Beach and Water Essentials
A linen throw from Toast (£135) is recommended by Morwenna Ferrier as a beach towel alternative because towels are "too bulky and slow to dry". She also carries an extra baby muslin for drying off. For children, Ali Payne suggests packing anti-UV sun tops from Decathlon (£6.99), noting that rash vests are expensive to buy at the beach. A waterproof portable speaker, such as the UE Wonderboom 4 (from £57.16), is ideal for poolside or room music, according to AP, who has used one for years. Simple open-heel bodyboard fins from Decathlon (£24.99) are recommended by Mark for bodysurfing and water fun.
Travel Coffee and Laundry Solutions
Sylvia found Nescafé instant cappuccino sachets (£2.50 for 12) invaluable on a holiday in Greece, saying, "I cannot do without a coffee when I wake up." For families, Anna recommends a pop-up laundry basket from Argos (£4) to keep hotel rooms tidy, especially with small children who change outfits multiple times a day. Monica Horridge invested in waterproof playing cards (£12.99) for a hot Cyprus holiday, keeping them entertained for hours by the pool.
Kids' Travel Gear
Rose Stokes recommends the Stokke CloudSleeper inflatable travel bed (£89) for children who are "too big for a travel cot but too small for a single bed with no rails." It packs small and inflates in under a minute. For long journeys, a reusable sticker pad from Melissa & Doug (£3.99) is a portable activity to keep kids occupied, as suggested by Rebecca Goodman in her guide to surviving long family car journeys. A Lego Classic creative suitcase (£14.99) is described by Stokes as "a brilliant addition to your parenting arsenal."
Journey Comfort and Entertainment
Pete Wise rated the KeepCup Commuter travel mug (£32) the best overall for its "impressive temperature control" and spill-proofing. The Infinity travel pillow (£42) topped his tests for comfort. A microfibre pillowcase from Dunelm (£2) can be stuffed with clothes for a makeshift pillow. The MyHalos blackout sleep mask (£9.99) achieved nine hours of sleep in Jane Hoskyn's trial. Noise-cancelling headphones like the Bose QuietComfort (from £209) are recommended by AP for peace on flights. The Anker Nano power bank (£19.99) is praised for portability, and the Kindle Paperwhite (£159.99) is a top ebook reader with water resistance.
Luggage and Packing
Pete Wise's budget pick is the Tripp Holiday 8 cabin suitcase (£42), and the larger Tripp Holiday 8 Large (£75) survived his drop test. Jess Cartner-Morley recommends the Antler overnight travel bag (£125) for its integral back strap that slides over a wheeled suitcase handle. The Stubble & Co travel bag (from £77) is a versatile shoulder bag. Eagle Creek packing cubes (£35) are described as "near perfect" by Les Shu. The Eastpak Tranverz suitcase (£99) is loved by AP for its two compartments. The Trunki suitcase (£49.99) is a ride-on favourite for kids.
Toiletries and Sun Protection
Anita Bhagwandas recommends a Jo Malone London fragrance set (£20) and a spatula like Every Drop (£13.36) for transferring products into travel pots. A flat foundation brush (£2.97) is suggested for applying sun cream to children. The Solar Buddies refillable sun cream applicator (£7.98) lets kids apply their own. The Beauty of Joseon relief sun rice + probiotics SPF50 (£12.40) is rated best overall for its quick absorption and natural finish. The Naked Sundays hydrating glow face mist (£24) is perfect for SPF top-ups over makeup. For men, Horace face and body sunscreen SPF50+ (£19) is non-chalky. The Dyson Supersonic Travel hairdryer (£249.99) offers powerful airflow in a compact size. The Suri 2.0 toothbrush with charging travel case (£105) cleans with UV light.
Women's Holiday Accessories
Chloe Mac Donnell recommends a canvas sun hat from Oas (£80) for windy islands. Jess Cartner-Morley suggests Le Specs oval sunglasses (£38.50) for a classic look. Clarks Ravina sandals (£38) are comfy for walks and dinner. A twist front swimsuit from John Lewis (£45) is great for bigger busts. Archie's arch support flip-flops (£35) offer proper support, and Pro11 toe posts (£4.99) protect tender skin.
Men's Holiday Accessories
Charlie Allenby recommends bold square sunglasses from Uniqlo (£19.90) with yellow lenses. Peter Bevan says a Carhartt WIP canvas hat (£27.50) is the only hat needed, protecting from UV while looking cool. Quick-dry patterned swim trunks from Marks & Spencer (£20) are functional and stylish. Autograph leather flip-flops (£32) dress up any outfit.
