Beat boring luggage restrictions with these top tips to maximize your holiday packing:

Halve it

May sound cliched - but it works. Throw everything on the bed that you want to take. Then halve it. Halve it again. How many sarongs can you wear in one week? Roll, don't fold. Rolling creates up to 40 %extra space. Take advantage of gorgeous low or no crush fabrics. Often great for quick drying too.

Double Up

Choose a sarong that can double up as a skirt, a shawl in the evening breeze, a scarf to brighten up a daytime outfit, and a quick drying beach towel. Reversible shirts and skirts are wonderful. Wrap jewellery that can be your bracelet, necklace or even belt is currently fashionable and very practical. Clothes with pockets are always useful. If your pockets aren't big enough - pack a lightweight fold up shopping bag to handle your daily holiday items. There are currently some very funky fold up shopping bags on the market. For those who really want to master the art of lightweight packing - check out some great overseas inventions including the fold up stiletto and perfume in a piece of jewelry.

Lighten Up

Be sure to buy travel sized toiletries: shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, sun lotions and toothpastes at the supermarket or chemist if you need to take them with you. Or at least buy travel sized bottles to put your favourite lotions into. Better still, buy toiletries when you get there!

Make Up

Take only a couple of essential make up items, perhaps a blush and a lipstick suits your sarong. Get eyelashes tinted before you leave to avoid carrying mascara and even eyeliner. Wear your heaviest clothing, like walking boots or jackets onto the plane. Keep water bottles, and books close to you, carrying them onto the plane.

Don't be slack - Unpack!

Once home, avoid the "I'll do it later" trap. At least do a rough unpack, throwing washing in the laundry, toiletries in the bathroom and shoes in the cupboard... just enough to empty your bag and pop it away in readiness for your next holiday!

Published in Summer 2008/09 edition of Azure Magazine.