Beat Terminal Five - Pack light for Summer Holidays 2008
Chaos, mayhem and tears at terminal 5 earlier this year (and that was just my kid brother), when 15,000 bags were lost in just 4 days. One sure fire way to avoid that sinking feeling, as you watch an empty conveyor belt going round - wondering just how many days you can get out of those boxers, is to get everything you need into your cabin bag. You can beat luggage charges too, so it’s worth a try. Our challenge was to pack an in-cabin bag measuring 56cm by 45cm by 25cm (more airport info here) for a lads’ holiday to the sun.
First, choose a bag. You can copy catwalk looks without spending a fortune, the one we chose is £42 at John Lewis.
Wear your bulkiest items for flying. Wear jeans, combats or trousers with a casual belt. Layer a washed cotton shirt over a tee and wear shoes or trainers and a jacket. Stick your sunnies in your jacket pocket, metal frames and aviators this summer. Keys, phone, coins in your pocket too.
Pack toiletries in a clear plastic bag, and pack trial sizes – you can always restock at the resort if you need to. Don’t forget some protection – and, no, not just the factor 30 and the mozzie spray!!
Start with a week’s worth of boxers – ‘nuff said. Forget packing a separate outfit for everyday, take a selection of light-weight mix and match items. Put in an extra pair of jeans or long trousers if you want to, (but remember it gets hot in the clubs and not many have restrictions on wearing shorts), one pair of tailored shorts, a couple of pairs of cargo pants and a couple of pairs of shorter shorts that can double up as swimwear. Take 4 V or crew neck tees, 1 striped and 1 plain polo shirt and another washed cotton shirt to layer over tees in the day or for going out at night. Flip flops are great for the beach and hardly take up any space so shove in a couple of pairs. Avoid flip flops in the clubs unless you want black toe nails. You’ll get a lightweight sweater in there too if you think you’ll need one. Buy a beach bag and beach towel when you arrive in the resort, but lay a smaller towel over your clothes to protect them and then put your toiletries on top.
Now, what are we forgetting..? Tickets… passport… oh, and send your mum a postcard!
