I saw a great tip just recently for helping kids with packing. The lady had drawn up on a laminated sheet a table with pictures of the essentials like tops, pants, underwear, bathers etc and then she wrote the number of each item to be packed with a wipe off marker. With this kids could then go off and get the items ready for packing.

Pack one week of underware, share toiletries and electronic equipment, ensure that every piece of clothing can be worn with several other pieces of clothing, minimise shoes to going out, walking and other. Socks and smalls can be packed inside shoes. A pashmina doubles up as a warm layer, a pillow, a blanket. Minimise make up by getting eyebrows and eyelashes tinted before leaving.

black pants and comfy shoes – roll your clothes, don’t fold

Great tip; amandaw! Sounds incredibly smart. Thanks!

We travelled Italy for 6 weeks in 2011 and were limited to backpacks each (even the kids then aged 6 & 9) had their own little backpacks. I limited it to one nice going out outfit, and about 3 casual outfits, plus bathers, underwear and one jumper/jacket each. Shoes were one pair of walking shoes and thongs (plus a pair of sandals for me). We shared shampoo/conditioner/toothpaste/soap and I culled my make-up to the basics. Make the tough decisions at the start and you won’t regret it (and it’s always nice to have some room if you come across a great buy on your travels!!).

Good tip, COUNTRY CHICK! Planning outfits sounds like a terrific idea; rather than taking clothes that are never used!

Visa card.
But to save you buying along the way don’t forget the sunscreen, panadol, knickers, toothbrush, toothpaste. .
Plan your outfits for the days you will be away rather than grab everything caus you can’t decide now. If you are somewhere you can wash that can halve your packing,