By Annette Sanfilippo
Every time I travel, I always declare that I will pack light and be super organised. The unspoken plan is to create a fun practical collection of a few key pieces so I can keep half the suitcase free to bring a few treasures back. I’m never successful; it’s always a mega-failure!
I don’t know how I do it, but I always manage to end up having to sit on top of my suitcase to do up the zip and somehow it always weighs just as much as the last pack. Over the course of a two-week holiday, I could do wardrobe changes three times a day.
We have all reflected on a holiday and realised we wore the same staple pieces that were our favourites, so why do we overpack? It’s not like we know anyone or go back to the same place twice, so where do we start to pack light and right?
The year is moving fast, and March is a month we often think hard about taking a well-earned break leading into the cooler months ahead. Once you decide where, (it’s not hard for me to choose, I don’t do snow!) the question then is what will I take to wear?
No doubt we will pack some smart basic staples and many necessary little suitcase sundries, but the trick is to avoid grabbing all your favourites and confusing what should be a fun experience. Think of the best-case scenario, not the worst.
‘What if it rains? Or if it gets cool in the evenings? Or if I get invited to tea with the King?’ ‘Security’ is the one word that most people use to explain why so much of their wardrobe gets to go halfway across the world with them and never get to see the sun, but extras can often see us paying heavily for excess baggage.
So, what can’t I live without? Experts have written and created templates to plan for the perfect travel apparel, and as I face that empty suitcase again in a few months, I’m determined to focus, plan, and crack the code for perfect packing. Here are a few hacks that might help.
- If you’re escaping the cold, it’s ideal to layer up and wear your weighted items on the plane. Load up and peel it all back once you are on your way.
- Lovely linen short and shirt sets can double up as your PJ’s as well. Split them up and wear separately to create a few different outfits.
- Question the need for a heavy hairdryer. They are bulky and are often supplied by the hotels. A good brush though is a given.
- Can you do without your electric shaver?
- Roll, roll, roll everything – it’s a real space saver (I just love icon Marie Condo and her organising philosophy).
- Minimise your makeup and toiletries – buy your shampoo/conditioner when you’re there.
- We don’t need every eyeshadow palette; only your ‘ride or die’.
- Share the load if you’re travelling with a friend. Don’t double up on things like sunblock or bodywash.
- Choose your handbag wisely. Something with a removable cross bag strap will leave the bag usable and elevated for nights out on the town.
- Start packing early and revisit your choices eliminating pieces that don’t match up. Keep it stylish and carefully curated.
Apart from the obvious medications, paperwork, bathers, and costume jewellery (avoid taking your investment pieces unless you never take them off). Luggage has been known to go missing, so a few key things to consider are:
- A fabric hat that you can fold down. Avoid straw.
- Take sunnies that you may be prepared to lose.
- A plastic bag won’t take up too much space but will be a lifesaver if you have to pop in swimwear that hasn’t actually had time to dry.
- A large sheer scarf is priceless. So many ways you can wear it: sarong, a shoulder wrap, a top, or in your hair.
- An elevated sneaker you can walk in for miles and also wear with your favourite sundress. Think comfort!
- Denim is a given but another good pant you can roll up or wear down can be styled for any adventure.
You may already have your packing down pat. If so, please feel free to share some ideas to our socials as I’m always up for great ideas. Don’t get too wound up about it all, as we are holidaying to have a good time and extra few pairs of undies are always a good thing. But if you end up with restrictions on some internal flights get ready to part with a few items or post them back home! Not sure what I would part with but I’m hanging on to my electric toothbrush!
Happy planning!
Fashionably Yours,
Annette
Peninsula Essence March 2026