Tag Archives: packing

What I’m Packing for Aulani

Its holiday weeeekk!

On Thursday we jet off on the start of our adventure and off course that means my suitcase is already pretty much full, and as I haven’t really shared all that much in the way of outfits, I thought I’d show you some of the things that are filling up my case.

This trip will be the debut of the amazing Donald Duck suitcase that Matthew bought me for Christmas. Its the first four-wheeled suitcase I’ve had, and while this might not seem like anything particularly strange, its meant a completely different packing experience for me!

Outfit planning has also been a different experience for me as I don’t know exactly what to expect, but I’ve been really enjoying picking swimsuit/cover-up combos, including this Sleeping Beauty inspired look featuring a pom-pom edged cover-up of my own making!

Outfit wise, I’ve mainly kept things subtle on the Disney front, but I’ve got accessories from a few of my favourite Disney small businesses, including my new favourite headbands from Closet Geek

I’ve got so many swimsuits packed, ranging from one-pieces to bikinis, and I have a feeling I’ll be spending most of my time in them!

And these are just a handful of the extra bits and pieces I’ve got on my packing list! I’m trying to pack fairly light to allow space to bring back lots of goodies, but I do still have to get a few things and pack shoes and such, and I haven’t even starting on my hand luggage yet!

Don’t forget that I’ll be daily blogging the whole trip, so you can keep up with my adventures on here, but Instagram will also be the main place I’ll post updates while I’m out there, so be sure to follow along!

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What I’m Packing for my Disney Cruise

This time next week I’ll be in sunny Barcelona, getting ready to set sail on the Disney Magic for 7 nights of Mediterranean fun AND I CAN’T WAIT!

As I’ve mentioned before, this is my first ever Disney Cruise, so I’m completely out of my comfort zone in knowing exactly what’s going to happen or what I might need, which has made packing for this trip a little bit of an experiment, but here’s what I’ve got so far!

Outfits

Y’all know outfit planning is one of my strengths, but would you believe on the cruise I’ll be needing two outfits per day?! That’s right, one outfit for day time and then one outfit for dinner in the evening, so your girl got creative and I’ve picked one character for each day, and I’m going to be doing a daytime look and an evening look inspired by said character. To name a few, I’ll be bounding as Melody, Belle, Kida and Moana, and the evening outfits will also include dresses for both formal and semi-formal night, and the cruise’s traditional pirate night!

Swimwear and gymwear

Of course I’ll be taking full advantage of the onboard pools, and I’ve got a few bikinis lined up and ready to do, but I’m also planning on spending some time in the onboard gym too!

Shoes

When it comes to daytime shoes, I’m not really one to stray from my Converses and Toms, and that will pretty much be the case for this trip as well, but I’m also packing some pretty flats and some heels for formal and semi-formal night.

Tech

Camera-wise, I’m planning on bringing both my DSLR and my Sony A5000 compact so I can abuse my 55-210mm lens, but I imagine I’ll probably take most of my photos on my iPhone, and I’ll also bring my iPad for backing up photos and writing blog posts.

Day bags

I’ve been told by cruise experts that its important to have a hand luggage bag packed with any items you might need on day 1, as it can sometimes take time for your suitcases to arrive in your stateroom. With this in mind, I’ll be packing up my Mickey Mouse backpack with a swimsuit, my camera and a few other essentials just in case! I’ll also be packing my new Mickey handbag from the Disney Store, and one or two others for day trips out and evenings.

I’m really nervous that I may have missed some essentials, so if you’re a Disney cruise veteran and have noticed anything that I’m missing, or any nuggets of wisdom, please let me know!

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Hand Luggage Only Toiletries

Hand Luggage Only Toiletries

Have you ever booked a flight with a budget airline, only to gasp at the additional cost of checked baggage? When it comes to a weekend break, it hardly seems worth the additional £30-40 when you could fit all your clothes into a holdall or backpack.

The inevitable problem with that though? Toiletries. There’s nothing worse than getting pulled aside at security because you forgot to place all those liquids into a clear plastic bag, or worse yet, packed something over 100ml and now you’ve gotta wave goodbye to your bottle of conditioner or deodorant.

Sure, you can overpay for those little miniatures from the supermarket, but you’ve still got to fit all those little bottle into that tiny 20x20cm plastic bag, so here are a few ideas for reducing your liquid content while still packing everything you need.

Toiletries

Shampoo bars – I swear by shampoo bars day in day out, but they really come into their own when you’re travelling because not only do they take up a fraction of the space, they also last so much longer and hello, no liquid!

Roll-on deodorant – ditch the aerosol and opt for a solid version of your deodorant to save on smelly situations. You could even pack some dusting powder for extra freshness!

Tooth-not-so-paste – while I know many people who would never ditch their regular toothpaste for anything, Lush do a wide range of non-paste options, such as Toothy Tabs or Tooth Powder, both of which leave your teeth feeling clean and fresh, but without the worry of your liquid allowance.

Solid soap – rather than carrying shower gels, pack a bar of soap and sud yourself up the old fashioned way!

Makeup

Lipstick over gloss – it might seem silly, but just switching from a lipgloss to lipstick means one less thing for the clear plastic bag

Utilising samples – I collect sample products like they’re going out of style, for the very purpose of saving space when I’m going away. Perfume samples, foundation, moisturiser, anything I get from magazines or Feel Unique Pick’n’Mix gets put into a little basket which I raid when the time comes for me to pack.

Wipes – as much as I hate using face wipes, if it saves me having to pack a bottle of micellar water and a bunch of cotton pads, then I’ll make that sacrifice for a few days.

For me personally, I’d rather make a few changes from my regular products in order to save myself worry when I get to the airport!

Do you have any tips for travelling hand luggage only? Share them in the comments below!

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My February Park Bag

What's in my WDW park bag

I’ve never written a post about what I actually carry with me when I’m in the Disney parks, and seeing as I now have the most adorable new park bag – this pastel beauty of a backpack from Pack the Magic – I’m after any excuse to show it off! I usually carry a much bigger backpack, and find myself filling it with all sorts of rubbish that I never actually need or use, so I’m challenging myself to keep a more minimalist approach on my trip in February.

First off, I ALWAYS carry a notebook. This isn’t just a park thing, I carry a notebook with me everywhere I go, but on Disney trip I’ll have copies of all my booking references and timings in my notebook just in case, and its also handy in case I feel the need to jot anything down – blogger problems. Another absolute must is, of course, my camera. I’d normally have my SLR, but in the interest of keeping things light, I’m taking my new-ish Sony A5000 compact, for which I’ve ordered a telescopic lens for parade shooting. I’m finding it hard to get used to, what with preferring to use the viewfinder rather than display screen, but its a fab little camera and I look forward to playing with it more

Inside my magical backpack, you’ll also find my bag of pixie dust. This will have anything from makeup to painkillers and plasters, spare hairbands and suncream – whatever might be needed at a moment’s notice! I also like to keep my passport to hand, just in case I need any ID, as thanks to the wonders of Magic Bands, I don’t need to carry my purse at all, saving me the hassle and worry of losing it.

Finally, the last few bits of tech to keep the magic going! My powerbank can be a godsend should I ever be caught out without charge on my phone or camera, and I try to always remember a spare memory card just in case anything should happen to the other, or y’know, I fill it up with parade photos..

What’s in your park bag?

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Long Distance Travel Must-Haves!

Its less than 10 days now until I leave for my trip to China, and being the uber-organised person that I am, I’m practically packed already!

Yes, I know it sounds a bit crazy, but getting stuff together early highlights any issues – clothes that need washing, discovering something has a hole in it etc – so you don’t have to rush around the night before your flight!

I’m also a bit of a packing pro; having been lucky enough for travelling to always be a big part of my life, I’ve learnt from many mistakes and gained a lot of wisdom over the years, and I’ve found especially for long distance holidays, there’s always a few key things that make the cut for every trip.

Long Distance Travel Must Haves

A super comfy romper

If I know I’ll be boarding a long haul flight, this is an absolute must. I can be a real fidget on flight, especially when I’m trying to sleep, so not having to worry about pulling things up, down and round while I move is ideal, and wearing something a bit baggy means I don’t overheat or freeze. Also, whether its a playsuit or a jumpsuit, you’ll generally find it pretty easy to adapt to difference climates depending on where you’re jetting off to!

This year, I’m wearing this Stitch & Pieces beauty!

Sunglasses

Would you believe that until 2014, I never ever wore sunglasses.. Four-eyes problems right? I finally decided to spring for a pair of nice prescription Ray-Bans for a trip to Florida, and its probably the best decision I ever made; I mean, its easy to pick up a pair of sunglasses anywhere, but not so easy if you’re blind as a bat like I am! Even if you’re unsure on the weather where you’re headed, it can’t hurt to be prepared!

Basic First Aid and Personal Products

We’ve all got our preferences when it comes to this sort of thing, so I’m not gonna give you a full run down on what I bring, but its always worth bringing your essentials, should you need them for any reason – painkillers, antihistamines, creams etc – and although they’re not hard to find in local pharmacies, I always bring plasters and blister plasters.

Girls, also don’t forget to do your period maths before your trip; I know we don’t like to think about it, but what’s worse: having to pack a handful of tampons or being caught out abroad?

Socks

This is something that I’ve learnt from my dad: you can never have too many pairs of socks. My sister and I used to resist this, but as we’ve got older and wiser, we’ve realised he really does know best! Yes, I know sometimes sandals and flip flops seem like the best footwear, but comfortable shoes and socks will always win out – I’m a Converse All-Star kinda gal!

Hairbands

Waist-length hair does not always travel well! Generally I’ll always have a hairband on my wrist, with about a million more in my suitcase, including scrunchies and headbands, so that I can get my hair out of my face for travelling, and also keep it under control should the climate be against it!

Is there anything you can’t travel without?

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My European Roadtrip – What I’m Packing

Guys, I LEAVE FOR EUROPE TOMORROW!!!

Yeah, I’m just a tad excited, and when I’m excited for a holiday, I start packing stupidly early. I’m not even kidding, my clothes have been packed for a week already! So today I’m going to share with you what I’ll be bringing with me – not the entire contents of my suitcase or anything, but the main bits, and my ‘car kit’ etc!

Suitcase essentials

SONY DSC

Obviously, my case is primarily full of clothes, and I’ve been planning my outfits for ages (cos I can’t just wing it!), as well as undies and socks and tights etc. I’m also bringing my own towel and a full washbag, because I can’t rely on half the hotels I’ll be staying at to provide some of these bits.

Disneyland Paris

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I’m so excited for my birthday weekend in DLP, and therefore necessary Mickey ears have been packed, as well as my lovely new tote bag, and I’m looking forward to revealing my beautiful birthday dress, which I’ll be wearing in the parks on Saturday!

The Tech

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I can’t go anywhere without my camera, of course, and I’ll be bringing my laptop so I can regularly back up photos, as well as blogging my adventures. Of course my phone will be coming, and I’ve got a European data sim so that I can keep connected in low wifi areas, and obviously I’ll be bringing all the relevant chargers and travel adaptors!

Car Kit

SONY DSC

As its a road trip, I’ve got to make sure I’m stocked up with the necessary items for driving in Europe: breathalyzers, a safety triangle, headlamp diffusers and a high-vis jacket are legal requirements in most countries. I’ve also got a full European atlas – as well as my new satnav – a blanket, first aid kit, torch, and all my necessary paperwork: European breakdown cover documents and car registration. As you can see, I’ve organised it all in this handy car-boot organiser!

Food

SONY DSC

I’m not going to be stuffing the car full of food, but in order to save myself a bit of money (I am on a budget after all!), I’ll be bringing a selection of breakfast options – cereals, biscuit bars etc – to save the cost of breakfast each day, or lunch if my hotel provides breakfast, as well as a few snacks and possibly a couple of ‘instant’ meal options, should the facilities be available for me to heat my own meals. I’m also bringing some bottled water for long journeys, as well as those handy little squash bottles!

So tomorrow I’ll be packing all this into my little car, and we’ll hit the road! Do you have any road trip essentials?

xoxo

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Disney Packing Must-Have #5

A mini first aid kit, or at least a few supplies

Its unfortunate but true that holidays rarely go without some little medical mishap; sunburn, blisters, headaches, the list goes on.. And while Disney World has medical stations, and there’s drugstores in the area, its still better to be prepared with a few basics:

1. Plasters and blister plasters

2. Painkillers, including kid friendly ones

3. Allergy medication and anti-histamines

4. After-sun lotion or aloe vera

5. Travel sickness aids

And anything else you think you may need, better safe than sorry!

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Disney Packing Must-Have #3

drinks page

Flavouring for water

If you’re prepared, you never need pay for a drink in Disney World. Why?

Water is available everywhere, free of charge, from drinking fountains to counter service restaurants throughout the parks,all you need is a bottle to store it and you’re set for the day. During the summer months it’s so important to keep hydrated during the day, the last thing you need on your trip is to feel rubbish because you didn’t drink enough.

So if, like me, you prefer something with a bit of flavour to it, flavourings like Kool Aid or concentrates like Squash’d or Drops (a bit less messy than Kool Aid) are ideal; they’re small enough to pop in a pocket if you don’t carry a bag, and are super concentrated, so one little bottle can last ages. Plus, you’ll find it easier to get the kids to drink up!

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Disney Packing Must-Have #2

Little Mermaid

A swimsuit

While you might be thinking ‘duh, of course I’ll need a swimsuit!’, but its important that you bring an all-in-one style suit as well as a two piece bikini, and the reason for that is science..

Picture the scene: Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, scorching Florida day, nice big slide opening out into a pool full of people, and while gravity might be pulling your body down, your top is going to want to stay put and fly back up. Its happened to everyone, embarrassing or what?

So save the bikini for the hotel pool or lying out in the sun, and save your dignity by packing a one-piece for the waterparks! 🙂

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Disney Packing Must-Have #1

The first of many posts, I’ll be posting a different packing must-have every day! 🙂

Mini Sharpies

As well as taking up less space, mini Sharpies come with handy little loop you can use to attach them to bags or zips, so you’ve always got one to hand; you’ll need them!

Sharpies make the perfect pen for autographs – nice and fat for characters to hold, don’t dry out easily, available in every colour imaginable and, of course, permanent, so perfect if you want autographs on tshirts or other unique items.

On top of autographs, having a permanent marker to hand means you can label your resort mugs, bags, strollers, valuables, children..

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