Travel Light: Packing Tips

I know that I most certainly don't. Thanks to the knowledge gained from Caroline, a friend of mine who is a fashion editor, I can go on a trip of several days with no suitcase, just my regular handbag.

At one time, I'd be terribly disorganised when packing for a vacation, trip or getaway. I'd take so many clothes 'just in case'. And I'd arrive back home with half - or even more - of the items unworn.

The secret, says Caroline, is to choose a colour palette and stick to it. Below, you can see that one of my favourite colour schemes includes black, white, cream, beige and orange. All these colours go well together. If I added a green garment, or a pink one, that would coordinate with some items but not with others.

The aim is to be able to wear anyone garment with any of the others.And as always, it's the accessories that really liven up the outfits.What do you think? Could you go away for a weekend or longer with just your daily handbag? Or do you have packing tips? Let me know in the comments section below.

Images © BritFlorida.

I begin with just eight items. (Shown in the image above) They are:

• Pair black pants / trousers
• Black top
• Beige top (long sleeves)
• White top
• Sarong
• Wide black belt
• Two coordinating necklaces

Almost everything else I need is already in my bag. Read on.

To pack, spread out the sarong or shawl on the flat surface, such as the bed. (It may need folding in half lengthways depending on the size).Lay the clothes items, neatly folded,on top. Add the necklace and underwear. The only thing to omit is the large, wide belt.

Now neatly fold the long edges of the sarong over the clothes. Carefully roll up the sarong with the garments inside it. When the whole thing is halfway rolled, tuck in the edges. (Imagine you're making sushi, cabbage rolls or sandwich wraps).

This only takes a few minutes to do so packing is quick and easy, especially as everything else I need is already in my bag. There'll be no waiting at that horrible, dreadful luggage carousel at the airport, my 'luggage' is lightweight too.Secure the sarong 'sausage' with the belt.

My mum brought me up to believe that the contents of a woman's handbag was a very personal thing. And here I am, baring all.

But these are items I keep in my bag at all times (you never know what might happen) and they take up very little room. You can see more detail here.There's still space to add a couple of extra items depending on your destination such as a bikini or sleepwear (although when travelling light,sleeping in your birthday suit makes sense.

You can always use the sarong as an emergency cover-up if room service are bringing breakfast).The first image shows everything - note the makeup bag on the bottom left; the contents are shown in the second photograph.

Incidentally, the makeup bag is nice enough to be used as a clutch when I don't want to carry the larger bag.

Do you recognise the third image? It's a ponytail elastic with a knot tied in the middle. Why? Scroll up and look at the outfit featuring the sarong. Thread two sarong ends through the two loops to keep your sarong in place.Finally, the last image shows that I sit my 'sausage roll' in between the handles of my shoulder bag.

That's all I need to go away for several nights.

This is an example of the clothes I'd wear to travel.

Simple blue jeans, a light burnt-orange t-shirt and an orange cardigan. (It looks a little more pink in the photograph than it really is - it matches really well with the sarong).Note too the cream and black woven belt and the cream/ bronze bracelet.

All these items coordinate with the garments in my 'sausage' (and the sausage itself).Any of the tops I have with me will go well with the jeans either loose or tucked in to create different looks - or I can wear a combination, for example, the white top with the cardigan over it. I can create a simple halter top from the sarong that also looks good with jeans.

The additional bracelet and belt will give a new look to any of the outfits above.

Caroline (and this is her big secret) swears by disposable panties.

She says they are handy at home too for 'emergencies' - I haven't delved further into this.

I am absolutely devoted to the Swiss Army card you see below. This is a newer model than mine - it has an LED light (brilliant idea). I use mine at home almost every day but it's ideal for travelling. It makes a great gift too. It's the size of a credit card, just a fraction thicker.

If I'm going to be staying in a hotel, then I'm happy to use the toiletries provided. I also sometimes buy the mini products that you can get at K-Mart and Target.

Caroline though, as a perk of her job, gets free luxury creams and perfumes so she decants just enough for her trip into a few of the bottles you see below.

This is a fabulous item to keep in your purse. It's not just for travelling, you'll use it all the time.