As you might have guessed, here at LuxePacker we love a well packed bag. Our products are centred around function and style, and are intended to help you stay organised and comfortable on your next holiday. Here are some of our favourite solutions to help you pack perfectly and travel in style.
Truth be told, I spend a lot of time thinking about packing and a lot of time planning it all out in my head well before my departure date. It’s not uncommon for me to start the packing process a month before my trip. I absolutely love it, and to me it’s part of the fun of going on holidays.
I am aware not everyone thinks like this, and everyone has different methods when it comes to packing bags. I have one close friend who leaves it all to the very last minute and generally ends up forgetting to pack any of the essentials - including underwear, toiletries, and one time any spare clothes. We are definitely polar opposites when it comes to packing!
Whatever your packing practise is, I wanted to share my dos and don’ts when it comes to filling your case.
DO pack planned outfits
This is my number one tip. It will reduce the number of items you pack in your suitcase, allowing more space, plus it will save time at your destinations as you won’t have to make any decisions on what to wear. There will also be no last minute packing regret, realising you have nothing to wear with your favourite skirt!
Think about what you have planned while you are away, and work out what outfit is required. I run though each day and night in my head and think about what would work and also what I might feel like wearing in that situation - whether it’s a day by the pool, a business meeting, or a day of sightseeing. Lay it all out, pare it with accessories, and make sure it goes with your bag and shoes…more on that to come!
LuxePacker loves Spell Designs for gorgeous outfits to travel with.
DON’T pack single wear shoes
Don’t pack a pair of shoes if there is only one outfit in your case they are going to work with. My rule goes like this - one pair of going out shoes, one pair of sandals, and one pair of runners. The going out shoes should be a neutral colour so they go with everything, the sandals need to look equally as good with a dress for dinner as they do with a pair of jeans, and the runners should work for fitness training, a day of shopping, and with your airplane outfit as these are what you should wear on the flight. Shoes take up way too much valuable space in your suitcase so be smart and practical when it comes to footear (please note this does not mean they should be stylish - of course they should be!)
LuxePacker loves Shoes by Lana Wilkinson - comfortable shoes that go with everything.
DO pack travel sized beauty products
I know we all have our favourite daily beauty products and it’s tempting to add all our regular items into our toiletry bag, but they add a lot of weight, take up a lot of room, and before we know it half our luggage space is gone! These days I have converted to travel sizes of everything. From shampoos and moisturisers, through to perfumes and mascaras. Start collecting the sample sizes that so many stores now offer when your purchase the full size - or simply get yourself some reusable containers and transfer your favaourite products into them. I actually leave my travel beauty products in my toiletry bag permanently now, so they are ready to go when I head away - one less thing to think about!
LuxePacker loves Meraki organic beauty products to travel with - available at www.luxepacker.com.au
DON’T pack multiple hand bags
Like with shoes, we can end up with way too many bags if we are trying to match a different bag with each outfit. Your evening clutch might be perfect with the new dress you packed but if it’s then going to end up back in your case not being used it’s just not practical. Instead go for a bag that has a detachable shoulder strap that can be worn as a clutch by night, or cross body bag by day. Another to tip is to make sure your Carry on bag has a dual purpose. Mine also works perfectly as a shopping bag, beach bag, or when I need a larger back to fit everything in for the day.
LuxePacker loves the Sojourne Book bag and Cross body/ Clutch bag - available at www.luxepacker.com.au
DO pack enough pajamas and underwear
With limited laundy facilities, it’s important to pack enough of the essentials to get you through at least a week without having to wash. For me, that means two pairs of pjamas - I usuallly pack one long sleeved pair and one short pair as it’s hard to predict the aircon situation. With underwear, a black bra and a white bra should cover you, and enough undies for each day and night - so for 7 days I would suggest 14 pairs. It may sound like a lot but better than having to rinse them out in the shower.
LuxePacker loves Sleepy Dee- sustainable Australian made sleepwear.
DON’T pack multiple jeans
Jeans are heavy and take up a lot of room. So choose your most favourite, most comfotable, most versatile pair. You should be able dress them up or down. To be honest I aways pack a pair and rarely end up wearing them, but they are a good practical piece to take away, and I would stll suggest adding one pair to your case.
LuxePacker loves AJ jean, the more you wear them the better they get. .
DO Enjoy the packing process
Think of the fun and exciting times ahead and savour the lead up because before you know it, it will all be over!
If you are lucky enough to have room leftover in your luggage, don’t make the mistake of filling it with unecceasry items that you don’t need. It’s so tempting to start throwing in ‘back up clothes’ but don’t fall for this trap. Leave room for shopping instead!
Happy travels x
The holiday season is well and truly upon us and it’s time to turn our thoughts to gift buying for our family, friends and loved ones. We've got some unique ideas to kick off your Christmas shopping - it’s always great to be able to cross some things off your list well in advance of the big day!
Although our gift guide is designed with the modern traveller in mind, all of the products listed below work equally well in your day to day life.
So have a read thorugh our top 10 picks, curated for every budget, and let us take the hard work out of your Xmas shopping this year.
1. Bling Bling jewellery case $46
The Bling Bling jewellery wrap keeps your accessories organised on your travels. With three handy zipper compartments, an earring holder, and a ring holder, it easily fits enough bling for your holiday and folds up neatly to pack in your case. Once the holiday is over, hang it on a hook with the pretty grosgrain ribbon for a great jewellery storage option at home. Available in Black or White.
2. Meraki gift set $49.95
The perfect travel kit for a holiday or weekend away - or just to add that little bit of luxe to your bathroom at home. It contains four products in hotel sizes (50mls) so you can safely carry them in your hand luggage. The kit conatins shamppoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion beautifully pacaked in a cotton bag.
3. Neck pillow $99.95
This makes for the ideal travel companion for the modern nomad that wants to enjoy the luxury feeling of home, anywhere. It fits into a convineient travel bag making it easy to carry and is by far the most supportive neck pillow I have used.
4. Sweet dreams mist - mini $14.00
Make dreams sweeter wherever you are with the travel size sleep mist. Containing clary sage, frankincense and geranium, combined with lavendar and sweet orange, it will bring harmony and balance to any bedroom. A good night's sleep is just a few sprays away. Give it to that special someone that deserves a good night’s sleep.
5. Journal $39.95
Life’s a ROADTRIP is designed to help you plan, experience and record the trip of your dreams. It will inspire the reader to escape and explore the road less travelled with its beautiful photography, stories of wanderlust, hidden locations and inspiring quotes. As a long standing fan of jouranlling, these really are the most stunning journals I have ever come across and any recipient of this gift will be thrilled.
6. Packing cubes $74.00
The packing cube has revolutionised the way we pack and these ones are well made, stylish and functional. They will keep anyone’s suitcase or backpack orgnised -even my husnand is a convert. They come in a set of 3 and feature a mesh top so you can see what’s in each cube. Also great at home if you don’t have much room in your wardobe to keep things organised.
7. Silk Eye mask $50.00
Give the gift of a good night’s sleep with this 100% silk sleep eye mask. Whether you are in the comfort of your home or on holidays, this sleep mask ensures total drakness for an uninteripted deep sleep. Plus, did you know silk is good for your skin? It can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and the natural anti- absorbent qualities reduce moisture loss and won’t absorb your night cream.
8. Yoga Mat $120.00
There’s no excuse to give up your downward dogs on holidays. This super light weight yoga mat folds up to fit in your luggage without taking up precious space. The closed-cell surface keeps moisture and bacteria at bay, increasing longevity and making post-class cleanup a breeze- and the added cushioning provides extra comfort for your joints. Available in 4 colours.
9. Travel Mug $39.95
For your eco consious friend this resuable mug is sure to be a winner. Not only does it look stylish, but it helps reduce single use plastics. Available in Blush and Slate, this ceramic and silicone travel mug can be taken on your next road trip, the daily commute to work or simply use it at home. Hot tip - this is a great gift for teachers.
10. BEAR Repair Superpowder $45.00
Know someone that’s a bit rundown and burning the candles at both ends? We have the gift for them! The Repair Daily Superpowder is designed to support muscle, bone and joint health. It also helps to rdeuce inflamtion and promotes healthy cognitive function. A great gift for those in need of a little extra care this Christmas.
Happy Shopping!
I was lucky enough to head on an amazing holiday to Europe for the month of September. Facing a long haul flight is always a little daunting but I knew going into it armed with a few essentials would make my 24 hour journey more comfortable, and therefore more enjoyable.
SO, WHAT ARE THE MUST HAVE ITEMS IN MY BAG?
1. CLASSIC LEATHER TOTE
Personally I always opt for a tote that has plenty of room and allows for easy access. My pick is the Louis Vuitton Neverull. It has a roomy interior and is the ideal size - it fits either under your seat or in the overhead baggage area standing upright. The detachable pouch is super handy to keep your small accessories organised on the flight. I keep my phone and Apple Airpods in here. And when I’m not in the air it doubles as the perfect clutch.
2. PASSPORT COVER
The single most important item for an international flight is of course the PASSPORT. Without this you won’t be going anywhere. Travelling as a family of four, I like to keep everyone’s passports together and this cute Passport + Travel Stuff pouch easily fitted all of our passports and tickets. I always keep a couple of pens in here too - perfect for when it’s time to fill out the dreaded custom declaration cards!
3. TRAVEL FACE TOWELS
A game changer for me this trip were my disposable Travel Face Towels. A-MAZING! I used them during our stopover in Dubai and felt instantly rejuvenated. Simply run the little circles under water and they expand into a disposable face washer. Genius!
4.LIP BALM
This is my go to Lip Balm and current addiction. It lastes like fresh mint and keeps my lips hydrated and nourished the whole flight. It’s certified organic and contains all natural ingredients. Secret tip - it’s also good on dry skin. So hooked!
5. SILK EYE MASK
Anyone who knows me well will knows that sleep is very important to me. This Silk Sleep Mask by The Goodnight Co. is so luxurious and made from 100% Mulberry Silk. It blocks out all light and doesn’t absorb your face cream. So luxe!
6. HAND SANITISER
I am not a germaphobe BUT did you know the seat back trays on aeroplanes have more bacteria than the toilets? The Thankyou Hand Sanitiser Spray kills 99% of germs. I personally prefer a spray like this over the gels as they tend to get a bit too sticky for my liking. It also means you can spray it on the tray tables for added protection. Oh and it helps get safe water and toilets to people in need. Win win.
7. MAKE- UP WIPES
If there is one thing I am a stickler for it’s taking my make- up off beforeI go to sleep each night! Aeroplanes included. These Make- up Wipes allow me to clean my face without having to squeeze into the bathroom. They are all natural and gentle on your skin, and leave my face feeling soft and hydrated. One wipe and you are make- up free and ready for some sleep. The pack is a really handy size too.
8. ALPACA TRAVEL SHAWL + PILLOW
Why is it that aeroplanes are always soooooo cold? The Alpaca Travel Shawl+ Pillow was definitely an essential item for this trip. It provides the right amount of warmth without making you too hot, plus it’s super soft and luxurious. An added bonus is that it packs into a handy travel pillow you can use to help you get comfortable on the plane. AND it takes up minimal valuable space in your carry- on which is always a good thing. I used mine all over Europe on the cooler nights, draped around my shoulders. LOVE this piece.
9.LUXE CITY GUIDES
If I do any reading on board I like to read up on my destination. My Luxe City Guides for Rome and for Dubai provided all the research I needed. My favourite thing about the Luxe City Guides is that they don’t hurt my head with information overload. It’s just the cool and relevant stuff that you need to know now.
10. MOSCOW MULE CARRY ON COCKTAIL KIT
Finally, just for fun and to bring on the holiday mood, this Carry On Cocktail Kit is the perfect way to start your holiday. Just order the hard stuff and this little beauty will turn it in to a delicious cocktail - SALUTE!