Saving packing space

[Callmeback]

I have a week's holiday in a few weeks. It's the first time I've travelled for that length of time with just hand luggage. I'd love some tips for cutting back packing.

The weather will be warm but I don't wear smaller clothes like shorts etc as I'm not at the kind of weight I can pull it off. So it'll be cotton trousers, leggings, t shirts etc. it's not really the weight of the case I'm worried about, it's fitting it all in. Any tips welcome.

Oh and I'll need space for at least 4 books as I can't stand e readers.

Anyone?

Get everything out on the bed & then halve it. You don't need 5 pairs of trousers for one week. Pack knickers etc inside shoes. Some people swear by compression packing cubes but I don't think they make a huge difference. Buy toiletries when you get there or at the airport, it's the lotions, potions & meds that I find take a lot of room. Wash things out when you are there.

Also try & get away with two or three pairs of shoes. One to travel.in, one for walking around or at the pool, & one for evenings if you want to dress up a bit.

I find shoes take up a lot of room. I'm on holiday art the moment so to save space I wore my trainers on the flight and packed one pair of sandals for the evening. I also roll my clothes as I find I can fit more in.

Thank you

Everything has to mix and match. Ive just been away and everything was matched to navy. So i did have a teal t shirt in the mix and i had a multicoloured maxi skirt but both had colours that matched navy..and teal.
Wear your trainers and a zip up hoodie on the plane.
You dont need a coat.
Dont take things where small stains will show up. No plain white anything. Those tiny mesh trainer socks are great. Yes a pair of sandals. Sleep in a t shirt and your knickers.

You can describe exactly what you are thinking of taking to an ai program and the colours and ask it to show you it in all combinations , like a capsule wardrobe. It becomes easy to spot what doesnt go with anything else and what wont pull its weight

The books are a big space user! If you are staying in a hotel or complex they often have books available to lend. ? Worth a thought

I'd rather go without knickers than without books 🤣. It's abroad so I'm not sure they'll have books in English at the hotel but I could maybe check.

Wear a jacket with large patch pockets - 1 paperback in each pocket! Agree reading choices with travel companions and swap after reading. Get an Audible subscription ( I found this preferable to e-readers). As PP said, buy toiletries airside - or buy paperbacks airside, I don’t think I’ve ever had airport carrier bags checked or counted in baggage allowance

I'm a "real" book person also, but I rarely take more than one with me. I thoroughly enjoy audible books when on hols. It is great to have someone read to me while I'm relaxing, and often reading a book in sunshine and heat can be bothersome for me anyway. Have you tried audiobooks yet. Maybe you have and don't like them, but I'd give them another try.

As for packing, the best advice is above. Lay out what you think you need and cull it with a vengeance. How many times have you come back from a trip and only worn certain things, bringing back a heap of unworn stuff! Essentials are undies, swimwear, cover up, comfortable walking shoes/sandals, (wear going) and a dressy pair for night time. Try and use neutral colours and mix and match. A cardigan or tie wrap is so useful if it gets windy or chilly at nighttime.

Packing the case - I use the Marie Kondo method and I can fit so much in now and can see everything at a glance rather than rummaging before I go to make sure I have everything! Lay suitcase upright and pack from the bottom and stack as you go. Shoes and heavy stuff on the bottom.

Meds and valuables in tote or backpack. You don't need me to tell you that! It's also handy to leave a bit of room for bits you might buy in the local shops/market, so don't overfill anything.

I have a small carry on size bag for 4 weeks. The first trick is to take hand washing soap (eg dr Beckmans) second wear your bulkiest shoes and take just flip flops and sandals, thirdly rewear your clothes washing if needed (see point 1). I take clothes for 4 days, that’s it, though I might wears shorts/jeans and t shirt in day then dress at night and so on. I need a long of our luggage space for boring things like tools as we go on the motorcycle

I go for typically 3 pairs of bottoms, 5 t shirts, 2 pairs of footwear. Nothing that only goes with one other thing. And don't take bulky things like jeans. If you need a warm thing for evening, make sure it packs up small, no hoodies or jumpers. Will you want something smarter for evenings? One thing will do, it's not a fashion show. Small amount of underwear - either one lot per day or take some handwash and do one wash midweek. Wash other clothes midweek too if you need to.

Toiletries - I'd rather take my own than waste holiday time shopping for these. But be brutal - take small packs, even if you are at an airport allowing larger containers. Consider dropping some items (hand moisturiser, night cream or whatever) and only taking real essentials.

I only take hand luggage (cabin rucksack and daypack) for 2 week trips; I've come to hate suitcases! It's more of a challenge in cool or variable weather though.

A lot of airlines allow you a small personal bag in addition to hand luggage that will fit under the seat in front of you. So that might comfortably house your books.

1 pair of trousers (wear the other to the airport) and a couple of skirts should be sufficient for bottoms, maybe 1-2 dresses, 1 pair extra shoes, 4 light tops (e.g. vests/t-shirts/blouses, 1 jumper, 1 cardigan, 2 swimsuits, hairbrush, toothbrush, charger, minimal makeup (just the stuff you will definitely use), your least bulky socks and pants.

Wear your bulkiest items at the airport (I.e. trousers and jumper around your waist if you get hot), hats etc.

Keep toiletries to a minimum or get travel size versions/decant into smaller containers. Keep laptop and extraneous electronics at home.

Fold things very neatly and use up every crevice of your bag.

Hand luggage for a one week trip should be quite easy (that's what I generally do!)

BTW re toiletries, apart from the time spent hunting them down if you buy them there, you wouldn't find your favourites, they might be more expensive (suncream in Croatia was double what I'd pay here) and you'd have to bring them back (same space problem) or chuck out the extra - expensive and wasteful.