Summer travel essentials

Summer is the time for travelling. A weekend away with your friends, a family camping trip, an overnighter with your beloved, the great summer roadie… it’s time to hit the road and do some exploring. But what do you take with you? When space is limited you want to make sure that you grab the essentials, and leave behind the things you won’t need.

I’m heading away this weekend for a week with my family, so that’s got me thinking about what my summer travel essentials are when I have to pack light.

CLOTHES:

I’m going to be honest – I’m an overpacker. I like to be prepared so I seem to take way too many things. And then only wear half of them. Sound familiar? If your space is limited, you are to have to be brutal.

For a week away I’m taking a pair of shorts , a couple of tanks and a few tees plus a maxi dress or two (one a bit dressy and one casual). I’m planning to swim every day so will probably take two swimsuits. Oh, and I couldn’t forget my pyjamas! Do you really need five pairs of shoes? No Meagan. This time I’m taking a pair of sandals, a pair of sneakers and a pair of jandals (which will be in my beach bag). I’ll also be taking a straw hat that I can jam into my bag without worrying about it getting crushed.

BEAUTY:

Essano Gentle Cleansing Facial Wipes | Burt’s Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil | Skinnies SPF30 Sungel | Black Chicken Remedies Axilla Deodorant Paste | Tangle Teezer Compact Brush | Craybands | Essano Gentle Facial Cleansing Micellar Water | The Body Shop Satsuma Body Butter | R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo | Lush Don’t Rain on My Parade Shower Gel | Antipodes Anti-Ageing Minis | Original & Mineral Hydrate & Conquer Shampoo and Conditioner

I’ll be sharing exactly what’s in my travel beauty bag next week, but in general my summer travel essentials include micellar water and face wipes (because removing your makeup and cleaning your face is important, even when you don’t have your seven step cleaning routine on hand); sunscreen for during the day and a facial moisturiser for at night as well as a moisturiser for your body – the sun and sea can dry your skin out so it’s important to keep it hydrated! Deodorant is an obvious one, plus my favourite body wash to keep me smelling fresh – I transfer mine into a smaller bottle so it fits nicely into my toiletries bag. Depending on where I’m heading and how long I’m away for, I will either take dry shampoo, regular shampoo and conditioner (in travel sizes, of course) or both. If I’m planning on hitting the beach, washing my hair is a must – beachy waves might look cute but they’re hell on my hair. Oh and you can’t forget lip balm, a hairbrush and a couple of hair ties.

EXTRAS:

A good book is important for when I’m not swimming or waging board game battles against my family, and a refillable water bottle is essential. I aim to drink at least 3L a day (more if it’s especially hot or I’m spending a lot of time in the sun), because it keeps my skin looking good and my body hydrated – sun stroke is no fun at all people!

What are your summer travel essentials?
I’m off to pack my bag so let me know if you think I’ve missed anything!