my 2023 travel essentials…
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Having ventured between Ibiza, Mallorca and Kentucky in recent weeks, I thought I’d put together my 2023 travel essentials guide…
Should you need some inspiration ahead of the holidays this summer.
Though I’ve resigned to the fact that I will never be someone who chooses to pack light (!) I’d like to think I’m well versed in the art of travelling these days and can safely say that the following products are my non-negotiables when I’m away from home.
THE SUNGLASSES
There’s nothing worse than the moment when you realise you’ve forgotten your sunglasses! With that in mind, a good quality pair are a non-negotiable in my eyes. I bought these Celine sunglasses last year and love them today just as much as I did when I bought them. When you work out the cost per wear, they’re so worth it.
THE CASE
If you’re up to date with my latest videos, you’ll know that my case went missing on our way back from Kentucky so I appreciate my suitcase more than ever today! I opted for a bespoke case from Globe Trotter but love so many of their designs. The quality of the craftsmanship is obvious and they look just as stunning in real life.
THE SWIMSUIT
If you’re looking for a failsafe swimsuit that is flattering, I love my olive green swimsuit from Amazon. That being said, I recently treated myself to this floral swimsuit from Emilia Wickstead because it’s too pretty to say no to and can’t wait to wear it this summer.
THE LOUNGEWEAR
Again, I’ve had this loungewear set from Lilysilk for just over a year now and to this day, it’s my go-to for long haul flights. Paired with cashmere socks so that my feet stay warm, it’s so comforting and makes travelling that bit more enjoyable. (It also comes into its own when I need cosy loungewear in Winter too!)
THE SANDALS
I live in my Hermes Oran sandals in summer and have done for the previous few summers too. I appreciate that they’re not in everyone’s budget though so love these tan alternatives from Dune too. A good quality pair of tan sandals pairs with so many outfits. This is such a classic style so they’ll always look good too.
THE SPF
I rotate between a few sun creams for various areas of my body (all linked below). The Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Targeted Sun Defense Stick works wonders for the areas prone to burning on our face (my upper lip tends to catch the sun for some reason.) La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 is and always has been my go-to for my face. If you have sensitive skin, I’ve recently discovered Pai’s BRITISH SUMMER TIME SPF 30 which is non-greasy and smells beautiful too.
THE INFLIGHT ESSENTIALS
When I’m somewhere in the clouds and the aircon is on full blast, I keep my skin feeling nourished with the following products. I start with a generous spritz of Pai face spray followed by Elizabeth Arden’s Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Day Cream. I pop By Terry lip balm on my lips and a small amount of Lano balm on my eyelids for added moisture. And if I land feeling bleary eyed, my Optrex brightening eye drops work wonders! I’ve linked the face spray here but all items can be found below.
THE BEACH BAG
Whether you’re travelling to France or not, a traditional French Market Basket never goes out of fashion! For that reason, it’s a no brainer for travelling if you ask me, as it doubles up as a sturdy carry on and beach bag! I’ve had this one from Le Papillon Vert for the past two years and can’t recommend it enough.
THE HEADPHONES
There’s nothing I love more than cosying up on a flight, putting headphones in and listening to a really good podcast or audio book. For that reason, my LG tone free earbuds are on standby in my handbag these days. The Dolby Head Tracking feature identifies the location of the sound when I turn my head and places it accurately resulting in the most immersive sound experience and comfortable fit. I love that the charging case has built in UV lights that sanitise the earbuds too.
Finally, if you’re on the hunt for a podcast to listen to on your travels, I can’t recommend ‘The Witch Hunt of J. K. Rowling’ enough. The team and I have recently listened to it and are absolutely hooked. It’s a 7 part audio documentary that examines cancel culture through the life and career of the Harry Potter author and makes for such an interesting and eye-opening take on our times.
