Apart from your obvious essentials like a toothbrush, make-up remover, etc. I also have the 'extras' essentials list of things I always take with me and can't love without...the things that make my holiday that little bit more special or easier.
I'm already a convert when it comes to the 'pricy but so worth it' brand Piz Buin. This new tan accelerating sunscreen is a non sticky and non greasy formula, which absorbs instantly without leaving white marks. The weightless feel makes it perfect for fuss free application, but without compromising on the high level of protection. It can also be used on the face.
2. Hammamas cotton beach towel, £22-£35
I was recently gifted this towel and I absolutely love it. It's incredibly lightweight, pure cotton and absorbs water as much as a regular towel, making it the perfect beach accessory. The best thing about it is the fact that you can take it on short haul holidays in small luggage, and easily to the beach in your small bag, too. You can also use it as a makeshift beach cover, skirt or dress. It comes in LOTS of colours and different designs, check out their website for more options for women, kids, men and even the home. I want another one!!
If you are unfortunate enough to get bitten, Zap-It is perfect for soothing the itch. A tiny but effective piezo device that generates a harmless and mild (no stronger than a gentle pinch) low electrical impulse created by crystals to deliver harmless little ‘zaps’ which take the itch and scratch out of mozzie bites.
4. Canon 550D SLR 18M Digital Camera, Was £600, now £345
Nowadays, some people use their phones, GoPros, some retro cameras and others compact cameras when on holiday. It's incredible how much choice we have, but I always have my trusty SLR with me. It doesn't compare to any other compact camera, as this baby makes EVERYTHING look good (yes, even sweaty faces on a night out). It's a good size, not too heavy, and you can change the lenses or settings to take the most amazing holiday pictures. This one is an older model now but any SLR you get will do the trick.
5. Lonely Planet Books, £Prices vary
The Bible! I can never go without this, and I study it months prior to my trip to make sure I don't miss out on anything. Best place to buy the books is Amazon as there are always discounts on.
6. Compeed Blister Mix 5 Pain Relieving Plasters, £4.48
This. Is a GODSEND! I carry one of these genius products in every single handbag, as I now can't live without them. They are the only plasters that actually work when I get blisters from dancing, walking, hiking, etc. as you can apply them anywhere needed. They have a special cushion-y but transparent look and feel. I urge you to invest!!!
Theses sweets contain a massive 30% ginger per sweet and are proving very popular for travel sickness. I usually take special sickness pills but these actually worked a treat (see what I did there?) when I felt mildly uneasy on a snorkelling boat trip. Great as an alternative for those who don't like to take unnatural medicine.
8. Asos Leather Drawstring Backpack, £28
I hate big rucksacks, but can't deny their practicality, especially when on a cultural holiday! This one from Asos is stylish but has enough room for your guide book, bottle of water, bikini, and camera when on the go or on a scooter - whooosshhh!
9. Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Body Butter, £27
There's nothing like that fresh smell and feeling of body butter right after a shower, and I'm a big fan of Laura Mercier's collection. I like to take a nice moisturiser with me on holiday to feel extra luxurious!
A travel essential for everyone, but this specific plug is awesome. I got it on Amazon years ago and still use it to charge my phone, camera and even iPod as it has a usb hole.
11. Burt's Bees Super Shiny Mango Shampoo and Conditioner, £9.99
Along with luxurious moisturisers and essential suncreams, I also like to take natural shampoos and conditioners with me. It always adds to that blissful holiday feeling when you're not wearing make-up, your hair is all messed up and curly and you're eating fruit on the beach! Burt's Bees do a lovely set of Super Shiny Mango shampoo and conditioner, and they smell lovely. Fortified with Mango Seed Oil and Fig Extract, this nourishing natural hair care formula leaves my hair feeling soft, shiny and super silky (the conditioner has mango seed and avocado oils).
12. Piz Buin After Sun Soothing & Cooling Moisturising Lotion, £5.25
After sun lotions help moisturise dry skin and also help prolong your tan. It's an essential to have to make those sun hours worth it, and your tan last longer without peeling! If burnt, the best thing to use is pure Aloe Vera Gel, though.
13. Victoria's Secret Vanilla Lace Refreshing Body Mist, £12
Not as harsh as a perfume, it's the perfect spray on the beach or when you want to feel refreshed in the heat. It smells divine, sweet and sexy! Only downside is that it doesn't last long but you can spray it all over to top up.
14. KITE Abbey Sunglasses, £115
Another obvious holiday essential, but it's important to invest in a good pair of sunnies to protect your eyes properly. There is nothing worse than exposing your eyes to the sunshine through a poor UV protection. These sunnies from a new brand called KITE are cool but classic, and go with everything. I particularly like the gradient a-la-Chanel effect!
So there you have it, an unnecessarily loooong list of things I ALWAYS take on holiday. Hope some of my own discoveries will also be useful to you!
