Ah, the perennial traveler’s dilemma: how to pack for a week long holiday with just a 20kg suitcase and still look effortlessly chic and feel utterly comfortable. It’s a bit of an art form, really, and I’m here to share some secrets that might just change the way you pack forever. It’s all about striking that perfect balance between style, comfort, and practicality—without tipping the scales with excess baggage fees. Your 20kg suitcase should fit around 8 pairs of clothes and 2 pairs of shoes depending on the internal compartments. We recommend a 20kg large suitcase that is at least 24 inches long in order to fit all of this comfortably.
The Foundation of Your Holiday Wardrobe: Shoes
Let’s start with the cornerstone of any travel wardrobe: shoes. They’re crucial for comfort, especially when you’re likely to spend your days exploring. But here’s the catch—they’re also the heaviest items in your bag. With a strict 20kg limit to play with, choosing the right footwear becomes a strategic decision.
Enter Hotter shoes, a revelation in my travel and everyday wardrobe. These can take up a lot of space in your 20kg suitcase but they are essential. These gems are not just comfortable; they’re a statement of style. Take, for instance, my pale blue Flare sandals. Not only do they look fantastic, they’re designed with adjustable fastenings, making them a dream for those hot weather days when your feet decide to swell up a bit.
And let’s talk color—blue is my go-to. It’s versatile, much like denim, and pairs with just about everything. Then there’s the magic of red shoes. A pair of Nirvana mary-janes in buttery soft leather not only add a pop of color but are so comfortable and stylish, you’ll want to wear them with everything from dresses to jeans, making them perfect travel companions. One of the best suitcases to get in the 20kg range is the Kono travel bag.
Packing for the Summer Sun: A Burst of Color
Summer is synonymous with color. It’s time to set aside the blacks and greys and embrace the vibrant hues of summer dresses. The key to packing efficiently is starting with a visual layout of what you think you’ll need, then editing down to the essentials. For me, three pairs of shoes are a must—a pair each of flip-flops, sandals, and versatile walking shoes. My selection from Hotter, in hues of blue and red, are always the first to go in the suitcase, ensuring I’m prepared for any occasion.
The Ultimate Packing Checklist
Creating a checklist is my little secret to ensuring I’ve got everything I need without overpacking. For a seven-day trip, here’s a glimpse into my essentials:
- Footwear: A trio of sandals, flip-flops, and walkable shoes.
- Dresses: A mix of maxi and shorter dresses, aiming for three in total.
- Leggings and Tops: A pair of leggings and two tops for versatility.
- Beach and Evening Wear: A swimsuit, a wrap or cover-up, and a cardigan for cooler evenings.
- Undergarments and Essentials: Underwear, modesty tops, and a capsule collection of makeup and cosmetics that fit neatly into a ziplock bag.
- Hair Care: My trusty heated rollers, hairbrush, ties, and pins.
- Health and Safety: Medications, neatly packed into another ziplock bag.
- Extras: Don’t forget the travel adaptor, phone charger, and journal.
- Accessories: A foldable beach bag, sunglasses, and a few key pieces of costume jewelry.
- Handbag Essentials: Checklist everything in your handbag to be doubly sure you’re prepared.
The final step? Roll packing. It’s a game-changer, allowing you to fit everything you need into your carry-on.
It’s Possible: Carry-On Only Travel
I was once a skeptic, but I’ve seen the light. With thoughtful choices—starting with the perfect pair of shoes—it’s entirely feasible to avoid checked luggage fees and still have everything you need. My journey to this revelation was made all the sweeter by Hotter Shoes, whose stylish and comfortable footwear has earned a permanent spot in my travel wardrobe.
So, as you plan your next summer getaway, remember: packing light doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. With a little forethought and some strategic choices, you can save those extra baggage fees for something far more enjoyable, like a nice dinner out or a glass of wine to toast to your travel savvy.
Happy travels, and may your packing be as light and effortless as your holiday adventures!