Packing A Punch

Just when I thought I'd got my packing sorted I go and find this cute little crochet number at a jumble sale this morning.

You'll have to wait and see what else I bought, most of it's in the wash.

In the meantime here's what I've packed for Goa and a few tips for a successful travel wardrobe:

From left: A denim waistcoat (obviously), lion motif vest (courtesy of the gorgeous Clare) , my new-to-me crochet top, Indian mirrored halter neck, hand-made Broderie Anglaise crop top and a fringed boob tube.

A fortnight or so before flying I'll get every item of summer clothing I own out of storage, take my make-up off, scrape my hair back and try everything on barefoot and jewellery free. If what I try on needs make-up, heels and bling then it's pretty much useless for a chilled-out trip and so gets put back in the cupboard.

I tie-dyed this ultra violet and old gold but you can't tell with my ancient old camera

A week before D-Day I'll take another look and usually end up taking something out. If I'm not 100% sure before it goes in my backpack I know it's pointless taking it and wasting valuable book space.

Detail from my boob tube. This was liberated from Jon's collection and pimped up by me. 

I pack outfits, not separate pieces. Time is too precious to spend dithering about what to wear each day. I test everything beforehand so I know it looks good together and can sling it on and get on with having fun.

Crimplene maxi, Indian cotton gypsy skirt (Again from Clare), hand-made maxi (see HERE) and 1970s Kittiwake play suit (Seen HERE)

I'll only pack clothing that requires the minimum of care, synthetics are perfect as they stay crease free.

Crochet bikini (Seen HERE), vintage bikini (Seen HERE), frilly bikini (dead stock from the Salvation Army)

To save precious water, I'll take my laundry into the shower with me and wash my clothes at the same time. Lush's Karma Komba solid shampoo bars are perfect for travel, they don't spill and wash hair, body and clothing leaving a gorgeous patchouli scent. The temperature and humidity in Goa in April means that if I hang any laundry up outside our room it's dry and ready to wear almost immediately.

My multi-tasking bag from last month's jumble sale.

I travel dressed in clothes I can wear when I'm away. This time I'll be wearing my handmade maxi, the lion tee shirt and something I got earlier at this morning's jumble sale which I've revamped. My hand luggage will be stowed in my straw basket which I'll use for the beach.

1960s African maxi dress (Seen HERE),  Nylon beach dress (Seen HERE), 1960s psychedelic  jumpsuit (Seen HERE)

The African maxi will be my "best dress" for sight-seeing or visiting Goan friends. I always carry a shawl for modesty in case I stray off the tourist track or visit a temple, family home or city.

Paisley print maxi skirt (75p, Cats Protection charity stall), Crochet top (40p, jumble sale), scarab pendant (car boot sale), earrings (the fabulous Sandy)

Where we stay is known as the alternative resort of Goa, there's no hotels, major development or package tourism and accommodation is in family run guest houses or bamboo shacks on the beach. The main road in the village is known as Glastonbury Street because of the large population of long-stay hippies. 

If you like 5 Star luxury then it won't be for you but for us it's perfection.

Here's a typical party night at Fellini's, which serves better pizza than any I've tasted in Italy. I can't wait to get over there and join them.