Ultimate efficient packing list for a week hot holiday

[cherrypied]

The zip snapped off my suit case as I repacked it at the airport hotel, because it was overpacked. Although it has done 10 years of trusty service. I managed to buy a lock and fasten it that way so it wasn't a total disaster.

Going on another hot holiday later in the year so what do wise Mumsnettser take for those who can do medium sized checked in suitcase without the zip breaking!

After many years overpacking this is my go too list.

Main thing is to stick to a simple colour palette to optimise mix and max options. Mine is white, black, kahki and denim.

4 x swimsuits with 4 cover ups
2 x shorts (1 linen 1 denim)
2 x linen shirts
4 x t shirts (linen or cotton)
4 x dresses for evening (wear each 1 twice)
3 x sandals which cover day to night
1 x trainers for travel
1 x jeans to travel plus top from above
2 x crossover bags ( tan and black)
Sunglasses
Make up
Earrings

If going to a place that's cooler on an evening then I chuck in denim jkt, white denim jkt and two lightweight knits.

Works well for me.

My list is like @lionsleepstonight but I only take 2 swimwear’s and 1 cover up, and 3 dresses for evening. And one pair of sandals that work with everything.

I wear the kind of dress that works as day or night.

Therefore I take one dress for each night and then wear it the next day on holiday for breakfast then over swimwear. I get most dresses from COS or Me and Em etc.

I take one pair flip flops one pair of nice flat sandals.

One bikini. Who cares or notices if you wear the same one every day?

Small selection of earrings.

I can absolutely do a fortnight using handluggage (we did 17 nights in california and went to the laundrette x3).

Obvs if you are the dressing up type that won't work!

I went to Thailand for two months. Managed to pack seven vests, one skirt and a massive fluffy winter coat. No other clothes though and no toothbrush, suncream or towel or t-shirt. Not sure I would recommend my approach

How long are you going for? We usually don’t go for longer than 10 days and I often plan a wash. This is my list for 11 days next week, I’m 32 weeks pregnant. Weather expected to be 20-25, beach but but no pool. I also really feel the cold (jumpers in 25 degrees isn’t unusual for me).

Dress x2
Long sleeve top x3
Short sleeve top x3 (wear one)
Trousers / leggings x3 (wear one)
Jumper x2 (wear one)
7 socks
7 knickers
2 bras (wear one)
Sandals
Shoes (wear)
Toiletries bag: body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, moisturiser, mascara, lipstick, lipliner.
Laundry bag
Coat (wear)
Scarf (wear)
Swimsuit

I won’t be taking a carryon, just a cross body with my essentials (passport).

FWIW I am also planning on putting my sons travel high chair in my bag. We’re not going to a hotel.

Not even spare knickers?

For two weeks I took
4 pairs shorts
1 skirt
9 tops
6 dresses
1 jumpsuit
1 pair thin trousers
3 bikinis
1 pair sandals
1 pair flip flops
14 pants
3 bras
pyjamas
2 pairs socks
thin cardigan
jersey blazer

On the plane I wore trousers, top, denim jacket and trainers with a big silk pashmina/scarf thing (always get cold on the plane). It was enough to have options without having lots of unworn stuff. I’d probably take another more casual dress for chucking on around the resort and we didn’t eat out every night otherwise I’d have wanted another evening option or two. I’m not sure I’d take much less for one week, fewer tops and underwear probably, maybe only 2 bikinis, 4/5 dresses and 3 pairs of shorts…

Thanks everyone @lionsleepstonight that list looks good.

I go on holiday fairly regularly and never overpacked like this beforehand I think I kept packing things "just in case" and also it's freezing in the UK and we did an overnight at the airport. Also things don't get dirty on holiday - no cooking, cleaning, work, pets etc so things can be worn multiple times before they need washing and I tend to change fairly often during the day - sightseeing pool and evening.

I tend to wear things for both day or night.

One UK /plane outfit -joggers t shirt trainers cardigan and coat - clean t shirt for on way home.
Four dresses
3 skirt/culottes/ trousers
Denim shorts
Linen shorts
7 t shirts or vest tops
2 swim wear
2 cover ups
Flip flops
2 sandals
One day rucksack
One crossbody bag for eve
2 bras /7 pants

Is this still too much?

Sunglasses
Bikini
7 light dresses for day
Maxi dresses for evening (keep the mosquitoes off your legs )
Knickers
Bras .
If it's hot no waistbands si I avoid shorts

7 x dresses or outfits for evening
3 x swimsuits
3 x cover ups
1 pair of shirts
2 x tops
shortie PJ’s
2 bras
7 knickers
a few toiletry bags, one for toiletries, one for accessories, one for medication/plasters etc
a uv Sun top for swimming
about 4 pairs of various flip flip flops and sandals
beach bag
a few smaller bags for evening and sightseeing
a few other dresses for breakfast or general
wearing
2 x sunglasses
my book and glasses go in my hand luggage

The best advice I was ever given was to do a packing list when you get home from holiday and you are unpacking.

At the top of the list I write where and when I went. Roughly the weather. Ie very hot, no rain etc.

Then with my memory fresh I tick or cross out the list of clothes I took. I’m older and don’t bother with fashion so have a lot of standby’s for hot weather. (I very rarely go on holidays where the weather isn’t guaranteed to be hot, hot)

Over the years I’ve stopped taking shorts, and take instead loose linen dresses for daytime.

We're going on a hot holiday in the summer for 10 days as a family of 4 (DSs 5 &7) with hand luggage only so following with interest! Pre children and DH I would have a 23kg checked suitcase stuffed to the brim with at least 5 pairs of shoes. Villa holidays & young children now mean we mainly eat in so there's no need to take any smart clothes or heels etc.

For a week (actually 9 days, next week) I'm taking:

2x bikini
1 x sarong
2 x short dresses plus cycling shorts
3 x maxi dresses
2 pairs long trousers
4 x blouses
Cardigan
Fleece
Sandals
Flip flops
Underwear for 9 days
Toiletries

Wearing jeans, trainers and windproof waterproof jacket for space. We are sharing one 23kg case! I've learned to travel light!

Trick is to ensure items double up eg my small cabin bag is also my going about bag, inside my cabin bag I tuck my tiny evening cross body bag for going past the Ryan air one bag only scrutiny. If make up doesn't fit in my clear plastic bag it doesn't come, even got a folding toothbrush. We mostly travel by motorcycle so 23kg shared is luxurious