Packing the Right Pieces for Your Honeymoon

Packing suitcase photo via Shutterstock

“Packing the right pieces for your honeymoon will make getting ready for every excursion, event, or outing much easier,” says Annie Hurlbut, CEO and cofounder of Peruvian Connection, a company she and her mother launched in 1976. Inspired by Hurlbut’s anthropology research on women in Peru’s Andean marketplaces, this line is full of packable cardis and tunics and carefree pants and dresses. So who better to tap for info about getting the most out of your travel wardrobe?

“If you plan ahead of time, you’ll be prepared for the occasion, more comfortable, and will have more time to relax and enjoy each other’s company,” Hurlbut advises.

With honeymoon travel, you’ve got to contend with bag weight limits, wrinkle considerations, lack of laundry facilities, varying weather conditions, and different events with different dress requirements. So unless you have four Louis Vuitton trolley cases at your disposal and a bellhop to carry them all, you’re going to have to get strategic about your packing process.

“There’s no doubt everyone wants to look their best on their honeymoon and to do so, it’s important to think through what you’re packing and plan each of your outfits ahead of time,” Hurlbut says. Here are her tips on what stays and what goes with you.

For Her

• Bring a few statement pieces and several versatile basics that can be worn casually or dressed up.
• Bring one or two pairs of basic pants or shorts that can be re-worn with a few different tops.
• Pack light layers, so every outfit can be layered if temperatures are cooler than expected. Grab basics like Peruvian Connection’s Shoreditch alpaca cardigan, a lightweight garment in a neutral beige color that will go with anything.
• Accessorizing is an easy way to dress up your wardrobe, from necklaces and scarves to bangles and fun collapsible hats. The key is to select pieces that won’t take up a lot of room in your suitcase.
• Pick a color scheme and stick to it. It’ll save space and time if you pack items that coordinate well with one another. Mixing and matching saves the day.
• Leave some room for athletic wear for any excursions or adventures you might plan.
• Streamline your shoes. Even if you’re tempted to bring everything from flats to sky-high heels, keep the footwear to a minimum. They take up a lot of space, and they’re heavy.

For Him

• Overall, the best thing for men to keep in mind when packing is to keep it simple and stick to the basics.
• Bring two pairs of khaki slacks for dinner in case one pair gets dirty.
• Keep it casual. Especially if you’re on a beach, you’ll want a lot of shorts and T-shirt combinations.
• Opt for light-colored shirts with simple patterns that can be worn anywhere, day or night.
• Pack a neutral, lightweight blazer for chilly evenings or dressier occasions.

Things to Avoid

Avoid white pieces. These items will most likely get dirty right away, and you won’t be able to wear them more than once. You should also avoid linens, as they wrinkle easily.

Pima cotton is a great alternative to items made with regular cotton, which is also known to wrinkle. Because it consists of a higher quality fabric, pima cotton won’t crease and crinkle. Check out Peruvian Connection’s Kashmiri pima cotton sundress for either touring the town or dressing up for a romantic dinner on the beach.

“Having pieces that mix and match allows you to create different outfits for different occasions and ultimately, pack less. While choosing pieces that can also keep you comfortable in a variety of weather conditions means you’re ready for anything, ” she advises.

Happy honeymooning.

Peruvian Connection is located at 170 Newbury Street in Boston.

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