Packing for holidays when it's hot and humid

Cococat

I'm spending 17 days in Bali in February and for once in my life I want to pack light, particularly as we will be moving around and spending time on other islands.

It will be hot and very humid, with short showers throughout the day. Everyone dresses ultra casual. My hair will be tied back with a head band because it's impossible to maintain my straight bob. I will wear a hat most of the time for sun protection anyway.

How many items would be reasonable? Is there a formula?

I will probably stick to separates apart from one washable silk dress which would be good for nights out.

Advice most welcome.

10 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from Cococat

Deborah

Veteran

I visited Thailand in 2011 and found my wardrobe seriously inadequate for such a trip:(. I ended up buying about 3 or 4 cotton dresses from a local stall and rotating them - I threw them out when I got home lol. My hair is naturally wavy so I wore headbands too. Had the best holiday but cannot say I felt "attractive". If I was doing it again I would buy some cool little sack dresses before I left, cute flat sandals and a cool hat:).

Someone whose style you may get some inspo from for that climate is Sylvia at 40 Plus Style.

10 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I would go for a mix of lightweight wash and wear pieces - harem or palazzo pants, light tanks, couple thin long sleeve options, sunnies and a hat that you love, and sandals that cope with the heat. I have travelled in Thailand and South America in these conditions and found tight clothes are not super appealing, and I did like to change and shower before dinner.

Depending on the amount of walking that you will be doing two pairs of walking sandals is a good idea. Last summer I had two pairs flat sandals, one pair beaded slip on sandals for evening, one pair havianas and one pair of running shoes. I added some new Merrell sandals while away and threw out one pair of the other sandals which was always the plan.

Sounds exciting!!

10 years ago

Cococat

Veteran

Deborah, thanks for introducing me to 40 plus style. I have bookmarked it for ideas.

Sally I'm with you regarding the tight clothes...the problem is, I don't have many loose clothes, which makes it challenging.

This was so much easier when I was younger. I would wear a denim mini and a top with shoestring straps, pull my hair back into a ponytail, or 2 plaits and I was good to go.

These days I would NEVER wear a mini or shoestring straps although a lot of tourists my age still do.

The pieces I'm thinking of taking are
- the silk dress
- 2 pairs of tailored shorts that finish mid-thigh (there will be some climbing into boats from water)
- an off shoulder loose cotton dress, knee-length
- 2 flowy cold-shoulder tops
- 2 loose tops cut in at the shoulder which I will half tuck with shorts
- black metalicus tube skirt??? (to dress up some of the tops for night time)
- light denim knee length skirt
- long cotton skirt (instead of pants) for possible temple visits
- Havaianas, sandals with back strap and basic flip-flops
- big hat and sunnies
- togs, swimshorts and rash top (I will be SUPing)

So it will be, 2 dresses, 2 shorts, 4 tops, 3 skirts: 2 knee-length, one long.

Would that be enough for 17 days?

10 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I think more tops would be a good idea. For me tops are the item that need more laundering/changing in the heat. I would also take at least one long sleeve or 3/4 sleeve very loose cotton top or tunic for any long periods spent outdoors. You can slather on as much sunblock as you like but nothing beats covering up to protect your skin.

10 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

IMO the tube skirt & silk dress will be too hot as it doesn't cool off much at night. I'd be looking at linen or cotton bottoms & long sleeve shirts.

This is fairly superficial but it does give you some idea of how a lot of tourists are viewed

https://www.worldnomads.com/tr.....-sensitivi...

10 years ago

Cococat

Veteran

Great suggestion Brooklyn and Caro. I don't have a loose long sleeved shirt but I can look for one when I get there. It would be good for protection at the beach while waiting for hubs to finish surfing.

Interesting article, but I think it's wrong to generalise about Indonesia. Bali is quite different from the rest of Indonesia. Most Balinese are Hindu, not Muslim. I'm also pretty sure that when I wore a mini or shorts with a singlet or halter, like most female tourists my age, I wasn't mistaken for a prostitute!

This will be my 15th trip to Bali but it's been about 6 years since I last visited.

Maybe I need to check out some more over 40 blogs.

I am rather excited about what I might find in this store when I get there.
http://biasagroup.com/fashion/collection/

10 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I agree CocoC most Balinese are Hindu & very tolerant, but there has been so much immigration from Indonesians (muslim & not) that things are very different now even from six years ago.

10 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

I hope you take your Camilla top - it will be perfect for a night out at a flash restaurant and will look stunning amid the wonderful colours of Bali. On a recent trip to Bali, during the day in Bali I tend to live in shorts and flowy tops (when not swimming or relaxing by the pool). For night I wore silk or cotton dresses. I did get a lot of mileage out of white singlet tops (wearing with skirts and shorts). There are some great boutiques, so I think you have enough clothing, because you will probably want to buy one or two unique pieces there. Have a wonderful, relaxing holiday.

10 years ago

Cococat

Veteran

Thank you Bijou. It sounds like I'm on the right track with what I'm thinking of taking.

Actually I was wondering about my new Camilla....and now you have inspired me to take her on a trip to Bali!

My sister and niece have just returned and have been telling me about all of the fab boutiques. It might be a good thing that I'm packing light.

10 years ago

Helen11

Veteran

Sounds fun. I've never been to Bali. I vote pack light, wash clothes there, and leave suitcase space for wearable souvenirs : )

10 years ago

Cococat

Veteran

Wearable souvenirs? I love that idea!!

10 years ago

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