Holiday packing tips please

[magentastardust]

Right , help me- I ALWAYS take way too much (I probably do wear the majority of it to be fair but I need to streamline and take less.)
It is a Beach/pool /hot country villa holiday and we do go out most evenings to eat. There are 5 of us -I normally do end up taking 4 cases (although 1 is a small one)
Too many shoes also tend to be a down fall. Any great packing tips?

I also seem to manage to take a hefty amount of toiletries , lotions and potions and gubbins that I also probably don't need !
Wish I was a capsule wardrobe, hand luggage type of girl!

Packing is my one and only true skill!!

I have a packing list- each family member has a column and I plan outfits for each day. They don't have to be worn on that day but it stops me from over packing.

Remember shorts and dresses can generally be worn twice and if you are in a villa and there is a machine, you could wash underwear so you don't need to take sets for every day. Also, swimwear tends to be worn far more than you think so pants not needed until the evening.

I am a shoe addict at home but I only take flip flops, one nice pair of sandals and ^possibly* some wedge espadrilles.

How long are you going for?

Right. I'm on holiday for a week at the moment with only hand luggage, similar holiday set up to you :) I have:

2 x bikinis - wear one while the other is drying
1 x hat - big enough to protect your face
3 x shoes - one pair for pool, one pair for walking around during the day, one pair for evening
2 x floaty coverups for pool - same as bikinis rule
5 x 'nice' dresses - frankly don't think I'm going to wear half of them
3 x 'day' dresses for wearing into the shops, sightseeing etc
Sunglasses
Bras x 2, knickers x 7
Cardigan for return home to chilly U.K. - worn on flight
3 x tshirts - sleeping in, throwing on for lunch poolside etc

Books
Phone and charger
European plug converter
Small toiletries bag - pill, essential cosmetics, toothbrush - bought shampoo etc here due to hand luggage rule

Small handbag with usuals in + passport

I also brought a small Bluetooth speaker so we can have some decent pool tunes

I think I overpacked for this week and that all fit in a BA approved hand luggage suitcase (except the handbag of course)! It's just down to good planning

Concentrate on evening wear. Daywear is not usually worn much particularly if you have a couple of pool days and a washer in the villa.

Btw FOUR cases?! Really?

Re toiletries and cosmetics, I either measure out what I'm going to "need" into smaller tubes or a deliberately stop using them when I think there's just enough left to last 1 or 2 weeks and put it aside for taking with me. It's amazing how much less weight you take when you take "just enough" rather than full containers which you either bring back or ditch before they're empty. Just a bit of planning and you can easily lose a few kg of weight!

Thanks. Okay planning ahead with outfits sounds like a good plan.

Yes James Spader -4 cases!!! We are only away 11 days this time so no excuse for not packing a bit lighter.

Scribblegirl has it down pat. The only thing I'd add is a large pashmina for plane and evenings to cover up. No need for more than one small suitcase.