When the days are cold and grey, it is normal to crave a bit of sunshine. Understandably, during the winter months, a lot of us like to take a beach break. It is a chance to relax, soak up the sun and return home with a nice tan.

Pack light

If you are only going away for a few days, it makes sense to pack as light as possible. You will get through the airport faster, and will enjoy having a bit more spending money.

Fortunately, fitting everything you need for a winter break into a cabin luggage sized bag is easier than you think. You just need to follow these basic tips.

Swimwear and beachwear

For a winter beach holiday, swimwear is an essential, so do not forget to pack some. Of course, you could buy what you need when you get there, but taking this approach rarely makes sense. Swimwear normally costs more in tourist destinations than it does if you buy it from your local shops, or online. There is also the risk that you will not be able to find something suitable.

Some hotels will provide you with a beach towel. However, increasingly this is not allowed, therefore, it is wise to take your own. If you are packing light, it makes sense to take a compact towel instead of a normal one. These towels are now widely available, and are no longer expensive.

It is also a good idea to take a sari or something similar to wear while eating lunch, or later in the day when temperatures drop a bit. If you choose the right type, it can be worn as a scarf for the trip to the airport, and perhaps be adapted to wear as a skirt during the evening.

Footwear

The biggest packing mistake people make is taking too many shoes with them. They are heavy, and take up a lot of space, so you need to pack as few pairs as possible.

Provided you wear good footwear to the airport, you can usually get away with only taking one additional pair of shoes. You just need to make sure they are comfortable and smart enough to wear in the evening or while touring the sights. For the beach, you can always buy a cheap pair of flip-flops or swim shoes.

Pack lightweight clothes

You will also need to pack several tops, and at least one spare skirt or pair of trousers. It is best to pack clothing that is made from lightweight materials. They take up less space. Plus, they are usually made from fabrics that do not crease much, and are easy to wash and dry quickly.

Invest in some convertible clothing

It may also be worth investing in a few items of convertible or reversible clothing. These innovative clothes can be worn in a variety of ways, so they are a great way to pack light. Trousers that can be converted into shorts, reversible tops and scarves that can be transformed into skirts, tops and dresses, are just a few examples of this type of clothing.