There’s something exciting about the final few days before a holiday. The countdown is on, the passports are ready and I inevitably start making little piles around the house of everything I don’t want to forget! As a family of four travelling with teenagers, I’ve learnt that packing isn’t just about fitting everything into a suitcase. It’s about choosing the right essentials that make travelling more comfortable, organised and, hopefully, a little less stressful.
This year, I’m trying something different. Rather than carrying several bags through the airport, I’ve challenged myself to see just how much I can fit into one cabin holdall, alongside choosing an outfit that’s comfortable enough for travelling but stylish enough to wear when we arrive.
A cabin holdall that works hard
A good cabin bag quickly becomes your best friend on travel day.
Mine needs to hold all the important bits: passports, travel documents, headphones, chargers, snacks, sun cream, a refillable water bottle and the little extras that somehow always end up in Mum’s bag!
What I love about this cabin holdall is how spacious it feels without looking bulky. The wide opening makes everything easy to find, while the structured shape means it sits neatly alongside the rest of our luggage. It even has a slot to put the suitcase handle through, so I do not have to carry it the entire time!
Rather than endlessly rummaging through different pockets, everything has its place, making those airport moments just that little bit easier.
Can you really fit everything inside?
One thing I was keen to test was just how much the holdall could actually carry.
Here’s what I managed to pack inside:
- Passport and travel wallet
- Headphones
- Phone charger and power bank
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Purse
- Beauty essentials
- Kindle/book
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks for the journey
- Lightweight cardigan for the flight
I was genuinely surprised by how much space was left once everything was packed. There is so much choice for your cabin bag on the Very website, to suit all tastes and budgets. Here’s everything I like to keep close at hand in my cabin holdall on travel day:
My go-to travel outfit
When I’m travelling, comfort always comes first, but I still like to feel put together. A co-ord is one of my favourite holiday staples because it’s effortless to wear and easy to style. There’s no wondering what goes together, which is particularly welcome when you’re getting everyone out of the house for an early morning flight.
The lightweight fabric makes it ideal for warmer destinations, while the coordinated look feels smart enough for lunch, sightseeing or drinks later in the evening.
One outfit from day to night
One of my favourite things about a co-ord is how versatile it is. For travelling, I’ll pair it with comfortable sandals, sunglasses and my cabin holdall.
Once we’ve checked into the hotel, it only takes a few simple changes to create a completely different look. Adding jewellery, changing my footwear and swapping a few accessories instantly makes it feel ready for an evening meal or a stroll along the promenade.
When luggage space is limited, I always look for pieces that can work in more than one setting, helping me pack lighter without compromising on style.
The holiday essentials I never travel without
There are a few things that always make it into my cabin bag:
- Passport and travel documents
- Headphones
- Lip balm and hand cream
- Sunglasses
- A reusable water bottle
- Portable charger
- A cardigan for cooler flights
- My favourite book or Kindle
- Snacks for the journey
They’re simple things, but together they make travelling so much more enjoyable.
Ready for take-off
With everything packed and the holiday countdown officially on, I’m feeling organised and ready for our next adventure.
Packing smarter means less stress at the airport and more time looking forward to what really matters: making memories together as a family.
Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a longer summer escape, investing in versatile clothing and a practical cabin holdall can make every stage of your journey that little bit easier.
This post is part of a paid collaboration with Very. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you’re also planning your next family getaway, you might enjoy reading my other travel articles, where I share everything from packing tips to destination guides and family-friendly holiday inspiration over on the Travel section of Mummy Constant.
