Photo: RDNE Stock project
Girls’ holidays are good for the soul – and planning one that accommodates everyone’s budgets means you can all relax while you’re away. It can also help to relieve any tensions if you’re all in the same boat. You want to get the most out of the experience without overspending unnecessarily. Whether you plan to browse the latest package holiday deals or arrange your own flights, accommodation, and transport, there are plenty of ways to save your pennies in a way that fits your vision for the trip.
When it comes to saving money, every little helps – even your packing can make a difference. Stay ahead and avoid hidden costs with these handy packing tips designed to help you save money.
- #1. Use packing cubes to maximise space:
An absolute gamechanger for saving space, packing cubes help to compress your clothing to free up room for other items. They also come in handy from an organisational perspective, so you can keep certain outfits or clothing types together. The result? You can help beat the restrictions of carry-on luggage. While the bags themselves can’t exceed a certain size, you can help the situation by filling them with more items.
- #2. Vacuum-seal bulky items:
If you need to go one step further, you can consider vacuum-seal bags. These are ideal if you have jumpers, jackets, or beach towels that need compressing. They help to shrink bulky pieces down to a fraction of their size, so you avoid the risk of checked baggage fees.
Just be cautious of caring for your clothes if you choose this method – it won’t be suitable in all cases. Some fabrics containing natural fibres like wool typically need air to help them maintain their shape, for example. When you do add clothing to the bags, avoid overfilling them and try to promote even suction.
Photo: Ketut Subiyanto
- #3. Plan outfits in advance:
Outfit planning is hugely beneficial – and particularly if you use a capsule method. The ‘Sudoku packing method’ is one of several packing hacks that many people are adopting for their upcoming trips.
Mostly, they involve choosing versatile pieces you can mix and match. Having a core collection will help you reduce any ‘just in case’ items. Shoes take up a lot of space, so limit yourself as much as you can.
Check out extra tips that help you to limit creases in your clothes to ensure you look and feel your best while you’re away. Need extra help to get organised? You can use outfit planning apps to help the process along.
- #4. Share toiletries with the group:
Avoid doubling up on cosmetics and toiletries by sharing your packing lists beforehand. You may be able to share the packing across the group. Whether you share a bottle of shampoo, hairspray, or something larger like a hairdryer, this is a tip you’ll be thankful for. Save money and space with a touch of forward planning.
- #5. Wear your heaviest items while travelling:
The oldest trick in the book – make sure you wear your heavier items for the flight. Pick your chunkier trainers, and even if it’s too warm to wear them, bring your large hoodie or jacket with you. You could always tie it around your waist or use it as a pillow on the flight.
Summary...
A fantastic girls’ trip doesn’t require a massive budget – it just takes a little extra strategy before you zip up your suitcase. By packing smart, sharing the load, and leaving room for the moments that actually matter, you'll save money and stress. Now, gather the group chat, pick a destination, and get ready to make memories without breaking the bank!
