Summer holidays are in full swing and so are the frantic last minute packing sessions. If you’re set to venture to the seaside soon, now is the time to plan ahead and come prepared so your days at the beach are just as you had envisioned – happy and breezy and free of sore crispy skin. Naturally, you’re going to need to bring sunscreen, but which kind? And is there a way to cool down if it gets too hot? Through trial and many errors, the Traveller editors have perfected the art of a well prepared beach bag, right down to the lip balm. Here we share our must-have items to take to the beach this summer.
Louisa Parker Bowles, Global Director of Operations
“Generally I have a very haphazard approach to skincare but the one thing I’m obsessed with is suncream and this one by Harley Street hero Dr David Jack is the best one I’ve found. It’s full of all the good stuff we should be using every day like SPF50 and blue light protection and feels wonderful on the skin. I apply half a teaspoon on my face every morning and then again if I’m hitting the beach in the afternoon. My other must for a trip to the beach is a floaty summer dress. I’ve recently discovered Doen – a women-run business founded by Santa Barbara-Born sisters Margaret and Katherine Kleveland that specialises in dreamy collections of beautifully crafted things – and am forever browsing their website. Currently I have my eye on this dress and dream of dressing my daughters in this one. Heaven.”
Olivia Morelli, Social Media Editor
“When you’ve been lying in the sun for slightly too long and the heat starts getting too much, there is nothing more refreshing than a spritz of sweet-smelling face mist. This beauty elixir from Caudalie is my favourite – it’s plant-based and perfect for adding a radiant glow to sun-kissed skin. My other essential is a pair of headphones. I live in eternal fear of losing my Airpods, so when I go on holiday I like to take a cheaper option to avoid too much disappointment when the inevitable happens. These Philips earphones cost £39.99: the volume is great, they have up to 18 hours listening time, and they’re splash and sweat resistant, so they’re perfect for summer holidaying. Plus, they come in a bright mint colour, which means I’m definitely less likely to lose them… right?”
Lauren Burvill, Senior Affiliates Writer
“As an Australian, I have a very different relationship with the sun compared to most. I tend to try and avoid it as much as I can when on holidays, following the classic Aussie sun safe saying ‘slip slop slap’ (slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat) at all times. I’ve tried so many sunscreens over the years and my favourite one at the moment is the sea sun formula from Saltee. It has a great light consistency and feels more like a nourishing moisturiser than a greasy suncream, while still offering full SPF50 protection. When it comes to a hat, I like a floppy wide brim style that’s easy to roll up into a suitcase. And for a chic sun coverup, oversized linen shirts are the best.”
Zahra Surya Darma, Digital Team Assistant
“When it comes to spending the day at the beach, I always prioritise hydration and protection. I’ve lived most of my life in the tropics, so I know a thing or two about avoiding sunburns. One of my holy grail products for this is the EltaMD tinted facial sunscreen. It’s SPF40 and has hyaluronic acid, which not only protects your skin from UV rays but also keeps it hydrated. Plus, the tint gives you a slight coverage while still leaving your skin with a natural glowy look. Another essential is a lip balm for that added moisture and one I’ve been liking is the Burt’s Bees’ honey-flavoured one. I also pack my Bang & Olufsen portable speakers, especially when it’s a beach day with friends. It’s waterproof and boasts some incredibly crisp sounds.”
Abigail Malbon, Audience Growth Manager
“When summer comes, I don’t go anywhere without this rechargeable handheld fan. It’s small enough to fit easily in my beach bag, and has three different speeds, plus the handle folds so you can place it on a surface nearby – ideal when you have a book in-hand. I also find it useful for blowing away excess sand when I’m ready to leave. For sunscreen, I’m a huge fan of La Roche-Posay products, for the quality and the price. Their Invisible Fluid is an impressive +50% SPF and specifically developed for all types of sensitive skin. As the name suggests, it’s incredibly lightweight and doesn’t feel greasy or tacky once applied.”
