5 Must-Packs For a Summer Holiday

Beach Holiday

I don’t know about you, but packing for a holiday always gives me a major headache. There seems to be so many items on the checklist, and I don’t believe I am the only one who wants to pack the whole house into the suitcase.

But having had numerous close shaves with overweight baggages, yet not wanting to put myself in the dreadful situation of needing something that can hardly be found (or too expensive to find) while being miles away from home, I set myself “must-have” lists for various kinds of holidays.

And today, I will share the top 5 items to go into that suitcase when you go for a summer vacation by the beach.

Sunblock

I cannot say enough how important this product is. Vanity aside, because UV rays are so harmful and detrimental to our skin, we must never step out without a protective layer of sunblock.

If you are afraid of the greasiness, opt for water or gel based ones. Try Clarins’ UV Plus HP Ecran Multi-protection Day Screen or The Face Shop Natural Sun Oil Cut Sun Cream. For the ladies who wear makeup to the beach, be sure to choose a makeup primer (to be applied after sunblock) with mild SPF to give you extra coverage.

Facial wipes

They are so handy, and they are life savers. After taking a long stroll and a day of beach activities, you perspire and you have (dirty) sea water stained on your face. And it will be such a pleasure to freshen up with these facial wipes.

They are inexpensive and not heavy. sure is a good idea to pack some in your beach bag!

Flip-flops and Casual flat shoes

Ditch the heels and leather loafers, and it is out to play for your favorite pair(s) of flip-flops and sandals! You are entitled to vanity for sure, but when headed to a beach, all you need is to pack light and be carefree.

Don’t bog yourself down with unnecessary weight, because as common a mistake it is (i am, too, guilty as charged), many will have the irrational worry that you may need a pair of party shoes for a dinner or two. But you would be relieved to know that in any typical beach resort or destination, people saunter around in comfortable footwear. Even when you dine at a finer restaurant, you can still be presentable with a pair of t-bar sandals, or ballerina flats.

Vitamin C

Apart from soaking up the “sunshine vitamin” (vitamin D), we need to keep ourselves healthy with vitamin C in abundance. It is said to be the most effective nutrient with a great deal of benefits, like protection against immune system deficiencies, eye diseases and skin wrinkling – just to name a few.

Bring along vitamin C tablets and supplements, because the last thing you want is to fall ill on a holiday. Also, whenever possible, eat freshly sliced fruits and drink fresh fruit juices. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons is your best bet.

A good book

Nothing beats being away from the busy city life and lazing on the warm sand with a good book. Think nothing about your emails, forget about your bills, and read.

Read and admire the picturesque scenery before your eyes; read and listen to the sound of the waves as they splash against the rocks; read and rejuvenate yourself. It is just you and your book in a world far away from stress and unhappiness.

That is how a beach holiday should be.


Words by Melody Yap, photograph by ladyironchef

 I will be churning more lists in this month. Do look out for the series! I hope they would be helpful for you when you are pulling your hair the night before your flight, or frantically doing a mental check on the things you have (and have not) packed.