The Importance of dividing assets…
Possibly the worst part about travelling is having to pack. But how much consideration have you given to how you pack? How you pack your bags is equally important to what you take along, because if your luggage doesn’t arrive, what does it matter what was in your bag?
I learnt this lesson the hard way on my last island resort holiday. My travelling partner and I did our usual packing routine, each packing a cabin luggage bag and a hand luggage bag. Because it was an island getaway, I packed my best evening dresses for smart dinners, best bikini’s, best shoes and my favourite perfume amongst a thousand other things.
It was only once we’d watched the luggage carousel fill up and then completely empty out and do another five rotations that we realised the reality of what had happened: only one of our cases had arrived, and it wasn’t mine. We filled in the necessary reports and were on our way, sans luggage, to our island resort. I spent the hotel transfer trip recounting what was lost in my bag, and spent the greater part of two full days shopping up as best a storm as I could (i.e. wasting holiday time) to replace my clothing, shoes and toiletries, etc. Needless to say, the daily insurance claim budget didn’t suffice, taxi fares across the island to the shopping district cost almost as much as the clothes, and the clothing quality was sub-standard. I hardly recognised myself in my holiday snaps feeling like I was clad in a stranger’s clothes.
The first lesson: Had I ‘divided my assets’ and packed half my things in my partner’s bag, and vice versa, we’d both at least have had half of our items.
The second lesson: Pack one change of (decent) clothing and two sets of underwear plus all toiletries (under 100mls) in your hand luggage. That way, you’ll never have to attend your first welcoming dinner in tracksuit pants and flip flops.
P.S. I never did get my luggage back. And as for the floral island style dresses, bikinis and shorts… they remain in the deepest darkest recesses of my cupboard.
TOP TRAVEL TIP:
If travelling in a group always spread clothing across multiple bags, even if you have to do this at the airport before checking in.
If travelling alone, spread some clothing and essentials between hand luggage and cabin luggage.
80’s Wine Cooler Recipe:
What island holiday or pool party
would be complete without an 80’s Wine Cooler Cocktail?
Ingredients:
120 ml Chardonnay (try our Havana Hills Chardonnay)
180 ml 7-Up or Lemonade
15 ml Grapefruit Juice
15 ml Pineapple Juice
15 ml Lime Juice
15 ml Lemon Juice
Putting it all together:
- Mix all fruit juices together in a cocktail mixer.
- Quarter-fill a large wine glass with ice – preferably crushed ice.
- Pour in the Chardonnay.
- Top up with the 7-Up or Lemonade.
- Add the juice mixture.
- Stir with a cocktail stick, garnish with pineapple and mint, and serve.