The stylish mum’s guide to smart packing: How to travel light (and right) this summer. Cabin-only? No problem! Here’s how savvy mums are jetting off with just one bag – without leaving the essentials behind.
As summer holidays approach and airline cabin restrictions tighten (again!), packing light is no longer just a clever idea – it’s a necessity. But travelling with kids (or even solo) doesn’t mean sacrificing style, sanity or your skincare. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a short family adventure, or a much-needed solo recharge, London Mums Magazine has rounded up the smartest products, tips, and hacks to help you glide through security – and through the weekend – with everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
Photo by anete-lusina – unsplash
The Bag That Does It All
KAOS Weekend Bag – £135.20
www.itskaos.com
Winner of the Junior Design Award 2023, this Norwegian-designed gem is the ultimate cabin companion. Made from recycled PET bottles with luxe vegan leather detailing, the KAOS Weekend Bag converts into a backpack – perfect when you’ve got a child in one hand and boarding passes in the other.
Inside, it’s a marvel of modular magic: 1–3 adjustable compartments, a secret laptop sleeve, outside passport pocket, and comfy padded straps. One mum called it “my Mary Poppins bag in chic disguise.” Stylish, sustainable, and super practical – it’s a game-changer for travel with (or without) the kids.
Packing Like a Pro
TRTL Packing Pods – £49.99
uk.trtltravel.com
Step aside, rigid cubes – TRTL’s soft packing pods are the new frontier in smart luggage organisation. They’re soft enough to squish in that one last outfit, yet structured enough to hang up at your destination. Use them as day bags, hang them inside hotel wardrobes, or stash beach gear and snacks for the family. The bonus? They transform chaotic bags into stress-free zones.
Flat-Out Brilliant Shoes
Vionic Uptown Collection – From £85
vionicshoes.co.uk
Let’s talk shoes. They take up too much space. But not these! Vionic’s Uptown loafers and flats are cleverly designed to collapse flat, making them perfect for that precious underseat bag. Bonus: They’re podiatrist-designed, so your feet feel just as good as you look when strolling cobbled streets or chasing toddlers through airport terminals.
Small But Mighty Essentials
Childs Farm Roll-On SPF 50+ – £10, Boots
Easy to apply, ocean-kind, and perfect for sensitive skin – this dermatologist-approved sunblock fits in your handbag and leaves no chalky white streaks. One mum raved, “Even my sunscreen-averse six-year-old loves using the roll-on herself!”
Ocean Freedom Surf Clay – from £13.00
Fun SPF in vibrant colours that kids want to apply? Yes, please. Reef-safe and highly water-resistant, this clay sunscreen makes sun safety playful and stress-free. Mix colours to make your own beach rainbow!
Travel Saviours for Mums-on-the-Go
Sea-Band Kids Nausea Relief Bands – £9.06, Amazon
Perfect for car, plane or theme park rides – these natural, side-effect-free bands use acupressure to soothe travel sickness. Easy to slip on, they work within five minutes. Mum tip: “We never leave for a road trip without these now.”
DenTek Temparin Dental Repair Kit
Because holidays are not the time for emergency tooth drama. This tiny fix-it kit helps secure crowns or fillings until you can get professional help. Add to cart, now.
TheraTears Irritation & Redness Eye Drops
Tired eyes after night flights? Dry cabin air? Hayfever? These drops instantly soothe and revive, and come in cabin-legal sizes. Your holiday face will thank you.
Astral Intensive Moisturiser (50ml)
One iconic pot, endless uses – from face cream to aftersun, elbow balm to baby skin fix. No-fuss and travel-size perfection.
Smart Packing Tips from Travel-Savvy Mums
Photo by Timur Weber
Roll, don’t fold: Rolling clothes saves space and reduces creases – especially handy when you want to skip hotel ironing!
Decant like a pro: Use refillable silicone bottles for skincare. No need to drag full-sized shampoo.
Pack by outfit: Plan complete outfits (top, bottom, accessories) instead of individual items. It avoids the “I’ve nothing to wear!” panic.
Stuff your shoes: Fill them with socks, undies, or charging cables — every inch counts.
Scan your docs: Email copies of passports, boarding passes and insurance to yourself – just in case.
This summer, less really is more. With the right gear and a few clever tricks, travelling light is not only doable – it’s delightful.
So go ahead, book that break, grab your KAOS, zip up those pods, and jet off into the sunset – with one bag, zero stress, and style to spare.
For more mum-approved travel tips, reviews and products, visit www.londonmumsmagazine.com or follow us @LondonMums on Instagram, Facebook and X.
