This year we were luckily enough to have a week in England and 3 in Greece, we travel lite (lite lite) so its really important that i pack purposely and that everything is going to be used, theres literally no room for hanger ons.

This is our 4th year and each year, i get better- this is how i nailed 2 weathers, an island and a city break for 4 weeks in a carry on.

1- Le bon shoppe balloon pants

Ive owned the natural pair for over 3 years and this is the 3rd long haul trip i have worn them on when on the plane, they are perfect.

-elasticated hems so short enough not to drag on floors and airport bathroom floors

-heavy cotton so they hang well, never need to be ironed but don't look creased

-casual chic, you can sleep in them comfortably and not look a mess travelling from the plane to the hotel after.

-The fabric is breathable, keeps the body nice and temperate and washes a treat- like i say i own a shop full of them and yet i still wear the original pair i had from 3 years a go.

2- The incense match

Not this trip (thankfully) but last year and the year previously i found myself booking accommodation that was either borderline ok or fine but a bit squiffy. Sometimes those europeans think a vat of floor bleach is better than a quick winter renovation.

Both occasions called for a quick room rehaul, windows open, beds aired, cold chardonnay poured (pronto) and a couple of incense matches wafted around for a bit of damage control and a moment to remeber how lucky we are and how unimportant to the trip these bits are (although in saying this i would obviously much rather spend my money on nice accommodation and not have to cheer lead my families attitudes towards the wider picture) In which case use these post dinner to signify the end of the evening.

3- LF Markey Slip dress

Nothing cooler (literally) than linen in summer.

This is the first year i have travelled with a linen dress or a LF Markey dress or a linen LF Markey dress. Im sold. When packing i had assumed id wear it a couple of times for dinner, wrong. I wore it all the time- to the beach over a swimsuit, to lunch, to dinner, on short flights, any time i wanted to wear something as comfortable as a pair of shorts and a Tshirt but a teeny bit more upmarket.

Pockets

Easy to wash / hang dry although in saying this, the dress is so durable it really didnt need it very often at all.

Over sized- when its hot you dont was close fabric

Button front so you can play with the frount length

Went with all shoes / sandlas / flip flops

Packs up really small and hangs nice and straight, ready for a wear.

4- Dock and Bay Towels

Again an oldie but a goodie- we always travel with a couple of these, they dry so quickly, are light to carry / hold and work for all outdoor furniture required; beach, pool lounges, rocks, boats, shelters for the kids, hot car seats.

They wash well (even in hotel sinks) and no one complains when they have to go in their back packs.

5- Small Lot cotton canvas bag

The ideal travel bag, use as a crossover for city trips or as a bum bag around sketchy stations and airports when you need your valuables close.

Cotton canvas is durable and can handle a quick spot clean although i do think the aged patina makes them look more interesting.

Small enough for your daily essentials and flexible enough if you need to throw into a backpack or suitcase.