• To bring foam sit padvert (so they turn everything into a seat) – they are especially good for walking but also work in cities. Carry a bottle tabasco (or Maggi spice), especially if you are hiking. It’s small and makes every snack better. And binoculars. I always carry a small set; You never know how wildlife will show up.
Stuart Kenny, travel writer
• You can never have enough travel snacks. Yumbox leak proof lunch boxes worth the investment. And we always pack at least one small card game, perfect for killing time just about anywhere. Dobble is a great game and, like Uno, can be played with new friends across language barriers. I’m obsessed Save places on Google Maps. It’s the best way to keep places you want to visit and restaurant recommendations, and you can instantly see what’s nearby as you move. Finally: all the best souvenirs come from supermarkets. Who doesn’t want a little French? sausage Or is it real hot sauce from Mexico?
Fiona Kerr, travel writer
• I always buy one Nalgene water bottleIt can double as a hot water bottle when camping (even in summer in the UK it can get cold at night). Fill it with boiling water and put it in your sleeping bag before getting in so it’s nice and cozy. It will keep you warm all night.
Jane Dunford, assistant travel editor
• One of the most important lessons of holidaying with young people is that the isolation in a remote place that brings happiness to middle-aged parents is actually torture for young people. Young people are dependent on other young people. This doesn’t mean you should spend your family holiday in Faliraki, but it does mean it’s worth considering a place where children can walk to a local beach or village on their own when they want a break from the old. A little freedom goes a long way to keep young people’s morale high.
Jess Cartner-Morley, associate editor (fashion)
• Mine Essentials of the sleeper train It includes an eye mask, earplugs, bed socks, towel slippers (you can slip these from hotels) or flip-flops for going to the toilet, and a small bottle of hand soap. Always carry cash in case the wifi goes out and card payments don’t work, and don’t wear anything loose or rusty that will mop the floor around you; Leggings or yoga-style pants are ideal. Before going to sleep, be sure to soundproof the compartment: lower the coat hangers and place the bottles flat. And finally, if you ever wonder for a moment if you need to go to the toilet… go! You won’t be able to sleep until you fall asleep.
Monisha Rajesh, author and journalist
• It is an immutable law of adventurous travel that all your bags are filled to bursting and your shoes are destroyed. This is certainly true for my away trips, but even on a weekend away in Barcelona a wheel could detach from the wheelie bag at the worst possible moment. I’m getting one now rugged backpack falling within budget airline restrictions and wearing the toughest hiking boots. Your eyebrows may raise when you check in at a castle or country house, but you’ll get past the luggage carousel and still be able to dash into the city during a taxi strike. The hard-shell rolling case I once bought is sitting in the attic waiting for spare parts.
Kevin Rushby, travel writer
• You only need two lipssticks/glosses/balms. Something bolder like a nude and red will work for any occasion. The best way to clean up is with a warm flannel, but not all holiday accommodation provides this, so some flannels with me, plus a waterproof pouch to take them home. Nobody uses enough SPF. Best practice is to use at least two finger lengths (index and middle fingers) for the face and neck. buy one special facial SPF Instead of just SPF makeup – you need to include yourself in this too to be safe (get it by all means, but take the belt-and-braces approach by layering it on top of your sun protection). And a package SPF mist This way, you can complete your make-up without removing it.
Sali Hughes, beauty writer
• I took away some of the stress of traveling by using a vehicle. Apple Air Tag, I leave this in my checked baggage. This makes the wait at the luggage carousel less stressful, because by then I’ll know if the luggage has gotten lost along the way. These are useful things to have; Keep one in your purse, backpack or rental car. I wish I had left one in our own car, which was recently stolen while I was away.
Mary Novakovich, travel writer
Go to the children’s pool on holiday, fill your baby with a few toys, they will be safe and happy
• If you have babies or young children, you may already own one. small inflatable kids pool. Take it with you on your beach holiday. It may sound crazy when you have a literal sea to play in, but hear me out. Babies love to crawl away, eat sand, and get dangerously close to waves. Put them in a kiddie pool with toys and they are safe and happy. You can even read your book for five minutes. Suzanne Lemon, art director
• I recently discovered it at The Passenger Press, a wonderful shop in Glasgow Papier d’Arménie, scented papers You can set it on fire to remove unpleasant odors. They are tiny and can be carried in a purse or purse, have 36 strips and come in three different scents.
Audrey Gillan, journalist and broadcaster
• Go swimming It’s a great way to soothe frazzled senses while on the road, especially when traveling with kids. This really helps them detach after they become stuck and bombarded with new sounds, sights and smells. I recently stopped for a few hours in Paris after an overnight bus, and instead of racing between tourist attractions, I found a cheap local hammam to soak in a hot pool and steam. When I got home, I felt much more human than if I had spent the morning walking on the Champs-Élysées.
Rhiannon Batten, travel writer
• Pack it up travel cosmetic set Attach it to a hook in your hotel bathroom for your beauty and health items. The best bag I’ve found is Bagsmart’s Space Saver makeup bag; Unlike many travel bags, it is not bulky and can be wiped clean. Holidays are a good opportunity to try something new and break your beauty habits. So if you find you “need” makeup every day when you’re at home, try toning down your makeup while you’re on vacation so you can feel more comfortable in your own skin. Conversely, if you find applying makeup intimidating, try applying makeup on vacation when you’re more relaxed and less concerned about the judgment of strangers.
Anita Bhagwandas, beauty columnist
• To do playlist as you progress. Ask for advice from people you meet; listen to the music playing around you in cafes, bars and hotel dining rooms; Look for local bands. In the end you will have a musical memory of the journey; An eclectic selection that will take you back there every time you play it. This is especially a good thing for solo travelers to do; Asking for suggestions is a great conversation starter.
Sarah Louise Baxter, travel writer
• The usual “Hello. Bye. Excuse me. I am sad. “Thank you”, try learn 100 names (or 200-300 if you have time). It may sound scary, but thanks to apps and phrasebooks, it takes less time than you think. Even if I’m going to a country where the locals speak very good English, I’m not familiar with the signs, menus, etc. I find this really helpful while reading.
Dixe Wills, travel writer
• Try this: 3-3-3 packaging method. Basically, this means choosing three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes to create multiple looks. You can adjust it according to the type of holiday and your own style. There are tons of videos on TikTok with suggestions for what to pack on various trips, and you’ll be amazed at how many looks you can create from nine basic pieces. buy one long strap for your phone. This way, you can wear it cross-body and avoid worrying about it being snatched from your hand when taking photos at tourist/pickpocket spots. Consider whether you really need a bag while wandering around a gallery or on day trips. Instead of carrying a wallet, I use Apple Pay and download e-tickets. If you need a physical card try magnetic wallet It attaches to the back of your phone. You can also fit money behind it. If you’re eating at your hotel, ask for: dessert will be brought to your roomSo you can wear a cozy robe and eat in bed while watching Netflix.
Chloe Mac Donnell, assistant fashion editor
• Packaging bubble plasters It may sound ridiculous, but there’s nothing worse than getting a blister on the first day of a mini-break where the second day will require a high step count. So improve yourself beforehand; you know the pain points; You probably still have a bubble echo from the last time you explored a new city, and avoid developing a bigger problem while you’re just getting started.
Ellie Bramley, acting fashion editor
• You never know what kind of tea will be available when you arrive at self-catering accommodation: a handful of my favorite tea bags (breakfast, decaf, mint). If it’s a fairly local destination, I’ll also take an insulated bottle with some cold milk in it, so we can have a cup of coffee when we arrive and I’ll unpack before thinking about where to do the big shop (or waiting for it to be delivered, if we can manage to get that organised).
Ruth Lewy, deputy editor
• I bought a set due to my mother’s influence transparent zipper bags, but they’re really useful, essentially turning your backpack into a portable filing cabinet. I have a separate pouch for snacks, one for spare clothes, and the other for kid-friendly activities (AKA iPads). And as long as you leave everything bagged when you reach your destination (and I’ve been packing spare parts so I can create something like a “swim gear” bag), they also speed up the inexplicably laborious task of getting a family out the door. for various activities. Put the relevant bags in the bag and go!
Abigail Radnor, lifestyle editor