Have you ever wondered what other people pack when they go travelling? How do others manage to get five to six outfits into a cabin bag and toiletries to cater for both day makeup to evening glam (hair included)? Are there any handy travel hacks out there to be shared? We think so, that’s why we’ve gathered a bunch of stylish frequent travellers from around the world to share their secrets.
This week we caught up with Sydneysider Amy Parfett who lets us in on her clever packing tips.
Amy, tell us about you, who you are and what you do and how often you travel
Absolutely, my name is Amy and I’m one of the co-founders of a platform called WedShed. We bring together unique venues across Australia and New Zealand for couples to get hitched at.
We use the word venue pretty loosely – our spaces range from warehouses and woolsheds to whisky distilleries and fancy galleries. What’s consistent between them is that they all allow couples the flexibility to create a day that says ‘this is us’, versus sticking between the lines traditionally set by function centres.
We get around Australia a fair bit scouting venues and catching up with our venue and vendor partners, and try and get to New Zealand once or twice a year too. And any other international travel is a bonus at this point in the business (WedShed launched two-and-a-half years ago, so it’s a very hands-on time at the moment).
City-break or beach holiday? How do you pack for each?
I want to say minimally but in truth, I’m a bit of a shocker. Beach holiday packing is a lot easier due to the fact that you’re generally wearing a lot less.
For both destinations though, I try and pack casual clothes that can be mix and matched, and dressed up with a jacket and some boots if the occasion arises.
What are the three things you always pack for any trip?
My phone and charger. Yes, holidays are sometimes for taking time out from tech but phones really are the best travel companions, if at the very least for taking snaps to remember your travels by. And if you’re travelling for business like we do most of the time, it means you’ve got a mobile office anywhere there’s reception.
Something to read – this could be a book, my kindle or a mag hastily picked up at the airport. At the end of most days, I can usually only get through two pages of whatever I’m reading in bed before I pass out, so it feels really indulgent and novel (ha) to spend a good hour at a time stuck in a story. It’s probably the one thing that makes me feel like I’m on a break more than anything else.
More undies than days I’m travelling. Who knows why, there haven’t been any accidents yet (*touch wood*) but for some reason, it feels super risky to be stingy here.
What are the beauty products you never travel without?
Lip balm with SPF, a basic makeup kit and dry shampoo – the greatest gift to slightly lazy girls in history.
What’s your best packing tip?
If you’re travelling with a friend, try and delegate the things you’ll both need so you don’t both need to carry them. For example, take one hairdryer between you, and share shampoo and conditioner.
Also, BYO a plastic wine glass – you never know when you’ll stumble upon a beautiful spot to share a bottle of wine and need it. Just stick a pair of socks in it so it doesn’t snap in your luggage and you’re good.
What’s your favourite destination and why?
I have to say, I’m a sucker for a staycation. We are so spoilt in Australia with something for every season, great wine regions, beautiful beaches and good food wherever you are.
That said, I’m busting to get back to anywhere in Central America, anywhere in Italy and my old hood of East London. They’re places that hold special memories with my favourite people.
Read more here www.wedshed.com.au and on Instagram and Facebook.
