SPOTLIGHT ON

Countdown to the holidays

4 July 2018

Sand, sea  and salty hair are all part of summer fun. Charlotte Duck offers some helpful tips on what to pack for the holidays. Don't jet off without it

 The summer holidays are almost upon us but, before you can enjoy a cocktail as the sun goes down, there’s the small issue of packing to tackle. The key is to be organised. Before doing anything, make a list of what each person needs, then add what you need as a family but can share, eg, sunscreen and toiletries. Whether packing for the kids or yourself, decide on a colour palette so the same clothes can be worn in different combinations – you’ll need less luggage and have more outfits. For little ones, choose bright T-shirts that will be easy to spot on the beach, and, if you don’t have access to a washing machine, avoid anything white that might quickly get stained. The most important rule is to pack versatile clothes. These iridescent sliders can be worn round the pool, for a day sightseeing or on a dinner out. For destinations where the night temperature drops quickly, invest in a kaftan – it’ll keep them protected from the sun during the day and give them an extra layer to throw on later. For boys, stock up on polo shirts – they can be worn to the beach but also smartened up with chinos if need be. 

GIRLS' HOLIDAY SHOP

BOYS' HOLIDAY SHOP

Once you’ve decided what to take, lay the clothes out in piles on a bed. Is someone’s pile particularly large or small? Double-check it. Everyone has their own packing style: if you’re feeling super organised, arrange outfits into zip-lock bags and label them by day or use packing cubes to divide up your suitcase. To save space, individually roll up your clothes and pack them tightly together. This might be time-consuming, but it reduces the amount of air between layers, so you can get more in and there’s less wrinkling. Alternatively, use vacuum pack bags to squeeze out every last inch of room. It’s also worth thinking about your journey when arranging your suitcase – they can wear that heavy hoodie on the plane and their rucksack can double as their beach bag. What’s the first thing they’re going to want to do when you get there? If it’s head to the pool, make sure their swimsuits, towels and trunks are at the top; if it’s going to be late, be sure their pyjamas and toiletries are easy to get to. Now that’s sorted, you just need to remember where you put the passports. 

SHOP BOYS' SWIM SHOP

SHOP GIRLS' SWIM SHOP