New research has revealed that the average family packs 48 outfits for a seven-day holiday – but thankfully, there are some clever tips to cut down on clothing items that can often go unworn. Brainbox TV presenter Rachel Riley is saving holidaymakers from the hefty extra luggage fees by revealing a mind-blowing packing hack that could save you hundreds.
The star says it’s possible to create over 700 looks from just three simple outfits packed for your travels. Tech brand Philips challenged the TV star to help travellers ahead of the busy summer season and she managed to conjure up 27 individual outfits from just three tops, three bottoms and three pairs of shoes.
Doing the sums, Riley, who joined popular quiz show Countdown as its numbers expert in 2009, said: “That makes nine distinct looks. Chuck in three pairs of shoes and you’re already up to 27 individual outfits.”
But her nifty mathematical packing hack doesn’t stop there.
However, turning 27 into 700 feels like a trickier proposition…but the Countdown star says it’s all about accessories – and entirely achievable. Her hack – that was recently shared on Instagram – has been hailed by parents who described it as “mind-blowing”.
Riley, who’s set to appear in the daredevil reality show Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters next year, said: “With every added optional accessory, you increase your options.
“So, just two additional choices of headwear, two statement necklaces and two pairs of sunglasses gives over 700 unique combinations to choose from.’
Research by the brand, which is promoting its £49.99 Philips’ 5000 Series handheld steamer as a holiday essential, found that the average two-child family packs 48 outfits for a seven-day holiday.
While we often splurge on a new holiday wardrobe – which costs around £200 per person – almost half of us (42%) say we don’t actually end up wearing the clothes in our cases while away – and over a third of people say they’ve been hit by excess baggage fees at the airport. And when it comes to being organised, it seems most British tourists don’t actually get to grips with prepping their suitcase until the eleventh hour, with 85% saying they only do it the night before they head off.
Overpacking remains common, with 63% of the 2,000 asked by Philips about their suitcase packing habits admitting that they have to sit on top of their cases to force them to close.
Lamprini Fameli, senior product manager at Philips, said: “Deciding what to pack for holiday is the ultimate conundrum.
“And with our new research demonstrating that we’re a nation of chronic, last-minute over-packers, who better to solve this quandary than Rachel Riley?
“Her brilliant advice will help us all pack smarter this summer – freeing up space for holiday essentials.”
