I was not always this organised. For years, my packing was a last-minute, haphazard scramble — throwing things into a case the night before a trip and hoping I hadn’t forgotten anything vital. It worked, in a way, but it was stressful. And worse, I often forgot the things I really wanted with me.

Over time, especially as I began to travel more for my retreats, I learned how important it was to maximise space and weight. Not only so I could carry the clothes and essentials I needed, but so I could bring back as many ingredients and foodstuffs as my allowance would let me. Olive oil, honey, spices — I wanted them all, and that required planning.

More recently, longer trips have demanded even more care and thought. When you lead a busy life, you simply can’t live by gathering things at the last minute. I know I’d forget half the things I’d need — and miss them once away. So now, as soon as flights are booked, the gathering starts.

I have a little ritual: a sofa in a small room we don’t use daily becomes my staging area. That’s where everything gets collected — clothes, books, adaptors, food gifts, even the right shoes for the right cobblestones. And I must admit: this has become the part I love most. At the moment, that sofa has three distinct piles: one for Crete and Morocco (similar weather), another for Australia, and another for Japan, where we’ll be travelling across three regions with very different climates. Just looking at the piles makes me dream of what’s to come.

From there, my rituals take over:

• Lists are my anchor — started a week or two in advance, so nothing is overlooked.
• Layers over bulk — light jackets, scarves and cardigans instead of heavy, single-use items.
• Shoes with purpose — only three pairs: walking, evening, and in-between.
• Food essentials — a tiny bottle of olive oil, a little honey, and some herbal teas — comforts from home and perfect gifts.
• The handbag edit — notebook, recipes to read, almonds, lip balm, glasses. Always the same, always calming.
• Leave space — for what I will discover: market treasures, cookbooks, handmade textiles, or a special bottle of oil.

I also like to carry small tokens from home — little gifts that can be shared with people who make a difference to my holiday: a chambermaid, a driver, a cook. It’s my way of saying thank you, and it always feels appreciated.

And I try to be mindful of where I am. For example, I always carry a scarf. It keeps me warm on the plane, but in a small Atlas village it can be worn as a headscarf — a simple mark of respect that matters deeply to the locals.

Packing this way removes the stress and creates excitement. It feels less like a chore and more like the first step of the journey.

Irini’s Packing Tips

• Start a packing sofa or chair as soon as your flights are booked.
• Stick to three pairs of shoes — walking, evening, and a smart in-between.
• Layer, don’t bulk: scarves, cardigans, light jackets.
• Always carry a scarf — for warmth, modesty, or cultural respect.
• Bring small food comforts — olive oil, honey, herbal tea.
• Carry little gifts from home — a sweet gesture for those who make your stay special.
• Roll, don’t fold: saves space and creases.
• Keep all chargers + adaptors in one pouch.
• Leave room for market finds and edible treasures.