One of my favourite hobbies (aside from shopping) is choosing ‘explore everywhere’ on Skyscanner and seeing which European trips could be on the cards. This year so far, I've overpacked for a three-night trip to Nice , wearing just 25 per cent of my giant suitcase , and had my first venture to Santorini . This is where I soon found out – the hard way – that shoes with no grip won’t work while climbing the clifftops.
I also discovered that I needed extra layers for a 24-hour trip to Barcelona while I sat shivering, watching an al fresco tennis match. Each trip is a lesson learnt, and after aiming to explore more of Europe (next stop is hopefully the Amalfi coast for an Aperol and pizza-filled summer), it’s important to get packing right – especially when it’s a hand-luggage -only situation. It’s all about choosing items that’ll work hard in your holiday wardrobe.
The shirt you can wear over your shoulders to shield from the sun but looks equally as good styled over a slip dress for the evening. The sandals will actually allow you to clock up the step count without the risk of slipping or being so uncomfortable you have to stop off for a beach-side beverage within a matter of minutes (not always a bad thing). Or choose a carry-everything bag to the airport that can also be unloaded and taken to the pool as soon as you land.
Here’s everything I’ll be packing , and everything I’ll be leaving at home on my next European adventure. Pack: Fun printed shirts.
