Ten things I pack for a Summer Holiday
We’re having a heatwave in the UK (as I type it’s 34 degrees outside!) and the heat has me dreaming about Summer holidays and packing. Our family holiday isn’t until August, but I know that many of you will be jetting off way before then, so I thought it might be helpful to put together a list of ten things I always pack for a Summer holiday.
1. A pair of rubber flip flops
I am a flip flops girl through and through, and my favourite TKEES flip flops always come away with me, but they are made from beautifully soft Brazilian leather which should NOT go near water, so I would always pack a pair of Havaianas for the beach/pool. My favourite style are the Square Slim, which you can find here.
A note on TKEES - I order direct from their website and I have not had to pay any customs. I did pay £7 for delivery and I couldn't comment on the returns cost and process, as I have never had to return a pair. I wear a US 7 (I am a UK 5)
2. A Wide Brimmed Hat
I have just bought this large hat in the Toast Sale. I was looking for a larger-than-average brim because I wanted the shade to cover my chest as well as my face. I have a packing plan, in case you are wondering how on earth I am going to travel with this beast. It arrived with the brim flipped up, so my plan is to flip the brim, pack it first and pack clothes under and around it. We shall see. If you are looking for a hat, this one looks great and it’s packable. I have also ordered one from my edit below which might be better for travel.
3. A pair of throw on shorts
I always get excited about holiday fashion, but the truth is when it’s roasting hot, it’s often the easy throw on pieces that I end up wearing the most. I thought these little shorts from H&M would be ideal and they look great with a white linen shirt.
4. A good bronzer
There’s nothing better than that sun kissed look on holiday, but the only way I’ll achieve that is to fake it. I was recently sent a Beauty Pie PR mailer with this new Awesome Bronze which is very similar to the Chanel Bronzer (but better and a lot cheaper for members at £18) and I thought it would be helpful to demonstrate the colour ‘Goldielux’ that I was sent because it might help someone who wants to order. I think it’s a tad dark for me, so I would probably go for the Sunny Side (Warm Toned Fair Bronze)
The texture is wonderful - it’s a soft matte cream which melts into the skin. Be warned this sold out very quickly last year, so if you’re keen, don’t hang about.
5. A hammam Towel (X 5!)
I don’t like traditional towels. They take far too long to dry and get full of sand, so I always pack a hammam towel for each member of the family. They are all different so we don’t get them mixed up, and most of ours come from a brand called “Sand and Salt’
This year I fancy their new “Kos’ black stripe
6. Holiday Jewellery
Holiday jewellery is a must for me. Always a little bolder than my usual pieces, statement jewellery is an easy way to add personality to your holiday wardrobe. A simple slip dress is completely transformed by adding bold jewellery. I don’t think you need to spend a fortune, you can pick up some really fun pieces at places under £20. I have done a little edit of a few pieces that caught my eye, which you can shop below.
7. A Hair Protector/Mask
The combination of sun, pool and sea water can wreck our hair, especially if it’s colour treated like mine, so a hair protector/masque is one of the first things I pack. I tend to slick it back with a masque most days, and I really love the 3MOREINCHES range by Michael Van Clarke. You could go for a full on masque (Lifesaver) or this which is a Styling, protection & treatment in one. If you’re travelling hand luggage only the 100ml is only £11.
8. A linen shirt
A must pack item for me, linen shirts are excellent for wearing over your bikini, especially if you are having a boat day and need to keep the beating sun off your arms. I always pack a white one, but this year I am thinking of adding a colour to my neutrals holiday palette. If you are looking for a good linen shirt this one is great value. I really rate H&M for linen. I think I am going to order this one for a splash of colour. I would probably size up for a little extra length.
9. Sun Protection
A bit of an obvious one, but an opportunity for me to talk about our family favourites. We all love the SunBum spray - but, be warned, for a week’s holiday if your children are no longer little, you’ll need a bottle per body, if not more. I found that it ran out quite quickly. It’s currently down to £16.79 on Lookfantastic, and my influencer code CHLOELOVESTOSHOP should work on it too. We also really love the Vichy Solar Protective Water Spray which is really hydrating. It’s also down to £16.13 on Lookfantastic and don’t forget to add my code at checkout for a little extra off that price. A fantastic SPF that should not be overlooked is Altruist which is exclusive to Amazon. It is really affordable and good - created by dermatologist, Dr Andrew Birnie, is suitable for sensitive skin and offers 5-Star UVA protection.
10. The Basket Bag
For a Summer holiday I will always use a basket bag as my carry on. I can’t fly hand luggage only for Summer holidays because I am really fussy about my suncream and won’t buy it locally, so a checked in bag is a must for me, even if it’s only one.
I like my basket bag to have long sturdy leather handles and preferably a shorter handle too. My favourite bag is from a market in France, but if you’re looking I have done a little edit below.
I spotted this bag on my web travels today, and I thought it was such a good price - haven’t seen it in the flesh, so I can’t comment on quality/feel, but for £25.99 I thought it looked very chic and way more expensive!
Well that’s all ten, but I have left out so many things. Perhaps I’ll do a dedicated Holiday Toiletries post. Let me know if you’d like that. I am relatively new to Substack (so new it took me most of today to assemble this post!) but I *think* it helps if you like the post. If nothing else, it will make me happy to know that you have.
Until next time,
Chloe x