Don’t leave home this summer without reading our expert’s guide to packing

Your vital guide to packing this summer (Picture: Havaianas)

There is literally no better feeling than whacking on the out-of-office because the sun awaits – you’re finally going on holiday! But before the excitement begins, there’s the packing – ugh. 

Even if you’re heading to paradise for two weeks, the build-up to the trip of a lifetime can suck the fun out of all the anticipation. 

‘What have I forgotten? Will I get all my clothes in one case? Where the heck is my passport?’

We’ve all been there, and no matter how many holidays we go on there is always the same anxiety-inducing preparation every time. 

Well, thankfully we’re here to help with 10 simple tips to make packing an easier ride. 

Plan how to mix and match your outfits 

Havaianas are perfect to dress up or dress down so why take anything else? (Picture: Havaianas)

We can’t count the amount of times we’ve taken half our wardrobe on holiday only to wear the same outfit the whole time. 

Try limiting the number of dresses, tops or shorts in your suitcase and mix your outfits up with different footwear – Havaianas have sliders, flip flops or luxe gladiator sandals that will cover all occasions and make sure you’re the envy of everyone else on the beach.

Plus, they’re available in all sizes for men, women and children so the whole family can be kitted out with ease.

Taking clothes that can be dressed up or down with just a change of accessories is a real space-saver.

And of course, think about clever cover ups and beachwear that can be thrown on over your swimwear, so you can all go straight from the beach to the bar.

Get your holiday off to a good start by packing like a pro

Stuff your shoes

A classic tip used since the dawn of packing, but still a goodie.

Make sure you fill your trainers or shoes with underwear, chargers or bikinis.

Simple but effective. 

Pack a pair of sandals in your hand luggage

Need more space in your suitcase? Pack your sandals, slides or flip-flops in your hand luggage (Picture: Havaianas)

An easy way to make sure you’ve got room for an extra pair of shoes and are covered for whatever the weather when you land, is to pack a pair of Havaianas in your hand luggage. 

They take up no room whatsoever and after a long journey they’ll let your feet breathe!

Be mindful of your destination 

Havaianas are the perfect fit for any outfit (Picture: Havaianas)

Realistically you’re not going to need too many trainers or jumpers if you’re spending a week on the beach, so make sure you’re making the most of your luggage by only packing for the holiday you’re actually going on.

Havaianas flip-flops are lightweight and the perfect footwear for any warm destination. And from swimwear to shorts and dresses to trousers, they’ll work with any outfit.

Colourful slides will work with all your holiday looks (Picture: Havaianas)

Two pairs of Havaianas will get you much further than one pair of trainers, take up less room and can be easily hand washed when you’re out there.

And if you’ve got kids in tow then you’ll know how important it is to pack clothes and shoes that are pretty much indestructible!

Practical and comfortable, flip-flops are ideal for the beach and boat trips, as well as for wandering around the local town.

Make the most of your suitcase

You could even invest in some packing cubes which will help to organise all your clothes, toiletries and accessories, which will make unpacking as easy as packing!

Another classic tip, but one that’s tried, tested and will be used until the end of time; rolling your clothes is not only a great space saver but eliminates more of the trapped air between your garments. 

You could even invest in some packing cubes which will help to organise all your clothes, toiletries and accessories, making unpacking when you arrive as easy as packing!

Keep children’s clothes together in one cube, swimwear in another and make-up in another.

Plus, if you buy clear plastic cubes they’ll protect your belongings from any mid-air toiletry mishaps! Genius!

Co-ordinate your outfits with your friends too

Three pairs of sandals will get you much further than one pair of trainers (Picture: Havaianas)

If you’re going on holiday with friends then between you and all your pals, you’ve probably got a top or slides in every colour of the rainbow. So why not plan ahead?

If you’ve got the classic black Havaianas with the signature Brazilian logo, make sure your mate packs the blue ones.

Mixing and matching your wardrobes will mean you all have a lot more choice of what to wear. Just remember to give back what you’ve borrowed!

Check what’s provided in your accommodation 

If you’re spending the week in a hotel then you probably won’t need to pack any towels, a hair dryer or even toiletries.

Prioritise the items you know you need and won’t be able to find out there. 

Anyone with children should also check if the accommodation provides cots and high chairs. There’s no point carrying more than you need.

Boots, trainers, jackets and jumpers – don’t overdo it! A pair of flip-flops will be more than enough (Picture: Havaianas)

Limit your heavy items 

Boots, trainers, jackets and jumpers – don’t overdo it.

You’ll regret bringing that extra jacket you didn’t wear when you could have brought another bikini or pair of sandals instead. 

Pack a tote bag for the beach or shopping 

This will flatten in your luggage, taking up next to no space at all but will be a lifesaver when you need to nip to the shops or bring your wet swimwear home from the beach. 

Pack the first outfit you’re planning to wear at the top of your luggage 

Heading straight to the beach? Make sure you’ve got your swimwear and Havaianas right at the top of your case (Picture: Havaianas)

If you know you’re heading straight to the beach or pool as soon as you get to your destination, make sure you’ve got your swimwear and Havaianas right at the top of your case. 

And as we all know kids will want to be in the water all day, every day. So keep their arm bands, swimming kit and goggles easily accessible too.

Let’s make the most of every second of our holidays!

Pack lighter items like sandals and slides at the top of your case (Picture: Havaianas)

Get your heavier items at the base of your case 

To avoid your luggage wobbling around as your rush around the airport, put your heavier items like shoes and books at the base, and lighter items like underwear and Havaianas flip-flops or slides right at the top to make for a sturdier case. 

That’s that sorted! Now all that’s left to do is enjoy your holiday!

Shop for your Havaianas holiday essentials HERE.