It only ever takes a few days into a holiday for me to realise whether or not I have nailed my holiday packing…

This time our destination is Singapore and Vietnam in summer, weather forecasts point to hot and humid (less need for lots of layers). Our first stop is Hoi An, a UNESCO listed village (16th century achitecture, meandering laneways) AND renowned as the worlds best place to find silk tailors – so whatever I may have forgotten to pack can be made. Our itinerary is fairly relaxed, with plenty of down time planned around the pool.  We have a couple of smart dinners out and walking tours booked  for each location.

Working hard to resist just in case items – a struggle, as my recurring nightmare is being inappropriately dressed for an occasion.

 I have my fair share of previous wardrobe woes.

Earliest memory is age eight, yet another family sailing holiday to a far-flung spot 100’s of kilometres from the nearest shops. Plans were made to anchor at a small fishing enclave to make a quick stop (very quick, it was a falling tide) for fresh milk. I spent approximately four hours working out my landing ‘outfit’ and liberally dowsing myself in ‘Charlie’ eau de toilette – my preparation ended in tears as I fell out of the dingy in my scramble to touch dry land.

On another occasion, a summer in New York was spending hobbling around in uncomfortable ballet flats as I pursued my ’80’s version of preppy chic.

First trip to Paris I decided a beautiful hot pink silk blouse would be de riguer, I certainly stood out in the sea of black.

Now I travel with a ‘uniform’…changing with the season or location.  Choosing a colour theme so every item can mix and match (this trip is black, navy, grey, white and jade). If required I could pack in 30 minutes (you never know when that might be necessary).

I still make mistakes, last year in India being case in hand. I was so concerned with appropriate dressing (we were travelling as a group of girls and I was conscious of not attracting attention); certainly my choice of hat and animal print blouse was on a party all of its own.

Whatever I bring needs to be easy care, relatively wrinkle free, breathable and chic. Accessories need to be light and versatile.  I generally ask the Hotel Concierge to recommend a local laudromatte and send the basics out – again cutting down the need to pack too much. Although this really only works if you are in a location for more than a few days.

Lets see how I go…I’ll report in on my return.  For this trip I have been able to use everything in my wardrobe that I enjoyed wearing last summer in Sydney, I have added links to similar items still available in-stores (or in some instances I have managed to track down the exact piece). Everything fits neatly into space saving Packing Cubes (which I reviewed recently), ready to go straight into the drawers when we arrive.

Join the ‘Jet Set’ …What to Pack for Asia in Summer. Luxe to Less.

WHAT TO WEAR ON THE PLANE

I fall into the camp of believing flying is an event worthy of looking smart. Comfort is key and layers essential (temperatures in the aircraft can go from freezing to overheated in moments).  I don’t love most of the blankets on-board (unless you are snuggling under a Business Class doona), so a large Cashmere, lightweight wrap is always in my bag. Pants with stretch for comfort (black hides any accidental spills), layered tops (especially if you are departing in Winter and arriving in Summer).  A large carry-on bag (whilst this Louis Vuitton was an ‘investment’, it has travelled with me for four years and is still going strong).

I have spoken before about the tendancy for my feet to swell on flights, hence my footwear is sneakers (also serves to keep a bulky item out of the check-in luggage). There are plenty of colour and style options to dress them up from pure workout to acceptable leisure wear (I also love Hotel gyms so they get plenty of use).  I carry a spare pair of shoes, if my luggage is lost I can easily get by for a few days. A recent discovery is Butterfly Twists (available at David Jones), a stylish and oh so comfortable Ballet Flats option.

Jersey Harem Pants/  Linen L/S T /  Tank Top /  Cashmere/Merino Wrap /  Nike Air / Louis Vuitton Neverfull / T Shirt /

WHAT TO PACK: TOPS

I pack variety in my tops, leaving the bottoms as basics.  I like sleeveless options with a cape (I found this one in Kmart for $7…) to drape over my arms if I feel the need to cover up (for modesty in temples or when dining). Country Road and Seed always come up trumps with easy care options for daywear tops, an embellished tank option for nightwear never dates and is just what is needed when going for cocktails. Linen Shirts are a favourite, however ironing on the road is not, that said I always travel with one linen shirt and one silk shirt (air conditioning can be freezing in many restaurants).

Sleeveless T /  High Neck Tank/ Dressy Tank / Embellished Tank / Silk Shirt / Linen Tunic Shirt /  Cape

WHAT TO PACK: PANTS

All easy care, all mix and match. I don’t wear shorts so substituted a pair of linen pants from Target ($20). These options work with every top and can easily be washed.

Linen Pants / Silk Pants / Cotton Pants /

WHAT TO PACK: DRESSES

I never travel in summer without at least one Kaftan, they look fabulous, and take you from Poolside to Dinner. Another genius is that this bright silk, round neck Camilla dress can be tied end to end and turned into a stunning silk cape… These purchases are expensive, yet choose your colours carefully and they can be timeless (tip: keep an eye out for the Camilla sales in David Jones, I have bought Kaftans for about $200 less than the regular retail price).

I can wear a long black jersey dress (tank style, not pictured), with any of the tops layered for a completely different look. A navy blue, loose fitting drape tunic is perfect for wearing to the markets in the heat of the day (it also works over swimmers). I keep it light on the accessories front; pearl earrings, a few silver bracelets, a light silver necklace, because I chose Jade as my ‘colour’ for this trip I have included that in the necklace – a nifty Kate Spade clutch (which was actually the amenities kit bag from our Qantas Business Class trip).

Silk Kaftan /  Round Neck Silk Kaftan /  Tank Dress /Drape Dress

WHAT TO PACK: FOOTWEAR

I purchase sandals in the end of Australian summer season sales, so I have a few new pairs incase of any mid-year warm weather trips (when there are no sandals in stores). I have lovely designer sandals for wearing at home. However many of my trips involve walking around grubby markets, therefore I have perfected the art of buying reasonably priced sandals with this in mind.

The black patent evening sandals were purchased at Big W at the end of summer ($5)…whilst they are not leather, they are actually really comfortable. I first bought a pair prior to my India trip, thinking that at that price I could discard them if they didn’t make the distance, they are still going strong. The metallic sandals are end of season Rubi Shoes ($7), and the super comfortable Black and White sandals are Diana Ferrari (online in the sales $49). Every pair goes with each outfit.

Evening Sandals / Metallic Sandals /  Day Sandals

WHAT TO PACK:  EXERCISE/SWIMMING/SLEEPING

I used to adore shopping for new bikinis, as the years have progressed my enthusiasm has waned. Nevertheless last week I decided the worn elastic on my current models would not survive another swim. On a day of winter chill I braved Westfield and went in search – trying all the usual options (David Jones, Speedo, Seafolly) then on a whim Target. Bingo, these gorgeous hued bikinis are a perfect fit, and a staggering bargain ($30). A cotton scarf (Kmart ) doubles as a sarong and a silk scarf (in jade) drapes beautifully day or night. Sunhat and goggles (a fold into itself bag from Ikea for $2.99 is fabulous to carry bits and pieces

I get chilly in hotel rooms so I travel with long PJ’s – my go to, lightweight option for bottoms is Best and Less ($15) – a soft jersey that are smart enough to be seen by room service. The top from Cotton On, matches perfectly and cheap enough to update when it gets a bit drab. 

Bikini /  PJ’s / Top L/S / Sunhat / Goggles / Cotton Scarf / Silk Scarf

WHAT TO PACK: FOR KIDS

Preparation is the key to avoid spending too long on this task (my least favourite part of travel). A few weeks from departure I pull everything out to make sure it still fits and is clean. I pack old PJ’s and undies so they can be discarded if space is a problem on return. One decent outfit for meals out and several changes of swimmers and t-shirts. The boys have their own set of Packing Cubes – and brilliantly on this trip their clothing only takes up half a suitcase each – plenty of room for shopping.

Cotton Long Pants / T-shirt / Long Sleeve T / Cap / Long Sleeve Shirt/ Shorts / Swimmers / Rash Top / PJ’s / Goggles / Cotton Shirt / T-shirt

THE FINISHED PRODUCT – a two week travel wardrobe (with 1/2 a suitcase empty for shopping…)

Have you perfected a ‘method’ for your travel packing?