So you’ve been working and saving during the first half of summer and the time has now come for a long-awaited break. Shopping and packing for your summer holiday can be a stressful task! Luckily, whether you’re off on a city break, backpacking, beach holiday, interrailing or to a festival, we’ve done your job for you! Here’s a round up of our favourite holiday essentials…
When it comes to backpacking, less is definitely more. Remember, whether you’re travelling for three weeks or for three months, everything you take you will be carrying, so think light, essential and compact.
Your bag WILL become your life, so choose wisely! Backpacks that have a detachable smaller bag on the front, so that you can remove them for day trips, are often a good idea. There are many to choose from, so do your research, but this Berghaus one that comes in two stylish colours is one of our favourites.
Berghaus, £100
When it comes to sunglasses, one pair will do. Choose a pair that will go with everything and actually protect your eyes! We love these stylish options from Quay Australia that will look great with a variety of outfits.
It’s a fact that everyone lives in flip-flops during any holiday. No matter how many pairs of sandals you take, you always end up resulting to flip-flops. So save the hassle and only take one pair! When it comes to flip-flops you can’t go wrong with a pair of Gandys, a guilt free purchase as 10% of the companies profits go to underprivileged orphans affected by the Sri Lankan Tsunami. Here are some choices that will become your daily go-to travel partner.
Trainers aren’t just for the gym. During any mountain treks or busy city walks, flip-flops just won’t cut it, so it’s essential to make sure you have a pair of comfortable trainers with you! Here’s a pick of our comfy choices that won’t let you slack on the style front.
No more than one or two bikinis are necessary when travelling. You won’t use them everyday like on a beach holiday, but it’s always good to have one ready when a hidden beach or spontaneous boat trip arises! Simple bikinis that won’t come undone when jumping from a boat are the best option. When it comes to these styles from Triangl, you’ll be stuck for choice on which one to take! 
It’s always good to have a lightweight, comfy dress at hand that you can dress up or down. You want to have an option for an evening you decide to take a break from your shorts or that you can use to throw over your bikini at the beach. These options from Boohoo are definitely winning on the stylish bargain dress front!
It’s important to remember that not all shorts need to be denim. In fact, when it comes to travelling, cotton shorts are the lighter, comfier and quicker drying option. These are some of our best picks from H&M’s affordable and stylish selection. 
I challenge you to think of many friend’s travelling photos where a pair of South-Asian style printed trousers aren’t featured. I wouldn’t advise taking more than one pair with you, as you’ll find many really cheap, authentic styles whilst travelling. If you want a pair to wear on the plane and before you find a market abroad, here are some of our favourite options…
Whilst travelling, you want a selection of lightweight vests and t-shirts that are comfortable and easy to throw on with everything. We love Topshop’s 2 for £10 offer on all their basic tops, mix and match colourful styles with staple black and white options to make sure you’re fully prepped! 
No matter how hot the destinations you’re travelling to might be, a jumper is an essential for any colder nights, plane journeys and overnight bus rides. Try to keep it lightweight rather than a thick chunky knit for packing purposes. We love this light, lace-up option from H&M, which comes in four stylish colours to choose from.
Finally, no travelling backpack is complete without a GoPro. Photograph and video your every move whether you’re on top of a mountain or under water with this clever little gadget. 
Hannah Brown
Cover Image: Russia-Photo.com