Ready, steady, pack! Smart women save space and time by packing carefully and travelling light …
It’s holiday season, which means packing tips and tricks are front of mind, to make the most of ever-shrinking luggage allowance. Along with what to pack (from mini beauty essentials to multitasking holiday co-ords), we asked almost 20 smart women how they save space and time by packing carefully and travelling light – and to share their holiday essentials. The top tips? From the sensible: rolling clothes, packing cubes for organisation. To the surprising: one woman packs an aeropress for coffee, another fluffy socks, one always brings personal pillowcases and others bring stashes of granola. Anything to make the journey smoother…
SARAH BANKS Founder, SteamLine Luggage
“Less is always more, whatever the occasion, especially when packing for my family of six with four young boys. I pack two Spinner cases and each family member gets a large packing cube. I pack by outfit and always roll to help prevent wrinkling. Two essentials are my Aeropress for my morning coffee and the kid’s sunscreen and small Lego sets. I always use jewellery to dress-up my outfits when travelling; I love earrings by Irish brand Juvi and American brand Jennifer Behr. They elevate any dress or a T-shirt and jeans.” @steamlinewithsara
SUZY DUNNE Co-founder of Hildun Beauty
“As we have three children, my husband and I are experts in taking micro-breaks. Once a year we try to get away for a night somewhere in Europe. There is no time for checked-in luggage. Instead, I travel with a large tote and I’ll take (and roll) a couple of changes of clothes, including one light evening dress. Most thought goes into beauty products; make-up is my therapy. I pack brushes in a separate pouch and, rather than foundation, I pack concealers that can be buffed out for full coverage. My Hildun Silk to Set kajal pencils double up as eyeliners and eyeshadows. Lip liner, a balm, mascara, blusher, bronzer and SPF are non-negotiables, as is my Ella & Jo Melt The Day Away cleansing balm, which works as a cleanser and a face mask.” @suzygriffindunne
VITTORIA CAPRARA Founder, I Can Tell By The Moon Vintage store
“Every summer I head home to visit my parents in the south of Italy, which also provides as an opportunity to source some beautiful vintage clothes and antiques for my boutique in Blackrock Market in Co Dublin. I don’t need to pack much, and the weather definitely helps keep luggage light. I always take a versatile basket that will in turn be laptop bag, beach bag, and tote, on market days. I wear a few antique linen and cotton slips on repeat: a belt and a pair of espadrilles by Castañer is all you need to bring them up to date. Tailored black shorts are another essential and I also have a soft spot for tiered 1970s vintage maxi dresses – I just add heels for the evening passeggiata! The same ‘less is more’ rule applies to beauty: a few drops of Argan oil adds a lovely glow to face, body and hair.” @bythemoonvintage
SHEENA KENNEDY Yoga & Pilates teacher, founder of www.canta-retreats.com
“This summer I’ll be heading to Ibiza where I have a house and run Pilates and yoga retreats. I used to over-pack, but I’ve pared it back and usually take a cabin bag and a Longchamp shoulder bag. Essentials for Ibiza are a bikini or swimsuit, a linen shirt, cut-off denim shorts (which I live in), a few floaty dresses, a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off my face, Archies flip flops (the most comfortable), sandals and a pair of trainers for sunset cliff walks. I never go anywhere without a Theraband which is great for some resistance work. As a Pilates teacher, I try to keep up my own practice even on holidays, as my body misses it when I stop. Sunscreen is a priority. I love Ultra Violette for face, and they do a gorgeous SPF50 lip protector gloss. Supergoop also has great sunscreens. I keep holiday make-up minimal with a light foundation, Victoria Beckham eyeliner and mascara.” @sheenakmovement
ROSY TEMPLE CEO, Magee 1866
“I often head off with my bike and a tent on holidays. Last summer it was Greece and Albania. I pack light! I always take a long-sleeved linen shirt with me as it’s cool in the heat and helps avoid sunburn and mosquito bites. I’m a fan of a Kindle while travelling but just in case the battery gives out, I’ll take a back-up slim novel with me, like JL Carr’s A Month in the Country.” @rosy_temple
HILDA SMITH Blogger, Over The Hilda
“I recently went to Portugal for five days with only a backpack. This was a first for me and a definite challenge. My bag contained a pair of runners, slides, jeans, shorts, a dress, swimsuit, seven different tops and sweaters; socks and underwear went into the runners. I also packed a foldable hat and earphones. I used one of my travel cubes and managed to fit all my (rolled) clothes into it. The runners and slides went on top, covered by plastic shower caps (the kind you get free in hotels) for the return journey in case they got dirty. Most of my toiletries were decanted into spare contact lens cases. I also use dual-purpose make-up such as the Nu Balmy tint by YSL which doubles as lipstick and blusher.” @overthehilda
GEORGIANA HUDDART Co-founder, Hunza G swimwear
“Upcoming trips include three days at the Belmond Hotel on the Amalfi Coast for work, then off to Villa Cetinale in Tuscany with my family, (possibly the most beautiful and magical place on earth); then to Cornwall with some friends and lots of kids for laughs and relaxation. I pack my Crash suitcase bag with wheels and a Dragon Diffusion woven leather bag as a carry-on, with Keren Bartov’s Super Anti-Aging Serum, Sisley Eye Cream, and at least six lip balms. I am addicted to them! My favourites are Nars, Rhode and Laneige. I also pack chewing gum because my ears pop, and a bag of walnuts.” @georgianahuddart
MICHELLE MAGUIRE CEO, Ireland’s Blue Book
“For short breaks away with my husband or friends I pack a Paul Costelloe leather bag. I am extremely organised when packing for work and completely chaotic when going away on personal trips. Work trips to the USA often entail four or five cities in a week, promoting Ireland as a holiday destination. This necessitates meticulous packing, from carefully co-ordinating outfits to selecting shoes that work with multiple outfits. I like to wear Irish designers when abroad. I always bring fluffy socks with me too, which I use instead of hotel slippers. For mini-breaks in Ireland, my priorities shift – I pack clothes for walking and hiking. Needless to say, I don’t bring the fluffy socks away on romantic mini-breaks!” @irelandsbluebook
KIM O’SULLIVAN Entrepreneur and brow artist
“I have three small children and their cases are always packed with great thought and are extremely organised. Mine tend to be done very hastily, though I do divide everything into zippy bags. I find sticking with classic clothes simplifies everything. I love accessorising to add a touch of glam. I always bring my own pillowcases, Barry’s teabags and my longwear Brow Aid tinted mascara and waterproof trio pen. In transit, I take my make-up off as soon as I get on the plane and apply a serum and moisturiser.” @kimosullivan
RACHEL MORGAN Owner, The White Gallery Boutique, Co Down
“I travel regularly to Paris and London on buying trips. My Celine shopper is my go-to bag. For family holidays, I take a cabin suitcase which can hold everything I need for a ten-day break. This year we are going to Cavat, a pretty town south of Dubrovnik. I plan all my outfits in advance. Daytime is easy – bikinis, a pair of denim shorts and light cover-ups. I get dressed up for dinner – lightweight dresses from Zara, Reiss or fab finds from The Outnet, which roll up nicely. I can’t actually remember the last time I brought heels on holidays. I invested in a pair of Chanel Dad sandals and they are comfortable and chic enough to dress up any outfit. Other essentials are my sunglasses, Skingredients Prebiotic Cleanse, Poco Beauty Lip Oil Treatment, and a new novel.” @twgboutique
DENISE O’CONNOR Owner, Rare Jewellery, Dublin 2
“I have a second home in Benalmadena, southern Spain. This was my escape when my children were growing up and still is! My affinity for Spain deepened when my eldest daughter studied, then met her Irish husband, there. After a couple of years they moved to Seville. They got married in 2022 and had my first grandchild, Max, so now I have the best excuse in the world for more quick trips to see them. For each trip, I use my trusty Samsonite set. I also travel with a tomato-red Bimba Y Lola bag, which doubles as a beach tote. I always take a pashmina for chilly flights. As a Type 1 diabetic I am reliant on an insulin pump. Despite the added bulk of medical supplies, the joy of experiencing new horizons eclipses any inconvenience.” @rarejewellerydesign
KATE ALESHNIKOVA Founder, Naps Studios
“I travel with a Nortvi carry-on suitcase I bought in Berlin. Having done so much backpacking in the past, I now like to keep my back and hands free. I can’t leave without my Kinto Travel Tumbler – to keep my coffee warm or water cold. I also pack ground coffee and a V60 dripper to make sure I always have coffee the way I like it. Other essentials include my camera and film rolls, a notebook and a pen. If I’m travelling with friends, I take a board game – We’re Not Really Strangers facilitates deep conversations. Comfortable footwear is important so I pack a pair of Hoka Bondi 8 sneakers for long walks, some Marsèll x Suicoke sandals, and a pair of leather shoes for the evening.” @napsstudios
MARGARET URBANOWICZ Founder, Sómas
“This year, I have really enjoyed taking short city breaks without having to bring a suitcase. My Hannah hobo bag holds everything for a short getaway and makes for a fabulous everyday bag. I always bring a small crossbody bag with me too, for evening. My packing has evolved, as has my personal style. I’ve become a more conscious shopper and now have a wardrobe of pieces I wear on repeat which makes packing easier. I bring accessories – chunky rings, statement earrings and necklaces – to transform an outfit. My current go-tos are the Annabelle earrings and Mel necklace, also from Sómas. I also pop in SPF and AirPods for audiobooks.” @somas.studio
MARIA-CHRISTINA MCPADDEN Designer, IrelandsEye Knitwear
“I’m just back from Japan – the trip of a lifetime with my partner, Brian. I took one suitcase and a LuluLemon bum bag. For the flight I packed regular and compression socks, The Happy Pear’s Granola Bites, and the Clover cardigan from IrelandsEye. Other essentials are lip balm, Obagi Vitamin C serum and CeraVe moisturiser. I use organic olive oil if my skin is extra dry. As Japan is all about layering, I brought a bright orange Regatta raincoat. I discovered Japan has amazing vintage stores: I found a Marni vest, for €12!” @irelandseyeknitwear
MOLLY MCKEEVER Content creator
“My Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce bag, which I bought on Vestiaire Collective, goes everywhere with me. I’m a prepper, planning outfits in advance and even taking photos of them before I go. I use packing cubes to separate categories and always bring my running shoes and Bala ankle weights to workout on holiday. In transit, I’ll apply an eye mask and bio collagen sheet mask to ensure I land with radiant skin.” @mollymckeeverr_
RÓISÍN GARTLAND Artist and leather expert
“I have two bags I designed and made specifically to suit my travel needs. One is a leather crossbody bag that’s neat but big enough to hold my travel documents as well as my phone, keys and lipstick. My calfskin backpack carries other essentials like a raincoat, cashmere wrap which doubles as a pillow, my notebooks, toilet bag and a few key pieces should my case go missing. My approach to packing is to edit and roll. Wherever I go I always bring a supply of my homemade granola, and some extra if visiting family and friends.”@roisingartland
JOHANNA DOOLEY Personal shopper
“I recently upcycled a boring suitcase by decorating it with stickers I’ve collected over the years. I used to throw as much as I could fit into my suitcase so it was always bursting at the seams. Now, I’m an outfit planner, so I know exactly what I’ll wear in advance. Comfort is key for me and I invest in good quality pieces. I also pack a hot water bottle, and to ensure I don’t miss any flights, I download the Airport App for updates.” @johannadooley
CIARA HUGHES Fashion stylist
“I have definitely learned from mistakes in the past and gained experience when it comes to travelling with ease. The most important piece in the puzzle is the luggage itself. I invested in a new Samsonite set from Kildare Village which has been a gamechanger; it’s light, compact and easy to manoeuvre. I have a pouch bag that I leave in my suitcase that holds random items such as a lint roller, adapters, plasters and sanitising wipes. “Practical dressing is an essential for me in general, so I always opt for comfortable, functional pieces. I try to stick to a colour theme when I pack so I can mix and match. To keep my hands as free as possible when I’m at the airport, I always choose a compact crossbody bag – you never know how far you might have to walk or if you have to carry bags downstairs to the plane!” @ciarahughesstyle
JULIE PEELO Founder, Peelo bags
“I’m a low-maintenance, last-minute packer. I always travel with one of my colourful totes and pack some clutches. Having lived in Italy, I learned the value of a great kaftan, and I like to bring a few vibrant ones to mix and match with accessories. Working with Diane Von Furstenberg taught me the value of clothes that don’t wrinkle, so I’m very particular about only bringing things that look great straight out of the bag. I do not want to be ironing on my hols! In transit, I have at least two lip glosses, a good moisturiser and some handwipes. I pack teabags! I also have a positive mindset and don’t stress about delays or loud people (kids or adults) on the plane. Journeys always turn out well in the end.” @iampeelo