Instagram jet-setter Bonnie Rakhit shares her pearls of wisdom
But if there's one woman who knows her stuff, it's former fashion editor and founder of The Style Traveller Bonnie Rakhit. Which is why we hit her up for her top tips on how to swerve those #suitcasestruggles once and for all. Here's what she said.
1
Pack outfits on hangers
"Crumpled clothes are the worst, so I like to pack like a stylist would before a shoot. I lay clothes into my suitcase directly on their hangers, folding once or twice in the middle. When I arrive, I hang them up straight away for minimal creasage."2
Store travel toiletries in your case
"I keep a vanity case stocked with my travel toiletries all year round and keep it in my suitcase - that way, I never forget an essential. Essentials include SPF, toothpaste and my Venus Bikini Trimmer - a must-have if I'm packing high-leg swimsuits (!) and because it's battery powered, it's the perfect tool to pop in your suitcase for your travels. If I run out of something at the end of my trip, I'll replace it the minute I get back."3
Match your colour palette to your destination
"I thoroughly research my destination before I go, and because my mind is always on the 'gram, I like to think about what will take the best pictures. For example, if I'm going to Santorini, I'll pack rich azure blues and whites. If I'm off to Marrakech, I'll pack burnt orange and berry hues to offset the city's gorgeous terracotta tones."4
Keep your sunnies safe
"Multiple pairs of sunglasses and multiple evening bags? To protect my favourite lenses in my case, I like to wrap them in tissue and store them in structured clutches. This not only saves space, but also stops them from getting knocked around."6
Think of the hotel freebies
"Keeping the weight of my case down is the ultimate struggle, and heavy toiletries are often the culprit. To streamline, when I'm staying at a nice hotel I'll leave basics like shower gel and moisturiser at home to lighten the load. There are certain items I can't sacrifice though - my Venus Snap razor, which has a mini handle and a travel case, and a good travel hairdryer!"7
Use straws to keep necklaces organised
"A trick I've picked up to stop my necklaces from getting tangled is to weave one end through a straw and fasten the clasp at the top. It's so simple, yet totally genius. Save your straws and reuse for next time keep things environmentally-friendly."8
Pack a swimsuit in your hand luggage
"My suitcase has gone missing one too many times, so I always carry three things in my hand luggage: a versatile black Lycra maxi dress that works from day to night, a swimsuit in case I arrive at my hotel before my room is ready - that way, at least I can sunbathe by the pool! - and a multitasking scarf I can use as a sarong, a shawl, a head scarf or a towel."See more at: Cosmopolitan
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