Holiday Preparations and packing tricks

June 23, 2023

This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.

Going on holiday is an exciting time that requires careful planning and preparation. As a woman, I find myself handling most of the tasks while my husband simply enjoys the ride. Today, I want to share some of my travel advice and holiday tips with a touch of fun! So let’s dive in and make your holiday experience even more enjoyable.

Travel advice
Photo Credit: Canva

Finding the Perfect Housesitter:

Before jetting off, it’s essential to ensure your furry friends are well taken care of. While my children can’t commit to dog-sitting, I found an incredible solution: Housesitters UK! These professionals provide top-notch care for your pets and home. I was impressed by the applicants who sent in their CVs, and we even interviewed potential sitters via What’s App video. The lady we chose has travelled the world and provided police checks, references, and identification. Building a relationship with a reliable housesitter brings peace of mind, and they get to explore new areas too. Plus, they don’t get paid but enjoy the adventure!

Embrace Your Beautiful Self:

Preparing for a holiday doesn’t mean stressing about achieving a so-called “beach body.” Thankfully, society now embraces our unique bodies and celebrates diversity. Instead, focus on pampering yourself and feeling confident. Exfoliate, buff, file, and do what makes you feel good. Remember, those lumps and bumps are part of your unique beauty, so embrace them!

Effortless Hair Care:

BORN IN THE SUN

For a fabulous hairdo, a good cut is key. If you’re blessed with naturally gorgeous, long, thick hair, go for cute tiebacks or headbands. I love the headbands from Born in the Sun. I bring my own chemical-free hair shampoo called Hairstory New Wash, which eliminates the need for conditioner. Pack smart and keep your hair routine simple.

Eyebrows and Eyelashes:

Finding a skilled beautician who can shape and tint eyebrows is like discovering gold. If you stumble upon one, hold onto her! Well-groomed eyebrows make a significant difference. Additionally, try getting your eyelashes tinted and curled with an LVL treatment. This revolutionary lash phenomenon brings out your natural lashes, making your eyes pop. With a tan, you won’t even need much eye makeup. Find a salon near you and give it a try! To find a salon near you, click HERE.

Perfectly Polished Nails:

For a lovely pedicure and manicure, I recommend Nailberry’s paraben-free nail varnish. They offer a range of sunny colors to match your holiday spirit. Even better, Look Fantastic website has a 20% discount on Nailberry products. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add a pop of colour to your nails!

Nailberry products.

Now, let’s move on to the exciting part: packing for your holiday adventure!

Packing Tips to Make Your Life Easier:

Travel advice: packing disasters
THIS COULD SO EASILY HAVE BEEN ME BACK IN THE DAY!

Colour Palette Magic:

Choose a colour palette of no more than three shades that can easily mix and match. This way, your holiday wardrobe becomes versatile, and every item works together. Plan your outfits in advance to avoid having unused items taking up space.

Master the Art of Packing:

Lay out all your clothes and accessories and put together complete outfits. If an item doesn’t work well with at least two different pieces, reconsider including it. Also, consider bringing a trendy kimono, which can be thrown over anything from a swimsuit to leggings. And remember, a classic white shirt is always a must-have for your holiday wardrobe.

Essential Items for Your Cabin Bag:

Prepare a backup bag in case your luggage is lost or if you encounter delays. Pack lingerie, a swimsuit, sunglasses, and flip-flops so you’re beach-ready as soon as you land. This way, you can enjoy the sun while waiting for your bag to arrive

Travel in Style:

Don’t forget to bring a hat! If it’s not foldable, stuff it with socks, knickers, or other small items to help maintain its shape. If you’re worried about damaging an expensive hat, consider buying one at your destination and leaving it for the next guest at your villa.

Beauty Essentials:

Available from Boots

Optimise space in your luggage by using mini bottles from Boots to decant your favourite beauty products. Simplify your makeup routine by packing only what you need. A touch of lip gloss and bronzer powder can go a long way, especially if you’ve had the LVL treatment for your eyelashes. Focus on skin protection and after-sun products to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Stand Out in the Crowd:

If you have a neutral-coloured suitcase, tie something bright to the handle to make it stand out on the carousel. This simple trick ensures nobody mistakenly grabs your luggage. It’s a small but effective way to prevent mix-ups.

Less is More:

As you’re preparing your outfits and accessories, challenge yourself to cut your selections in half. Trust me – you’ll end up using even less than you think. Rolling your clothes helps prevent excessive creasing, and strangely enough, it somehow makes everything fit more easily into your suitcase.

Travel Wallet: A Must-Have:

Luxury leather travel wallet from Aspinal MORE INFO

This is Grace’s tip: Don’t forget to bring a travel wallet that holds passports, boarding passes, foreign currency, and other essentials. Choose a bright colour to make it easy to find in your bag. Aspinal offers luxurious leather travel wallets that combine style and functionality.

Now armed with these fabulous tips, I’m ready to follow my own advice for our upcoming trip without the family. No more redistributing my belongings at the airport! And remember, if you manage to escape on a well-deserved holiday, have an incredible time filled with joy and relaxation.

If you do manage to get away, have a great holiday! Click HERE for more Travel articles.

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