Over-packers and novice travellers are being offered tips on how to pack perfectly for their summer holiday.

The holiday car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have rounded up their top tips for those looking to save space and ensure they pack all of the essentials. 

Among the top hacks are packing necklaces in straws to avoid them becoming tangled and placing dirty shoes in a shower cap.

Overpackers should aim to wear some of their more bulky items, like boots or jackets, on the plane to relieve the stress of fitting everything in your suitcase. 

A spokesperson from StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Packing the perfect amount of items to fit in your suitcase before a holiday is a real art. Often, holiday-makers over pack and chuck in a number of outfits for each day, just in case they are in need of extra items – only to bring the majority home unworn and full of creases.

Putting your necklace inside a straw can prevent entanglement

“To avoid this, travellers should plan ahead and make a list of the items they need. Easy tips for saving space include only taking the essential toiletries and decanting items like shampoo, conditioner and shower gel into small travel bottles.”

Here are StressFreeCarRental.com ’s top packing hacks:

Heavy items

Place any heavier or bulkier items by the wheels of your case so when it is stood, the heavy items will be at the bottom. 

Dryer sheets

Travellers preparing for long-haul flights or for those who don’t like to unpack when they get to their destination should place dryer sheets in their luggage. This will keep everything smelling fresh. 

Prevent spillages

To avoid any liquids spilling all over your case, unscrew the lid of your bottles and place a small piece of cling film over the opening and screw the lid back on. Alternatively, pack all liquids in a plastic bag. 

Packing chargers

Avoid wires getting tangled amongst your belongings by wrapping up all chargers and electricals and packing them together in a small bag or packing cube.

Outfit packing

Before packing, arrange your items of clothing into outfits rather than individual items. This will encourage you to think more strategically about the clothes you need and will help to stop temptations for overpacking.

Jewellery

Getting on holiday to find all of your necklaces have tangled in your bag is frustrating. To prevent this, pop your necklaces into reusable straws.

Roll up

Rather than folding all of your clothes, try rolling them up to take up less space and avoid lots of creases. 

Bulky clothes

Wear heavy clothes and shoes at the airport rather than stuffing them into your case. Layer up with jumpers and jackets and wear your heaviest shoes. 

Wrap up shoes

Cotton bags are great for holding shoes inside a suitcase as they can be washed as soon as you’re home. Alternatively, shower caps are great for holding muddy or dirty shoes and means you can keep them away from your clean clothes. 

Fragile items

Avoid breakages of glass perfume and aftershave bottles by putting them inside your packed shoes or in a sock for extra padding.

Hats

Those heading off on sunny holidays and planning on packing hats should stuff them with smaller items like socks and underwear. This will save space and help your hats keep their shape. 

https://www.stressfreecarrental.com/

Shereen Shabnam

After a few days exploring new parts of Switzerland, I took a two-day respite at the iconic Dolder Grand.  With spectacular views of the alps and Lake Zurich, the Dolder Grand, renowned as Zurich’s most prestigious address since 1899, is a city resort atop a hill with close proximity to beautiful nature and wilderness areas as well as downtown locations for shopping, art, and entertainment.

Built-in the 19th century in Swiss style, Dolder Grand was designed to be a place for relaxation and escape, with past guests that include historical figures such as Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, the Shah of Iran as well as luminaries and celebrities of modern times such as Leonardo DiCaprio and the legendary director David Fincher who have sought out this haven of calm.

The nature at Dolder Grand is breath-taking and draws a picture of perfection with an aura of serenity, especially for GCC families who relish the good weather of Switzerland. With an ever-increasing number of travellers from this region, the property has evolved to cater directly to this market.

Guests enjoy a peaceful experience with stunning views during meals that offer a gastronomical experience and exquisite cuisine with a difference. At the Saltz restaurant, guests can enjoy authentic Arabic flavours, thanks to the talents of Oriental Chef de Cuisine, Firas El-Borji. Chef’s. His creations can also be enjoyed in the privacy of guest rooms or at the Lobby & Bar.

As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and Swiss Deluxe Hotels, the 5-star-deluxe property carries the signature of architects Norman Foster as well as Sylvia Sepielli and is one of Zurich’s most famous landmarks.

The hotel has 175 luxurious rooms and suites, a sperate ladies ‘and gentlemen spa, generous banqueting and seminar facilities and a remarkable art collection. The premium suites extend over hundreds of square metres and some feature steam showers, whirlpools, and spacious terraces with sweeping views.

Each suite has been inspired by a specific “patron”, such as the Maestro Suite, named after conductor Herbert von Karajan and abounding in musical cues, including a grand piano and lyre as decoration. The rocking Suite 100, inspired by the Rolling Stones and the infamous 100 Club in London, is dominated by dark colours such as black and deep purple or the Masina Suite, named after the Italian actress Giulietta Masina, celebrates the glamour of fifties designs.

The Terrazza and Carezza Suites are designed with specific patterns and colours, predominantly gold, stone and wood, to suit the tastes and preferences of Arab guests. Covering 2,300 sq ft, the Carezza’s vaulted ceilings and cutting-edge design provides plenty of space for guests to come together either in the luxurious interior, or on the terrace that surrounds the entire suite, providing unique views of Zurich.

The Terrazza spreads out over 3,900 sq ft, covering two floors, and offering up to four bedrooms, including an exquisite master suite. Its modern interior takes on classic lines, while floor-to-ceiling windows provide plenty of natural light and stunning views of the city.

With a private entrance, the Terrazza is particularly suited to long-stay guests, while the hotel’s butler team provide specific one-on-one service to guests. With additional inter-connecting rooms, the capacity for the suites extends further, perfect for larger families or groups that want the connectivity yet the privacy of a hotel room.

The Dolder Grand Spa philosophy for well-being is based on four main principles: relaxation, beauty, vitality, and detoxification with an extensive menu of treatments. With a separate ladies and gentlemen spa comprises 20 treatment rooms, two private spa suites, a wellness centre, and an aqua zone, designed for guests to relax and unwind.

On arrival at The Dolder Grand, I indulged in an art tour as the hotel is home to more than 100 pieces of art, which are on display provided by the owner’s private collection and includes pieces by Salvador Dali and Takashi Murakami. The grounds are studded with sculptures everywhere and the three-piece reclining figure of Henry Moore outside one of the new wings stands out.

The exceptional concierge service is one of its kind in Zurich, offering e-bikes, complimentary guest cars or shuttle buses, as well as childcare services; The concierge team always knows what’s going on around Zurich and share tips and recommendations for excursions and activities. On top of that, the kid’s room is open on weekends for children aged three to 12 and filled with supervised activities to keep the little ones busy and active.

The award winning Dolder Grand is the perfect base to enjoy Zurich and its plethora of museums, picturesque renaissance, and medieval buildings amidst beautiful natural surroundings. My wonderful time at the hotel will always be treasured.

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