Lead the Pack: The Ultimate Packing List for your Holidays
The flight is booked, the restaurants are researched, and the outfits are planned; all ready for your much-needed holiday.
All that is left is to pack and whether you love it or hate, there is always the fear that you will not pack enough of the essentials or leave the house with the vital documentation. It can be a frenzy as extras of everything are thrown into the suitcase and you run through your nighttime skincare routine for the millionth time to ensure nothing is missed.
We want to ensure you arrive at your departure gate with the serene calm of a seasoned traveller so we talked to the Jarrold experts to find the things that they could not live without as they jet off to sunnier climates and pulled together the ultimate packing list for your holidays.
1. SPF
We all know the beauty gospel that is ‘make sure you wear SPF every day’ but with all the fluster and planning, this is something that can easily get left behind. Avoid being caught out by sunburn by making sure you go as high as possible; we suggest going for 50+ with regular reapplications throughout the day, even if it is cloudy.
And it’s not just your suncream to consider. Do not forget your SPF protecting lip balm, make-up and hair products which all help in limiting the amount of damage that those harmful UVA and UVB rays can do.
Don’t forget that if you plan to pack your SPF in your hand luggage you can only take liquids in your hand luggage if they're in containers that hold 100ml or less, stashed in a clear plastic bag when you go through airport security. There is the option to buy this at the airport, but popping your liquids into your own plastic bag before you leave for your flight could save you time and hassle when you get there.
2. Linen Pyjamas
A pair of linen pyjamas or a co-ord can be holiday style lifesaver. Breathable and fresh, linen is the perfect material for the warmer weather. Though cotton is globally famous for its time in the summertime spotlight, linen is not only a more stylish but also a cleverer choice. Allowing air to move more freely against your skin thus preventing the dreaded clamminess, linen absorbs perspiration and dries faster than a number of other fabrics.
By opting for a pyjama or co-ord set, you will find that they will look as good styled together for the evening as separately as beach cover-ups. The relaxed collar of the button-up shirt and drawstring long pant are the ultimate pieces for creating that relaxed, cool and seemingly effortless look.
3. Sarong/Scarf
We may have moved forward from the days when the bikini-matching sarong tied around the waist was the style statement of your annual holiday but you cannot deny the many uses of this swath of fabric.
Don’t worry about it taking any space in your suitcase and wear as a scarf onboard your flight. Avoid that aeroplane air conditioning and bundle yourself up in your sarong to stay warm as you take your onboard nap.
Protect your scalp and wear it is a headscarf, pop it over your shoulders to cover-up on excursions or take a look at some of the many videos online showing you how to wrap your sarong into dresses worthy of the red carpet – the uses for the scarf are endless!
Our top tip would be opt for a sarong in a block bright or geometric pattern to ensure that it will fit in effortlessly with your stylish holiday wardrobe for years to come.
4. Book
From sun-soaked romances to the most gripping crime and thriller books, we all have our preferred books for long days in the beach. You may have already escaped the grey-skied summer but your book of choice should offer some escapism for your frazzled brain.
Keeping you engrossed from the moment your bottom hits the aeroplane seat to the time has come to bid adieu to your fabulous hotel, your summer read should be something which is deserving of your leisure time.
Embrace the guilty pleasure of a feel-good beach read and float away on a picture-perfect romance with authors such as Erica James offering delightful tales set in beautiful locations or Rachel Hore who sets historical fiction and romance within British staycation locations.
Or do you like to leave your holiday feeling like you have kept your brain buzzing with a literary masterpiece? Opt for Jane Austen, her vivid characters will have you laughing along with the Bennett sisters while also engaging you in social commentary which have you delighted with the Georgian wordsmith.
5. Sunglasses
Why are sunglasses the finishing touch to any outfit which just adds instant cool? Whether it’s Kate Moss in a pair of Aviators or Audrey Hepburn’s oversized shades, sunglasses have the power to pull together a look while giving the wearer a touch of mystery.
Even without the increase in your style stakes, your sunglasses are a must-pack for any holiday. You’ll be spending more time outside and can mean more exposure to harmful UV rays event if the weather isn’t particularly bright. Sightseeing or sunbathing, you don’t want to be squinting to the point of headaches or migraines so make sure your favourite polarised pair are safely tucked away in your hand luggage, ready for that first step out of the aeroplane. Also people watching is a fun holiday activity so hide those eyes behind your glasses to be more covert.
Prices correct as of 1st August 2023