How to: packing for holiday with only cabin baggage

Every year Sam and I go on holiday to see his Dad in Spain and every year we challenge ourselves to go with only cabin baggage. This has made us experienced in packing light, so I thought I'd share some of my tips with you guys!

This is what I'm taking:

So I start by thinking how many days I have, how many evenings and what I'll be doing in the day. For me, this holiday will involve 4 days, 4 evenings, and days by the pool plus travelling clothes. Therefore I initially laid out my pool stuff (2 bikinis and a cover-up) and 4 sets of underwear all in the back left corner. For travelling with only hand luggage, I recommend investing in a fold up lingerie bag and laundry bag which I got from Marks and Spencer. That means if they open your bag at the x-ray machines, nobody has to see all your undies!

I then laid out 4 daytime and evening outfits:



Day 1: Pink cami from Warehouse - £12, denim shorts from New Look - £14.99
Day 2: Topshop vest top - £18, red floral skort from Miss Selfridge - £25
Day 3 - Topshop lace hem top - £32, bench beige shorts - £23
Day 4 - White vest top with secret support - £12, Arrogant Cat pink skirt with fluted hem - £15

Night looks
Mango spot playsuit - £19.99
River Island stripe bardot dress - £30
Topshop Lime Lace Back playsuit

Then extras:

• travel hairdryer
• maxi dress
• cardigan
• flipflops
• flat shoes
• chargers
• nightie
• handbag
• travel document bag
• conversion plugs
• hairbrush

The travel makeup bag is probably the hardest part! Now you can't take liquids, you have to be inventive which is heartbreaking now I'm a big fan of Caroline Hiron's skincare tips. Therefore the only liquids I'm taking are:

• Clinique oil-free foundation - my review here
• Benefit Cha Cha Tint (2 in 1 lips and blusher)
• Benefit They're Real Mascara
• Deodorant
• Micellar Water
• Moisturiser
• Healthy Mix Concealer

and remember to invest in a clear travel bag. I like this one with bottles in from Marks & Spencer. Then I am using a felt-tip eyeliner from Eyeko, powder bronzer and oil-removing powder and highlighter. 

Finally, does it all fit in the bag...? of course! 

Good luck packing and happy holidays!