Friday 19 December 2014

Goa Dreamin' - How I Pack My Travel Bag

Indian-print vintage maxi courtesy of darling Curtise

Stuff the turkey & balls to baubles, now we've got our tourist visas, I can't concentrate on anything but Goa. Having my Facebook feed bombarded with Xmas trees and advent calendars on December 1st was just the kick up the arse I needed. Two Air India return flights were booked & paid for before I had to endure another photo of a half-eaten mince pie. It feels wonderfully subversive to be buying factor 30 sunscreen in Bodycare whilst the rest of the queue are arguing the merits of whether Victoria Beckham's latest fragrance will do for Auntie Vera or if she'd prefer Jade Goody's at £3 less.


I'd only got a handful of Xmas presents to find, which I'd soon sorted after a brisk walk into town this morning, leaving me an afternoon to sort out my travel bag.


This is what a month's worth of clothes look like!

There's eight tops:
My denim waistcoat (obviously!), two tie-dyed cotton vests (bought in Goa earlier this year), a vintage crochet halter neck, a Rajasthani mirrored sun top, a batik strapless sun top (gift from dearest Tania), a lace trimmed crop top (bought from a jumble sale in Goa 4 years ago) and a vintage lace poncho which I'll wear to travel in (I can't be hanging around Delhi airport half-naked) and for modesty if I'm visiting temples.

Mirrored sun top seen here, 2013
Lace poncho and embellished Rajasthani bag, seen in Kerala 2012

Three maxi skirts: 
A block printed wrap-around maxi (bought in India back in January), a Dollyrockers maxi (a 99p bargain from eBay about 5 years ago) and my embellished Rabari skirt featured HERE.

Hindu print vest and Dollyrockers maxi seen in Benaulim, 2014
Four dresses:
All have busy prints so won't show up the dust as much. They're thin and quick drying, easy to wash and won't take up much space in my backpack. I wear skirts and tops more but dresses are easier for slinging on after a sunset swim or for our daily early morning beach walk.There's a me-made daisy print maxi, a pure silk butterfly dress (courtesy of Shabby), a vintage psychedelic number (seen HERE) and a 100% cotton paisley print dress by Miss Selfridge (via the charity shop) which I'll be travelling in.


In addition there's four bikinis, two vintage psychedelic scarves, three sarongs (bought in India years ago), four pairs of flat shoes (two pairs of leather sandals, some trusty rubber flip flops (for the beach and wearing in the shower) and some hand-made suede moccasins (for travelling in or if I get blisters, inevitable after months spent in boots), two pairs of sunglasses (I always manage to scratch a pair) and a bag which can be worn across the body and is large enough to accommodate a camera, torch, room key and some cash.


Much as I love my vintage straw hat it's useless in Goa, the herds of inquisitive cows on the beach means that it'd be eaten in no time. It makes far more sense to stick to a scarf and save it for Glasto 2015 instead.

One of my four bikinis, this is by heidi klein 
I'm not a fan of the capsule wardrobe but at least mine is pretty rather than practical with not a pair of beige cropped pants or a white linen shirt in sight. As with every trip I've bought nothing new and most of it has been to India at least once before. I like my clothes tried and tested. I love to feel like I'm travelling with old friends. 



I've mentioned before that I try everything on fresh faced, bare footed and with unwashed hair. If something needs heels, make-up or a bra to look good then it's out, I don't bother with any of that fuss in India.


  There's still toiletries and jewellery to go in - but that's another post and I've a few weeks left before we fly - nothing like being organised! Since Jon bought me a second-hand Kobo (E-reader) for my birthday last year at least there aren't 28 paperbacks to pack. We use sarongs instead of towels which saves loads of space. There's nothing worse than having to carry a stuffed bag on a sweaty 7 hour train journey when it's standing room only.

Have a fab weekend & see you soon!

53 comments:

  1. Great dear vix, do you travel to san fran too? have fun!

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  2. You've got it down to a fine art - and you'll still manage to look fab! x

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  3. Yay, how fantastic! I love the things you pack for India. xx

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  4. Hope you both have a wonderful time, Glad the dress is fitting for goa , I know you will look stunning in it xxx

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  5. Hope you will have a lovely time! I love your Goan photos!x

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  6. I LOVE that collage of your maxis, it's like a collection of miniature jewels! Goa - your spiritual home (after chazzas and 'Spoons, obviously), and you and Jon so deserve this trip, you've worked bloody hard all year. It's always a joy to see some of your old pics of India, and to review your well-honed packing skills. You choose the perfect set of clothes and accessories for you, suitable for the location and temperatures, but without a hint of sacrifice of your trademark style. Clever girl!
    I'm so pleased to see the Indian print maxi went on your trip to get your visa, it seems a very appropriate dress for the occasion! Not long now, love - hang on in there, get some rum down you to make the whole C thing bearable... No X Factor tomorrow, I'll miss our text fest! Love you! xxxxx

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  7. Wonderful wardrobe and what a great lifestyle you enjoy at Goa! I love the part about the cows chomping your hat - not something we often get to see here at Florida beaches. You rock a bikini. xox

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  8. because of you india is now on my list of places to visit. i love your packing style; light and practical and pretty.
    have a blast. x

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  9. I am so excited for you - warmth, sunshine, cheap eats and drinks and plenty of relaxing. Sounds like just the ticket!

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  10. It warms the cockles of my frozen heart to think of you and Jon enjoying the beaches of Goa. Thanks for the inspiring packing list, dear Vix. I do agree that an E-reader is a wonderful space-saver!

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  11. How wonderful, I hope you have a lovely time (silly thing to say, of course you will!) India looks like such a beautiful country and is definitely on my list of places to visit one day. You've definitely picked the best time of year to go!

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  12. Look at your happy face!! Have a great fun in India, I know you will! You look beautiful in every combination, and yes, it is hard to imagine you in nude cropped pants. :) I loved the beach photos - I can feel sun on my skin when I look at them. xxxx

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  13. Love those collage pics. I imagine them all dancing!
    Your skin is more sun friendly than mine. I have to cover up! I love all the print mixing. We should have more of it in the world. It's so happy! So happy for you. Welcome to the sunny side of the world! :-D xo Jazzy Jack

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  14. I feel the same way of this made up holiday.....have an awesome trip!

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  15. So exciting! I would have never thought about the cows going after a straw hat but it makes perfect sense. Funny!

    I like how you tried on and took a picture of all the outfits you'll have with such a limited number of pieces. I'm like you when I travel, because who's going to know you're repeating things often except you and Jon and he won't give a hoot. As you mention, ease of washing is important. Well that and comfort, of course.

    Wish I was packing for a trip to the beach! But the next best thing is watching you do it. xo

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  16. I love your tips on packing. If you were going to, say, Paris, would you pack the same way? You have great advice that's why I'm asking. Have a wonderful trip Vix! Look forward to the photos. :-)

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  17. I think I look forward to your trips to India almost as much as you do!

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  18. Squeeeee! You're booked! Having just come back from a warm weather destination, I totally get where you're head is at right now! Forget commercialism and think sand, sun, and sea. Yep, 28 books sounds about right...lucky you having a reader now. It looks like you can get away with traveling carry-on and no checked luggage, yes? I am getting closer and closer to achieving that goal myself! You know, I still have memories of your post on that hauntingly beautiful abandoned building. Can't wait to see this year's photos!

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  19. Your wardrobe no matter how big or small will always beat any so called must have in fashion wardrobe!! You and Jon deserve an Indian getaway after all your hard work.

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  20. Aaah, I envy you your trip to India - I really want to go to Kolkata one day. Packing light makes such sense. I spent a fortnight in Burma with three pairs of trousers and four tops (and did a lot of hand washing...)

    Bring back ALL the photos!

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  21. Have an awesome time in Goa! If I ever get to travel I'll be following your packing advice for sure - simple, light, and rock star cool.

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  22. I look foward to hearing about this year's adventures.
    Arilx

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  23. Let the adventure begin! I love seeing all the preparation for your big trip, the fact that you are packed weeks in advance tells us how excited you are. It's not only going to be fabulous but stylish to boot. The electronic book is an amazing creation, and perfect for trips like this. I take a certain pleasure in travelling light and I think you do too. Looking forward to the next installment already. Xxxxx

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  24. I know I've said it before but I am in awe of your lightweight packing. x

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  25. 'stuff the turkey and balls to baubles'~thanks for that! love all your clothes~and your attitude. can't wait to see the pictures from the upcoming trip too,
    s

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  26. I do believe you have the packing for India job down to a science!

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  27. Dear Vix , what a brilliant way to pack and travel ! have a lovely weekend xxx

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  28. You're so organised … and I envy your ability to just take what you need … I always overpack when I go somewhere … always!!
    xx

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  29. You and Jon are always hard at work but this seemed like a particularly busy year. True or not, clearly you've earned your time in the sun. Excellent packing job. Whenever I used to travel solo with just a tiny bag customs always stopped me. A woman alone? with no luggage!? Something's WRONG!!

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  30. I'm loving middle row far right on you. A bit slinkier than your usual. The trying on without makeup is a great tip. You've got the whole thing down to a fine art! xxx

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  31. Yippeee! I was wondering when we would be treated to another of your Goan adventures :-)
    So exciting!

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  32. Hard to believe a whole year has passed and you're off to Goa again. What a splendid treat to look forward to! Your travel wardrobe is probably the most cheerful one I've ever seen. I love all the bright colours and prints. I wish I could pack that light when I travel, but I never go anywhere where it's warm enough to dress like that.

    Even though I don't really celebrate Christmas, it doesn't mean that I'm a scrooge or a grinch. I still wish my friends a Merry Christmas, and I hope you two have a lovely holiday season, and a fabulous time in Goa.

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  33. you always look so exotic, beautiful, I hope you take lots of photos!

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  34. Your holiday wardrobe looks amazing. Great to have so much colour and pattern. I always think warm weather and holidays are all about lots of colour. Have an amazing time, look forward to hearing about your travels when you are back! Happy Christmas.

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  35. Hope you have a wonderfully fun time xxx

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  36. I love the way we are polar opposites on holidays....I long for cold weather, boots & coats & you long for that Goa sunshine. Xx

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  37. I always look forward to your winter Indian travels. Almost as good as going myself.
    I love all of the pictures of the outfits.

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  38. I love how beautiful and practical your travel wardrobe is. Just like you.

    I love how you slag off Christmas commercialism. As much as I love Christmas, by this time of year I'm overwhelmed and stressed out. Your refreshing posts bring me back to life!!!

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  39. What a perfect way to spend Christmas!
    I would much rather be in a warm country like India.
    You look really chilled, Vix.
    Love this post because this is how Christmas should be, away in a warmer and more beautiful place!
    Best wishes,
    Jo. xx

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  40. I'm always impressed by how organised you are before your annual Goa trip! Perfectly capsule, in good time ... genius.

    I'm one of those 'throw everything madly in the suitcase the day before' types.

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  41. You are one skilled packer. It is good you know what to expect since you have been there quite a few times before.

    You really deserve this vacation.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  42. Your excitement is contagious! I can feel it leaping from the screen, as I admire how organized, colorful and efficient you are. You and Jon have it down!

    Your gifted Indian-print maxi is a stunner!

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  43. What a fab trip to do at this time of year, enjoy yourselves . . .xx

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  44. What a fab trip to do at this time of year, enjoy yourselves . . . xx

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  45. I always travel light too ... can't stand loads of baggage .. although mine isn't as pretty and colourful as yours! M x

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  46. Never understood the idea of buying a brand new holiday wardrobe. Yours looks great! x

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  47. I'm so jealous - I will be honest with you! Every year I say to Rich we should go to Thailand or Malaysia or Indonesia for Christmas. I don't really like Christmas and I get a bit bummed out about it. Plus we have to spend so much traveling - the amount we spend on flights this year could have easily gotten us to KL! I'm like you, I have a few tried and true travel favourites - mostly maxi dresses :)

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  48. i hope you enjoy your trip Vix! You such a good girl packing just the essentials! I usually stick to one colour - usually navy, and then pack stripy things or green or yellow things to match. Im going away for 3 days myself this new years, and I intend to fit as much beaching and lazing in as possible!

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Lots of love, Vix