HELP 8 days In Madrid at Easter -DH told me I need to take carry on - he's not joking

[Sandgroper]

We are flying to Madrid and he told me this morning he thinks our flights are for "carry on". . Going out BA and back Easy Jet. I told him he had better change it so we can take luggage in the hold. Taking two DS as well (7 and 9) and I usually pack one case for them to share.

I own about 100 pairs of shoes and packing light is not my forte. Always take way too much (spoilt by driving to continent and taking whatever fits in our car) and I am planning on doing some shopping whilst we are there.

So the challenge is could I fit a capsule wardrobe into a bag that teeny and if so what should I take? Not sure weather wise what to pack and if it's going to be same temps as London. We are staying in an apartment so will have a washing machine.

half of me wants to prove him wrong! anyone up for the challenge?

Look on Pininterest for packing travel capsules.

Also here is a blog post

travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-spain-vacations-a-seasonal-guide/

Thanks for the speedy response, mirpuppet.

Just a had a quick look at the website, exactly what I had in mind to pack (given they are quite stylish). Question is can I do it?

Weather wise you need to think layers - it could be lovely and warm but it could just as well be cold. I'm there and last week I was sunbathing in the park with an ice cream. Today it was bloody freezing! I'd recommend T-shirts and jeans, cotton jumpers, ankle boots and a coat and scarf. Madrid is very high so temperatures are extreme. The good news is that people dress quite casually so you won't need special 'going out' clothes. Have a fantastic time!!

You can do it!

We have taken hand luggage only on our last 3 holidays abroad and it has been fine, you just have to drill down your wardrobe. Once you get your head round it you'll be fine.

Remember, the boys will have a hand luggage allowance too.

The "shopping while you're there" might cause a problem though

Check your weight allowance for carry on - some airlines only allow 5kg (I did 5kg for a week in Greece, but it wasn't easy) - 10kg is doable with careful planning though.

Stick to 2-3 colours - a friend of mine did Madrid on 3 colours, red, white and navy, then mixed and matched. I was seriously impressed!

You need 4 of these ;-)

I think your trip would be more comfortable if you check in a case between you. You might like to but something in Madrid.

Pretty sure baggage is still free on BA. It's not on easyjet but it won't cost much for one suitcase one way.

Not quite a Style and Beauty answer I know but you could send the bag back under its own steam using a firm like this - about 30 quid for up to 30 kilos. Don't take all 100 pairs of shoes, though!

These are great for maximising your packing space.

Thanks for all your useful comments.

Hauntedhenry thanks for your advice from someone local. I will take it onboard and relieved to hear they dress casually (not as bad as Paris then). Can't wait to visit now.

Itscurtainsforyou (great name) very impressed by your packing skills and that of your friends!

I am definitely hitting the shops, which I did point out to DH and he wants some shoes as well. Good idea about sharing a bag and on the shoe front i am only going to take a pair of ankle boots and my supaga trainers. Am going to give the capsule wardrobe a shot, up for the challenge now.

love those packing bags as well..

Will report back how I got on when I return??

What about make up, beauty products etc? Don't forget the liquid limits on hand luggage. You will all need shampoo, sun cream etc, which may make it tight unless you buy at the airport on the way out and bin it before you come home. Do able but worth planning in advance...

If you are a you a casual dresser, I would travel in jeans, boots, coat and anything else bulky. Pack jeggings/thin skinnies and a few tops/tunics in the cabin bags, with one other pair of shoes that are comfortable for walking. Pack old undies and nightwear that you can ditch to make room for shopping. I would take enough clothes for three days as you can use the washing machine in the apartment. You can buy toiletries in Boots at the airport, once you have checked in. Wear the same travel clothes to fly home in. Enjoy the challenge, and the euro.

Sorry x posted about footwear. Your choice sounds perfect.

Hi

Wanted to report back... We had a fab holiday and Madrid was amazing (despite being delayed by 2 days due to Frenchies being on strike) if you are a foodie and love architecture then it's pure heaven. Did help that we had blue skies and hot weather and stayed in a great location....

I did manage to "share half a suitcase" with DH so packed a "sort of capsule wardrobe" yah I can do it.... We also made use of the washing machine in the apartment we were staying in (which I can also recommend thru Spain Select).

So now for my summer holiday to Croatia I am definitely packing a capsule wardrobe!

thanks to you all for your comments. ??