Are you a disorganised suitcase stuffer? Or guilty of never have an umbrella handy when there is a torrential downpour outside? Packing for a trip away, even a short escape, can be a challenge for many people, with the urge to pack more ‘just in case’ items in your luggage than you and your nearest and dearest will ever manage to wear in the space of a week.

At this time of year, in-between weather can also present a challenge. Here are 6 simple suggestions to help keep you on track when getting your overnight case packed for your next short break this season.

1. Check the weather at your destination

It seems so simple…yet so many of us still don’t check the short range forecast before we head off. A quick search for your destination on the Bureau of Meteorology site can provide insights into what you really need to pack when heading away. If it looks like being sunny and humid for the week, do you really need to pack that beanie and snow boots? In most locations it definitely pays to check the low and high temperatures for the season too, and not assume that it is simply a cold or hot climate. Some tropical destinations can have surprising low temperatures in the winter months that you need to be prepared for, before the day heats up. I’ve seen some Fijians, not acclimatised to cooler weather, wear a beanie in August before the sun comes up on Denarau Island!

2. Mix and match

Planning your holiday wardrobe around neutrals is always a great idea, as it makes it that much easier to mix, match and be versatile with the pieces that do make it into your suitcase. Silver jewelry or a few statement items (think earrings, necklaces, scarves,) can bring basic outfits to life in short time. And if you run out of statement items? Always a great excuse to holiday shop (and let’s face it, who doesn’t do that already?!), and treat yourself to a ‘souvenir’ outfit!

3. Lay-er it all on me

If you are confused or concerned that the weather might be changeable at your destination, then layering is always a great strategy. Packing an assortment of tops, lightweight knits, jackets, and even a light rainproof jacket, is an almost foolproof way of ensuring you are never too hot or cold, with the option to simply adding or removing a few items to warm up a notch or cool down when the mercury rises. Long sleeve, light shirts can also be handy in hot locations, as an easy way of protecting yourself from the sun.

4. Then roll baby, roll

Most people have heard of this hack before, but if you haven’t tried it (and you just can’t bear the thought of packing less), then this is a tip for you to test drive this season. Layering can involve packing more, albeit sometimes less bulky, items, and rolling has been credited with not taking up less room in your suitcase, so it’s a natural solution to making more space for your clothes. Handy when packing tricky autumn and winter wear. Apparently your clothes end up less creased too – bonus! Of course, if an item does end up with a case of the wrinkles, and an iron isn’t handy, then hanging clothes on a hanger in a steamy bathroom and waving a handy hairdryer can smooth out your problems.

5. Scarves

Fashionable and functional, scarves are a great mid-season item to transform a neutral outfit from boring to brilliant in no time. When the temperature drops or the wind picks up, a knitted scarf added around your neck and décolletage adds warmth, and in hot weather can provide protection from the sun’s rays. Easy to pack and barely taking up any room, you can take a variety of colours, prints and textures to add some action and interest to your holiday wardrobe.

6. Fancy footwear

Shoes glorious shoes! While taking 20 pairs of shoes for a trip is (arguably!) a little over the top, for trans-seasonal weather holidays, having a decent variety of shoes to meet your weather and destination needs to actually a smart move. You will never regret packing a casual option, a classic or slightly dressy shoe, and a more functional option (think walking or all weather hiking boot depending on your location) for most trips. Empty corners or sneaky vacant spots in your luggage are perfect for packing (or hiding more) shoes, and matching pairs heel to toe style will buy you more space. Stuffing your shoes with rolled up socks will help retain their shape during travel, and always take some plastic bags, dedicated to storing your shoes in, to keep your clothes and other items protected on your travels.

To plan your next holiday escape visit www.accorvacationclub.com.au

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