Packing the right way will reduce travel stress. Take clothes that can have a dual purpose, like a scarf that can double as a sarong, pajamas as daywear, dresses that can be beach cover-ups. and a thin cloth bag to pop dirty clothes in will make laundry easier on your return. Certain things that are essentials like packing cubes, a universal plug and earplugs but there are others that will simply enhance the experience like a new swimsuit and a cashmere wrap. Here’s a selection of ten new essential items for your next holiday from light cotton dresses to credit-card sized phone chargers.
1. Black cotton trousers
Winser black trousers
Winser’s cotton twill capri trousers (£125) come in black of course as well as stone and midnight navy. A smooth side zip fastening, a small vent at the bottom of the outside leg and a fabric woven with a touch of stretch make for comfort and travel.
2. Cotton Midi or Maxi Dress
Summer dresses from Aspiga
British brand Aspiga (from £210) has a gorgeous range of glorious block printed soft organic cotton dresses, ideal for the beach or for evenings out. Since launching in 2006, all Aspiga products have been designed with respect to suppliers and use materials sourced from sustainable, natural, organic, renewable and recycled sources wherever possible. Also lovely is a maxi dress from Me+Em in iron-free cheesecloth with simple mother-of-pearl buttons and lightweight cotton voile lining.
3. Cotton Blouse
Mabe
To be worn with trousers, shorts or skirts, a lightweight, breathable 100% cotton blouse is a must. Mabe has a pretty floral top with 3/4 sleeves while Me+Em has a 100% cotton soft short sleeved, balloon-sleeve blouse in iron-free, breathable cheesecloth.
4. The ultimate one-piece swimsuit
Hunza one piece, one size swimsuits
A new brand and a vintage brand both offer great options in one piece and bikinis. All swimwear from Deakin & Blue is made from recycled fabric, a 100% regenerated nylon fiber made from waste such as old fishing nets and industrial plastic. The X-back Monroe swimsuit (£120.00) is a bit of a struggle getting on but the reward is a super flattering look and a suit that is ideal for swimming. Hunza has been going strong since 1984 with their signature crinkle swimwear in one size fits all. The square neck one piece in black really is the perfect fit and the fabric is so comfortable.
5. Cashmere Wrap
Sunflower yellow cashmere wrap from the Travel wrap company
Ditch a coat during summer holidays and take a cashmere wrap instead that can double as a blanket on the plane or even for the beach. Cashmere is the perfect material for all year round as the fibers allow for temperature regulation, whilst cashmere also wicks moisture away from the skin. The Travel Wrap company, Winser and Gobi cashmere all have lovely options from £175.
6. Light weight cushioned sneakers
Fitflop Vitamin E01 sneakers
A walking sneaker for sightseeing that’s stylish enough to wear with dresses is a must. Fitflop’s brilliant sneaker the e01 Vitamin FF (£100) sleek and super-light, is not only bio-mechanically engineered for exercise and walking, it’s made from recycled polyester yarn from plastic waste and reprocessed foam recovered from factory waste.
7. Moisturizer/Sunscreen in One
PCA Skin UK has a couple of SPF formulas including the Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (£44) and the Sheer Tint SPF 45. Or BullyBlocker MultiTasker Creme Stick is a hydrating creme stick for all skin types. Designed to conceal, protect and treat skin with natural hydrating properties and ingredients to combat environmental damage, inflammation and redness. The handy stick also contains essential Zinc Block sun protection.
8. Refillable Eco-Friendly Deodorant
Fussy natural deodorant
New brand of refillable natural deodorant, Fussy has plastic-free refills and clean, effective ingredients that care for your skin as well as the planet. The home compostable refills are made from waste sugarcane, which once done with will just decompose in your garden or the garbage. The natural ingredients include an odor-neutralizing probiotic that lasts for 24 hours, plus it’s vegan, free from aluminum and parabens.
9.Travel Toothbrush
Suri Toothbrush and UV-C Travel Case
Recently launched by UK wellness brand SURI (£120) is the first eco-friendly electric toothbrush. The SURI Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush is made primarily from plant-based and recyclable materials and it’s compact enough to travel with. It features a UV-C LED light clean and charge travel case and the case can be charged via USB, keeping your brush ready for use while killing up to 99% of bacteria that builds up in the toothbrush head with built-in UV-C LED cleaning lights.
Great for fitting into even the smallest washbag, the Tour Travel Toothbrush features a “Jack-Knife” design with a replaceable head that folds neatly inside the hollow handle. No extra travel case required. And it’s eco friendly too: the handle is made from 100% wood-based bio-plastic and the bristles are vegetable-derived, making them environmentally sound.
10. Credit card sized charger
Credit card sized charger from Aquavault
Probably the smallest charger out there, ChargeCard is literally the size of a credit card. The smallest, thinnest lightest portable charger from Aquavault is tiny (only 0.18 inches thin). It even has the charging cables built-in and charges both iPhones and Androids. While it doesn’t provide multiple charges like bulkier packs, it gives just enough to get you home after being out all day.
