Pack slim

I have broken my personal record for packing slim. For a real holiday, just a suitcase the size of an aeroplane cabin and a mini-small rucksack. I'll be in different places and just didn't feel like travelling with heavy and bulky luggage.

My tricks:

– Clothes that are easy to combine. Skirts, trousers, tops and shirts that can be combined in different ways.

– Disposable clothing. Things you don't take back - e.g. the skirt, which is still okay for the beach and barbecues, but no longer suitable for the city. It won't be making the return journey... but there will be room for something else. That makes it easier to say goodbye.

– Take books and information with you electronically as far as possible. I've downloaded the solutions and lots of other reading samples onto my mobile phone. Textunes is great. Also a lot of notes (addresses etc.) that I would otherwise take with me in paper form. [Of course, I'll still take printed paper with me.]

– Cosmetics in small sizes. Trial packs or jars that are no longer full are a huge reduction.

My biggest challenges.

- Books - because I love paper despite everything.

- Chargers for electronic devices, camera, mobile phone.... (why can't the different manufacturers agree on ONE format).

- Contact lens solution. Okay. You can also buy on the go. But it's not ideal.

Now I'm happy about my packing success - but even happier that it starts tomorrow!