Packing for summer: Everything you need for those hot weather holidays

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Clothing that breathes

A few years ago, after a handful of back-to-back trips to destinations where daily temperatures peaked at over 40C, I decided to switch my wardrobe to all natural fabrics.

Most clothes sold in the UK are made from polyester, which can feel slimy and sticky in the heat even though it’s supposedly moisture wicking.

Polyester is also terrible for trapping bad odours, which become impossible to wash out over time.

Casual outfits

I now prioritise linen when I buy new clothes because I’ve found it’s best for keeping me cool, and it’s surprisingly effective at keeping me warm when temperatures drop as well.

My go-to retailer for buying casual linen clothing is M&S*, because they carry a huge range of items year-round and they’re really well priced.

The major downside of linen is it needs to be ironed or you’ll look like you’ve just rolled out of bed.

It’s why I’ll sometimes pack my Philips 3000 Series handheld steamer* on work trips – it’s foldable and sorts out my outfits in a couple of minutes.

You can’t take steamers on cruise ships but there’s usually a laundry room onboard.

Clothes made from a light cotton sometimes work too, as long as it’s not too form-fitting and has a fairly open weave.

I usually go to TK Maxx for affordable “basics” items made from cotton, like plain t-shirts or casual dresses.

Don’t forget to pack a jacket – it might be hot outside but air conditioning can make it unbearably cold inside.

And if you’re planning to visit temples or other religious sites, bring clothes that will cover your shoulders and knees.

Active outfits

The only exception I make is for technical gear because I simply haven’t found a natural fabric that delivers the same level of performance for things like hiking or swimming.

But even here I try to avoid polyester.

Nylon is best – it feels better on the skin and the fabric offers natural UV protection.

Mountain Warehouse* and Decathlon* are where I go for affordable gear but I’ll turn to Columbia* or Berghaus* for more technical stuff.

Shoes that won’t cause blisters

I walk a lot when I’m travelling, but previous surgery on my foot means I now need extra support and cushioning.

So when it comes to shoes, comfort is a real priority.

Casual footwear

Most of the time I stick with trainers in hot weather because getting blisters can be worse than discomfort from the heat.

I’ll usually wear trainers with mesh uppers, which helps to keep my feet a bit cooler and I have a few pairs of these from Skechers*.

A recent discovery for me is the Skechers Go Walk collection*, which includes sandals that provide arch support and lightweight cushioning.

I’ve been able to go pretty decent distances in them and my feet have remained blissfully blister-free.

Another option is Ecco*, which also do sandals that actually support your feet although they can be a little less stylish.

Active footwear

When I’m not exploring cities, I’m splitting my time between gentle hikes or a water-based activity like kayaking or snorkelling.

For summer hikes, normal trainers are often better because they’re lighter to move in, though of course it can depend on the terrain and difficulty.

But if you need a bit more grip or support, or if it’s likely to rain, a good pair of hiking shoes is essential.

I have a pair of Direction II walking shoes from Mountain Warehouse*, which are waterproof. 

They’re really comfortable to walk in but they do get pretty sweaty so I’d only use them on more serious hikes.

For water-based activities, I have a pair of water shoes from Bravover*.

They have a solid base so you can use them on land but they really come into their own on shingle beaches where seashells might cut your feet.

I use them on snorkelling and kayaking trips and I never have to worry about them falling off my feet like flip flops.

Even with the best shoes, I’ll always take a couple of plasters with me, just in case.

Compeed’s blister plasters* are fantastic because they provide proper cushioning and won’t fall off in the shower.

Accessories that come in handy

There are three essentials that come with me on every hot weather trip: sun cover, sunglasses and a fan.

Sun cover

I have a washable baseball cap that I take on most trips just to keep the sun off my face.

Mine was actually free, but there are lots of similar options on Amazon*.

Look for one that’s machine washable and comes with adjustable velcro straps and then you don’t need to worry about fit or keeping it clean.

For outdoorsy trips like kayaking, I’ll take a bucket hat with chin strap* instead (also known as a booney).

I’ve got the Columbia Bora Bora II Booney*. It makes me look ridiculous but at least I don’t need to worry about my hat blowing off when both of my hands are full.

If you’re prone to sunburn or if you’re going somewhere with above average sun exposure, it’s worth getting one with a neck flap.

For urban areas, I now sometimes take a sun umbrella*.

You primarily see this in Asia but it honestly makes such a big difference. Your whole body is in the shade this way and there’s always airflow.

Sunglasses

Another essential is a good pair of sunglasses.

Polarised lenses with UV protection will help you to see a lot better and protect your eyes.

The brand doesn’t matter so much but the quality of polarised lenses does vary a lot so it’s worth doing a comparison in person before you make a purchase.

I’ve had my Maui Jims* for more than 10 years and they are absolutely the best.

You can also get them fixed if you accidentally drop them (like I did, countless times).

Fans

My final essential is a folding fan.

I got a cheap one off Temu* for less than £1 and it folds up small enough to fit in my pocket and is light enough to take with me everywhere.

But most importantly, I don’t need to remember to charge it the night before.

For the beach / watersports

If being on the water is part of the agenda, I’ll pack some additional gear with me.

My day bag – the Osprey Ultralight dry stuff pack – already offers waterproofing, but I’ll also take a dry bag for extra protection. 

I can use it for a wet swimsuit and towel at the end of the day as well.

I have a 15L one from Mountain Warehouse* which gives me plenty of space for my camera bag (I’m talking about the Lowepro Adventura SH 120 III*), plus a bunch of other items.

For the beach, where I need to carry a bit more stuff, I’ll take a packable tote*, which takes minimal space in my luggage.

Sometimes I’ll take a quick drying towel* that can double up as a beach towel.

Toiletries that increase comfort

There are three products that I always have in my toiletries bag for a hot weather trip: sunscreen, cooling spray and insect repellent.

Obviously I have other stuff as well, like a good repairing hair mask, make up remover, face cream, perfume and lip balm.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is of course essential.

I’m not very brand loyal because I usually pick mine up when travelling.

That said, the best ones I’ve tried are Mecca Cosmetica’s To Save Face SPF 50+ superscreen, which is tinted and designed for the face, and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 70 sunscreen* for the body.

Both have a dry-touch finish so no sticky or greasy residue. However, neither are reef safe.

I think about reef safe sunscreen a lot because I spend so much time in the water but I just haven’t been able to find the right fit.

What I do instead is to wear a long sleeved rash guard and swimming leggings when I’m in the water and apply sunscreen once I’m out and not planning to go back in.

And I’ll always have a hat with me to protect my face.

There are lots of options out there but I’ve just got some cheap ones from Decathlon* and they’ve served me well.

It’s a good idea to go a size up as they can be quite tight fitting, which is great if you need the warmth but less so if you’re just after sun protection.

Cooling spray

When it comes to cooling sprays, most of them are rubbish.

All they do is spritz liquid on your skin to increase cooling through evaporation – you can achieve the same effect by splashing some water on your face.

The thing that has worked for me is Snake Brand prickly heat cooling mist*, a product made in tropical Thailand.

It contains menthol and menthone glycerin acetal, which both deliver an instant cooling sensation. 

It’s not the same as lowering your body temperature, but it does offer immediate, temporary relief, which is sometimes all you need.

Insect repellent

Mosquitoes and other biting insects find me irresistible so I always carry insect repellent to tropical destinations where they’re prevalent.

I prefer a spray bottle rather than an aerosol as I find the latter really triggers my asthma.

Currently I’m using the Incognito insect repellent* and it’s been working great.

I would also recommend anything from Off! – they had a fragrance-free one that was fantastic but it doesn’t appear to be available online anymore.

Sometimes I get bitten anyway. And for those itchy bites, I use Earth’s Care anti itch cream*, which works for other types of skin irritation too.

Or if you happen to be in Japan, look out for Una Kowa Cool Punch, which cools and numbs the bite for instant relief.

Medications that work

I have a small, single deck playing card box (similar to this*) that I use as my portable first aid box.

It’s just big enough for a couple of plasters, blister packs of painkillers, antihistamines, travel sickness tablets and diarrhoea relief (just in case!).

Separate to that I also take hydration tablets.

I use the ones from Phizz* (mango is my favourite flavour), which I’ll dissolve in a bottle of water and sip after I come back from a day out.

My hot weather packing list

Below is my hot weather packing list.

I also have an all-weather packing list that’s a little bit more comprehensive, as well as a separate packing list for cruising that’s geared for life on the water.

For ease, you might want to check out my shoppable list on Amazon*.

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