Beach holidays are so much fun! They’re relaxing and rejuvenating, and allow you to unwind and take a break from your everyday life. As much as I love city breaks, they can be really hard work. You are generally there for only 48 hours, and in that time you’re running around trying to see as much of the city as you can.
Whereas, on beach holidays you really don’t have to do all that much.
You go away to a sunny destination, find a beautiful white sand beach, with crystal clear waters (I’m dreaming of the Maldives right about now). Your day consists of a tropical breakfast with fruit salad, acai bowls, grapefruit juice and green smoothies; a full day at the beach, either baking under the rays with your SPF50+ slathered all over, swimming in the glorious sea, snorkelling around the coral reefs, jet-skiing, drinking champagne on a yacht; and then a date at the beach bar or luxe seaside restaurant, while you watch the sunset.
Wake up the next day, and it starts all over again.
Now, that’s what you call a holiday!
If you are one of the lucky ones and are heading off on one of these exquisite escapes, first of all, I wish I was you, and secondly, have you thought of what to pack? I’m the biggest over-packer around, so to save any last-minute stress I always try to work out the essentials I need for the certain holiday I’m going on. Sounds pretty obvious, but it’s amazing how many unnecessary items you pack if you don’t plan!
For a summer holiday, you’re honestly not going to need all that much. The main task will be to work out what you must pack in your beach bag – the beach is where you’ll spend most of your time after all.
If you’re looking for somewhere to shop for holiday essentials, House of Fraser has been my go-to for all things summer recently. They have all the luxurious and stylish items you need to hit the beach in style, from Ted Baker swimsuits, to Havaianas flip flops.
Here is my beach bag packing list.
E. Xx
1
Beach Bag
Choosing a beach bag is your first point of call. I say the bigger the better. As you’ll see with the list below, you will be packing quite the hefty amount, so you will want to be able to throw things into your bag with ease. Another plus, the bigger then bag, the bigger the fashion statement. I have my eye on Maison De Nimes’ straw beach bags bags, they are on-trend and so unique.
2
Swimsuit
No matter if you’re sunning or swimming, strut your stuff in a gorgeous swimsuit! I’m really loving one-pieces at the moment. They’re super versatile – they can be styled as is, or you can wear them as a body suit matched with jeans, which is handy if you have spent the whole day at the beach, but are planning to head straight to the beach bar in the evening. Team with some heeled sandals, and voila, you’ll be summer outfit ready!
3
Towel
A big beach towel is a must to keep you warm and dry, and to double as a picnic blanket. Rather than swimming, most of the time you’ll find me relaxing on the sandy beach and digging into my picnic snacks, so a big cosy towel is such an essential for me. Oliver Desforges towels are quirky, unique and are well-sized, and would make wonderful bases for your beach flat-lays.
4
Accessories
Be both sun smart and chic by adding a wide-brimmed hat to your beach outfit. No matter what you are wearing, a hat, instantly elevates your look, even if you’re just wearing a swimsuit.
Sunglasses are also a must for the beach. I’m a fan of round oversized glasses. They’re not only glamorous, they help to protect your beautiful face from the harsh sun….crows-feet be gone!
Of course, no beach trip would be right without Havaianas flip flops. They’re my go-to shoes in summer. They’re super light weight and barely take up any room in your bag and/or suitcase, so you can always take a few pairs, just to mix it up!
Jewellery wise – I love wearing statement earrings with my swimsuit. I know they’re not practical for swimming, but they do make your beach outfit that little bit more polished.
5
Cover-Up
If you’re out on the beach all day, the sunshine rays can sometimes be too much. Packing a cover-up, or two, can provide you with some protection while you’re lounging on your beach towel. You also never know where you may be going after the beach, so having a few cover-up options, such as a dress, a skirt, shorts or jeans and a t-shirt, will mean you’re ready for any kind of chilled evening occasion.
6
Beauty Products
If you are heading out for a day in the sun, the number one product you need to bring is sunscreen. Really, even if it’s not a sunny day, you always should wear sunscreen. It is the key to having youthful and plump skin forevermore. Make sure you lather up before you head out to the beach, and then continue to re-apply throughout the day.
My lips always get so dry, so a lip balm is always a fabulous beauty product to throw into your beach bag. Jo Malone Lip Conditioner would be perfect!
Beach Bag Essentials
1. Read This If You Want To Be Instagram Famous Book / 2. Ted Baker Swimsuit / 3. Jo Malone Lip Conditioner / 4. Biba Maxi Dress / 5. Jaeger Oval Earrings / 6. Clinique SPF 30 Body Mist / 7. Oliver Desforges Beach Towel / 8. Biba Hat / 9. Levi’s Denim Skirt /10. Folli Follie Sunglasses /11. Maison De Nimes Bag /12. Elizabeth Arden Face SPF 50 /13. Havaianas Crystal Flip Flops
What are your beach bag essentials? Where’s your favourite beach destination?
Head to our Travel page for more holiday inspiration.
This article was in collaboration with House of Fraser, however all opinions and creative direction are of The Emasphere.
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