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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask what else would you add to this packing list?

112 replies

ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 16:20

I’m off on a solo holiday to southern Europe this summer. I’ve never travelled to a hot location before alone, so trying to be prepared. I’m going to stock up over the next few weeks using the boots recycling scheme to build up points (with a view to purchasing a red light mask in the Boxing Day sales)

Body

  • SPF 50 x 2
  • Shower gel
  • Soap
  • Body moisturiser
  • Body oil
  • After sun
  • Foot cream
  • Shaving gel
  • Razor ✅
  • Post shave oil
  • Anti-chafe balm

Face

  • Rhode face wash
  • Rhode glazing milk
  • Rhode barrier butter
  • Facial SPF 50
  • Retinol
  • Rhode spot patches

First aid/health

  • Paracetamol
  • Ibuprofen
  • Anti-diarrhoea tablets
  • Electrolytes
  • Plasters
  • Blister plasters
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Bite relief cream
  • Antihistamines
  • Cold and flu relief

Miscellaneous

  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Dental floss
  • Deodorant refill x 2

anything to add?

OP posts:
Swiftie1878 · 19/05/2026 16:53

ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 16:49

Where do you get a good quality shampoo? I have dyed hair and extensions so need to be careful, I feel like that’s not going to work with a shampoo bar

Show quote history

Get the red bottled Kerastase Bain Après Soleil shampoo. It’s the best for hair in the sun and in chlorine (swimming pool).

Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 16:52

MiddleAgedDread · 19/05/2026 16:51

Do you use all this stuff at home? Surely you don’t need 2 deodorants for 10 days??
I just take my usual toiletries, suncream, after sun and a very basic first aid kit.
sanitary products (if relevant)

Most of it yes! Last time I travelled I ran out of deodorant three days before the end and ended up with a horrendous rash after getting some from the supermarket so I’m a bit cautious. I also can see myself showering at least twice a day, so need to count that in!

OP posts:
Squirrelchops1 · 19/05/2026 16:52

ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 16:49

Where do you get a good quality shampoo? I have dyed hair and extensions so need to be careful, I feel like that’s not going to work with a shampoo bar

Show quote history

Rituals or kin kind

MiddleAgedDread · 19/05/2026 16:51

Do you use all this stuff at home? Surely you don’t need 2 deodorants for 10 days??
I just take my usual toiletries, suncream, after sun and a very basic first aid kit.
sanitary products (if relevant)

Trumpton · 19/05/2026 16:51

Paperwork
Money.

Watch
Sunglasses
Sunscreen/ lip salve
Pegs
Line
Silk pillowcase
Water bottle
Passport
Tickets
Small bag
Day bag
Walking trainers
sandles
Toms
Pants
Anti rub pants
Socks
Towel
Swimsuit
4 trousers
6 tops
Dresses 4
Kimono
Pyjamas
Hat
Kindle
iPad
phone
Power pack
Extension lead with 4 sockets
USB charger
Chargers
Headphones
Shampoo
Conditioner
Meds
Sewing kit
Make up
Hair cream
Pen notebook
Purse
Breakfast bars
Compeed
Fan
Hand gel
Binoculars
Books. Walking and bird
First Defence
On last day of 10 day holiday.

Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 16:50

Crunchymum · 19/05/2026 16:49

That is an epic list, even with all that you have forgotten! What will you be taking clothes and shoe wise?

I am a chronic over-packer but with clothes! I barely use any "products" compared to some of you on this thread 😂

The retinol advise is handy, I had no idea (I am new to retinol and haven't seen any sun yet this year but I am going to switch back to a product without retinol to see my through the summer / my holiday etc)

I’ll mainly take dresses to be honest

OP posts:
Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 16:49

Squirrelchops1 · 19/05/2026 16:45

You've a lot of repetitive stuff.
Body moisturiser and Body oil and aftersun. You only need 1
Soap and shower gel. Only need 1
Shave gel. Use soap or shower gel or hair conditioner.

If im travelling I like a joint soap and shampoo bar. Also great for shaving.

Where do you get a good quality shampoo? I have dyed hair and extensions so need to be careful, I feel like that’s not going to work with a shampoo bar

OP posts:
Crunchymum · 19/05/2026 16:49

That is an epic list, even with all that you have forgotten! What will you be taking clothes and shoe wise?

I am a chronic over-packer but with clothes! I barely use any "products" compared to some of you on this thread 😂

The retinol advise is handy, I had no idea (I am new to retinol and haven't seen any sun yet this year but I am going to switch back to a product without retinol to see my through the summer / my holiday etc)

EvelynBeatrice · 19/05/2026 16:46

If youre prone to frizz in humidity then you may want to take Colour Wow spray which is good.

Squirrelchops1 · 19/05/2026 16:45

You've a lot of repetitive stuff.
Body moisturiser and Body oil and aftersun. You only need 1
Soap and shower gel. Only need 1
Shave gel. Use soap or shower gel or hair conditioner.

If im travelling I like a joint soap and shampoo bar. Also great for shaving.

Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 16:44

EvelynBeatrice · 19/05/2026 16:43

Yes it sounds a lot but if the poster has sensitive reactive skin then she won’t be able to use generic hotel toiletries without risking a rash etc which isn’t what you want on holiday.

But it’s worth doing some research to see if what she needs or a suitable alternative can be purchased locally.

I’d rather not risk it, and if I’m going to be purchasing it anyway I’d rather use the boots scheme and get points too!

OP posts:
EvelynBeatrice · 19/05/2026 16:43

Yes it sounds a lot but if the poster has sensitive reactive skin then she won’t be able to use generic hotel toiletries without risking a rash etc which isn’t what you want on holiday.

But it’s worth doing some research to see if what she needs or a suitable alternative can be purchased locally.

Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 16:42

JustGiveMeReason · 19/05/2026 16:41

That's a ridiculous amount of stuff.

Where are you staying ? From hotels to AirBnBs, they will all have soap / bodywash / shampoo.

I've never got through a whole bottle of suncream in 10 days, even when using it for more than one person - why are you taking 3 ?

Cold and flu medicine ????
So much stuff there you don't need.

I’m taking two for my body and one for my face (different formulas), I’m very pale and will be outside a lot. We have a history of skin cancer in the family, so I’m a little neurotic about SPF

OP posts:
Sapphireandsteel2 · 19/05/2026 16:41

Mosquito repellant?
Cotton wool pads or similar
Tweezers
Nail file

JustGiveMeReason · 19/05/2026 16:41

That's a ridiculous amount of stuff.

Where are you staying ? From hotels to AirBnBs, they will all have soap / bodywash / shampoo.

I've never got through a whole bottle of suncream in 10 days, even when using it for more than one person - why are you taking 3 ?

Cold and flu medicine ????
So much stuff there you don't need.

EvelynBeatrice · 19/05/2026 16:39

Don’t take big perfume! Can’t you treat yourself there? Nice reminder of holiday. If in France or Spain etc they will have gorgeous local options. Eg Parfum balears in Mallorca do the most heavenly lemon scent.

Or get one of these little decant bottles at boots or Superdrug and decant your favourite.

ThreeStripeQueen · 19/05/2026 16:37

It’s a lot. I can’t say I’d use most of it, after sun, body moisturiser and post shave oil seems excessive as does two deodorant refills for 10 days (if they’re what I think they are). Cold and flu as well as paracetamol and ibuprofen seems a bit much too.

Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 16:36

Noted re the retinol!

OP posts:
EvelynBeatrice · 19/05/2026 16:36

Ha! All the retinol warnings!

Charlotte120221 · 19/05/2026 16:36

Honestly that's a huge amount of stuff to pack. It'll be cheaper to buy some stuff there and will free up suitcase space for your clothes.

Penguinbiscuitfortea · 19/05/2026 16:35

Id probably avoid the retinol if it's going to be sunny.
Ha PP beat me to it!

EvelynBeatrice · 19/05/2026 16:35

I always buy eg La Roche Posay or similar sensitive skin cleansers etc in France or Spain as they’re readily available in pharmacies and cheaper.

I always take Sudocrem as it’s NA in many places on the continent and it’s great for minor cuts, shaving rash or spots!

Do you really want to continue your retinol in the height of the sun exposure? I usually stop However if you’re keeping it I guess you’ll need bullet proof frequently reapplied sunscreen. I also recently purchased a fantastic foldable cream sun hat at Uniqlo which is supposedly sun proof. Can recommend.

Jennalong · 19/05/2026 16:35

Tbh I would forget the retinol . You will be in a sunnier climate and probably want to be in the sun and potentially swimming a few times a day .
With retinol you should be protecting your face from Sun as much as possible , I get you are taking an spf but surely you don't want to worry about all the burning that could happen .

Sapphireandsteel2 · 19/05/2026 16:34

Mosquito repellant?
Cotton wool pads or similar
Tweezers
Nail file

Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 16:33

dcadmamagain · 19/05/2026 16:33

Shower gel and soap? Surely one of other.

if it was me I’d get an all in one shampoo and body wash. I’d also look at dropping all the facial products

I like both, it makes me feel more clean.

I can’t go without skincare for near on two weeks 😂

OP posts: