how to travel light...

we are visiting 'the queen' in may! haven't been back in the land of tea and scones since i left 4 years ago. our trip will be quite packed.

first 4 days spent in london with my brother, another 2 days in bath (my alma matter), another 2 days in paris, another day in manchester and finally back in london for the remaining days.

there are plans to visit a few tourist haunts in each location, some shopping (duh!) and taking my husband to all my favourite places to eat!

i love to travel. seeing new places, trying new things and just relaxing.

however, i do have ONE problem. which is to travel light.

i have my hairdryer, hair straightener, toiletries, makeup, a few many outfit "options" (cause u don't want to be caught in a moment where you won't have anything appropriate to wear!), undies, camera, books (i can't live without reading! though, i will limit it to just 1 book this time), ipod, shoes for all occasions, handbags, etc.

i don't bring more than one luggage, but that ONE luggage just fills to the brim even before the holiday starts! i vowed this time to do things differently. travel with an (almost) empty luggage...and fill it up with all the shopping i WILL be doing!

so, i have searched and hunted high and low in the world wide web to get some useful tips.

Travel Light, Look Good - Telegraph

• take more tops than bottoms. people focus more on your top half rather than the bottom. so bring along a pair of skinny denim and black trousers (or alike).
• bring along a cardigan or a shawl that can change the look of the outift - if you think about it, a shawl can also be worn as a scarf!
• lightweight tops - space efficient to pack and easy to match. i am interpreting this as chiffon tops, tunics, etc.
• Versatile pieces are central to refining your wardrobe abroad; a favourite pair of trousers that works for the evening but can be dressed down for day; a casual dress that can be smartened up with some sparkling jewellery.
• accessories, accessories, accessories! i totally agree on this one (read my previous entry!)
• most importantly, always bring the ones you KNOW you look good in.

Styling Frequent Flyers Learn to Travel Light - Angela Murills

• don't pack much. just head straight to the street markets and little local shops where the residential fashionistas get the latest trends.
• if you would like to have a higher chance of being upgraded on a flight, dress smartly. wear something chic and upclass enough to be considered, but comfortable to endure throughout the flight.
• shoes. ok, the shoes recommended by them are a little bit...ugly for my liking. Naot? *shudder*. so, i will say no this.
• pashmina shawls are great to have on a flight to keep you warm (definitely agree with this!)

10 Items Women Should Pack to Stay Fashionable

• the important question to ask is..."how many ways can i wear this top?"
• Item 1: Tank Top or Tees - perfect for layering. black and white is especially important. bring some bright coloured ones that can transition from day wear to night.
  
• Item 2: Dresses - ideal for travelling. easy to slip on and bring one that can be worn both casually and for dressier times (e.g. dinner at a nice restaurant). it would be even better if you had a convertible dress, so that you can have multiple looks on multiple days. best materials are satin and jersey which un-creases after you hang it up.
  
• Item 3: Tunics - another versatile item. you could pair it with a pair of skinnies, leggings or even wear it as a dress (be warned that this is only for the fortunate nice legged out of us).
  
• Item 4: Cardigans - perfect for those cold nights, or on the place.
  
• Item 5: Black Pants - pick one that can be worn with everything and for any occassion.
  
• Item 6: Cropped Pants/Capris - supposedly flattering for most body shapes. however, i beg to differ. it is not suitable for short stumpy legs like mine!
  
• Item 7: Black Trench Coat - It can carry you through spring, fall, and even early winter. It smartens you up in seconds and is perfect for those cool nights where a cardigan simply won’t do the trick.
• Item 8: Swimsuit - You may not be headed to the tropics, but you never know when you’ll run into an indoor heated pool, spa, or sauna. Why risk not being prepared? And it just so happens that there IS a spa in bath!
  
• Item 9: Glorious Shoes - there are 3 types of shoes you need to pack. a pair of flats (comfortable to walk around all day! ballerinas are my fave), a pair of heels (for those time you need something dressier!) and a pair of flip flops (maybe not for the beach. but, for lounging in the hotel, etc. though, i think i would rather bring a "sportier" pair of flats like my lacoste's)
  
• Item 10: Accessories - Sunshades, Hobo bag and Belts. 'Nuff said. Oh, stick to 2 earrings and 2 types of bangles.

And so, when it comes to clothing...i have sort of thought through of the items i want to bring. but after this research, i might have to review them. :p