• Jewellery weighs less than boots, shoes, jumpers, jackets and is less bulky to pack, yet can transform plain items into an evening ensemble or a contemporary and chic sightseeing outfit.

• Try not to take anything patterned or busy because this will be harder to co-ordinate.

• Having selected your choice of bottoms. 3 or 4 tops, coat or jacket. 3 sets of jewellery, and day and evening footwear take a minute to try on all possible variants in front of the mirror - this will remind you of what extras you may need like tights or hair accessories.

• Wear your heaviest items on the plane. Don't pack knee high boots and then travel in your flat mules.

• Avoid jeans as you'll have to take another pair of trousers anyway to cover all dress codes. They will also weigh down your case if you don't decide to travel home in them.

• Alternatively build your selection of clothes around one core neutral colour, Black, Brown, Navy; White or Beige in the summer. Then choose an additional colour theme for one day (e.g. Red), a different colour for the evening (e.g. Green) and another for the following day. You can then take jewellery and pashmina or belt etc in these colours which work together.

• Choose boots or shoes which are comfortable and will work for day and evening. If this is completely impossible pack a pair of lightweight glamorous heels for going out at night.

 • To cover every possible disaster, invest in some Hollywood Fashion this double sided tape sticks tops to bra straps or skin and can mend virtually any holes or stitching that comes undone.

• Don't expect to have time to paint nails, exfoliate or do hair removal while you are away - if you take an evening out before you go to deal with all beauty routine essentials you won't have to take anything except make up and skin care in your case. As an extra treat get your hair professionally washed and blow dried the day before you go and it should last 2 days easily. This way you won't have to pack heavy shampoo and conditioner bottles.

• Lastly don't forget your swimsuit if the hotel has a pool - this is not something you want to buy in a hurry!