10 Things I Always Forget to Pack for a Summer Holiday
I am usually quite organised when it comes to packing, but there are always a few small things I remember either at the airport or once we have already arrived. None of these are particularly exciting, but every one of them is useful.
N° 01
Stain-remover pen
Ice cream, sun cream, tomato sauce and white summer clothes are not always the best combination. A stain-remover pen takes up almost no space and has rescued more than one outfit while we have been away.
N° 02
Blister plasters
Summer holidays often involve far more walking than expected, usually in sandals that seemed perfectly comfortable at home. Blister plasters are light and worth carrying before you need them.
N° 03
Hand sanitiser
Hand sanitiser is useful at airports, beach cafés, petrol stations and on days out. I usually pack one for my handbag and another for the car or beach bag.
N° 04
EU travel adaptor with USB-C
I still occasionally remember the adaptor and forget that we now need something capable of charging several devices quickly. A travel adaptor with USB-C Power Delivery is essential.
N° 05
Wrinkle-release spray
I cannot be bothered to pack a travel steamer, and hotel irons can be rather unpredictable. A small bottle of wrinkle-release spray is much easier and useful for dresses, shirts and linen clothes that have been crushed inside a suitcase.
N° 06
AirTag or luggage tracker
A luggage tracker offers a little extra reassurance when checking in bags, particularly during busy summer travel periods. Just remember to put it inside before leaving home!
N° 07
Mosquito repellent & bite relief
This is usually remembered during the first outdoor dinner, once the mosquitoes have already found us. I now try to pack both mosquito repellent and a post-bite roll-on.
N° 08
Aloe-based after-sun
Sun cream always makes it into the suitcase. After-sun is another matter. Even when nobody is burnt, an aloe-based after-sun feels lovely after a hot day at the beach or pool.
N° 09
Dry bag
A dry bag has featured in several of my travel articles because it is one of those genuinely useful things. We use it for wet swimwear, beach days, boat trips, and protecting electronics.
N° 10
Travel wash
A small tube of travel wash is useful for rinsing swimwear, washing a child’s stained T-shirt or making a smaller holiday wardrobe last a little longer. It is not glamorous, but it is extremely practical.
