Stacey Solomon's sister Jemma has dished out her ultimate packing hacks for a seamless getaway, exclusively spilling the beans to OK! on everything from nifty collapsible hangers to standout luggage tricks.
Jemma Solomon, the savvy sibling of ITV's Stacey Solomon, has become the go-to guru for holidaymakers after revealing her top tips for a fuss-free vacation. She's even shared her enthusiasm for Google's innovative Gemini AI app, which promises to revolutionize the way we pack by offering tailored advice based on our destination's climate.
Gemini, the brainchild of Google, is an AI-powered app designed to assist with a range of tasks from writing to image creation, all accessible via Android devices or any Google browser. Now, it's venturing into travel territory, aiming to solve those pesky packing dilemmas by advising on suitcase selection, clothing choices, and even generating a handy checklist to ensure nothing gets left behind.
Jemma has partnered with the app, eager to help others "pack like a pro", reports OK! Eager for some expert advice before jetting off? Here are Jemma Solomon's essential packing tips...
When it comes to packing, what's the one thing you never go on holiday without?
"I always pack hangers for my holidays because there are never enough in a hotel room. It doesn't matter how expensive or inexpensive the hotel is, wherever I'm staying, there's never enough for a family of five! So, I always take foldable, collapsible hangers with me and, that way, everyone can hang up their clothes and keep them free from creases."
Mirror loves: Four Pack of Foldable Travel Hangers, £9.99 here
What are your must-have items that make packing easier?
"Packing cubes are a game-changer! They keep everything organised and compressed, so I can fit more in my suitcase. I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived."
Mirror loves: Toifucos Multifunction 8 Piece Set of Packing Cubes, £11.99 here (was £15.99).
How do you ensure you never exceed your luggage limit?
"Most of us have over-packed for our holidays - in fact, nearly a quarter of us do so every time we go away. To make my bags a little lighter, and to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport, I use the Google Gemini AI app as my expert packing companion. I simply tell it where and when I'm flying and with what airline, and it shares my baggage allowance, the weather forecast, and what sort of clothes I should bring to fit the climate."
How can the Gemini app assist in making our holiday prep easier?
"Gemini is amazing, it's like having a personal travel assistant! I can ask it to create packing lists based on my destination, the weather, and the length of my trip. It can even remind me to pack essentials like my passport and phone charger. Gemini has definitely been a lifesaver in helping me stay organised and stress-free when preparing for my holidays."
How does Gemini help cut down on overpacking?
"Gemini helps me be more mindful of what I'm packing. For example, if I ask it to suggest outfits for a week-long trip to Bodrum, it will create a capsule wardrobe with mix-and-match pieces, so I don't overpack unnecessary items. This is also super handy for packing with a family and I'm looking forward to using it for my holiday with the kids this summer where I'm only planning to take one large suitcase."
What's your go-to suitcase for travelling?
"I'm all about practicality when it comes to travel and my go-to suitcase is a brown set in different sizes! Years ago, when our family first started travelling we realised we needed our own luggage and we wanted something that would stand out on the baggage carousel, so we went for the most unique and ugliest colour we could find: brown. It was the best decision ever. Now I have a matching set in different sizes, and they're always easy to spot, even in a sea of suitcases on the airport conveyor belt. Plus, it's a fun little reminder of those early family trips! ".
Mirror is a fan of: Dunelm's IT Luggage Divinity Quilted 4 Wheel Suitcase (Large), priced at £60 here, and the matching IT Luggage Divinity Quilted Cabin Case, available for £40 here