Here’s how to pack like a pro

We all know the struggle, here's how to beat the suitcase bulge while travelling

POLOKWANE – Packing for a weekend away is easy enough, the trouble comes when you need to pack for a week long trip to the family farm or a getaway to the beach. Knowing what to pack, and how to pack, is vital.

It is a stereotypical viewpoint that women always pack too much clothing but we asked around and the following three women agree with the statement, however, they gave good reasons why it is true.

Koketso Matlou said women change clothes a number of times a day because they always want to impress, hence the excess luggage. She further said women always want to be prepared for every occasion.

Malekgo Manganyi explained that women want to look the best at all times and impress their boyfriends that is why they always ensure they take a lot of clothes with them.

Moabelo Mamello made it clear that women are always confused when it comes to clothes, that is why they end up packing as much as possible. “We always want to look pretty but deciding what to wear is always a mission,” she explained.

Here are a few tips for women:

Two pairs of walking/comfortable shoes (one closed toe/one open, weather permitting).
Rainproof jacket.
Two pairs of shorts/capris (shorts are fine on the beach, but not in church; capris are OK anywhere)
Two pairs of pants (one dressy, one casual; cotton blend is recommended: when washed, it dries faster than jeans).
One belt (optional).
One swimsuit.
Four pairs of socks (cotton blend).
Five pairs of underwear (silk, lace, or micro-fiber dries quickest).
One extra bra.
Four to six shirts (long/short-sleeved, various colours).
One to two light cardigans for layering.
One to two skirts (wrinkle-resistant; one should be at least knee-length for church visits).
One dress (optional).
Hat (optional).
Scarf (optional).
Vest (optional; great for layering).
Sleepwear.
endy@nmgroup.co.za