Our best advice for organizing and packing your suitcase for a trip to the South

Written by Les Rivières | November 5, 2019

Are you going on a trip to the South? Lucky you! Does your suitcase close easily? Do you still have some sorting to do? Follow these few tips and leave with the best organized suitcase you’ll ever have!

Essential items to bring

Clothing

Want to know our best tip? Bring only the favorites from your wardrobe! Why? You’ll want to wear them every day.

Dresses, skirts and light jumpsuits.

Because once rolled up, they fit easily into your luggage and also because they are so comfortable, we love dresses, skirts and jumpsuits! When the temperature rises, you’ll appreciate them even more! Long, short, midi: go for the ones you prefer.

Jumpsuit, $59.95, RW&CO

Nightie-style skirt, $34.95, Garage

Smocked waist dress with ruffles, $64.90, Reitmans

Denim shorts

A simple pair of denim shorts and you’re ready for anything! By pairing them with your neutral tops, you’ll give everyone the impression of having a different outfit every day.

Denim Shorts, $8.97, Ardene

A cardigan for cool evenings, depending on the destination

In some countries or at certain times of the year, the evenings are cooler. Your favorite cardigan will come in handy. By putting it on before you leave, you can even save some space in your luggage!

Black cardigan, $59.99, Dynamite

Lightweight cardigan with floral print, $29.95, Le Château

Different styles of swimwear

Of course. We won’t tell you how many to pack, but it will probably be what you wear most often, and we hope you enjoy it!  Going away with the kids? Remember to bring a swimsuit that will allow you to play in the pool with them. Also bear in mind the activities you would like to do during the trip. Do you have the right swimsuit for these?

Come and take a look in one of our specialty shops before you go if you don’t have the right swimsuit.

Bikini Village, Body & Beach, La Vie en Rose

One-piece swimsuit, $75.95, la Vie en Rose, up to TTG

Seafolly Australia swimsuit, $115, Body & Beach

Reversible Billabong swimsuit, $69.95, Bikini Village

Neutral tops

Finally, basic tops are a must-have to put in your suitcase. White, black, gray… you can create endless combinations!

Shop the entire “basics” collection at H&M

A hat or cap

Not to be neglected when going out in the sun. A wide range of models is available. Choose the one that suits you best and matches your travel look!

Columbia hat, $34.99, Sports Experts

Beauty products and make-up

Don’t forget to prepare your skin and hair for the sun, especially if you’re going during the winter.

Our must-haves to add to your beauty kit:

  • lip balm with SPF;
  • a moisturizing mask for your skin and hair;
  • mosquito repellent;
  • after-sun lotion;
  • waterproof mascara;
  • sunscreen. Often more expensive at your destination, don’t hesitate to add it to your luggage if you have space.

Otherwise, you will only need the beauty products you use on a daily basis! To receive advice from our professionals, look for them in a specialized shop.

Shoes and sandals

For many, this is where things go wrong! We suggest bringing 2 pairs… or 3 at the most! Shoes and sandals, especially high heels, take up space! A pair of sneakers to leave the house, a pair of flat heeled sandals and a more chic one. Can you take up the challenge? Go for a neutral model!

Black heeled sandals, $75 Aldo

Bags, suitcases, rucksacks, satchels, etc.!

Bag or suitcase for the hold

The bigger your suitcase, the more tempted you will be to put superfluous things in it. Opt for a medium-sized suitcase and avoid extra-large and very heavy ones. To maximize space, use storage bags to separate your clothes: you will save a LOT of space!

Handbag

Choose a small handbag. Can you slip it into your carry-on? All the better! Have you heard of bum bags? They make excellent travel handbags!

Cabin bag

Choose a cabin bag that is comfortable to carry and large enough to hold several items, such as a tote bag or backpack. Once you arrive at your destination, you can use your cabin bag as a beach bag or day bag. Think about it! You probably already know this, but remember to put a swimsuit and some light clothing in your cabin bag in case you need them. A suitcase can easily get lost! Take the opportunity to put on your hat, you’ll avoid it being crushed in the luggage hold. You’ll find all the bags you need at Bentley!

To be left at home

Your valuable jewelry, of course!

Too many objects to style your hair. It’s humid in the South, so start taming your wild hair.

The clothes you don’t often wear at home. We bet you won’t want to wear them when you’re traveling!

Loose stuff

Bring a bottle of water, we like to be green! You can fill it up after the security checks at the airport.

Weigh your suitcase on the scale to check that you are within the maximum weight limit.

Leave some space for souvenirs. You will certainly bring back one or two!

Don’t forget your insurance and passport.

Have a good trip!