You’ve got your bucket list, now it’s time for the shopping list.
These are the essential items for a sensational summer vacation, from a children’s bathrobe that doubles as a beach towel to a carry-on that expands and compresses to hold more clothes.
SUSTAINABLE SWIMWEAR
Stock up on essentials for a sensational summer vacation, like a swimsuit from Ayla’s sustainable swimwear collection (pictured)
All swimwear from London-based brand Ayla is fun, colorful and made from 100% recycled materials, including old fishing nets and other sea-polluting plastics.
The brand’s Jardinia collection includes smocked ruffle tops in contrasting purple and green (£90, aylaswim.com) and a flattering scoop neck swimsuit in a pastel Poppie print (£125).
CLEVER CASE
The Briggs & Riley Baseline case shown expands at the touch of a button to increase capacity
Do you often have to sit on your suitcase to squeeze in all that Christmas shopping? Briggs & Riley Baseline Suitcase (From £479, briggs-riley.co.uk) might be right for you.
With a simple push of a button, carry-on expands to increase capacity and easily compresses to its original size.
The case, which is available in three colors, features shock-absorbing wheels for 360-degree maneuverability and can be personalized with initials.
LUXURY ACCESS
If you’re a frequent traveler – or maybe just want to treat yourself to airport lounge access every time you’re abroad – you might want to take a look at the Priority Pass (from £69 per year, prioritypass.com).
The membership program is the world’s largest airport lounge program and offers access to more than 1,300 lounges around the world, even if you’re flying Economy Class.
SEE CHIC ON THE BEACH
Loungewear brand Chelsea Peers has launched a new collection called Shorelines that promises to take travelers ‘from the beach to bed’.
The range – which can be worn either poolside, beachside or as pajamas – offers versatile pieces for summer holidays, including beige button-up terry shorts and shirt set (£21, www.chelseapeersnyc.com) and a textured men’s beach shirt (£38).
PRACTICAL CABLE HOLDER
Struggling with tangled phone and computer cords when traveling? Aways Tech Case (£45, awaytravel.com) makes this a thing of the past.
Laptop chargers and international plugs can be stored in the bag’s bottom mesh zippered compartment, while the top elastic loops organize and store earphones, phone charging pads and other cords.
STRIKING EYE MASK
Above is a coral embroidered eye mask from Elizabeth Scarlett’s Elephant Conservation Collection
The Eye Masks at Elizabeth Scarlett (£25, elizabethscarlett.com) are filled with sweet lavender to help you fall asleep on the go.
The mask from the Elephant Conservation Collection is particularly charming, featuring an elephant motif delicately embroidered onto luxurious coral velvet.
The mask comes with a matching cotton drawstring carry bag and a portion of the proceeds go to an elephant and rhino charity in Kenya.
PRETTY BAG
Stow’s stylish lake view Italian leather bag (pictured) is handy for storing forms, boarding passes and vaccination certificates
Speak in one of 82 languages in Pocketalk Plus (pictured) and it will be translated aloud into the language you want
We used to have one thing to think about when we travelled: our passports. But times have changed and although most Covid restrictions have been lifted, many of us still have a lot of paperwork to carry around.
Luckily, Stow’s stylish Lake View Italian Leather pouch (£140, stowlondon.co.uk) can turn all of this into a fashion statement.
The bag, which comes in four color options (berry red and soft sand is my favorite), has a transparent side so you can store and display all your forms, boarding passes and vaccination cards.
LANGUAGE CONVERTER
Speak in Pocketalk Plus (£259, uk.pocketalk.com) in one of 82 languages and it will be translated aloud into the desired language.
The two-way device has a built-in camera to capture and translate text on menus or signs, and can calculate currency conversions.
The gadget requires internet access but comes with a built-in global SIM card that offers two years of free data service when the internet is unavailable.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL ROBS
Reversible robes from Heidi Rose are perfect for packing for little ones with limited space.
Made from organic muslin cotton, the children’s coat can be used as a throw and towel at the beach or pool – or to snuggle up on chilly evenings (£55, heidi-rose.com).
