PACKING TIPS

·         Avoid taking footwear that you’ve never worn – either wear them in a few days before or take an alternative pair. Taking a special pair of new shoes may seem like a good idea but to prevent blisters and reduce case weight, it may be better just to wear something you are already taking.

·         If you are stuck between two items of clothing and don’t know which to take, work out which one is lighter and take that one.

·         Buy basic toiletries when you arrive at your destination, and leave them behind when you return home. This saves on weight and many items such as shampoo, body wash, conditioner, suntan lotion and aftersun are usually (but not always so double check) cheaper abroad than they are here in the UK (there’s a surprise!).

·         If you are planning to take your own toiletries, invest in some travel size ones or decant things like aftershave into a small spray bottle.

·         If you are planning to take some old beach towels, why not treat yourself to a new set whilst you’re away – they’ll save on space (at least on the outbound flight) and at the end you’ll have some nice new towels!

·         Take multi-purpose items to reduce weight – clock-radios, reversible belts etc.

·         Use laundry and dry-cleaning services when you are away. They are usually pretty simple and cheap to use and mean you need only take seven pairs of knickers rather than fourteen (the point we are making is that you can wash them and not just wear a pair twice by the way!)

·         Consider using different luggage. Remember that the heavier your suitcase, the less you will be able to take away with you so whilst it is all well and good (for protective reasons) taking that steel re-enforced case, it may be wiser to buy/borrow a lighter canvas one – the protective element does drop a little, but hey, how damaged can a pair of boxer shorts get on board a plane?