Leaving on a jet plane? Make packing for your next beach holiday a breeze with these top travel essentials and easy strategies.
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When it’s time to haul out the suitcases for your beach holiday, it’s always a good idea to start packing with a strategy so that you’re only taking your top travel essentials, and not your entire wardrobe! Because let’s face it, when it comes to packing, we all start out with good intentions but often end up with heavy suitcases bursting at the seams. The truth is, heavy luggage just makes the trip harder – you have so much stuff to accommodate. Packing lighter is the key to a stress-free holiday as it takes the effort out of prepping, packing and unpacking… and leaves more time for the fun stuff!
Pack smart
Before you start packing, consider how you’ll be spending your days and nights and pack your suitcase accordingly. Stick to the travel essentials you know you’ll wear and use daily, rather than packing all the “maybes”. To save space, think smart and pack items that work from day-to-night only. This includes jewellery and accessories.
Another tip is to hold back with heavier items. For instance, try to pack one essential warm jacket, one pair of jeans and one pair (okay maybe two pairs!) of bulky shoes. Also make sure to pack lightweight sweaters and soft cotton towels, rather than fluffy beach towels. Also keep in mind that holiday resorts and hotels often have beach towels available for hire.
Top packing tips from Marie Kondo
Best-selling author of The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up and decluttering expert, Marie Kondo, says, “To make space, clothes should be folded and packed upright. Fold suits and lay them flat on the top. Pack bras on top, and don’t flatten them. Pack small things such as underwear in a travel pouch, and transfer lotions and toiletries in smaller bottles to reduce volume.” Also pack tightly – roll your tops and belts to save space. Pretty flats will save the day but do wear them in first!
Tickets, check… passport, check… sunshine, check. All you need now is a savvy wardrobe you can pack in seconds, as well as a few beauty essentials. We’ve got you covered with our travel essentials.
Fashion And Accessories
A fabulous beach bag
Rather than packing your beach bag into your main suitcase, use it as additional packing space. Great items to pack into your beach bag include your (smaller) toiletry bag, jewellery bag, slops and sandals, hairbrushes etc.
Large beach bag, R1130, Lou Harvey
Swimsuits and cover-ups
The first thing that should go into your suitcase for your beach holiday, is undoubtedly a swimming costume. Invest in the perfect black swimsuit, to slim, trim and suit wherever you swim.
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Striped Mesh Swimsuit, from R279, David Jones at Woolworths
Choose a clever cover-up that oozes style but hides problem areas. A kimono can be tied at the waist for after-beach cocktails.
Kimono Gown, R249, Superbalist
ALSO SEE: The most figure-flattering swimsuits
A strappy sundress
Whether it’s for daytime or a dressy evening out, a strappy sundress is a key item we all want to wear on holiday!
Floral Sundress, From R320, Edgars
A wide-brimmed hat
A straw hat in a neutral shade is the one to wear as it’s so versatile and can be paired with just about anything!
A good pair of sandals
Pack a pair of comfortable, supportive sandals to stroll along the beach and tour the traditional holiday markets. Even better: find a pair that you can dress up for dinner!
Rose Gold Sandals, R699, Green Cross. Also available in black
Beauty essentials
Simplify your holiday beauty regime by sticking to the essentials. All you really need is a cleansing lotion, a good day cream, an essential SPF and a few beauty basics.
An everyday cleanser
Look for a gentle cleanser that won’t strip the skin, but will remove dirt and sunscreen effectively, while maintaining the skin’s pH levels.
Garnier Even & Matte Gentle Clarifying Foam, R23,95, Clicks
A nourishing moisturiser
There’s no doubt that long days in the sun and salty swims call for a hydrating moisturiser to replenish parched skin.
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Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalising Cream, R280, The Body Shop
A good SPF
In addition to your nourishing day cream, it’s always wise to invest in a high SPF for your face, especially one which protects against UVA and UVB rays. This will help to keep wrinkles, pigmentation and sun spots at bay.
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Sun Wrinkle Control Cream For Face, R395, Clarins
A long-wearing lipstick
Lipstick is an easy way to glam up a casual, holiday look. Swipe on a layer of your favourite lippie and you’ll get an instant lift. Want yours to stay put? Opt for a matte, yet hydrating texture.
Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick, R325, Edgars
Waterproof mascara
With regular dips in the pool and ocean, you can’t afford to worry about your mascara. Choose a good-quality waterproof mascara that won’t streak or smudge regardless of what your day entails.
Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara, R94,95, Clicks
