Hand luggage only! Traveling light is done like this – these are the best packing tips
How do people do it? Get through the holiday week with only hand luggage? Which seems almost impossible when there are youngsters involved. But it is nice, going on holiday with minimal dragging and carrying, after all; it is a holiday. Plus: long live not waiting forever at Schiphol... The remark that is invariably heard every summer via the instagram direct message inbox Barts Boekje's direction is: how many suitcases do you have with you?! Well. So not that much.
We know the art of traveling light. Your team Barts Boekje has come a long way in recent years and although every now and then, when we know we are in for a luxurious trip, we like to go out of our way when it comes to luggage, we can spend a week in Spain smiling with only carry-on luggage. Yes, even with child(ren). How? Like this. These are the best tips for traveling light - the best packing tips by Barts Boekje.
Help yourself before helping others. This is how it works when packing your suitcase; You have probably chosen your holiday destination in such a way that it will be a big party for the small stuff, but you come first when packing your suitcases. This is above all very practical: you can use a large part of your own business for the kids. Scarf? Tie the four points together and you have a sun hat. Big scarf? Blanket. And for babies every shoe is a toy ;).
Don't forget that children walk barefoot during the entire (summer) holiday: 1 pair of sandals is more than enough. The same goes for their clothes: there's a good chance the swimsuit won't come off, so bring a few nice suits and save the rest of the fashion show for home. You can buy diapers on site, but make sure you have a washable swim diaper! Saves the world in towing and you have a lot of fun these days. You really don't have to carry toys with you: people always buy toys for the beach and then leave them behind. Perhaps you too? Voila. Moreover, it often makes for very nice encounters when kids ask if they can play with other people's toys.
Okay, it has to fit of course, but where you can choose comfort, always choose comfort. That starts on the plane: choose a seat in the front so that you don't have to wait for that whole row when boarding or disembarking. And always go for priority: not only do you then pass the line, you can also hand luggage trolley then definitely take it on the plane. Ha! Really, that's worth those few extra euros. And if you're booking anyway: choose a time slot for customs – so nice (and it helps streamline the lines, hence the free). Booked?
In line with the above: be kind to yourself, especially when traveling with kids. Being strict about screen time can be done at home or once at your destination, but on the road? Let them have a good time. Make sure you have downloaded all the videos at home so that you are not dependent on WiFi. That said: it is also useful to connect the hotspot of your own phone to the tablet before the holiday.
If we got a euro for every person we know who invariably finds the start of the holidays stressful, we might not be rich, but we would certainly be a lot wealthier than we are now. What a waste! Our theory is always (always always always!): the holiday really starts with packing your suitcase. And every action that follows must (must must must!) holiday vibes all over be. Really. Allow yourself that. Easier said than done? Not at all. It is a mindset And with a few simple tips, you'll get there.
It really isn't that complicated, but you do need to know: where are we going? Schiphol AirportDo you have a moment? Lately, we have been, to put it mildly, quite impressed by the catering and retail offerings at Dutch airports.
It's hardly as frustrating as having to queue for car rental after a (long) flight, feeling overtired and overstimulated. A driver who is waiting for you with a nameplate is simply a gift to yourself. Every hotel and almost every accommodation can arrange this for you! So get picked up and only reserve the rental car for day 2 (or 3): most car rental companies simply pick up and drop off at your stay. And you take the taxi back again - which also saves a lot of stress.
Hand luggage only is great… until you unfold your dress or blouse and it looks like you slept in it. Enter the hand steamer. No hassle with ironing boards or large appliances, just turn it on (heats up within 35 seconds), run it along your clothes and you're done.
De Philips Hand Steamer 5000 is one of those items that you think: I should have had it sooner. Small, handy, no fuss. And also nice: it fits in your hand luggage. So whether you're on a city trip or traveling through Southern Europe on spec, wrinkle-free is still just that little bit nicer.
There is nothing more annoying than having a snack craving and not being able to do anything. In line, on the plane or at your destination on the way to your accommodation: there has to be something to nibble on. Tip: pack (healthy!) snacks at home in separate containers and bags (for example in larger containers with dividers). That is fun and surprising when you are on the road, and definitely not just for children!
That seems like a crazy tip, feet first, but when you consider that your shoes are usually the heaviest, not flexible in terms of cramming and often also the largest even though you stand and walk in them all day, then it already sounds like a lot. less strange. Therefore: when you start packing your suitcase, always start with your feet. A shot for an open goal, but think carefully in advance what exactly you are going to do during your holiday. Have you rented a family home within walking distance of the beach? Better save room for a pair of slippers and a nice cardigan rather than a pair of extra heels. A city trip or beach holiday? Are you going out for a fancy dinner or will it be more of a survival affair? When you know what you are going to do, make sure you never have more than three pairs of shoes (1 x flat & dress (personally I swear by a timeless Gucci loafer – it is a purchase but you will enjoy it for years), 1 x sturdy running shoe (sneaker, Blundstone or good sandal), 1 x occasion, from slipper to high heel) and are you going to celebrate your summer, then replace 1 of these three of your choice for a slipper/sandal that you can go into the water with, such as a Adidas slipper in a cool color; looks great and your feet will thank you on a pebble beach or camping shower) in your bag and adjust the rest of your outfit accordingly! Seriously, that's the best packing tip you'll ever get.
And no, of course we don't mean the toilet but your toiletries. Because if there is a lot of weight in it, it is in your toiletry bag. So: empty that thing completely at home. You really don't need five different mascaras and they probably have shampoo in your hotel too. Choose one hair item that you find indispensable (conditioner for example: shampoo from the hotel + your own conditioner = your own scent and clean feeling) and buy from (for example) HEMA travel size jars to pour your things into. Week away? Such a small bottle or jar is really more than enough.
That said: travel in style if possible. Your best goods and most beautiful shoes? Put that on. Usually that is the outfit that takes up the most space. Moreover, you will feel much nicer and less wrinkled if you step off the plane in a pair of heels and a cool jacket. Plus: making sure you have a good, sturdy shopper is a must! Beautiful, large and perfect with a pouch on a cord in the large bag. Thin slippers in your hand luggage is always a good plan when traveling to a warm country. Do you have a hotel in the center and will it be a week of eating out and sipping cocktails? Moccasins are your salvation. Chic and comfortable. In short: your airplane outfit can easily be half of your suitcase. That jogging suit, because it's so comfortable during the flight? Come on people, throw that rag in a corner and not see it again for the entire holiday. Leave that trade at home.
Match your suitcase to one color palette. It may sound boring, but it combines so well! A whole suitcase of white shades mixes together much easier than a random colorful intention. Get your items more or less can all be styled together (en remember: you start with your shoes!): this way you can wear something different with just a few items. A single color is still possible, of course. Do the same for your mini by the way. Prefer color? I feel you. Then make sure that your holiday outfits consist of one item. One dress. One pack. One skirt that goes on top of your swimsuit. Finished.
Do you doubt yourself? Then prepare pen and paper the week before departure and write down everything you want to take with you and think you will need. During the week your list gets longer and you start crossing things off here and there. On packing day you know exactly what you need to take with you and what you don't need to take with you. Moreover, the chance that you will forget something becomes very small this way. If you like them (we do), know that a pair of Tevas are perfect for both a beach and an active holiday. You can also brave a sea of rocky stones with it and you can walk on it for hours.
Rule of thumb: what you don't wear at home, you don't wear on holiday. So leave it at home.
A large part of the lugging is reading books. Yes, it is wonderful to lose yourself in a book during your holiday, but you lug around a lot. An e-reader is the solution, but even if you don't have one, there is an hack: There is a good chance that you are going to France, Italy, Spain or Portugal this summer. Surprise: you are not the only one! All those people, Dutch, who went before you, certainly also dragged a number of paperbacks with them from their own country and people often decide to leave those books in the hotel when they have finished reading them. That is great because you benefit from that. Moreover, those second chance books are sustainable, and it also allows you to read something different. The same goes for magazines: I have never seen a read-through of Linda, Privé or VT Wonen lying around on the beach.
And otherwise: an ereader. No doubt. Also check Barts Book Club for the best books!
Personally, we are big (big!) in favor of patches here. In all shapes and sizes. Take two or three nice rags and scarves with you: you can use the large ones as a blanket for your mini on the beach or wrap them around yourself after a dip in the sea. Numero 74 has very nice, high-quality hydrophilic cloths that are good for everything and that remain beautiful. Dirty shoes from the beach? On the return journey they can be placed in a scarf in your suitcase. You twist the small scarves/wipes in your hair, around your waist or around the handles of your bag: that immediately brightens up that dress. Tip: if you tie knots in the ends of a scarf, it makes a nice sun hat for your mini.
Instead of a large, heavy beach towel, choose one or two hammam towels, at least one of which is lined with terry cloth. Always wash by hand on holiday (you can just use the hotel shampoo that you don't use anyway).
That, and what you don't wear at home, you don't wear on holiday, is the most important tip. Pick your battles people! This applies to yourself and certainly also to the kids. Because let's be honest: don't any of you wear a swimsuit/pants all day? And on one and the same pair of slippers/sandals? Correct. And you don't take more than that with you. The same goes for yourself: there are days when there are no underwear involved: living in swimwear is part So why carry underwear with you on holiday?
There are also some really nice brands that always make the most lightweight clothing, such as Sissel Edelbo. The dresses from that brand fold so small that it looks more like a handkerchief than a piece of clothing (photo via Style My Day Boutique).
There are parents who recommend giving other passengers on the plane a present from your baby: earplugs, a piece of candy and a note written from the little one with a text such as “sorry if I'm going to cry”. Can and is sweet, but my experience is that - with the exception of a few teenagers - everyone really understands a crying baby. The only tip that really works: be relaxed! Nothing makes a baby cry harder than a stressed parent. Is. Real. Like this. Easier said than done perhaps, but really, let it go. Is he or she crying? Be sweet. It is what it is, and it shall pass. Oh, and being a little extra nice to the steward or stewardess never hurts either: they are the ones who can make your flight just that little bit better with an extra seat, an extra piece of candy or something to turn a blind eye to.
Make sure eand a small (wrist) bag with essentials: nasal spray (helps with earache on the plane), wipes, a pacifier, a suppository, a cuddly toy, a pen (for yourself), a diaper, a clean romper and a (small) hydrophilic cloth .
