Holiday time: What do you need.

Whilst our island warms up to take us into the much more palatable summer months, our nation is getting prepared to take to the skies and find warmer pastures to bask in the ever-warming sun. Think blue skies, cocktails, snorkelling, lying on the beach and great food to boot. We want to escape just thinking about it! However, a well prepared holiday is always preferable, so here are our top tips and checklist for you to consider to make your holiday as tranquil and re-energising as possible.

There is the basic (and most important) checklist for all travellers:

• Passport
• Visa documentation
• Insurance documentation
• Driving license
• Boarding pass
• Phone, charger
• Plug adaptor
• Earphones
• Wallet
• Money
• Suncream
• Insect repellent
• Vaccinations

Whilst the above checklist may not be the most enthralling list to prep your for your holiday, it will certainly get you to your destination. You will be surprised at how many people are entirely unprepared for passport control; be sure to check that your passport is in date when you book your holiday to prevent any future surprises upon arrival at the airport. Keep in mind that there quite a few countries that require your passport to be valid for a minimum of 6 months prior to the validity date. A little research prior to booking your holiday will ensure that you are passport ready.

Essential documents are up next and are just as important as your passport, especially if you’re going to a more exotic country. Take inspiration from Monica Geller and be the most organised a girl can be, pop all of your documents in one plastic folder and be sure to carry that with you at all times to make sure you are never without the required documents needed for entry and exit of the countries you’re visiting.

Be sure to check the country requirements before you leave, as more tropical destinations often require vaccinations (our least favourite part of the trip). We have listed some of the more popular destinations below and what is required:

• Indonesia | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Influenza.
• Thailand | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Influenza.
• India | Yellow Fever, Malaria, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Influenza, Rabies
• Vietnam | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Influenza.
• South American countries | Tetanus, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Malaria, Yellow Fever (mandatory).
• African countries | Hepatitis A & B, Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Typhoid, Polio, Rabies.

Make sure that when you’re booking in your vaccinations, you advise the doctor prior to your appointment, so they can prepare correctly. Expect sore arms for a few days; you’ve been warned!

Onto the more light-hearted, exciting part of packing. Many people are guilty of overpacking and yet still don’t learn from their past mistakes. As mentioned above, sunscreen is essential and will become your most loved beauty tool when basking in the sun. As the sun can have such a damaging effect, any preventative measures you can take to ensure your eternal youth are welcomed with open arms, so always remember to have plenty of suncream (by the bottle if needs be). As you’re on holiday, going for a more ‘boho chic’ look is essential to getting your look ‘on point’. Vast amounts of makeup don’t last well in the sun, so say goodbye to your foundation and embrace your natural beauty, all you will need is the following:

• Face moisturiser (with SPF)
• Anti-shine powder
• Light mascara
• Lip gloss/balm
• Perfume
• Salt spray (to get that beach boho look on your hair)

With a natural glow added to your skin, as well as a revitalised feeling from your intake of vitamin D, your beauty will be shining through!

With a mixture of both these essentials and additional extras to make you glow like a supermodel, you are set for the holiday of sun and relaxation, with the goddess look in full force!