Three words. Just three little words. How do they make us feel? What images do they conjure up? What memories do they stir within us? We all remember the first time – it’s like it was yesterday, how could we forget? That’s right. It’s The City Break. Also known as The Long Weekend. Wait, what did you think I was talking about?
As the cold, darkened evenings draw in and the rainy days wash over us – it’s easy to forget we even had a summer this year. Our tan lines and Facebook photos the only reminders of the holiday we went on. It’s only been a month since you went away but the morning commute is already catching up with you and people keep reminding you we’ve already had our last bank holiday of the year (Christmas & New Year don’t count).
Fear not, travel junkies, there is a solution. It’s time for a City Break. We might not have another bank holiday until, horrifyingly, 18 April 2014 but there’s always those annual leave days you’ve been saving up.
You’ve spent your lunch break every day since July looking at destinations a 2-hour flight away, you already know where you want to go. You’ve called your travel agent – the flights are booked, the hotel is sorted. You got an amazing last minute deal you saw on Twitter. Guilty? Not you. It’s only a week until you leave and everyone you know is totally jealous – you’re feeling pretty smug I can tell. “Fancy going to the pub on Friday?” friends ask, “oh sorry I can’t…we’re going away this weekend…” Oh yeah, it feels good doesn’t it? You’re so cosmopolitan. You haven’t been on a city break in 10 years but nobody needs to know that.
Only 2 days to go now – best start packing early – you secretly bought a new case at lunchtime; it’s the perfect size. You checked the airline hand-baggage size and allowance already – you don’t even have to pay to check your bags in but come on, it’s a weekend – you’ll not need much.
But, hold on. What’s this? You’re taking 3 pairs of jeans? Who needs 3 pairs of jeans for a week let alone 3 days? A bikini? You’re going to Paris! What are all these heels for? You’re going on a walking holiday for crying out loud! I don’t know how you even closed that case – quite frankly, the tension on that zip is terrifying.
Oh, little one. So naive. I can tell you haven’t had a mini-holiday in 10 years, my friend. Fear not! It’s a common problem. I hope.
It is an easy trap to fall into. You’re going away for 3 days; you don’t know exactly what you’ll be doing yet so you must pack for all eventualities. It might be raining, it might be hot – there might be a fancy restaurant you want to try. What if you meet a group of people who invite you to join them at a dinner with some foreign dignitaries? You’ll be sorry you didn’t pack that ball gown then. Better to be safe than sorry.
But do not despair; I am going to help you. Once you’re ready to admit you have a problem, we can continue. My name’s Jo and I am an over-packer.
Let’s begin. It’s time for some tough love. It’s incredibly easy to get carried away when packing for a short trip – honestly, there’s nothing worse than being away from home and finding yourself unprepared. The first step is to making sure you are as prepared as possible, without the aid of time travel.
First, check the weather forecast! Yes, it’s so obvious. However, if it was really that obvious then everyone would be doing it – but I’d hazard a guess that there are people out there who don’t. If it’s going to be dry, you’re probably going to want to be prepared for rain anyway. A coat with a hood or a small, compact umbrella will suffice. If it’s going to be wet but reasonably warm, a light coat with a hood is perfect. You might be walking around all day and there is nothing worse than entering and exiting various museums/restaurants/shopping centres absolutely boiling hot in an arctic parka coat. You might look fabulous but it’s just not worth it.
Destination dependant – if you know it’s going to be freezing you will only need one hat, scarf and pair of gloves. If it’s mild, layers are the key. No, that does not mean you must take 6 sweaters. Take one or two sweaters that go with the trousers and t-shirts you’ve already packed.
Now I’m not going to start suggesting you wear the same outfit for 3 days straight – there are certain things that simply cannot be cut back on – underwear and socks for example. You’ll probably also need a new top for each day and maybe a spare, but more than that is excessive. It’s easy to start getting carried away imagining all eventualities again but don’t! Just stop it! I’m warning you. You can take 3 pairs of trousers, shorts, a skirt and a dress just in case but trust me – you will wear the same jeans every day.
Ladies, we know you love your shoes. You look fantastic I’ll be the first to admit it. But honestly, you don’t need to take 5 pairs with you to Iceland. Just trust me on this one. At most, you’ll need 2 pairs. Make sure they’re comfortable. Two pairs of flip-flops don’t count unless you’re going to the beach – this is a City Break so it’s unlikely to happen, oui?
The second step is to make an attempt at planning your weekend before you go. I know you’ve been researching ‘Things to do in Brussels’ for a week now, so you must have an inkling of what museums and attractions you want to visit. Having an idea of which restaurants you want to try will help.
You will also only need one handbag/backpack for carrying during the day. Please make sure it’s big enough to carry some water and a camera – clutch bags need not apply.
If you have successfully packed a capsule weekend wardrobe you probably have the space to take an extra ‘just in case’ little something. An evening top perhaps? A dress and tights? Anything that will be suitable for dinner or a night out – if you’ve been clever with your packing you will be able to mix and match the things you already have; you’ll have found yourself with an evening outfit and you only had to add one extra item. Plus, if you pack a couple of pieces of jewellery – small and lightweight – you can easily transform a day outfit into a night outfit. Now, although these pearls of wisdom have primarily been directed at the ladies – the same rules can be applied to the boys. Except that bit about heels and jewellery. Probably.
When it comes to packing for your next trip I hope this will help somewhat. After all, you’ve admitted you have a problem and now it’s simply a case of learning how to life your life as a changed person and maybe helping others who suffer from the safe afflictions.
Guest author Jo Dendy – Fashion Intern – Blog
We can’t help with your packing, but for any information on City Break destinations email or call us on 01932 866565!
