As teachers, children and parents prepare to run free, many of us will be thinking of our holidays. Are you heading to the coast or perhaps an island destination? Many of us in Australia head to sunny, beach climates at this time of year. I reached for the packing tips from Kim and Helen at L’adore & co to figure out everything I might need to pack for my getaway to the Sunshine Coast.
- Firstly think about who you are going on holidays with. Going with your family will mean a different wardrobe than if you’re going with friends or your partner.You will probably need dressier options with partners and friends as you may be heading out for dinner most nights.
- Invest in a great beach bag- a rattan beach bag can double as a day bag when you’re out and about. A cross body bag is great for the everyday when you just need to carry phone, wallet, keys and lipstick or try a fun and flirty clutch for evenings.
- Think about what you will be doing. If your daily activity involves lazing by the pool or beach you’ll be happy with an assortment of kaftans and cover ups. If you are doing lots of sightseeing or activities like zoos, go – karting or bowling you might need more shorts, skirts and dresses that can be paired with a comfy sandals or a sneaker.
- A good packing tip is to have a couple of basic bottoms- shorts or a denim skirt are good here, you can wear them back with multiple tops. Try and include a dress that you can dress up or down.
- It is a good idea to include a light scarf. You can use it as a wrap if it gets chilly, to protect you from the sun or as a sarong or beach wrap.
- Check the weather before you go.
- If you have time, lay out what you plan to pack and try it all on for stains, loose buttons etc. L’adore & co recommend eliminating a third after you’ve done this. We are all prone to overpacking.
- Think practical, if possible have two swimsuits so you always have a dry one to change into. One pair of slides should suit multiple occasions. L’adore & co love a wedge sandal for dressing up, as do I. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Keep jewellery to a minimum. You could pack statement earrings or a necklace for a night out but keep things fairly simple. You don’t want to lose precious items in the surf.
- Don’t forget your rash vest, especially here in Queensland! There are some stylish ones available, as well as a whole range of swimsuits which flatter and have great coverage.
For me, I would add some activewear as I walk or do yoga on most days and I always pack a light sweater or denim jacket for when the wind whips up over the ocean. I also like to take a pair of jeans that go with most of my tops. A relaxed dinner out for me often means jeans, wedges, a nice top and a cheerful sparkly clutch. With a little bit of planning ahead your holiday wardrobe will be as easy and relaxed as you are on holidays. So stay cool, try not to burn and enjoy the serenity by packing one of the most important items of all, a good book! Happy Holidays!
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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