Over the last few months I have been airport hopping. First for work and then, finally, for my much-awaited and well deserved vacation.

During my 20-day holiday, I had the opportunity to observe style trends in airports around the world. I found that airports have almost become unofficial fashion runways. Gone are the days when tights and a sweatshirt were good enough — even luggage has been impacted by fashion. Celebrities and the omnipresent paparazzi have shown even the uninitiated how to look great when travelling. So if you still have to go on your summer break, take note of these simple tips on how to travel stylishly but comfortably.

Pack light: Not only will it be easier to make your way around the airport, you will have enough space in your bags to carry back your shopping.

Pack smart: Roll your clothes into your bag instead of folding. It saves space and keeps your clothes crease free (well almost). Carry clothes with a similar colour palette and stick to a smaller palette. This holiday I carried most of the things in black and white. It was so much easier to mix and match and coordinating my footwear. Carry a maximum of three pairs of shoes that you can match with all your outfits.

Think layering: It’s always a good idea to layer your clothes. A nice v-neck black or white tee, paired with jeans can be layered with a shawl and pumps or a leather jacket and boots.

Ditch the heels (while travelling): Although high heels or boots look super stylish they aren’t the most practical footwear when you have to walk across busy airports with bags. Wear easy-to-slip on pumps or cute flats for your flight.

Keep warm: Carry a shawl, scarf or warm jacket. I always carry my leather jacket as I am big fan of biker jackets. Not only does it go with almost everything, it gives me a rock chick look. Also, no matter how warm it is wherever you currently are or are going to, it’s always 10 to 20 degrees colder on the plane. You can use your shawl as your blanket, wrap around or even a mini pillow.

Comfortable clothing: Opt for comfortable jeans or pants. There’s nothing worse than suffering in tight jeans on board, especially on a long-haul flight. At the same time these avoid you looking sloppy in tights.

Easy to carry hand luggage: Squeeze whatever you have in a large stylish tote instead of juggling five small bags. Not only are you abiding with the airplane rules, but you’re sparing yourself the trouble of keeping track of your stuff.

Minimise make up: The dry, stale plane air dehydrates your skin and it’s best to keep make up to the minimum. The last thing you want is to arrive with smudged eyes and chapped lips. Simply use a good moisturiser and lip balm, which can even double up to add glow on your cheek bones and keep your nails hydrated.

Sun screen is a must: SPF 30-50 is what I use and I never leave home without it. Carry a small bottle or tube and thank me later.

Travel size: Travel size bottles are available in every good skin and hair care brand. They are not only easy to carry but can be discarded if you are short on space while coming back. I bought one of those transparent bags and kept all my travel size bottles in there.

A good read: I love reading and though I like the traditional books, when I travel I prefer to download my books on an iPad.

This is my list. Feel free to make your own. Find out what works for you and follow it. Travel light, travel well.