What to pack for your holiday

With so much to remember, some things can slip through the net

We all holiday differently; whether it’s a week getting back to nature on a camping trip, a 3 day city break whizzing round the sights, a lazy beach break, or even a good old staycation (if the weather holds up!) So we’ve put together all those bits you’ll need to leave you saying ‘holi-yaay!’

For all holidays

First aid kit

Sometimes accidents happen, so make sure you’re equipped with a first aid kit. The Boots Complete First Aid Kit is a good option – the perfect size for your suitcase. It includes sterile wipes, dressings, bandages and burn gel sachets, plus a guide with advice on how to deal with a range of injuries.

Bite & sting relief

Just in case you do get a pesky insect bite or two, you may want to consider having with you some bites and stings relief. So look out for one that can help relieve pain, itching and swelling caused by insect bites and stings. If you take a suitable insect repellent with you as well, you should be covered.

Sun protection

Always choose a sun cream with high levels of UVA and UVB protection to help protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays such as skin cancer, sun burn, premature ageing, sun allergies and pigmentation marks. Look out for the UVA rating – aim for a five star rating like Soltan for unbeatable protection and wear at least SPF15 to shield from UVB rays.

If you’re swimming or exercising, choose a water-resistant formula and make sure to reapply once you’re back out the water or after showering once you’ve finished exercising. Remember to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going in the sun and reapply sunscreen every two hours during the day. Don’t forget that your hair and scalp needs protection too, so protect it with an SPF spray and cover up with a hat. Remember to bring after sun with you to add moisture to and soothe skin after being in the sun.

Camping trip

Ear plugs

If you’ve had a long journey and want to catch some zzz’s, or simply slope off for an early night whilst everyone else gets the party started, then take a handy pair of ear plugs with you and help muffle out any singing, rustling or great outdoors sounds which may be keeping you awake! 

Anti-bacterial hand gel

This is definitely worth adding to your packing list, especially if your camp site portaloos leave a little to be desired, and you don’t have access to warm water and soap. Take a look at our range of antibacterial hand gels and decide which one to pop in your backpack. 

Toiletries

Toothpaste? Check. Deodorant? Check. Razors? Check. Don’t forget the most-forgettable items for your camping trip and be the envy of your fellow campers with so many toiletries covered you’ll soon rival your local Boots store. 

City break

Travel sized cosmetics

Holiday beauty is all about packing light multi-tasking products that make your life easier whilst keeping your make-up in check. Here are the must-haves on our holiday checklist:

• Try make-up with built-in SPF protection to help guard against the sun (along with your regular sun cream). 

• Waterproof mascara for that dip in the pool

• To save on space, pack a blusher/lipstick combo such as a cheek and lip stain

• Rather than packing a perfume and a body lotion, combine the two with a scented body cream

• Pack a compact eye shadow palette with shades that take you from day to night

• Dry shampoo is essential for sprucing up limp locks between washes or after a day at the beach

• For refreshment on-the-go, a mini facial spritz is great for calming hot skin and helps set make-up in place

Camera

A pictures says a thousand words, so capture every site and memory from your trip with a disposable or Polaroid camera. So they’ll be less time posing for more snaps, and more time left to enjoy the moment. 

Blister plasters

Your fitness tracker will be working overtime with the amount of steps you’re likely to get in, so pack some blister plasters and the only thing hurting will be your face from smiling so much.

Beach getaway

In-flight beauty

Is there anything better than a pamper session in the sky? We think not! It’s time to kick back and enjoy a first class facial, with mists, sheet masks and eye gel masks – what’s not to love? 

Dodgy tummy relief

Even if you practice good hand hygiene and are careful with food and water, the risk of experiencing diarrhoea can also depend on local food, hygiene and sanitation practices, depending on where you are going, so pack some diarrhoea relief and help ease your symptoms. 

Sunglasses

It wouldn’t be a holiday if you didn’t have a super pair of sunglasses on your face – not only can they complete your outfit; you also need them to help protect your eyes from the sun’s rays.

Don’t forget the kids (not literally)

Little ones require specialist products and watchful care to keep them protected in the sunshine. So make sure your child has everything you have: sun cream, sunglasses, sun hat and a suitable insect repellent. Always make sure your child stays hydrated by drinking plenty of water and spends time in the shade – especially during the hottest part of the day.

If you’re holidaying with little ones you’ll want to prep for some fun in the pool or sea, and swim pants or nappies are perfect for active babies and toddlers. Unlike regular nappies these won’t swell in water, while maintaining a snug fit to prevent leaks, so you can all focus on splashing around!

Now you’ve got all you need for however you choose to holiday.