First holiday abroad

[Movingonup41]

We’ve never been abroad before. Our usual holiday is a haven caravan.

I’m really really nervous.

I’ve been reading the boards and picking up advice but would love some ideas on what to pack. We are going to Tenerife for a week on 14/8.

I’m 14-16 5ft 5. Hourglass. 34G

So far I’ve got:

X2 sun dresses
X1 maxi dress
X1 m&s chino trousers
Couple of cotton vest tops
Couple of cotton tshirts

I know I need to get a swimming costume but can’t find a nice one in my size.

Any other ideas and how many of each item I will need for a week.

Thanks.

Shorts?

Maybe swap a couple of your cotton tops for a couple of smarter tops?

You've ages to trawl the net for a bikini or two.

Shorts
2/3 bikinis go for your bra size they look far better for us G cup ladies
Take a light weight cardigan canaries islands can get chilly at night sometimes.

Have a fabulous time in Tenerife which resort are you in?

You need a couple of kaftans/Tunis to throw over your swimwear for getting to the pool/beach. Also a hat?

I’ll add a couple of skirts or shorts.
Plus beach shoes - Eva Birkenstocks personally. A pair naice sandals and bag for evening if you like to make an effort for dinner. I would wear my day shoes / bag on the plane.

Have a lovely time

Thanks everyone. Don’t think I can do bikinis tbh so looking for nice swimsuits.

Again I don’t own shorts I’ve never worn them.

I will look for a cover up now.

We are off to costa adeje.

Are you going for a week? I tend to over pack but I’d say you need minimum:

3x swim wear
3x shorts
7x day vests or tshirts
2x pool/light dresses
4x evening outfits
1x sandals good for walking
1x flip flops
1x nice evening sandals/heels
1x hat
1x light cardigan

For a week I'd take 2 pairs of shorts, 2 dresses, a skirt, a pair of light cropped trousers for evenings (Tenerife is warm all year rather than boiling in August usually) and then a top for each day. That's the minimum.

Costa Adeje is nice I’m there next week for 10 days then ferry to Lanzarote for a few weeks will also visit fuetuventura.

Please consider a bikini honestly you’ll look fantastic in one you won’t see anyone in a one piece.

I wear a one piece, I’m just not comfortable in a bikini. Wear what you feel good in!

M&S have some flattering tummy control swimsuits. I also got a great high waisted tankini from Tu.

Bikinis are much more flattering even for the old and fat (me). But if not a youngster you need a structured bra style top. Try Figleaves.

The only people in one pieces are middle aged brits looking self conscious and out of place!

I would take
5 cotton dresses
Shorts
2 tshirts
Sandals
Flip flops
Light cardigan
Bikini
Hat

plenty of tops/vests for the day it gets hot I usually pack 2 for each day and wear them all south Tenerife is hotter than you realise, a nice cardi or wrap for the evening as others have stated it can get a little breezy sometimes, George Asda do some wonderful cotton shorts in various styles and colours for a cheap buy if you dont wear shorts usually and they will not be worn other than abroad, maxi skirts and dresses are also great as they can be used daytime or night time with the addition of some nice heels/flats and statement jewellery, definitely at least three pieces of swimwear so you can have one drying one on and one spare i agree with @snog but also with @invisimama wear what your comfy in, take blister plaster as even your most trusty shoes can cause blisters on sweating feet.

my key rule to avoid over-packing is plenty of tops for variety/and account for how hot you'll be and only a few bottoms/skirts that you can easily mix and match hope you have a great first holiday!!

I agree with snog that the only women in swimsuits are much older. I am 59 with a wobbly belly and still wear bikinis.

My Dd is 17, size 8 5ft 8 tall, and always wears a one piece. Wear what you're comfortable in!

Thanks for all the advice I’m currently making a long list :)

I’ll take on board the bikini comments but I’m not all confident. I’m normally packing a raincoat and thick cardy for Burnham on Sea or Cornwall

I wouldn’t have the first clue on what to buy. I’ve had a quick look on eBay for my bar size bikinis and they look very frumpy tbh.

Snog - that’ll be me. The middle aged frumpy Brit looking self conscious.

There will deffo be stacks of women who are fatter and older than you wearing bikinis! And pretty much nobody in a one piece other than a few middle aged brits looking self conscious.
Honestly from the UK you think you will look less conspicuous in a one piece but if going to the Canaries or the Med the bikini is definitely the most blending in option I kid you not. And it's also pretty liberating to wear one.
I'm a size 14-16 and age 50 if that helps.

Please don’t feel self-conscious. Unless you’re going to some glitzy hotel full of lovely young things in Marbs, then your hotel will be full of everyone just letting it all hang out and not giving a shit what they look like as they’re just there to have a fun and relaxing time.

I’ve just booked for Costa Adeje next year BTW. Never been to the Canaries before so interested to know how you enjoy it.

I am a 14-16 34G and I wear bikinis- much more comfortable.
Have a look at Leia lingerie

Here are some Figleaves bikinis

I would choose clothes that compliment each other so you have lots of outfits from relatively few pieces of clothing. And enjoy ' you will have an amazing time and no one will be looking I promise

The only people in one pieces are middle aged brits looking self conscious and out of place!

This hit a - good - nerve and is entirely true (thinking back to my recent Greek holiday). As a result I've just ordered a bikini. Wish me (and the rest of the beach!) luck...

@dontcallmecharlotte Go you!
Honestly nobody cares one jot about other peoples figures ins and outs. You will just look normal in a bikini and it's very freeing to stop worrying about being judged! Kicking back, relaxing and having fun is the name of the game.
I think men are generally better at this than women are, something I love about men. I thought I couldn't/shouldn't wear a bikini for 15 years after I became a mum and I was so wrong. I returned to bikinis at the grand old age of 46, despite getting older and fatter every year