Short-break host Catriona Rowntree shares her foolproof tips on packing for an overseas trip — and what items to NEVER bring with you
Catriona Rowntree certainly knows how to pack a suitcase, having traveled the world as the host of travel show Getaway.
The 51-year-old has shared her tips for making sure she’s perfectly packed for any trip.
The TV presenter lays out all the items she wants to bring – and then spends several days deciding if she really needs all the items she’s brought with her.
Catriona Rowntree (pictured) certainly knows how to pack, having traveled the world as the host of travel show Getaway
“A week before I leave, I generally lay everything out and start either adding or subtracting what I think I’m going to need,” she tells Nine Now.
‘I always do my homework. I get my phone and check the weather. Check Instagram, see what the locals are wearing.
She then adds everything to a checklist using the “add and subtract” method, and the night before she leaves she puts everything she has checked off in her bag.
The TV presenter lays out all the items she wants to bring – and then spends several days deciding if she really needs all the items she’s brought with her
Catriona also uses packing cubes of different sizes for lingerie and other small items, picks clothes that don’t need ironing, sticks to three colors so she can “mix and match” her outfits – and warns against packing too many shoes.
A key tip: “Never take anything that would make you angry,” emphasizes Catriona, and take photos of your luggage in case your bag gets lost.
A surprising piece of advice that goes against modern travel advice: the TV presenter prefers to fold her clothes rather than roll them.
‘I always do my homework. I get my phone and check the weather. Check Instagram, see what the locals are wearing,” she said
As for the suitcase itself, Catriona prefers a hard-shell, wheeled suitcase that doesn’t look too fancy to be stolen or too “dodgy” to be searched, and she always ties a red ribbon on her for good luck.
Catriona also has an item she never leaves a country without – a new hat.
She brings home hats from every place she visits and after 25 years of galivanting in over 100 countries she has an extensive collection.
Catriona also has an item she never leaves a country without – a new hat
“When I started Getaway, I bought so many souvenirs that my cameraman said to me, ‘Just pick one thing to collect!’ So hats from all over the world,” she told Nine.
Although Catriona focuses her foraging efforts on the accessory, she often picks up another item as well.
“Nonetheless, my fridge magnet collection is pretty damn impressive!” she added.
“Nonetheless, my fridge magnet collection is pretty damn impressive!” she added