To ask how on earth people pack light?!

[NeedSomeAnswersPlease]

Travelling to the Netherlands for the Dutch Grand Prix in ten days or so

We (stupidly) booked to travel hand luggage only and I just don't understand how it's possible! The amount of things you need, I'll be due on my period that weekend too so need to take extra bits for that as well. I know everyone's answer will be "just take less clothes" but it all seems to accumulate - shorts, t-shirts, a dress or two for if we want to go out in the evening, it's not possible!😩

Depends how long you are going for.
We went for a long weekend in Amsterdam in October, 10kg hand luggage only each, I took 2 spare tops, 1 jumper, I pair jeans , undies socks, mini deo shower gel etc and a book and had to re-wear what I travelled in.

We did once manage 5 days in Rome hand luggage only but were lucky that weather was consistently warm. As a pp did I decanted almost every toiletry item into tiny bottles and cream pots I've collected over the years (the ones you get in beauty advent calendars are useful). Also Feel Unique or Look Fantastic used to do an excellent deal where you choose x 5 sachet or sample sizes for a fiver including postage and that £ is put on your account as a credit so they were basically free! Especially useful for say, nice body lotion, which I can't travel without.

no-one (other than you) cares if you are in the same clothes

The problem is when ‘you’ love clothes and fashion and want to wear nice outfits on holiday! Packing would be easier if I didn’t care!

Saying to someone who is very obviously into clothes / style “ just don’t wear make up and let your hair dry naturally and why not get some walking trousers that zip off at the knee” isn’t really going to cut it

Ha so true!

I agree but a race weekend with long days at the venue isn't a typical holiday. A focus on functionality and practicality can be useful.

Yes I am sure there are some people who can pack light and look glam. That’s not me unfortunately. Sorry, I didn’t meant to make you feel sad! You are in the majority on this thread anyway; lots of light efficient packers here!

yes, I admit I am unfamiliar with this kind of holiday. I reckon wearing a team shirt would not be for me anyway ;-)

That doesn't sound excessive, but should easily fit in a cabin sized suitcase - what kind of bag do you have? The Eastpak one I linked to before would fit all of that easily and you can take chargers, headphones and books in your small cabin handbag.

Decant some of your skin care products into contact lens cases.

If the weather is variable then you need to pack layers.

If your clothes all stink after one day, you need to wear anti perspirant and shower every day. if that doesn’t work you need to see your doctor. most people can rewear trousers , jeans , skirts , dresses and sweaters / jumpers for several days without any smell.

You have 4 bags ( 2 cabin bags and 2 personal items ) for 4 days in one country. Some people travel the world for a year with less than that.

Hope I’m not repeating someone else’s advice.
Try 54321 packing: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses and shoes, 2 jackets, 1 hat.
Some people put jackets in the tops and say 2 accessories/bags.
I did it for a week long holiday and it worked really well.

Yes I am sure there are some people who can pack light and look glam. That’s not me unfortunately. Sorry, I didn’t meant to make you feel sad! You are in the majority on this thread anyway; lots of light efficient packers here!

/:

Now catching up with all the thread I have to say I'm finding everyone's suggestions helpful and inspiring. Especially like the idea for considering packing an item when I buy something new. True, sometimes you'll have specific requirements but in many cases I think this could work.

My dear @NeedSomeAnswersPlease , I say this kindly - your problem is your mental attitudes and not your holiday plans.

You need to learn how to handwash small clothes items like underwear .

You need to get over some of your issue, like your father seeing underwear drying. I assume he’s has sex at least once so he must know that women wear underwear.

If you are having regular leaks during your period then you need to look at other types of San pro that might work better for you.

You can re wear most clothes and shoes. Please see my comment about “stinking “ upthread .

You don’t need a complete new outfit for every day, let alone two outfits.

Rain in the Netherlands in August doesn't mean it will be freezing cold. You need several thin layers and waterproofs, not one thick layer.

Shops in the Netherlands are just like those in the UK.

You need to learn to simplify your complicated hairstyling and beauty routine, even for a few days on holiday. This will free up more time and space for you to enjoy yourself.

You can cope with something that is less than perfect for a few days , like a hairdryers that is not your own and only one hairbrush for blow drying. You can look nice without looking like a model on a shoot.

You can learn to do without so much stuff for one weekend. It’s not about “making sacrifices “, it’s about being more free to enjoy the experience. Somewhere you have picked up the idea that stuff = happiness/ security.

This, this and 3 times this.

Plus the fact that BA have one of the most generous carry on allowances that exist.

Generally I get dry and then I immediately get dressed! Just like at home. I sometimes take a very lightweight gown on holiday with me if I've got space, but only really if sharing a house with family/friends other than DH and want to cover up between bathroom and bedroom. Not if I'm just in a hotel room.

Someone else has said they dress immediately, whereas for me dressing is the very last thing I do, even when in a rush or work days. Interesting how we all have different routines!

OP - sorry to add to your list but I didn't see a travel adapter in your list above.

I don't think your comments have been dismissed. I'm not in the 'packing light' camp generally (although I did manage a few days in Poland earlier in summer just on Ryanair's small bag allowance - found it hard though and in no hurry to repeat😆) but you've given me an idea for when I head to Peru later this year. It's a mixed itinerary of some hiking and some cultural but I think I'll pack just one specific outfit for the hiking days, 1 cargo/walking pants and 1 or 2 shirts.

I think you are taking the OP too seriously. It is a pretty lighthearted post and of course she will cope and be fine. I’m not sure she needs deep advice on her lifestyle! Were you the poster that said she needed to see a doctor?

@Uncool yeah it was white tongue in cheek but there have been some helpful tips!!

Prioritise knickers 🤣

I was recently in Portugal for ten days and packed - one pair of leggings (on top of the one I was wearing), two extra tops, a bikini, one dress and lots of knickers 🤣. All fitted into one small rucksack.

I wore a hoody onto the plane for colder nights.

It was fine. But maybe I'm just a bit scummy.

@S00LA

I certainly can't and it is worse when you hit menopause

My mum always laughs at me because I will pack 10 pairs no matter what 🤣

I use a sarong instead of a dressing gown.

Why don’t you just pay for a larger case? Stress finished. As for buying toiletries and leaving them behind, you might as well pay for the larger case and wear what you fancy on the day.

That woild introduce a new stress of trying to get to the airport to drop it 🤣 I've got myself in quite a mess

You can add a suitcase to your booking probably. Also, you are going to the Netherlands and they have supermarkets I am sure. Travel with the precious stuff and buy what you want when you’re there. Leave the shampoo etc behind when you come home . Maybe book a suitcase to come back.