The time has finally come to plan that long-awaited, much-needed escape this summer. While we may not be digging out our passports just yet, UK trips are all-go and after the year we’ve had, so many of us will be looking forward to a change of scene with our families.
Whether you’re off on a road trip with the kids or planning a quiet retreat for two, it’s time to swap the video calls for fun outdoor adventures and replace the loungewear with chic holiday fashion. The break you deserve is no longer on ice!
But where to start? If you’re feeling a bit clueless about what to pack (it’s been a while, right?), we’re here to help with a few holiday essentials that should be on your list.
Travel in style
If you’re heading off in a car for hours on end, comfort is key so make sure you pick the right outfit for the journey. There’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable in too-tight jeans or overheating in chunky knits. Think light layers you can mix and match to keep you cool and comfy, while always staying stylish. You’re on holiday after all, so you want to look your best.
These Kim & Co jersey trousers offer the ideal smart casual look. They come in an array of vibrant block colours and have a comfy stretch waistband and narrow leg shape. Team them with a classic tee like this one from Gok Wan or this cute slogan T-shirt from Ruth Langsford to complete your look.
A jumpsuit is always an easy, one-piece outfit option which we love. So simple to throw on, why not go for this Kim & Co design with gorgeous fluted sleeves for a flattering look? Or try this loose fitting gaucho style or a petite one that’s sleeveless for warmer weather, both in gorgeous prints that are made for holiday season!
Your holiday wardrobe isn’t complete without a go-to summer jacket to pop on for chillier days. Ruth Langsford‘s collection offers so much choice with her classic denim jacket that comes in a Mid Wash or Dark Indigo, the suedette biker jacket that’ll give any outfit a bit of edge and an animal print bomber jacket that’s so on-trend.
Don’t forget some key accessories too. A large ‘throw everything in’ handbag is so useful for holidays. This Radley shoulder bag looks really smart and is perfect for stashing your phone, kids’ snacks, sun cream and so much more. Or if you prefer to go hands-free, try this Kipling cross-body bag. These gorgeous scarves from Frank Usher and MarlaWynne are soft and sheer, perfect for summer days, to add a bit of colour to your outfits.
Make sure you take some comfy footwear away with you. If you’re out walking lots, you won’t want to be worrying about cold, wet feet (it’s OK, we’re sure it won’t rain, promise!). We love the look of these Skechers trainers that are so stylish, lightweight and comfortable.
Your bags don’t need to be bursting at the seams. As long as you’ve got a few key pieces with you to create a capsule holiday wardrobe, you’ll be fine.
Keep everyone entertained
Taking kids on long journeys can be challenging to say the least! Frequent loo stops, I Spy on repeat and plenty of snack requests are to be expected. So make sure you think ahead and plan a few treats to keep them entertained in the car or on the train and when you arrive at your destination. They’ll need some quiet down time… and so will you!
The Amazon Kids Fire tablet is brilliant! It comes with a sturdy kid-proof case and a year’s subscription to Fire for Kids Unlimited, meaning you can leave them to it to choose whatever game, app or book they’d like to use safely, within their own profile. It’ll give you some much-needed chill out time in the evenings and peace and quiet on the journey.
Invest in some good headphones or earphones too, like these sleek Apple AirPods or these ones that come with a wireless charging case. If you want to just kick back and shut out the rest of the world, opt for these noise cancelling headphones from Beats that offer up to 22 hours of battery life so you can switch off and listen to your favourite tunes or podcasts all day long.
When you reach your holiday home, take your smart home and trusty Alexa with you! This Amazon Echo Studio Smart Speaker is fab and will keep the whole family entertained. The Amazon Fire TV Stick is great and so portable too – just plug it in and stream all your favourite content wherever you are.
Keeping your devices charged up and ready to go when you’re away is a must. This handy Energizer docking station comes with two power banks, giving you portable power when you’re out and about. We also love the Rush Charge Trident portable charger for using with iPhone and Android phones, it’s so easy to use!
Holiday must-haves
We all know the British weather can be rather unpredictable at any time of year, but let’s think glass half full and keep our fingers crossed for some sunshine at least this summer! It’s best to be prepared anyway and sun protection is so important.
So why not stock up on some essentials from Ultrasun? If you’ve got sensitive skin and need high protection then try the Extreme SPF 50+ or for regular family sun care go for this SPF 30 duo. Don’t forget to protect your face too with this Face SPF 30 set and for the sports types out there, this Sport Gel collection, complete with Ultralip is for you. We also can’t get enough of this gorgeous Glimmer SPF 20 duo that leaves a subtle shimmer, great for glowing summer skin!
Staying with the sunshine theme, these sunglasses readers are ideal. They come in a range of magnifications and cool designs too. Or if you prefer a fit-over style, these JPE Fitover Catty Sunglasses boast UVA and UVB protection with polarized lenses and easily fit over your regular reading glasses. Or for a more vintage style, try this JPE design.
Another warm weather essential for your trip is this handy portable fan. It’s rechargeable and small enough to pop in your bag on days out, to keep you cool and comfortable if the weather gets too hot.
Keep up with your beauty regime when you’re away with this handy Tili vanity mirror. It has LED lights and comes with a cute pink travel bag too! And this gorgeous Molton Brown set is perfect for a bit of holiday pampering.
Travelling with pets?
Well, we can’t forget the most important members of the family now, can we! We’ve got a great range of travel accessories for you if you’re travelling with your pets. This water bottle duo is ideal and features two large bottles, each boasting a fold-out bowl and a wrist strap. They’re so great and mess-free. Perfect for keeping your furry friends hydrated on long walks or in the car.
Keep small dogs or cats safe and comfortable in this carrier. It has a removable padded mat and secure strap too. If you’ve got an excitable pooch that loves to jump around the car, this seat barrier could be just the thing for you. It helps keep your dog in the back and stops them for jumping into the front. What a win!
Make sure feeding your pets on the go is as easy as possible when you’re on holiday. This set of two fold-away bowls is ingenious! They come with handy clips to attach to your bag and can be used for food and water and then easily fold away afterwards.
If you need more inspiration, head over to our Summer Shop for everything you need for your getaway this summer.
