THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PACKING LIGHT

HOLIDAY packing can bring out the stress in all of us so here’s a handy guide to help you fit everything you need into your luggage, large or small. 

If you like travelling light or just want to avoid extra luggage charges, versatile items of clothing are a holiday staple. They can be re-worn multiple ways during the trip, and they take the stress out of packing – your suitcase is ready for anything. But what exactly fits the bill of the perfect low-maintenance wardrobe? 

Here, we delve into the essentials to keep you relaxed for your travels.

Mixing and matching: The must-have items

Your suitcase checklist: 

o Linen shirt

o Chino shorts

o Chino trousers

o V-neck jumper

o Denim shorts

o Basic tee

Bringing versatile items for your trip is useful, of course, but going the extra mile and wearing them for your flight is going to give you the maximum amount of room in your luggage. Linen shirts are an essential item for your low-maintenance travel wardrobe, as the fabric absorbs moisture and dries very quickly, so you can be sure that you aren’t too hot and bothered on your flight, as well as during your days under the sun on your trip. Plus, the versatility means that you’re still dressed appropriately for your late-night drinks – no need to head back to your accommodation to change your outfit!

Chino shorts are an essential pairing for your linen shirt that will combat the classic plane discomfort. Thanks to the cotton offering stretch and flexibility, comfort is ticked off the list, which will particularly be useful for long-haul flights. They also prevent you from filling your case with more night-time clothing, as they can be re-worn with your linen shirt for activities on your trip – not to mention it’s a dashing combination when you need to fit with a smart dress code.

On the other hand, your chosen destination may require you to be slightly more covered up – in this case, chino trousers are the answer to all of your problems. The material is comfortable, and you can also rest assured knowing that you’re being respectful to the rules of the area. Non-iron chinos are a wise choice to match with your shirt to avoid creases; the smart and clean look is promised all day long.

Worried about being slightly chilly as you travel? Match a V-neck jumper with your shirt and shorts as an extra layer. Of course, it’s a stylish look – but you needn’t worry about feeling too cold on the way to your destination, and it can even work as a layer for evenings on your trip if you’re expecting a cooler climate. 

Thanks to your airport attire, that extra room can be filled with a classic pair of denim shorts, yet another item that you can wear for different occasions, whether that be for a spot of lunch or a trip to a beach bar. Pair these with your linen shirt and you’re certain to get heads turning.

Alternatively, a simple t-shirt will match both your denim shorts and your chino shorts. Your life is made easier given the opportunity to mix with different items – and not only will it match well with your V-neck jumper when you need to layer up, but it will also keep you cool and comfortable while travelling. 

Essential hues for your wardrobe

Considering the colours for your low-maintenance wardrobe is something you must not forget. Although you may want your luggage to be bursting with bright colours, it’s simply impractical, as it makes mixing and matching difficult. However, you can still throw some striking looks together without being too bold.

White is the ultimate colour to choose for clothing. It’s a shade that you can rely on to match any other colour, and it’s got the power to achieve a sleek and sophisticated look. This will come in handy for your linen shirt in particular if you’ve got plans to head to a sophisticated restaurant. Additionally, it’s bound to last you all day long, even in the heat, as white is one of the best colours to wear to keep cool.

But it’s unrealistic to opt for white for every item of clothing. Beige goes perfectly with white as it is a neutral shade, and the combination of light-hues is fitting with shades of summer– so you will no doubt look fashionable. Consider this for your bottoms, whether that be shorts or trousers.

Throwing a third colour into your low-maintenance wardrobeto achieve the full mix and match potential might seem challenging, but it’s easier than you think. Baby blue is another neutral shade, yet it adds a splash of colour to bring your outfit together. This is ideal for your jumper or your denim shorts to match your tops.

If you’re keen to be slightly more adventurous with your colours, incorporate olive green into your wardrobe. It remains in the neutral zone to stay matching, but it’s just the right amount of daring. This is certain to be a striking colour for your t-shirt to pair with your beige chino shorts.

 

Comfort, style, and versatility are covered with these items and colours to save you the hassle of taking too many itemsand spending hours packing. Your low-maintenance travel wardrobe is ready for any destination! 

Sources

https://www.fabricsgalore.co.uk/blogs/news/why-linen-is-the-perfect-material-for-summer#:~:text=Some%20of%20linen's%20most%20favourable,and%20dry%20at%20all%20times

https://www.trekkyrecords.com/why-chinos-are-better-than-jeans/

https://www.themodestman.com/neutral-colors/#:~:text=Neutrals%20colors%20include%20black%2C%20white,ve%20got%20a%20complete%20wardrobe.

https://www.lifestyleasia.com/bk/style/fashion/best-colours-to-wear-in-hot-weather-science

SCOTLAND GETS ITS TEETH INTO DRACULA LINKS

 SCOTLAND’S surprising links to Dracula and its famed author Bram Stoker are being celebrated by Visit Scotland on the iconic book’s 125^th anniversary. 

 

Scotland is said to have played a crucial role in the creation of the classic story with Stoker holidaying north of the border as he wrote it. Visitors and locals alike are being encouraged to indulge in some literary tourism – whereby people are inspired to visit the locations depicted in literature – and delve into the country’s connections to Dracula, following in Stoker’s footsteps.

 

Locations in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders and Glasgow all have links to Stoker – but it is perhaps the striking cliff top castle in Aberdeenshire that is best known for its links to the story.

 

Slains Castle, near Cruden Bay, is believed to have inspired Dracula’s castle – specifically a unique octagon-shaped room described in the book, which Slains boasts. Stoker began writing Dracula – which was published in 1897 - while staying at the nearby Kilmarnock Arms Hotel, with his signatures from its guestbook in 1894 and 1895 surviving to this day. 

Now in ruins, the castle is best admired from nearby and should not be entered due to safety reasons.

 

The 125^th anniversary of Dracula is fittingly marked during Scotland’s Year of Stories which celebrates and promotes the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland.

The national tourism organisation has just co-hosted a special event with Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh to mark the anniversary attended by Stoker’s great-grandnephew Dacre Stoker, who took part in a Q&A and book signing attended by fans of Dracula and horror literature.

 

Jenni Steele, VisitScotland Film and Creative Industries Manager, said: “This anniversary is a fantastic opportunity to highlight Scotland’s connections to this world-renowned book and character. 

 

“Dracula holds such a sense of intrigue and mystery, so it is not surprising that Bram Stoker’s writing is said to have been influenced by the country's magical landscapes and locations while on his travels. It was pleasure to co-host the special event in Edinburgh and have Dacre involved in sharing his passion and knowledge about Dracula in Scotland.

 

“2022 also marks Scotland’s Year of Stories – so this anniversary is a perfect fit to celebrate our links to this world-famous tale. And we hope that by shining a light on those ties, people will come and see the inspirational places that arguably helped created one of the most famous pieces of literature ever written.”

 

Dacre Stoker, great grandnephew of Bram Stoker, said: "It is a great privilege to part of this special anniversary, and even more so to be celebrating it in what is arguably the birthplace of Dracula; Scotland.

 

“The rich culture and heritage clearly left its impact on Bram; from the ruins of Slains Castle clearly inspiring the gothic setting of Dracula’s castle, to the vast landscape of Aberdeenshire’s coast to his links to Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders, including his friendships with writers such as Arthur Conan Doyle and other writers that make up the fabric of Scotland’s literary tradition.

 

“Scotland has inspired many writers and artists for centuries and its stories and landscapes hopefully will continue to inspire many more to come.” 

 

Aberdeenshire Council will host a civic reception at The Kilmarnock Arms Hotel in Cruden Bay tonight [Thursday 26 May] to unveil a new information panel detailing Bram Stoker’s ties to the area. 

 

Scotland has world-class literary links. Our landscapes, history and people have inspired writers for centuries, helping to bring to life enduring characters that capture the imagination. From Dracula to Outlander, Harry Potter to Sunset Song, Scotland has inspired some of the world’s best-loved literary creations.

 

Pre-Covid19 there were over three million visits to literary attractions across Scotland (2013-2019). Figures released by the Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development at Glasgow Caledonian University detail visitor numbers to places with literature links including Abbotsford – The Home of Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, the Grassic Gibbon Centre, the Writers’ Museum, JM Barrie’s Birthplace, Scott Monument and Burns Monument Centre. 

 

And there are several Scottish locations with Dracula and vampire ties for visitors to discover:

• Renfield Street, Glasgow – It is believed Bram Stoker supported the staging of plays at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow and that the name of RM Renfield, the character featured in the novel, was taken from Glasgow's Renfield Street.
• Edinburgh - Before writing Dracula, Bram Stoker worked as a theatre manager, which saw him heavily involved in the opening night of the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh in 1883.
• Glamis Castle, Angus - There is said to be a ‘vampire child’ who was born in the castle and kept in a secret room. Another vampire legend tells of a woman who worked in the castle and was caught drinking blood from a body and was punished by being walled up alive in a secret room, where she remains to this day.

• Melrose Abbey, Scottish Borders – Reportedly, during the 12^th century an unpopular priest lived at the abbey. He was a rule-breaker and nicknamed Hunderprest because he preferred hunting with dogs rather than serving God. After he died and was buried on the grounds, it’s alleged Hunderprest rose from his tomb, wailing and drinking the blood of the nuns. One night, as the undead priest rose again, the other priests beheaded him, cremated him and scattered his ashes to the wind.
• Blair Atholl, Perthshire - A local tale describes how two poachers were attacked by a blood sucking creature while they slept in a bothy near Glen Tilt. The pair fought the creature off after which it flew away into the night or accounts claim it simply vanished.

Another interesting Dracula connection is through Emily Gerard, an author born in Jedburgh, Scottish Borders and lived in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire. She was the first person to bring the word "nosferatu" or "vampire" into use in western Europe. She studied and wrote about Transylvanian folklore having married an Austro-Hungarian chevalier, who was stationed in a small town there. Gerard’s collection of Transylvanian myths and legends are known to have influenced Stoker's Dracula. 

 

For more information about Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 visit: https://www.visitscotland.com/about/themed-years/stories/ 

 

CRUISING WITH THE CORRECT ON BOARD ETIQUETTE

CRUISING is one of the showbizlion.com’s favourite pastimes, whether it’s on the med, in the Caribbean or closer to home shores. 

It’s important therefore to know what to do when you are on board your ship or yacht. 

If you’re single it’s even more important to know the right kind of etiquette. 

We got some tips from Seeking.com, a community where singles are empowered to find relationships on their terms, encouraging upfront and honest communication for an elevated dating experience.  

So what is YACHT ETIQUETTE? 
When you date up, you’re no longer going to be sitting in dive bars and scratching in the peanut bowl. With an upgrade in the quality of your date, comes an upgrade in the location too. It’s essential then, when you’re invited on those Summer cruises along the coast, that you know your docksiders from your flip flops, and your jet skis from your underwater scooters.

1. SAILS OUT, NAILS OUT
   Your toes will be on display, so make sure that they don’t have any benign fungus growing there. It’s best to opt for a good manicure regardless of your gender, and open-toed sandals that can easily be removed when you hit the decks.
   
   
2. SAFETY FIRST
   Life jackets aren’t just a decorative accessory. It’s essential to listen to the crew’s advice on how to stay safe, and remember to pack a sunscreen that is waterproof, as well as to apply it before and after going into the water. Watch out for sea spray when walking on the bow of the yacht; you won’t want to take an unplanned dip in the deep end, and try not to capsize the jet ski when you’re trying to impress the rest of the boat; while they will come to a halt, they can be heavy, and if you’re too far out, swimming back might not be a pleasant experience. You would be surprised just how easy it is to flip one over.
   
   
3. WHARF WEAR
   On yachts, it is important to dress the part. While throwing on a bikini or one piece is easy, chances are you’re going to have to transition from daywear, to night wear for dinner. A coverup that can double as a classy evening piece is essential, as well as a change of clothes for when you’re heading back to shore. This is the chance to leave high heels at home, but also the chance to show off a beautiful pair of sandals or an ankle bracelet. Think: a wrap dress that you can easily throw on over a costume for an intimate dinner with your date, and an elegant high ponytail to keep your hair untangled.
   
   
4. WHERE HAS ALL THE CHAMPAGNE GONE?
   Don’t drink too much. While sundowners on a yacht is probably the pinnacle of human existence, it is better to err on the side of caution when deciding whether or not to open that next bottle of Dom. Dehydration from the sun and seawater, as well as the impulse to have a “hold my glass and watch this” moment are all factors in why it’s better to switch to water after you’re a few drinks in.
   
   
5. (WO)MAN OVERBOARD
   Just because you’re on a luxury yacht, that doesn’t mean you have to stay glued to the deck all day. The water is where the fun is, so slip into a wetsuit, and get out on the water. This is the place to try something new, to jump on that jet ski, or to take your life into your hands on the hoverboard. Just make sure you tighten up that life jacket, and refer to tip no.4.

So there you have it, the ideal way of behave at sea. Now let’s become sea lions ;)

CRUISE LOVERS WILL ADORE THIS GREEK DREAM DAY TRIP

We’ve been treading water over these last months but with a green light from London, Greece reopens to British travellers from May 17. 

With tens of thousands of holidays deferred from last summer, and Greece topping the UK charts for new bookings, it’s reasonable to predict that the islands and beaches are going to be busy. 

But for many of us, crowds, queues, masks and enforced social distancing are the irritants of everyday life, so why would we want to encounter them on holiday? 

The Greece of our dreams exists outside the constraints of the pandemic. It’s a place of seas as clear and as blue as the sky; of hidden beaches; and ancient villages untroubled by the anxieties of modern life. 

It’s an empty beach on heart-shaped Daskalio Island; coffee in a fisherman’s café in Napflion with views, literally, of Arcadia; and having heavenly Ververoda Bay all to yourself. 

While others stake their claim on congested beaches, you can have a bit of luxury to yourself with the help of Yannis and Veneta Vasatis of Spetses Cruising. 

They’ve spent 40 years exploring their local waters for the sheer joy of it, and now they’re sharing their knowledge with aficionados in search of the Greece they always suspected was out there but perhaps could never find. 

And they’re doing it in head-turning style, with two state-of-the-art vessels: Nireas, a Nimbus T11 day boat with twin 350hp outboards; and Pytheas, an ultra-high performance 800hp RIB capable of 60 knots. 

Both offer the luxury of a superyacht with the speed and agility of a powerboat on full or half-day trips to the Argolic Gulf, the Athenian Riviera; the Eastern Peloponnese, Saronic gulf and the Western Cycladic islands of Milos, Serifos, Sifnos and beyond.

 Spetses Cruising also offers first-class limousine services, allowing you to start your holiday in style, from the moment your feet land in Greece. 

What you do is up to you – Spetses Cruising promises only that your trip will be “unforgettable, private, bespoke and luxurious” - but Yannis recommends perhaps a picnic on the island of Dokos – population 18; private tours of the citadel town of Monemvasia; visits to a hidden blue bay he describes as “the most wonderful swimming spot in the world”, where the onboard toys, including sea scooters, snorkelling gear and paddle boards, can be deployed; and long lunches at that taverna: the one the superyacht crowd will never find. 

Full day trips inclusive of a tailored itinerary start from around £1700, based of eight sharing, with pickups from Athens, Spetses, Porto Heli, Hydra, Nafplion and Monemvasia.

If you can get the people and the cash together to sounds like an ideal way and the ultimate luxury setting to blow away the lockdown cobwebs - and just think of the Insta pics too. 

 Spetses Cruising