WHAT TO PACK FOR JEDDAH'S HOT CLIMATE

The time has come to pack my life into a suitcase (maybe 2) for my new adventure. Here is what I am taking...

Photo by Sarah Brown

There are plenty of things to keep in mind when packing for Saudi Arabia - hot climate, modest attire, maximum weight for luggage allowance...I don't want to miss anything!

Lucky for me I have Ahmed's sisters to give me guidance on what to bring clothing wise, and they will have an abaya waiting for me to make things easy.

Below is a list of basic clothing items I will be taking along with me. Natural fibres like cotton and linen are best for hot climates and tend to pack down smaller and take less space.

• Sunglasses...like 4 pairs (I like options!)

• Underwear (mum always says pack more than you need)

• Socks (10 pairs)

• Lightweight scarf

• Pajamas (3 sets)

• Jumper

• Jacket

• Tshirts (5)

• Cami (2)

• Leggings (4)

• Jeans (2)

• Loose pants (3)

• Blouse (3)

• Button shirt (2)

• Skirt (2)

• Casual dress (3)

• Formal Dress (2)

• Dress sneakers

• Dress flats

• Heels

• Runners

When choosing what items I am taking, I think about what I can mix and match so I can minimise the number of items but maximise the options. The goal is to keep the weight and bulk down so I can put my heavier items in my bag like my hair tools and gifts for the family without going over the limit.

As a certified hair and makeup artist, I am rather attached to my makeup collection, but it would be silly to pack every item I own. So I have painstakingly sifted through my collection and managed to break it down to fit into one bag (It's a miracle!).

• Mini primer spray

• Setting spray

• One bronzer

• One powder blush

• One cream blush in a pink shade that also works on lips

• One cream highlighter and one powder

• Two eyeshadow palettes

• Two pencil eyeliners

• One waterproof mascara

• One foundation

• One concealer

• One powder

• One eye primer

• One brow pencil

• One brow gel

• Two SPF lip balms

• Two lipsticks

• One lipgloss

• Three lip pencils

• Face sunscreen

• Cleanser

• Makeup remover

• Moisturiser

• Clay mask

• Sheet masks

• Facial oil

• Thermal protect hair spray

• Hair mask

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Hairbrush

• Hair dryer and flat iron

• Clips and ties in a small packet

• Makeup brushes

• Deodorant

• Safety razor and spare blades

It may look like a lot but it all packs down nice and compact. Some of this will also be in my carryon along with a book to read, noise cancelling headphones, my journal and pens, change of clothes, travel pillow, blanket, electronics, adapters and other essential items like travel documents, vaccine certificate, etc.

This is a pretty condensed packing list for being away for a year, and I will no doubt be buying new things and collecting souvenirs while over in Saudi.