Over packing is unnecessary

I was trained from a young age to pack light, my Dad had a strict one small, soft bag policy when it came to holidays and for fear of things being binned, I obeyed (he probably wasn't that bad).  It would be so easy to get carried away thinking of things I might need, instead of focusing on combinations that offer the maximum potential for options without duplication.  I also have one other rule which is that I have to be able to carry my own bag, I won't rely on wheels or the kindness of strangers, there are just too many staircases in the world.  The one thing I have never really understood is those people, who pack a bag the size of an aircraft hanger and then whine about how hard it is to travel.

Think about what you actually wear on holiday, I'm no gambler but I would bet it is approximately half of what you usually take, that includes all the items you bought specifically for your holiday, not to mention the items you buy on holiday that you will never wear again.  So for no reason apart from indecision you have wasted money on new clothes, souvenirs and excess baggage, that almost sounds like enough money for an upgrade?  It's getting to be that time of year when your holiday is just around the corner, I know you're excited - I'm excited but that puts you right in the danger zone for over spending and therefore over packing.

So how do you minimise without going too far and leaving yourself out on a limb?  The first thing is a really simple trick that will help enormously and I suspect you've already done it, google the weather for the duration of your stay, it may not be absolute truth but it will at least give you a benchmark to work from.  If it's going to be 90 degrees it is unlikely you'll need a jumper even on a just in case basis, don't forget if you choose the right kind of Sarong you can use it as a pashmina for the evening if there is a chill in the air.  By choosing simple shaped dresses you can easily dress them up for the evening or throw them over swimwear for a contemporary casual daytime look.  

When I'm packing for a client (yes I do that), I ask them their plans - set out everything that could be needed and streamline the options from there.  Look at the items that although different, really do the same job and only pack the best option, the one item that makes you feel the most special, then add in an accessory or 2 that change the look of it.  I'll then take photos so that they have a visual record of all the outfit options they have with them for day and night, it just makes life so much easier.