Summer Sun Holiday Women's Essential Packing Guide 2012

Sun Holidays 2012: Women’s Holiday Packing Guide

1 Image by krejcirikmira

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Contents 1.

Pack Smart ................................................................................................................................................... 4 1.1 Do I need it? ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 1.2 Will I use it? ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 1.3 Do I have something almost identical I can use twice? ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5 1.4 Self-Catering............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 1.5 Weight ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 1.6 Liquids ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 1.7 Electricity ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 1.8 Getting Around ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 2. Styling Tips – Great Style But Minimal Packing. ...................................................................................... 8 2.1: Do You Really Need Your Straightners, Tongs, Hairdryer etc…? ........................................................................................................................................................... 8 2.2: Light Bikini Cover Options and Evening Attire ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 2.3: Make-Up: You Do Not Need The Entire Contents Of Boots! ................................................................................................................................................................ 13 2.4: Accessories – What Do I Really Need? ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14 3. Coming Home ............................................................................................................................................ 16 4. Quick Checklist: ........................................................................................................................................ 17 Clothing: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Self Entertainment .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Footwear ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17 Accessories ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17 Toiletries............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Hair and Beauty.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Travel Docs ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17 First Aid .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17

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2012 is fast progressing and I’m sure many of you by now are counting down the time you have left until you are jetting off to that wonderful sun and beach holiday you have booked.

However, when it comes to packing for such holidays you always find that the excitement of vacating to your chosen haven messes with your organisational skills and ability to pack, so something is always left behind.

This guide will hopefully help you to avoid repeat scenarios of forgetfulness and have you packing like a pro so you can enjoy your holiday from the moment you leave the house leaving all stress behind you.

Here we will discuss what your packing essentials should be, luggage and packing restrictions and what you need to consider.

Consider this your checking list:

2 Rhodes

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1. Pack Smart There are plenty of things to remember when you are packing for your holiday but DO NOT LET THIS DISTRACT YOU; you still need to pack smart. Think about the following points to make sure that you do not over-pack or pack the wrong things and cause more trouble for yourself later on.

1.1

Do I need it?

It is so easy to just chuck things into your suitcase without thinking about whether you will actually need them. For example, you may be used to setting up a tent or windbreaker on your British seaside holidays but if you are going to a calm Mediterranean beach resort you really won’t need it. If you are worried about getting extra shade there will probably sun umbrellas you can hire for a fraction of the cost of going over weight on your luggage!

Top Tip:

1.2

Many resorts now provide beach/pool towels in addition to bath towels so you can save some space and weight by leaving all of your towels at home.

Will I use it?

Just because you do not need something it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it on holiday, it’s a break not a prison sentence! But, ask yourself ‘will I use it?’ It may seem like a great idea to take your laptop but will you use it? Is there wifi where you are staying? Is there an internet room that would be far easier to use? If you won’t use it, don’t take it! Alternatively, look for a smaller option before you go away e.g.: Ipod Chargers…don’t take the entire docking station or even the larger chargers; you should be able to find a transportable charger that is much smaller and easier to transport.

Hobbies are something to consider within this subject. If you are a reader on holiday then it may be an idea to look at alternatives to books for your reading material as these can be bulky packing items and at times heavy. If you have an Ipod then audio books are a good idea as you can listen to these by the pool or on the beach un-disturbed. If you prefer to read though as opposed to listening then there are a few digital options to consider such as the ‘Kindle.’ This is a device that enables you to download books to read on one device, you can have hundreds of books in one place. It doesn’t glare like you would think, very different to reading off of a computer screen, they are ultra-light and you can buy protective covers to avoid smothering it in sun cream!

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1.3

Do I have something almost identical I can use twice?

This is targeted primarily at clothes and shoes. If you plan to lie in the sun all day practically every day of your holiday you do not need a different set of day clothes for each day of the holiday. The clothes are simply covering you whilst you walk to and from the pool/beach/garden; you can wear them 3 or 4 times! Equally, one pair of flip flops will suffice for a one week holiday; you do not need a pair to match every outfit. Ladies…save some pennies on splurging on various bikinis too, 3 bikinis is all you need for a two week holiday as you can wash them in your bathroom sink and they’ll dry on their own in the sun. Gents…same applies for swim shorts/ trunks and also day and evening shorts.

1.4 Self-Catering If you have opted to self-cater on holiday this does not mean you need to pack your kitchen. Whether you have rented a house, villa or chalet all kitchen tools and standard household appliances will be provided. So you can leave the travel iron and kettle in the cupboard at home!

Top Tip:

Try and find the local supermarket when you get there, instead of stocking up at the one onsite if you are staying at a resort, as these tend to be a little cheaper and can save you some extra going out money.

1.5

Weight

Suitcases are loaded and unloaded by baggage handlers (these are people who have to lift them). Therefore, airlines have pretty strict weight limits on suitcases and have high fees for cases which go over weight. Bear this in mind when you are packing, you do not want to get to the airport and have to pay out your spending money before you even get there on getting your suitcase on the plane. You can get a rough idea of your suitcase’s weight by trying to balance it on your scales, or you can get digital luggage scales that will tell you the exact weight. If you have yet to buy a suitcase for your holiday then I suggest you feel how heavy it is when it is empty before buying. Some models are still quite hefty in weight; and that’s before you fill them.

1.6

Liquids

More and more people are opting to go hand-luggage only on short trips to avoid having to pay extra charges for taking hold luggage. This is a great plan for saving some extra money but remember that taking your luggage on the plane with you means taking it through airport security. This means you cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml (even if there is less than 100ml in it) which could include:  Drinks

6  Shampoo and conditioner  Shower gel  Sun cream  Moisturiser  Foundation  Toothpaste  Contact lens solution  Deodorant  Hairspray  Shaving cream  Baby Milk – Prepared Into bottle. (Be careful how much you take through with you and yes you may be asked to taste it). It may be better to have this prepared for you on the plane if it is formula.

All the liquids you want to take should fit into one clear sealable plastic bag which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm per passenger.

1.7

Electricity

You will need electricity to power many of the things you take on holiday, some essential and some not. So do not forget your converter plug! Find out which type of plug you will need for the Country you are going to, continental Europe, USA and UK all use different electricity plug points. You will probably need more than one converter plug, to save you having to keep unplug things and taking the converter to different rooms.

Top Tip: Take an extension lead so that you can plug in a few things with only one converter plug. You may not think you will need it but when you want to blow dry your hair, have your phone on charge and listen to music at once you will soon appreciate it!

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1.8

Getting Around

Have you thought about how you are getting to the airport with your luggage? What about from the airport to where you are staying at the other end? If you are planning on taking public transport then think about how easy it is for you to carry your suitcase(s) and hand luggage and negotiate crowded spaces, go up and down stairs and get on to and off of buses or trains. Backpacks may not be the most fashionable bag but they make carrying your hand luggage considerably easier so don’t rule this option out. Make sure your suitcase of choice has carry straps or wheels that make it easily portable.

Expandable Handles

Wheels

Tip: Make your suitcase identifiable to you as it is so easy to pick up the wrong case at the airport. Tie something colourful to it so you know it is yours.

4 Modern suitcases By kalleboo

3 Small/medium wheelie suitcases By dan taylor

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2. Styling Tips – Great Style But Minimal Packing.

2.1

Do You Really Need Your Straightners, Tongs, Hairdryer etc…?

Most hotels or even rented villas will have a hairdryer available in your room however; if they don’t there could be other options for you instead of packing all of your usual styling essentials. Before packing your GHD’s and other heated appliances consider the fact that you will probably need a portable plug that converts an international plug socket into a UK plug socket. Also, dependent on how far away your sun holiday is you may need to come to terms with the fact that their electricity wattage is not as high as ours in the UK. You could find your heated appliance isn’t actually that hot and therefore just a wasted tool that took up extra space in your luggage. Why not try some of the below styling tips before your holiday and see if these could convince you to leave the heated hair appliances at home:

Boho Chic

Tousled Hair – The Natural Look  Towel dry wet hair.

 Towel dry wet hair.

 Plait whilst still damp.

 Part in the middle for a 70’s boho look but works for side partings too.

 Undo plait, shake hair loose and mousse for texture and hold.

 Accessorise with a simple bandeau headband.

 Scrunch hair from the tips to the roots with your hands.

5 Image by Wikimedia Commons 6 Image by Wikimedia Commons

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Laid Back Plait  Pull hair back and round into a side pony tail.  Take a piece of hair from the pony tail, wrap it round the band and pin into place.  Create a fish plait by plaiting with two sections of hair instead of three. Split one of the two strands in half and fold over itself, do the same with other of the two strands but fold over the first fold, swapping the first fold into the second strand of hair.  Repeat until plait is complete and tie at the end.  Brush your fingertips back over your plait for a less ‘finished’ appearance.  Embellish with stylish headbands or wrap round pieces. If you want to include the smaller plait detail just leave a little hair out of the ponytail being plaited. Plait separately as per the norm with three sections, wrap around the larger plait and tie into the end.

7 Image by Wikimedia Commons

Grecian Style Plait - Updo  To do this style you do need to have a little knowledge of French plaiting, you don’t need to have perfected it but you do need to be familiar with the technique.  Part a section of your hair from the left side. Separate a small section of this into three sub-sections like a normal plait.

Fold one over the other like a normal plait but only plait within that section, taking a small additional piece of hair with each fold.  When you have finished plaiting that section and have reached the edge of the right side, you need to change the direction of the plait with a second section and repeat the techniques listed above.  When you reach the edge of the left side again, repeat the above techniques until all hair is plaited. If you have a longer plait and some excess left over, wrap beneath the lower plait and pin. Pull loose strands of hair from the front to frame the face. Don’t worry if you have layers, the texture will add to the semi-messy effect.

8 Image by Wikimedia Commons

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Classic Bun – With a Twist  Modernise a traditional bun by pulling it to the front of your hair.

Tip: You can just use these to make a traditional bun by securing a ponytail in the centre of your head and repeating the same steps.

 A great investment for this style, or for any ‘perfect’ hair bun is a ‘hair bun sponge.’ Pictured to the right.  This image actually features two buns.  Split hair in two halves and tie each section into a ponytail, dragging the top section nearer the front of your crown.  Loop each ponytail through the sponge like you would with a large scrunchie.

Wrap your full ponytail round the sponge once and pull through the middle.  Spread the hair that has been looped round the entire sponge folding any excess hair within this.  Pin the surrounding bun to secure in place.

10 Image by Wikimedia Commons 9 Image by Wikimedia Commons

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2.2 Light Bikini Cover Options and Evening Attire If you are concerned about over packing or are worried that you may have too many bulky choices then fret not, my packing guide is here to help. I have listed some styling tips that should help you pack a little less or at least a little flatter:  Bikini Cover Ups: You don’t need a different cover up for everyday and luckily these are usually much lighter. Forget taking an entire day outfit as your cover up e.g.: Shorts, Vest, T-shirt etc… You want to opt for lighter choices such as Kaftans. These are great when by the pool or on the beach and chiffon/ frills are extremely on trend this summer which is great for packing space.

11 Catwalk Kaftan by Jamaica Byles

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12 Kaftan by Chaletlinge

If you need to consider that your hotel may not accept guests in the restaurants unless fully dressed then a wrap around, maxi or other light summery unique dress would be a good investment, they are glamorous, quick to put on and light in material.

13 Oliver Bonas wrap around dress

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ď‚Š Evening Wear: Playsuits are a great idea for a casual evening at the hotel. Light in material and packing and easy to wear, teamed with a cropped jacket and heels dress you up enough for a night out. Maxi dresses are also fab for evening wear as they are so easy to wear and the length makes you look glamorous with minimum effort.

Summer maxi’s are also light in material, go for something floaty and you can always accessorise with a waist belt and jewellery to embellish a plainer design.

14 Oliver Bonas Fish Print Playsuit 15 Image Playsuit by Liz

16 AnimalMaxi Dress by letthemstare

17 Maxi Dress by Hot Womens Clothing

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2.3 Make-Up: You Do Not Need The Entire Contents Of Boots!

Okay so you are going on a sun holiday which means heat, so you do not need all of the make-up you own and then some, as during the day you will not be wearing it anyway as you’ll be applying your sun cream instead. Also, even in the evening you will not need a full face of make-up as the key faux par to remember is that it tends to melt in hot climates. You then end up with patchy foundation, eyeliner tears and generally wind up looking a mess. Not pretty! When applying make up on a sun holiday think ‘less is more’, so when you think about packing make up keep it to a minimum:

The Essentials You Need:  Foundation – Leave this for your journey home or just don’t pack it. A good moisturiser can work as a base over your nice newly tanned face.  Mascara – Yes this is good to use in the evening as after being bare all day, it will make your lashes appear thicker and make your eyes pop.  Illuminator Cream – Always a good investment as it can add a healthy glow on top of your tan. Apply to cheekbones and eyes if you need to brighten them a little. You can choose from pink or gold tones dependent on the look you want.  Bronzer – You can buy this in various shades and is great to add a little more colour to your complexion. Brush over cheeks, nose and forehead for an even finish.

18 Cosmetic Case by Sol.Digital

 Tinted Moisturiser – Being out in the sun all day can quickly dry out your skin which can be made worse by sun cream and various make up products, such as foundation. A good tinted moisturiser provides colour and cover like a light foundation and also moisturises your face. Good tinted moisturisers also have SPF 15 or higher, so if you are walking around the market or going for lunch this is a great daytime option, to keep your face looking fabulous and protected from the sun.

 Eye Liner – All you need is one good eye liner pencil (and sharpener) for evening make up. This can literally transform a look from ‘nice’ to ‘smouldering goddess’. Stick with black, or brown, to suit your colourings rather than particular outfits so that you can use it every night. Don’t worry about having the same look every night either, you can apply it to your upper lids, lower lids, or both for different emphasises and therefore looks.  Lip stick – As with your eye liner pick one good lip stick that suits you and will work with any outfit. Some evenings leave the eye liner in your make up bag, apply some subtle bronzer and mascara and then make your lips the centre of attention.

19 Eyeshadow by Walt Stoneburner

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2.4 Accessories – What Do I Really Need?

Accessories can wind up being a bulky addition to your packing, probably because you have too many. You can’t pack every coloured bangle you own amongst various necklaces, rings, earrings on top of your sunglasses and handbags. Even if you could, you really would not use them all! So let’s cut it down a little:

Jewellery

20 Image Jewellery by Gleann Ignacio

Keep to gold and silver styles only as these will go with almost anything. You will want the following:  One pair of stud earrings for the day (or as many pairs as you need to accommodate the piercings you have).  One pair of silver earrings for the evening and one pair of gold. (Don’t forget you have your stud earrings should you need something a little more subtle).  One long necklace and one short necklace. Decide which will need to be gold and which should be silver depending on the necklines of the evening outfits you have planned. If you tend to wear scarves then leave these at home completely as you won’t need them.  One silver and one gold ring if you wear fashion rings a lot. If you wear large costume rings then generally you don’t need to worry about bracelets as sometimes this can look a little much.  Bangles or bracelets…just pack a few of each, silver or gold. You can always save a little on packing by wearing one full set of your accessories travelling; you can mix a little style with your comfy aeroplane clothes.

Sunglasses Sunglasses can be a great way to accessorise an outfit at home, wearing different colour frames to match your handbag, shoes or bring out a particular colour in your clothes.

However, we are not talking about home, when it comes to holiday just take one pair…you do not need loads. As with packing your day time clothes, you are going to relax in your swimwear, you do not need a fabulous new look for each day! If you are someone that often loses them then don’t worry, there will be some on sale where you are. Just buy a cheap pair from a local market.

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Shoes

We always make the mistake of packing various pairs of shoes; flats, heels, sandals, flip flops etc…

Be realistic: have you considered what the resort is like where you are staying? If there are lots of stairs, or you are a 20 minute walk from the beach, then it is unlikely you are going to need your heels in the day time. You can still look fabulous in flip flops all day round.

Also think about what you are going to be doing on your sun holiday, are there beautiful walks to go on? Is there an option to hire bikes and explore the area? This is not easily done in flip flops, or high heels! It is usually worth taking one pair of sensible, comfortable flat shoes that will support your feet for extensive walking.

These are usually the best shoes to travel in too, since airplanes can get pretty cold when you are wearing flip flops.

Top Tip: Trainers are bulky in your suitcase, plimsolls provide the same support and take up a fraction of the space when being packed.

All you really need is to pack one pair for day time (probably neutral coloured flip flops), one more practical pair and one pair a little more special for the evening.

Think about your outfits and choose a neutral colour which will work with all of them, so you only need to take one pair of high heels, such as black, beige, gold or silver.

21 Silver Sandals by Mr Fun(k)

Bags

You will need a couple of handbags for your holiday, but no more than a couple! Choose two unique handbags which can work as day bags and evening bags and then a beach bag, which can be your hand luggage bag.

Things to think about when choosing holiday handbags:  Colours – will they match my shoes and go with all my outfits? If you are taking black evening shoes then a matching black evening bag will work with whatever you are wearing as your accessories are working together  Security – how do your bags close? Holidaying in poorer Countries can increase the risk of pick-pockets and you are likely to have more valuables with you, losing your camera is bad enough without all the holiday snaps on it too. So make sure that your bags close securely with zips or clasps.  When – when will you be using your bags? A larger day bag makes sense for the beach/pool but it is also good to have a smaller daytime bag for walking around with, in the heat you will not want to be lugging around a large bag which is inevitably have more things in it than you really need. You will also probably want an evening bag, either a clutch or if you are going partying then a small bag with a cross-body strap.

22 Beach bag by Oliver Bonas

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3. Coming Home I know you don’t want to think about coming home before you have even got there but if you do think about a few things now it will make the return journey far less stressful.

The key point here is: What is the likelihood that you will come home with more than you left with?

It doesn’t matter what type of holiday you are going on there are plenty of factors which could cause you to do some shopping. Whether you treat yourself, buy gifts for friends and family or have to buy something you forgot (hopefully not after reading this guide!) it is pretty likely that you will be bringing home more than you left with. Keep this in mind when you are packing. Consider whether there is anything you can leave behind and avoid re-packing e.g.: Half empty toiletries, Sun Cream, Shampoo, Conditioner, Moisturiser etc…

Top Tip: Don’t buy new shampoo, shower gel etc to take with you on holiday, take the half empty ones you have been using at home so that you finish them whilst you are away and don’t have to bring them back again. They also weigh less than full bottles on the way there.

If you are sitting on your case to get it closed on the way there then you need to re-think something because there is no way you will get it closed coming home! Save yourself the stress of spending your past few hours of relaxation time trying to squeeze everything into your case by thinking about it before you get there. Could you take a smaller beach towel, or one less pair of shoes?

Top Tip: If there is nothing that you can take out then can you take a bigger hand luggage bag? The maximum size for most airlines is 56x45x25cm, so even if you don’t need the space now, take a bigger bag for the journey home. *Hand luggage size restrictions vary by airline, so check with your airline before packing.

Think about what you will wear home, it is (hopefully!) going to be hot where you are leaving and cold (knowing the UK!) where you arrive so need to have versatile clothes for the journey home. There is no point taking a big coat which you will have to lug around on the last day of your holiday because it won’t fit in your suitcase. Take a few layers, such as a cardigan, hoody and jacket that will fit into your hand luggage bag or can be packed at the top of your suitcase so you can get them out to wear when you collect your suitcase on arrival.

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4. Quick Checklist: Check?

Check?

Clothing:

Self Entertainment

Swimwear Cover ups / day wear Evening wear Cardigans / jumpers Underwear!

MP3 / music player (and portable speakers?)

Books / reading material Playing cards Bat and ball Phone and charger

Footwear

Accessories

Flip flops Active / supporting shoes Evening shoes

Jewellery Hand bags Sunglasses and hats

Toiletries

Hair and Beauty

Toothbrush and toothpaste (not provided by hotels as standard!)

Moisturiser Sun cream and after sun Insect repellent Make up remover Shower gel Disposable razors Just in case feminine toiletries

Hair brush

Travel Docs

First Aid

Passport!

Flight confirmation/boarding passes Accommodation confirmation Travel insurance policy documents EHIC Card (if travelling in the EU) Both parts of driving license, if hiring a car Foreign currency

Pain killers Imodium Anti-histamines Plasters Antiseptic Re-hydration solution Travel sickness tablets (if you need them)

Shampoo and conditioner Hair products and spray Hair bands and clips Hair dryer – if you really need it Hair styling tool – if you really need it Make up Make up brushes

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Have a great holiday...

23 Sunset over the sea By krejcirikmira