Travel Essentials
Products I Genuinely Use & Recommend
Packing well isn’t about taking more. It’s about taking the right things.
These are the travel essentials, accessories and products I genuinely use, repurchase or recommend. Whether you’re planning a weekend break in the UK, a beach holiday in Greece, or a longer adventure, every item on this page has earned its place for a reason.
I don’t recommend products because they’re popular or trending. If something is here, it’s because I’ve used it, researched it thoroughly or would happily spend my own money on it. If I think something is overhyped or simply not worth buying, I’ll tell you that too.
My aim is to save you time, money and the endless scrolling that comes with trying to decide what to pack. This collection will continue to grow as I discover products that genuinely make travelling easier, more comfortable and a little less stressful.
How I Choose What Makes the List
Every recommendation is selected using the same simple criteria:
- Practical and genuinely useful.
- Good value for money.
- Easy to use and reliable.
- Something I’d recommend to family or friends.
- If I wouldn’t buy it again, I’ll tell you why.
Browse The Travel Collection
Browse the complete collection below. Everything here has been chosen because I’d happily recommend it to a friend or family member.
Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
These are a simple, DEET-free option for holidays, evenings outdoors and garden time. Comfortable to wear and suitable for adults and children.
Why it’s here: I always pack these, but I still use insect repellent spray (below) in the evenings. Think of them as an extra layer of protection rather than a replacement.
Avon Skin So Soft – with Insect Repellent
A moisturising insect repellent spray that smells far better than traditional repellents. Comfortable to wear and effective, it’s become a staple in my holiday suitcase.
Why it’s here: I buy this before every holiday. It keeps the mosquitoes at bay without the usual overpowering smell, and my skin feels moisturised rather than sticky.
Ambre Solaire Over make-up Spray
A lightweight SPF 50 dry mist that can be applied over make-up or directly onto bare skin. Non-greasy, quick to use and ideal for topping up sun protection throughout the day.
Why it’s here: I use this at home and on holiday. It’s so easy to reapply that there’s really no excuse not to, and it doesn’t leave my face feeling sticky or ruin my make-up.
Nivea Sun Dry Mist Spray
A lightweight SPF 50 body mist that dries quickly without leaving skin feeling sticky. Easy to apply, even on those hard-to-reach areas, making regular top-ups much easier.
Why it’s here: I hate the feeling of greasy sun cream, especially in the heat. I can spray my own back with this, it dries quickly and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tacky, so I’m much more likely to reapply it when I should.
Beach/Water Shoes
Lightweight water shoes that protect your feet from hot sand, rocky beaches and whatever unexpected creatures might be lurking under the water. Comfortable, quick-drying and easy to pack.
Why it’s here: Greece has enough prickly, spiky and stingy things in the sea to make me think twice. These let me get in and out of the water without worrying about what I’m about to stand on.
Hanging Toiletries Wash Bag
A hanging wash bag that keeps everything organised and off the bathroom sink. Perfect for hotels where shelf space always seems to be in short supply.
Why it’s here: Hotel bathrooms never seem to have enough room for toiletries. I just hang this up, unzip it and everything is easy to find without balancing bottles around the sink.
Portable USB Hub
A compact USB-C travel dock that adds HDMI, USB ports, Ethernet, an SD card reader and power delivery through a single connection. Small enough to slip into a laptop bag, it makes it easy to connect to hotel TVs, external monitors or wired internet when you’re working away from home.
Why it’s here: I always pack this when I’m travelling with my laptop. It takes up very little space, replaces a handful of separate adapters and means I can create a proper workspace almost anywhere. It’s one of those things that’s easy to forget until the moment you really need it.
Go Airport Parking UK
A UK airport parking comparison service that lets you compare and book parking options at airports across the country. Whether you prefer meet and greet, park and ride or on-site parking, it makes finding the right option straightforward.
Why it’s here: I always compare airport parking before I travel and this makes the process quick and easy. Being able to see the different options, prices and services in one place saves both time and money, and it’s become one of the first things I book once a holiday is planned.
