Your flights are booked, your itinerary is planned to perfection, and you’re counting down the hours until you’re on a beach with a cocktail in hand. There’s just one thing to do to get ready for your warm-weather holiday – pack.
While it may not be as fun as browsing TripAdvisor or booking hotels, packing is an essential part of your pre-trip planning (and I actually love it!). The last thing you need is to be stuck in the Balinese sun without your Raybans, or caught without good shoes for exploring in Hawaii! Wherever it is you’re escaping to, here are some tips on how to pack for warmer weather:
Consider how much you (really) need to take
Packing really is a delicate balance between being prepared, making sure you have everything that you need, and not bringing your entire wardrobe. Research your luggage allowance beforehand, weigh your suitcase if you can, and be prepared to sacrifice some nice outfits for more essential items if it comes down to it!
When packing, it’s also worth keeping in mind how much shopping you’ll be doing. If you’re headed to Southeast Asia, for example, night markets are a popular (and very cheap) tourist attraction, so chances are you’ll spend more on gifts and comfy ‘fishermen pants’ than intended. Remember, the more you pack, the less room you have in your suitcase for your return trip goodies.
TIP: Opt for mutli-function items like adjustable tops, easy layering pieces and dual purpose beauty bits.
"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."
- Anthony J. D'Angelo
Make sure you cover all your bases
While it would be great if you could have your entire wardrobe’s worth of options while you’re overseas, focus on what you need first, then make room for anything extra. The best way to cover your bases is to keep your clothing options broad and versatile, without over-packing. For example, rather than packing all ten of your favourite dresses, go for four dresses, a sarong, two pairs of shorts, a pair of lightweight pants, long and short sleeved tops, some dressy clothes and some active wear. That way, you’re prepared for whatever adventures present themselves. Packing two bikinis is also a good idea so you have one to wear while the other dries out.
TIP: Before you start packing it’s also worth researching if there are any customs around clothing for the country where you’re travelling to. In some more conservative countries, skimpy clothing can be considered offensive and may even prevent you from visiting certain tourist attractions such as religious monuments.
Look after yourself
Just as essential as outfit choices are the health, hygiene and other miscellaneous items to consider for a warm-weather trip abroad. Make sure you bring along sunscreen, insect repellent, soothing sunburn cream just in case, a sunhat and sunglasses.
Other good items to pack, especially on an adventure-based vacation, include a small first aid kit, a lightweight daypack and a quick-drying, microfibre towel. To save on space, you may like to buy some toiletries when you get there or only choose to add items that are multi-functional like a 3-1 face, hair and body wash.
TIP: Don't forget your inside health! It's common for many people to get sick on holidays as they stop from the stresses of everyday work and life. Fuel your body and counter the cocktails with a daily dose of on the go greens for essential vitamins and nutrients.
Choose your shoes wisely
This one is key because it really can make or break the activities that you end up doing. If you’re headed on an island beach holiday, it might be tempting to throw in a pair of flip-flops and consider yourself done, but what if you want to go on a long day walk or travel around the island on a bicycle or scooter?
Ultimately, what you need here will depend entirely on your holiday plans, but it’s worth giving some thought to the practicality of what you pack. If you plan on doing more than just chilling at the beach, consider bringing along some sturdy sandals or sneakers to make life easier on your feet. You may also want to bring a dressier pair of shoes for nights out.
TIP: 1 pair of comfy flats, 1 pair of wedges, 1 pair of sneakers should cover most occasions. Otherwise, happy shoe shopping!
Prepare for more than one weather forecast
Just because you’re going somewhere with warmer temperatures doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to enjoy perfect cloudless days all the time. Before you start packing, research the climate for the time of year you’re visiting (it may be tropical, with periods of rain despite the heat, for example) and check out the weather forecast to give you an idea of what you’ll need for each day. As an added bonus, knowing the weather forecast beforehand will also help you plan your itinerary.
TIP: At the end of the day, it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. Knowing the forecast helps, but even if the weather gods are smiling upon you and it’s predicted to be all blue skies, it pays to bring along an umbrella and a lightweight jacket, just in case!
Got some travel packing tips for us?
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* The typical results are different for everyone. Results vary depending on individual effort, skin type, body composition, age, eating patterns, exercise, and the like.
Slip, slop, slap with a big floppy hat, tinted sunscreen, cool layers and chic sunnies.
On the go vegan meal replacement shakes and greens plus cooling after sun care is essential.
Essential oils makes great travel sized perfumes and aluminum-free deodorant will keep you fresh in the heat!
