Holiday must haves help please

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

It's a grey, rainy day and I've just booked my summer holiday, so am dreaming of sunnier times. Last year, there were some things I didn't have that I thought would improve our holiday, so would be very grateful for any recommendations.

A waterproof pouch/bag that I can keep my phone and bank card in when we're in the sea - do such things even exist?

Water shoes for paddling on pebbly beaches. Or would Teva sandals be better?

Something to stop my hair going frizzy on the beach and in the pool. No idea what this might involve!

A really small, thin but good towel that I can stick in my bag on days we go for a walk, in case we find a little cove and want a paddle.

A card game or small travel game that's suitable for two players.

Any ideas really appreciated!

Waterproof bag here

Travel towel here

Waterproof shoes for paddling etc

Travel games for 2 players

Thanks @BIWI Appreciated.

Have you used that specific waterproof bag before? I've had a google, but am hoping for tried and tested!

I take about 3 towels (for 2 weeks) like the ones linked below. I take one on the plane in case I'm cold. They are easy to wash by hand and don't take long to dry. They are really versatile.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115712547879?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=aXs2fScqTQq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=OwvXkekITUO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I got one of the waterproof bags off of Amazon, all are very similar and it worked perfectly. I need a new one this year as my phone is slightly bigger.

I've used the waterproof pouches for phones from amazon and had zero problems when snorkeling and using them.

I bought water trainers from amazon. Looked exactly like trainers in a really lightweight material, and big holes in the soles for water draining out of them. Excellent for going straight from boat onto rocks and into sea then back again.

I'm watching for tips too. I've got some water shoes for sea swimming but they're really ugly so hoping for something a bit nicer for a holiday!

Another one who has used the Amazon waterproof pouches. Went on all the rides at a water park without a drop of water getting in. I even use it in the bath! You can test them by putting a tissue inside before trying it with your actual phone if you are worried.

Thanks for these. Useful to hear that people have found the bags decent and I like the tissue tip. I’m probably just going to be padding rather than swimming, but it would make me happier to have my valuables with me than on the beach.

Instead of taking many travel adaptors, just take one and take a 4 or 6 gang extension too. You'd think this would be obvious but I'm 51 and was asked why I didn't do this last year!

Not obvious to me either. Thank you!

Get one with USB ports! These days half your life needs them, and it cuts down on adapters.

I take a length of bungee cord and some stainless steel pegs - instant washing /drying line anywhere.

This is probably a bit of a ridiculous question, but where do I buy a plug/adaptor with USB ports now that Wilko has closed. if I'm trying to avoid Amazon? I miss Wilko!

Exciting, where have you booked?

Packing cubes make packing so much easier. I got them very cheaply in Primark last year. I had one for socks, swimwear, sun dresses etc. I didn’t even unpack some of them whilst we were there

Multi charger cable, ideally with long cable. Can charge iPhone, Kindle, Samsung phone, headphones etc all at once. Mine was a gift, so I can’t recommend a specific brand, though I know it was from Amazon.

Get a large hammam towel, packs smaller than a normal towel, better than a microfiber one and doubles as a beach blanket/ sarong / sleep under it if the duvet is too warm.

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/koppla-3-way-socket-with-2-usb-ports-white-70280993/

And a multiway travel adapter
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Universal-Adapter-Worldwide-International-European-Black/dp/B0BVZ8VHHH/

I don't understand packing cubes, how do they work?

@MinnieCoops They are just basically small, individual cases for different items

I'd take wax earplugs, the ones from Boots are great. I used them in Goa when our bungalow was near to the beach and the sound of the ocean was really loud! Also a microfiber towel, Deet, if there's gonna be mosquitoes, and a very lightweight long sleeved cardi or shirt to wear early evening to stop said mosquitoes from getting you!

Oh yes @Appalonia You’ve just reminded me, I bring antihistamines for mosquito bites