To ask for your most comprehensive holiday packing list?

[dartmoordays]

I’m travelling in southern Europe this summer. 10 days across three locations.

Multiple day trips are planned and I have never travelled alone. I’m going to some really nice places (lake como etc) so want to look nice but also be comfortable.

I’m panicking slightly as I’ve never done a trip like this alone

Oh I should add - I have an 18kg suitcase, plus two carry on bags

Sounds lovely! Really a comprehensive packing list for a trip like that will vary quite a bit depending on your own preferences, style, and planned sctivities.

There will be loads of templates on Pinterest/elsewhere, but I'd start with categories:

Underwear and nightwear - short PJs and usual underwear although easy to wash and dry in that climate

Trousers/shorts/skirts - I'd have 3 X shorts, 1 X trousers, 1 X skirt

Dresses - I'd probably take 2 plain dark sundresses

Tops - I'd usually take 3 X vest style, 3 X tees, and 1 X overshirt

Layers (you won't need that many of these unless you're in the mountains!)

Shoes - personally I take 2 x sandals and maybe one pair of Bensimon-style plimsolls/pumps, unless hiking

Toiletries

Gadgets and tech e.g. ear pods, chargers, Kindle

Can you give more info about where you'll be and what you'll be doing, and your usual style?

Also remember that just because you have a certain luggage allowance, doesn't mean you have to max it out!

You could do 10 days in southern Europe on a big CabinMax style backpack, a day pack and a smaller handbag/bumbag.

I try to be quite put together but usually fail. Lots of trousers and dresses in my daily life

I will be doing a lot of exploring. Lots of walking!

How are you travelling around? I would only take a bag I could carry comfortably up stairs etc.

What is your usual style? What do you already own? I don’t wear shorts inless I am on the beach so I would pack lightweight trousers, vests and linen shirts plus a skirt/top coord, another lightweight skirt, t-shirts and a couple of light dresses for evening. Shoes I would take birkies and sandals and travel in lightweight trainers.

also are you staying in hotels? Will there be pools? Are you in accommodation with laundry facilities?

Travelling by public transport and plane. I’ll be able to carry the bags, they’ll be big but I can lift them.

I’ll be staying in apartments but really would prefer not to do washing while there as I’ll be so busy!

I have these dresses saved as inspo - obviously I won’t be buying them all!

I’m also a fan of nice wide leg trousers and t-shirts

I agree that light trousers are the best. Shorts are for the beach IMO but each to their own. I have lots of very light uncrushable trousers for hot places. Works great for me, no chub rub like a dress can do, and you can mix and match. I travel light!

Go easy on the shoes. I think you will find that you'll wear comfortable walking footwear be that cushioned sandals or slip on trainers during the day, and something else at night. A dress or two for night is good. Make sure they are cool, flowy and don't need an iron! A little shrug cardi is good to throw in just in case it's windy or cooler at night.

A small fold up backpack is great. I have those swim bags with the strings that you pull together. They hold loads and fold up to nothing. Great for days out and leave your hands free.

If you are using public transport (I use it a lot when abroad) please just bring one bag that you can easily lift onto a train or coach/bus. There's nothing worse than trying to load more than one case, a backpack and yourself onto a crowded train! A word of warning, if you are putting your bags in the storage under the coach, keep an eye at stops that no one steals your bag. It happened to me once, but I was watching and I got it back. The thief escaped though!

Is there anything else in particular that you want to find out more about?

I do love a pair of shorts - I have two I’d be looking to take I think

Take something stylish in linen some big sunglasses and a glam straw hat and you will fit right in! When I lived in Italy, I realised one gets better service and friendliness by being well dressed with decent quality bag and shoes - statement jewellery. “More interesting things happen when you are better dressed”. Etc