Keep Calm and Carry On: The Liberty Holiday Packing List
Travelling light is one thing, getting it right is another. Here are some tips on what to pack for every type of holiday
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Keep Calm and Carry On: The Liberty Holiday Packing List
Travelling light is one thing, getting it right is another. Here are some tips on what to pack for every type of holiday
It was Joan Didion who immortalised the art of packing light in her 1979 book, ‘The White Album’. In the opening essay, she recounts the list she stuck inside her wardrobe door - a formula for any time she was called away quickly on a reporting trip. The list has become as iconic as she is, particularly inclusions like bourbon, baby oil and the mohair throw.
Sadly, most of us don’t share Didion’s essentialism (although the 333 challenge - a capsule wardrobe technique born on TikTok - is a good substitute). Holiday plus luggage restrictions often equals anxiety, and it’s easy to end up far from home with a comically mismatched assortment of things. In the spirit of the late writer, we’ve put together a few recommendations to help you pack efficiently for every type of trip.
As for the bourbon - well, there’s always duty-free.
A Beach Holiday
Heading for hot weather makes hand luggage that bit easier, as no one wants to wear much whilst lounging on the beach. The one thing you should always be wearing, however, is sunscreen. We recommend one for face, another for body, plus an aftersun. Once those are in your case, follow up with the requisite beach uniform - swimsuit, bikini, trunks, and then a loose sarong, tee, shorts or coverup to wear on top. Throw in a towel, sunglasses and a hat, plus a light jumper (perhaps a mohair knit?) for cold snaps, and you're on your way.
Chantecaille
SeaScreen 30 Mineral Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 177ml
Liberty
Iphis Yellow Little Marlborough Tote Bag
Paravel
Aviator Safari Green Carry-On Plus Suitcase
Sisley Paris
After-Sun Care Tan Extender 200ml
A City Break
For every beach bum there’s another holidaymaker who’d rather pound the pavement in a new place. When packing for a city break, comfortable shoes are essential, plus something smarter to take you to all those restaurant reservations. A roomy backpack for your water bottle, a rain jacket and a notebook will have you ready for any weather, whilst a small crossbody bag is great for your essentials. Bringing a mini scented candle will make your hotel room feel like a home away from home, and help you unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Comme des Garçons Play
x Converse 70s Canvas Low-Top Trainers
Liberty
Katie and Millie Print Cotton A5 Notebook
A Resort Stay
Holidaying at a resort is a bit like great packing skills - if you choose well, you’ll have all the best things at your fingertips. Sleek swimwear is essential for lazing by the pool, something like this Hunza G one piece, which can double as a bodysuit when paired with linen trousers or a silk skirt. A crisp shirt is a useful addition, plus some elegant sandals, a large pair of shades, and a pouch to store your phone and room key. Pick one piece of statement jewellery and a bright lipstick to finish the look.
Monica Vinader
18ct Gold-Plated Vermeil Silver Siren Muse Chunky Medium Hoop Earrings
An Activity Holiday
Think action-packed, not over packed. For an activity holiday, you’ll need to prioritise clothes which are high performance, durable, and that you don’t mind getting wet. Swimwear for water sports, plus lots of t-shirts and a water bottle to rehydrate regularly in the heat. For a fun twist to ensure you don’t lose your AirPods amongst all the activities, clip a Liberty printed case to your backpack.
A Family Getaway
Whilst you won’t be able to fit everyone’s things into a single carry-on, minimising the chaos of a family holiday can be vastly improved by an efficient packing strategy. Luckily the space occupied by a beloved bunny is made up for by the fact that kidswear is pretty small. This leaves room for parental essentials - comfy, efficient outfits, plus one little luxury for a stolen moment of self-care. A spritz of Liberty LBTY. fragrance will transport you back to grown-up world once the children have gone to sleep.
