During summer, the island gets quieter as, with no classes for two months at the international schools, people escape from the heat either for the whole period or with a few short trips to chill and relax. If you fly north of the equator, you’ll enjoy the warm (not boiling like here) weather; however, if you head south, as I usually do, it will be cold, with winter marking the calendar. As packing can be a burden, you’ll find here two completely different suitcases to give you ideas on how to put together a practical, compact and fashionable wardrobe on wheels.
General Tips
• Don’t over pack, try to remember that last trip when you used only half the things you took.
• You can always (and probably will) buy new items.
• Pick interchangeable pieces, this way you have different looks, but not too much to carry.
• Take two pairs of shoes, one might get wet for some reason and you won’t have footwear!
• Don’t take fancy clothes, unless you have a special function happening, otherwise take one special dress and that’s it!
• Remember that low-cost airlines are charging for extra weight, so choose well.
Sultry Paradise
Yellow is the colour to look for, so pick one sun-kissed item and work around it. A pair of shorts is essential and easy to combine with different top options. Take at least one long-sleeved shirt to fight evening breezes and bugs and choose a nice-looking swimsuit, this way you have another top option and beachwear in one. The summer dress makes a statement, wear it for a special dinner by the shore or on top of your bikini to go from sand, straight to the city streets. Bucket hats are super trendy this season and they are the perfect travelling companion, easy to fold and carry everywhere you go.
Wintry Destination
Baby it will be cold outside, so pack (or wear) one really warm coat, that you will probably need every day and make sure it’s a solid colour that will match all the other pieces in your luggage. I recommend you take two pairs of trousers. Something casual, such as jeans, and a tailored or fashion-forward option. If you want to play with your looks, leave the colourful and funky patterns for your tops. I wouldn’t take high heels to a city destination, unless you are attending the theatre or going to a party; if not, you will do plenty of walking and comfy shoes are a must. And last, but not least, pack a warm scarf, it can save you on freezing nights or be a light layer over your long-sleeved blouse.
