In the last few years we have gone hand luggage only on holiday for a week in the sun and it is a complete game changer.  There is nothing better than arriving in your destination and walking straight out of the airport!

I was previously an over packer and would have lots of ‘maybe’ outfits. So packing light and with only hand luggage you don't have this luxury but surprisingly I love it! 

I work out my 7 evening outfits in advance. I tend to wear dresses on holiday in the evenings. When travelling light you’ll notice some of your clothes are much bigger and heavier than others. I have some maxi dresses that are huge so they don’t make the cut! Short dresses work well as do lightweight silk or satin slip dresses. Co-ords that can be mixed and matched and worn day to night.

 I’ll take a few pairs of shorts, a few tops (vests and a t shirt) , a kaftan, this year I’m adding a sarong or two (Scott-Samuel cotton scarves which double up as sarongs are ideal as you can wear to travel in so no space in your case is lost! They’re also v useful on the plane! A linen shirt is useful as a light jacket, cover up on the beach and for travel. 

Obviously exactly what you take depends on you, where you’re going and what you like. We’re staying in a villa with a pool, so I know most of the time I will just wear swimwear. It makes it even easier and means I don’t need too many daytime options. 

I take 4 bikinis and hand wash them and rewear.  If we need beach towels we take our Turkish Hammam towels which are lightweight, dry quickly and don’t take up much room. I take a couple of different flat sandals and a pair of flip flops for the pool. If I want trainers, I’ll wear them to travel in so I don’t have to pack them and pop some sandals in my handbag so I can change on arrival. 

I take a couple of different bags. I’ll use my Large woven leather basket as my handbag for my hand luggage (along side my carry on case.) I’ll have my bumbag (regular leather bumbag) and I’ll pop that into my basket so it’s one bag while we’re checking in. The last few years I’ve also taken my Washed Leather Studded Mobile Phone Bag, it’s perfect for a little evening bag when you don’t need much! It fits my phone, key and lip balm. 

Jewellery and sunglasses are a great way to mix things up and make them feel different or take an outfit from day to night.  Especially if you’re living and matching neutrals or a co-ord. I always take 3 different pairs of sunglasses as well.  As you've probably guessed accessories are key and an easy way to make more of your outfits. A silk scarf can be worn on my head as a headscarf, tied round my waist or attached to my bag. I’ll wear my Raffia Bucket Hat to travel in and I can pack my Wide Brimmed reversible hat. If you like your whole face shaded this is a great one. 

I roll everything really tightly and cram it in. You’d be amazed how much you can actually get in your case that way. Packing cubes are also very useful for separating your things! 

If you need any full size toiletries or sun cream but don’t want them in your case you can buy at the airport en route. 

Do you travel hand luggage only? I really never thought I could but once you have you don’t want to go back! x