Pack it in

If you can't go on holiday without taking your whole wardrobe, bathroom cabinet and a couple of winter coats

"Take items that double up," says Sarah Miller, editor of Condé Nast Traveller. "I take a Nicole Farhi strapless swimsuit that I can wear in the evening with trousers and heels. I always take strappy vests, one cardigan and a silk wrap for chilly evenings. Three pairs of shoes should be enough - one glamorous, one for the beach and one for walking around in."

Pack heavy items at the bottom, then knitwear and other squashy items on top. It sounds indulgent, but layering sheets of tissue paper between clothes makes a difference. And even though you may be squashed in economy, it will remind you that you are glamorous.

Fill the gaps with loose items such as adaptor plugs and as many little accessories as you can fit in - they don't take up as much space as clothing but can transform an outfit.

Decant beauty products into Lilliputian-sized bottles (Muji sells them from 95p, and stylish perfume atomisers for £4.95) or buy travel-sized products. Charles Worthington has a comprehensive range of hair and body products - for men and women - in neat little bottles, while Space NK has a travel bag (£32.50) containing miniature goodies.