Muddy Stilettos

Summer’s here and for many that means a holiday, plus a packing crisis. What to take (and leave behind) is something top travel bloggers and editors have made into an art form &#8211; from rolling clothes to tracking luggage through their smart phones. Keep reading to discover their essentials for a hassle-free holiday. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emily-williams-travel-writer">Emily Williams, travel writer </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thumbnail_Emily_Australia.jpg" alt="Emily Williams " class="wp-image-73165" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thumbnail_Emily_Australia.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thumbnail_Emily_Australia-600x450.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thumbnail_Emily_Australia-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



When I travel, comfort is key! I usually wear something breathable but cosy for the flight, like my&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sweatybetty.com/shop/bottoms/leggings/power-gym-leggings-SB5400_Black.html?cgid=power-leggings&amp;dwvar_SB5400_Black_color=black&amp;dwvar_SB5400_Black_leg-length=fulllength&amp;tile=7&amp;oldpid=SB5400_Black#start=0&amp;sz=24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sweaty Betty Power Gym Leggings</a>, a sweatshirt and some soft socks to layer up in the air con. As for shoes, I tend to wear the bulkiest in my suitcase to leave more room inside. 



If I’m tight on space I like to roll rather than fold and it helps to pre-plan outfits that best suit the itinerary and weather in the destination. My packing essentials are a large&nbsp;<a href="https://uk.yeti.com/products/rambler-20-oz-tumbler?variant=41854339449023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reusable water bottle</a>&nbsp;to refill once through security, a spare change of clothes in case my baggage doesn’t arrive (touch wood &#8211; this hasn’t happened yet!) and some trusty high&nbsp;<a href="https://drpawpaw.com/products/spf-50-pa-day-cream?variant=43817267855595" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPF moisturiser</a>&nbsp;to whip out as I step off the plane and stroll into the sunshine 😎



Top Tip: If I’m checking in my luggage, I throw all my beauty must-haves onto my&nbsp;<a href="https://theflatlayco.com/products/greenvelvet-open-flat-makeup-bag-drawstring-uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flat Lay Co. bag</a>, pull the drawstring and it folds into a pouch &#8211; a handy make-up mat and storage bag all in one!&nbsp;



Follow Emily&#8217;s travels on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/em.claire/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ana-silva-o-reilly-founder-mrs-o-around-the-world">Ana Silva O’Reilly, founder, <a href="https://mrsoaroundtheworld.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mrs O Around The World</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thumbnail_image1-750x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-73122" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thumbnail_image1-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thumbnail_image1-450x600.jpg 450w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thumbnail_image1-394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thumbnail_image1.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



I don’t travel light light (I just can’t! 😂), but over the years I have tried to streamline my packing process. My <a href="https://uk.tumi.com/voyageur-voyageur-madeline-cosmetic--black-gold/146592-2693.html?cgid=accessories_travel-essentials" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tumi washbag</a>&nbsp;is always ready to go. The first thing I do when I return home is to replenish the contents, so I know I won’t forget anything.



I always take a <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OAWJAJQ/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_Q8N64HMQAKH6NQ4QW3E9?linkCode=ml1&amp;tag=mroarthwo-21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belkin usb charger</a>, because I hate cables everywhere and this beauty keeps things tidy, and a <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000BGK968/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_H9PY6NXXB2GS9PJHK09M?linkCode=ml1&amp;tag=mroarthwo-21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tide To Go Stick</a> &#8211; one in my washbag and a spare in an outside pocket of each suitcase too. &nbsp;



Other essentials include <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0935JRJ59/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_42SV3XRZH7WGDYXP39EF?linkCode=ml1&amp;tag=mroarthwo-21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Air Tags</a> (they are really amazing and offer peace of mind as you can easily track your luggage) and I always pack a pair of comfortable trousers in case I don’t feel great (as in ill) or bloated. This, sadly, has happened a few times and I couldn’t get into jeans. I swear by these from <a href="https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-straight-leg-joggers/p/clp22511885" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marks &amp; Spencer</a>, you can even fly in them if necessary.



Top tip: A <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C27MVXG6/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_SW3JDPMNFSF7DB454VC2?linkCode=ml1&amp;tag=mroarthwo-21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine sleeve</a>!&nbsp;I have two in a suitcase and they live there as you never know when you are going to find something worth bringing home that needs protecting &#8211; wine, gin, olive oil, perfume, random liquids (but wine in most cases!). They take no space and it’s best to be prepared!



Follow Ana&#8217;s travels on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrsoaroundworld/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-julianna-barnaby-founder-the-discoveries-of">Julianna Barnaby, Founder, <a href="https://www.thediscoveriesof.com/">The Discoveries Of&nbsp;</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thumbnail_ORG_DSC01192.jpg" alt="Julianna Barnaby " class="wp-image-73124" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thumbnail_ORG_DSC01192.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thumbnail_ORG_DSC01192-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/thumbnail_ORG_DSC01192-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



A <a href="https://www.aromatherapyassociates.com/products/home-diffuser" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">travel diffuser</a> and essential oils are great for making a place feel like home (because, let’s face it, no matter how cool a hotel is, it will never feel like your own space). I also think a hang-up toiletry bag is essential for keeping your toiletries organised and for saving space. And, as a Brit, I like to bring my favourite tea (Clipper’s Everyday Tea), as it&#8217;s never quite the same when buying tea outside the UK.



Top tip: Buy a suitcase with a built-in waterproof pocket (I use <a href="https://uk.level8cases.com/collections/check-in/products/large-luggage-with-wide-handle-level8-voyageur" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Level 8&#8217;s voyageur case</a>) &#8211; it&#8217;s a lifesaver if you’re ending a trip on the beach and need to put your swimsuit in before you get on the plane, or if you want to be sure your pesky liquids (sunscreens and repellant are the worst) don&#8217;t leak all over your clothes. Otherwise, bag it in a resealable pouch.&nbsp;



Follow Julianna&#8217;s travels on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thediscoveriesof/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-julie-falconer-founder-a-lady-in-london">Julie Falconer, founder, <a href="https://www.aladyinlondon.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Lady in London</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/LadyInLondon.jpg" alt="Julie Falconer" class="wp-image-73127" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/LadyInLondon.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/LadyInLondon-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/LadyInLondon-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



I like to pack light, so my suitcase is filled with necessities. I always bring a capsule wardrobe with comfortable walking shoes, clothes that are easy to dress up and down, and travel-size cosmetics. I get sunburned easily, so there&#8217;s always a hat and lots of sunscreen in my bag, too. Given I&#8217;m a professional travel blogger, I never leave without my laptop, DSLR camera, and video equipment.



Top tip: Since space is at a premium in my suitcase, I always roll my clothes when I pack. It saves a lot of room, and it allows me to bring more than I could have otherwise.



Follow Julie’s travels on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aladyinlondon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sarah-siese-founder-heaven-on-earth">Sarah Siese, founder, <a href="https://heavenonearth.co.uk">Heaven on Earth</a> </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="875" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-12-at-15.35.03-1-875x1000.png" alt="Sarah Siese" class="wp-image-73161" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-12-at-15.35.03-1-875x1000.png 875w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-12-at-15.35.03-1-525x600.png 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-12-at-15.35.03-1-459x525.png 459w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-12-at-15.35.03-1.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 875px) 100vw, 875px" /></figure>



The two questions I&#8217;m asked most often are: where&#8217;s your favourite place (impossible to answer &#8211; I mean, who can choose between Venice and BC or the Mara plains and Torres del Paine?); and what are your must-have travel items, which is easier to answer!



A supersized pashmina, which acts as a blanket-blindfold-breathing filter for those horrid insecticide sprays, <a href="https://www.bamford.com/b-silent-night-time-pillow-mist.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoaz4r4y-_wIVAd7tCh1L-QkUEAAYAyAAEgLMzPD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bamford B Silent Night-Time Pillow Mist</a> and Bose headphones. 



The checklist goes: money, passport and meds, followed by the above creature comforts. Everything else doesn&#8217;t need a second&#8217;s worry &#8211; you can buy it there. Oh and it&#8217;s always better to under pack than over pack 



Top tip: My new favourite must-have, the softest snuggliest-ever travel pillow by <a href="https://www.snooozeworld.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snooze</a> (so comfy I want a big one for my bed at home!).



Follow Sarah&#8217;s travels on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heavenonearth.co.uk/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>

Top tips to pack like a pro!

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