Summer travel essentials |

When it comes to packing for a trip away, I’m as much of a minimalist as I am when I’m decorating my home: I like to have stylish yet functional items with an understated aesthetic, and I try to take only what I think I’ll actually need. Over the years I’ve also learnt that it’s worth investing in high-quality, long-lasting pieces wherever I can, particularly with regards to summer items like bikinis and sandals; it’s much better-value in the long run than buying cheap ones that fall apart after just a few uses. And I never skimp on sun protection – after all, you really can’t put a price on healthy skin.

If you’re about to head off on holiday and you’re looking for some inspiration for your own packing, here are a few of my summer travel essentials, including seasonal skincare, mix-and-match swimwear and accessories, and compact gadgets to make the journey that little bit easier…

Horizn Studios quartz-grey ‘Model M’ cabin case, £300, Opumo – has a built-in charger to power phones and tablets on the move
Beige leather passport holder, SEK239 (around £20), and headphone case, SEK129 (around £11), Designtorget – a stylish way to keep travel documents and wires organised
Jute shopper bag, £35.99, MANGO – ideal for the beach, and it squashes down inside a suitcase for easy packing
Nuori ‘Vital Unifier’ face mist, £42, Moi-Meme – perfect for refreshing tired, dry skin after a long flight or a day in the sun
Black ‘Florence’ cross-back swimsuit, £95, TOAST – a timeless holiday staple, made from high-quality jersey that will last for years
Meraki black and white striped hamman towel, £17, Trouva – a lightweight, compact and quick-drying towel that’s ideal for the pool and beach. It folds down to t-shirt size and can also double as a scarf or shawl
Beige leather tote bag, £180, COS – the perfect bag for plane journeys and city breaks, with a removable shoulder strap, a hidden zip fastening, a discreet back pocket and an inside pocket
SPF50 protective body lotion, £27, Aesop – a light, easy-to-absorb sunscreen with up to four hours’ water resistance
Black leather strap sandals, £79, COS – go-with-everything sandals that can be dressed up or down, with a padded sole for extra comfort
‘Inca’ silk scarf, £95, TOAST – accessorize dresses, shirts and t-shirts, or use as a sarong on the beach
Black ‘Bardot’ sunglasses, £85, Hush – elegant eyewear with a subtle hint of retro style
Beoplay ‘P2’ portable speaker, £144, Amazon – a lightweight, splash- and dust-resistant bluetooth speaker with a 10-hour battery life
‘Marshmallow’ bikini top and bottoms, £95 each, Asceno – a great bikini for lovers of neutral colours, with understated stripes and textured, double-lined fabric
Kreafunk ‘toCharge’ power bank, £28, Made in Design – a handy way to keep phones charged when out and about
Black Panama hat, £79, Hush – the perfect hat for sunny days

Most photography via the brands named above; top image by Abi Dare

Please note this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from the brand for the referral. You will never pay more when clicking on these links than you would by visiting the brand’s site directly. All prices correct as of 16th July 2018.

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