas tote is giving Saint Laurent vibes for a fraction of the price. I bought the black-and-cream version last year for travelling and it remains a firm favourite waiting for its next moment in the sunshine.
When it comes to travel, I wish I could be less high maintenance. But these days, I’m afraid, I can’t.
I’ve always had the travel bug and in my early 20s – the low-maintenance years – I took a year off to backpack around Australia, New Zealand and Asia with a couple of girlfriends.
We spent weeks living in a tent on the beach and doing odd jobs such as walking camels in the blazing heat in Byron Bay (wouldn’t recommend it; they’re extremely cantankerous) and cleaning light aircraft used by flying doctors (interesting but not remotely glamorous).
We were young, free-spirited and wild. And, thankfully, there was no social media to document any of it. I did bungee jumps and skydives, and came home with a bellybutton ring and a much broader perspective. The experience – and all the challenges we faced – shaped, strengthened and changed me beyond recognition.
I dread to think what this young backpacker would make of the traveller I am now. I’m sure she’d sneer at how I always over-pack and plan my outfits in detail, bringing hair masks and way too many skincare products. However, I’d tell her that nowadays what I wear on holiday – along with the accompanying accessories – is as much a part of the enjoyment as the new horizon I’m looking at and the book I’m reading.
And this isn’t going to change. Already in dark, freezing January I’m dreaming about what I’ll wear on my next sunny trip, and my wish list seems to be growing longer by the minute. It includes several items by two exciting Australian fashion brands, Posse and Clea – as well as Sensi Studio from Ecuador, which makes gorgeous bags for the beach.
In the meantime, here are some other holiday tips from the new high-maintenance me to make my old self roll her eyes…
Whenever I pack, I always go back and take at least three to five items out of my suitcase – after giving myself a stern talking to.
I bring one basket bag as hand luggage and pack at least three others inside: more accessories to choose from, but no extra luggage allowance used!
I use packing cubes for shoes and haircare products – somehow they magically help everything fit. Muji is brilliant for these, and very reasonably priced.
While away, I always try to use my phone and social media less, to give my mind a chance to reset. But I don’t always succeed. And, as for outfits, did I even wear it if it’s not posted somewhere?