Please help, what do I need to take on this holiday?

[BarbaraVineFan]

I'm a single mum going on my first ever all-inclusive holiday with 4 year old DD in a couple of weeks. The resort is quite fancy I think and I'm going to be meeting a friend and her family there who are a lot wealthier than me. This shouldn't matter, but I've put on quite a bit of weight lately and I'm self conscious about that, also the fact that my clothes aren't very high end. I saw a thread recently recommending buying a really good coat to make yourself look put together, but not sure what the beach equivalent of that is!

Also just not sure about things like whether to take inflatables - will the hotel have them?- how much cash to take, tipping etc. If anyone could help with a little list of things I might need that I haven't thought of, I'd be really grateful!

Also, how many swimming costumes do I need? Is one ok or do I need two? And for DD?

It's silly to be nervous about going on holiday, but that's how I feel!

I'm quite self conscious about my tum - bought a couple of pairs of linen mixed shorts last year from next and lived in them on holiday! Otherwise, could try a sarong or beach coverup - overshirt type of thing. Big sunglasses and a hat. We bought one inflatable ring at the shop near where we were staying - you may be able to do similar, but depends on how good your dc is in the water. Are you staying just you and dc in bedrooms separate to your friends? If so, then def a kindle. Maybe download some tv/ films for both you and dc onto tablets for plane, after bedtime? For dc on plane - sticker books maybe?

Take a couple of swimming costumes for DD and yourself, there's nothing worse than putting on a damp bikini!!
Get some nice cover ups to go over the swimwear for you if you feel self conscious.
I think with summer clothes, not much looks "high end".
For the plane for your DD, pack lots of snacks, colouring, sticker books etc. nothing that makes a noise or is annoying!
And I always pack double the amount of underwear than days!! 🤣

We had 2 sets of swimwear each last year - one set dried outside on the patio when wearing the other pair.

Don't feel obligated to wear stuff you don't feel comfy in .i.e shorts and spaghetti straps.

Wear thin cotton floaty dresses instead

Floaty dresses as the other poster said

Sunglasses and a big hat always make you look more 'done'

H and M are best best for less expensive beach outfits imo

I like three cozzies because I don't like putting a damp one on, or sit in a damp one for long.

Big straw hat, oversized sunglasses and an oversized white shirt than you can chuck on with denim shorts, or over your cozzie. Don't spend a lot on this as the suncream will stain it, but it will also stop you getting burned.

Take a 50 spf rash vest/suit for your DD so you're not chasing her with cream constantly, and a hat she can swim in. Have fun!

I've put in a load of weight in recent years and have bought myself 2 good quality tankinis- Freya was the brand I think. I'm a skint single mum but saved up and bought them over a few years from a wee local bra shop who sold the previous years designs for £40 rather than the £80 they were charging in Bravissimo. They helped with beach/pool confidence. I also found a really nice beach cover up in Debenhams which I really like. I hate wearing dresses as my thighs rub so wear linen crops and floaty tops.
Have a lovely holiday and don't worry!

I’ve ordered a couple of floaty dresses for an upcoming holiday. Even at a size 12-14 (now a fair bit bigger) used to get thigh rub and it’s blooming painful. Now I decant a little baby powder into something I can carry in a handbag and total game changer . A little dusting once or twice a day if in dresses and no problem

Look up the hotel either on holiday websites or the hotels own - they may have a shop. Many all-inclusive hotels do. If not, there will be a local shop cashing in - inflatables etc will be more expensive than at Asda but probably not that bad. Sun tan products are usually very expensive - I always buy them here and take with me. I take Factor 50 for first days, and some 30 for the rest of the time. Husband uses 50 for whole two weeks. An extension lead (especially with USB ports too) can be useful. A portable charger can charge your phone on the plane or by the pool.

Two swimsuits/bikinis - one to wear and one drying. Wash out in bathroom and hang in shower to dry while having dinner. Put outside to dry overnight. We always take some pegs including some of those big ones to keep your towel on your lounger if breezy. Floaty dresses work - again, you will only need a couple. 3-4 easy wash outfits is plenty. Wear trainers or shoes on the plane and take comfortable sandals. Two pairs if you want a dressy evening pair.

Load phone with music, audiobooks or whatever to listen to if on your own. Kindle for reading by pool or on plane. Most AI places have tip jars that people drop change into when they leave. Not many waiters, porters etc expect tips on a daily basis. How much cash you need depends on what you want to do - you could get away with nothing if you don't leave the hotel. Tripadvisor reviews often give advice on how much you'd pay for taxis, buses and entrances. Get yourself a credit card that doesn't charge fees (moneysavingexpert will tell you which ones) and you can use that.

Happy holidays!

Thanks everyone - that really is extremely helpful and I feel a bit calmer now! Off to search up some flattering swimsuits and cover ups :)

I wear long dresses with an elastic shirred top with chub rub shorts underneath. Sainsburys sell them so I guess they're available just about anywhere. And then a couple of things I can put on top. The number of cozzies you take depends on how many times you are going to use them. For me I would need at least 5! Far more of my suitcase space goes on cozzies than on actual clothes. I always have to take antihistamines with me as well as I react badly to insect bites and I don't want to wait until I can get to a pharmacy before I can start taking them... same with paracetamol.

On an aside...do you know you can't buy antihistamines over the counter in Malta!

If you by dry spray suncream a Nieves do one - you spray it in and there’s no rubbing it in - don’t in seconds and no sticky feel.

Next do long cotton shirts that are about £22 and look lovely I went on holiday recently with the white one and the green one. They look lovely with shorts (next boy fit are good) and a thick strap vest top. They worked for evening and then for day time.

I would say avoid the shop if you can, they are usually quite expensive in comparison.

We love a 5 star all inclusive. Assuming it is a hot place. A couple of bikinis and a swimsuit. A few sarongs. Numerous beach dresses. Flip flops. Trainers and sports type wear for a day out walking about, A few nice dinner outfits like dress and sandals. Nothing needs to be designer or formal. A cardigan or lite jacket in case of a chill. Just take the same as any other holiday clothes, if you like to dress up or are more casual you wont look put of place in either style. You can bring inflatables they will be cheaper to buy here and take but can also get them there from local shops.

I would say steer clear of bright colours with lots of pattern. Black and neutrals will slim you down and look more put together.

As others have mentioned, next and M&S do a good range of linen that’s decent quality, linen shirts and shorts will look nice over a swim suit as a cover up and can also be dressed up with some nice sandals and a bit of jewellery for an evening.

Definitely take an inflatable for your little one - they are extortionate to buy in resorts.

I wouldn’t worry about taking lots of swimsuits - better to buy a few nice ones than lots of cheap ones. I’ve found tesco ones to be nice in the past though and they have 25% off this weekend (actually, they had a few nice linen shirts, shorts and wide leg trouser combos this week when I popped in).

I'd stick to a colour palette, maybe black, white and khaki.

Some tasteful jewellery, metallic or tan sandals and bag.
Have a look on H & M as they have some nice tunic dresses.

Won't let me link

Do you have a Vinted account ? Maybe go on there to get you and your daughter some bits . Much cheaper than buying new .
A little tip also . Buy one of those multi plug extension cables as sometimes the rooms don't have enough sockets . It also means you don't need several adapters .
At lots of hotels there's a spot where people leave their inflatables when they go home .
If you have FB find out if there is a group for your hotel . People on there will be happy to share information with you .
Enjoy your holiday x

A travel extension lead is useful rather than taking several single adapters.
We have Starling cards as they do not charge for withdrawing cash at atm’s. If paying by card always pay in the local currency as you get the best exchange rate. We don’t take our other cards and use our mobile banking to transfer money to the Starling card as we need it.
Do a click and collect order at Boots in the airport for all your toiletries, sun cream, etc then it’s not taking up your weight allowance.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/straw-sling-cross-body-bag/p/clp60644077?color=CHOCOLATE#intid=pid_pg1pip35g2r3c1

If you would like a couple of more high end items to add to your case try vinted. I got two beautiful cover up dresses to wear over swim wear. You may also find some high end sunglasses or bag. HM do £2.99 dresses for children which is what I've used for my daughters ever holiday. Again these can be paired with a more expensive jacket/shoes if this matters to you.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/flat-open-toe-mules/p/clp60641054

https://www.marksandspencer.com/strappy-flat-sandals/p/clp60648230?color=GOLD#intid=pidpg1pip48g2r1c1|prodflagg_New

I got some cheap cycling shorts from Primark to combat chub rub.

I'd take at least two bikinis/costumes each if you can so you don't always need to be rinsing and drying.

Any sort of loose floaty or long t shirt type 'beach dress' with flip flops or sandals will look fine in the daytime for beach, pool or even sightseeing if not too revealing. It would never occur to me to need 'high end' for a beach/pool holiday. Plus the hotel should make guests feel comfortable, no matter what they are wearing. You're suppose to relax and have fun, not take part in a fashion parade.

I got a nice knee length button up thin cotton shirt from an M&S outlet for about £12 not so long ago.

The hotel might have inflatables. Lots of people buy them and leave them behind so hopefully by now people are getting wise to reusing them instead of binning them which is incredibly wasteful and potentially litters the beach/sea.

https://www.riverisland.com/p/black-floral-puff-sleeve-swing-maxi-dress-906731
Also in bright green if you do fancy a pop of colour