The Travel Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed

The plane tickets are booked, transfers are in order and your itinerary is jam-packed, yet when it comes to packing the essentials, you manage to fall short. However, packing holiday clothes doesn’t have to be a hassle. To help you get started for your far-away vay-cay, here’s a handy fashion-focused checklist of essential supplies to pack. So next time you find yourself surrounded by piles of clothes on the floor, and drawing a blank, don’t panic.

The Slider

It can be hard to find a’shoe that is suitable for activities on the beach during the da and mojitos at night. Sliders are a great choice if you’re unsure what to bring as they double-up for both day and nighttime. Old-school Birkenstock sandals are also ideal to take on holiday, not only because they’re incredibly versatile, but because they come in a huge variety to suit every type of lifestyle or holiday. They dry quickly when wet, and are breathable for busy-bodies on the go. These silver glitter sliders from River Island are also an ideal?addition to your holiday “shoe-drobe” and offer a modern, sparkly approach to classic Birks.

Left to right: silver glitter sliders, €43 at River Island; Arizona SFB Metallic Copper, €84.99 at Birkenstock.ie

The Sun Dress

Holiday dressing needs to be easy, convenient, and, most importantly, comfortable. Sun dresses are a fun and trend-driven way to make sure that all of the above boxes are ticked while looking effortlessly chic, of course. This mango-coloured?Lyocell-blend sundress from H&M is perfect to throw on over a swimsuit or paired with a statement necklace for dinner in the evening; and for under €50, it’s a steal (AND it has pockets!!).

Lyocell-blend sundress, €49.99 at H&M

The Skin Protection

We know you’re all incredibly intelligent women, but it’s easy to slip up and fall asleep in the sun without sun factor on (it happens to the best of us and I have the dodgy tan-line to prove it). Wearing?a dose of daily SPF is the only thing that will keep your skin from looking like an old, leather handbag. There is?a gaggle of sun creams on the market but we want one that’s travel-friendly, lightweight, easy to apply, and one that offers enough protection too. With that, we’re recommending?Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50, ?41,?La Roche Posey Anthelois?SPF 50+ Ultra Light Invisible Face Mist, €20, and Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50, ?39.

ICYMI: 4 Of The Best SPFs To Wear In The Sun

The Eye Protection

Protecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your skin, so it’s worth remembering to pack your sunnies. When buying sunglasses, look out for shades that offer protection from UVA and UBV rays (and ones that are mega cute, of course). And to keep your eyes hydrated all day long in the hot summer sun, give them a spritz with Optrex Actimist Eye Spray, €17.99, for quick rejuvenation.

Cute shades alert – from left to right” ’90s Pointy Polly Sunglasses, €26 at?Topshop;?cat’s eye sunglasses, €15.95 at?Zara;’mirrorless sunglasses, €15.99 at?H&M

The One Piece

One-pieces not only pack a punch, but they also lighten your luggage by doubling as tops, too.?Invest in a swimsuit that you?feel comfortable and confident in, but one that can also be doubled to wear with a pair of culottes or a skirt in the evenings.?I love this deep rustic green, cut-out one-piece from?Urban Outfitters: the wide straps with ring details are charming and supportive, while the cut-out back adds a sexy element to it.

Out From Under cut-out ring one-piece swimsuit, €65 at Urbanoutfitters.eu

Before you go, check your baggage allowance

Don’t make the mistake of turning up to the airport with a 20kg bag of your favourite outfits, only to find that you’re only allowed a standard cabin bag (it happens to the best of us).?Arnotts Department Store has a variety of cabin bags and cases for every type of traveller.