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

[ifyouwantmylove]

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?

I could be wearing nothing and still end up with blisters 😂 I don’t know what’s wrong with my feet but one day the shoes can fit me perfectly, the next I’ll be rubbed to shreds

I also pack chub rub shorts for under dresses.

Decanting everything is revolutionary

Also - is it just me who sees soap and shower gel as having different roles? In my mind it’s nearly akin to washing up liquid (soap) and hand soap (shower gel). The soap gets through dirt and grime (I.e. sweatier areas, deodorant, feet etc.) and then shower gel is for everything else, a gentler wash that’s not as stripping

Just you on the soap / shower gel thing!

I think it might just be one of my quirks 🤣

Are you saying that you use both soap and shower gel for different parts of your body when you shower? I think the only person who can come up with a packing list for you is you.

Yeah, now I’m starting to see that’s perhaps a little unusual!

I would ditch at least half of that. I’m surprised someone with such sensitive skin is using so many products full of god knows what.

The vast majority is brands like aveeno and loccitane which work really well for my skin! If I don’t, I end up really dry and uncomfortable

My exact thought too. Body oil and post shave oil seem like a mistake!

Also, if you are getting through 2x bottles of SPF in 10 days (assuming 250ml) why are you taking after sun? You must be diligent in your reapplication. I am photosensitive and would finish 250ml in 10 days, so understand taking 2, though I use La Roche Posay which is easy to come by in parts of Europe and often cheaper so I would buy out there.

They’re not. Body oil is aveeno, the post shave oil prevents irritation.

I take after sun because it’s not just for if you’re burnt?

Insect bracelet
Swim ear if you are likely to swim

Tampax

I agree that soap and shower gel are different things! Although I would only take soap rather than both as I feel like it does the job properly!

It is a lot but you are the one carrying it! Have an amazing time! Very jealous!

Spray sun cream for your back if you’re travelling solo … you can’t reach your own with your hands lol.
also a huge fan of boots recycling ♻️ , hit my 250th deposit this week , felt super proud haha

Also surely you don’t need 2 refills for your deodorant , mine ( wild or fussy ) lasts ages

You’ve got toothpaste on your list but not a toothbrush.

I also like to remember lip balm when I’m in hot places as my lips can dry out.

Do you take a shower puff with you? I find that you use an awful lot less shower gel with one of these.

I would also second the tweezers and nail file ideas.

Do you mean you want to save your extra points from recycling either products or blister packs? If so, Boots have changed the scheme so that any points earned have to be spent the same day.

That aside, you seem to be taking an awful lot of things. My holiday skincare is very minimal. I used to take mini duplicates of everything from home. I’ve learnt that I can’t be bothered with all the faff when I’m away!

No, they haven’t. You have to spend £10 to get them on the same day - it used to be that you had 3 days to spend to get them.

Buy perfume at duty free. I always do this and then that scent is associated with the holiday I’m going on. It’s a nice memory trigger

Promethazine is phenergan which you can buy on their own rather than taking a decongestant & paracetamol as well.

We're just home from a hot country. Can I advise aloe Vera? Just in case you are prone to getting sunburn. It works so well alongside after sun, especially after a shower.

Sorry to say this OP, but the amount of stuff you are taking in the toiletries/sun protection department is mad! I know you are saving Boots points and buying lots of stuff, but you can buy the stuff anyway, you don't need to be abroad to use it! Decant into small containers, do that with most things.

You do not need anything in the medical department unless you are going to Outer Mongolia or Antarctica. Every pharmacy in Europe is a delight, and the pharmacists are like doctors. You will get everything you need, IF you need it, including the most amazing creams and items designed for hot weather skin.

Vital stuff to me is

Prescribed meds (in hand luggage)
Electronics
Chargers
Power bank
Plug adaptors
Ear plugs/noise cancelling headphones/ear buds
Eye mask
Magnesium Glycinate (to knock me out at night)

Bare minimum toiletries in small decanted containers. You know what you need.
Bare minimum make up, a bit of bronzer, blush and lip is all you need, anything else will slide off your face in the heat.

Passport
Phone

Swimwear
Other garments
Shoes.
Bag.

If your entire goal is to travel light I agree, but I like to have the things I use at home, abroad!