Mid-year escape

As I look out the window at the cold and grey weather, its hard to ignore the Last Minute and Scoop On deals in my email screaming ‘Book me! Book me!’. Because right now I wouldn’t mind jetting off to lie on a beach somewhere instead of stuck inside with nothing but a hot shower to look forward to.
But for you lucky lads and lasses who have planned a mid-year escape this winter, I do have some wisdom to bestow on you before you depart. I am a packing perfectionist, who majors in toiletries. So grab a pen and sit up straight because you’re about to be get a crash course in pre-departure prep and packing.
Fake tan
If you’re about to trade in your trackies for tank tops, some serious tanning needs to be tended to. Unless of course you enjoy being mistaken as a Twilight character. I like to tan twice during the week before departure to achieve a natural ready-for-the-beach glow. St Tropez Foaming Mouse is perfect for quick and easy application with a non-streaky finish. Pack this one in your bag for touch-ups if you plan on staying sun safe too.
Sunscreen
Speaking of sun safe, don’t forget to pack the sunscreen! There’s nothing like red sore sunburn to ruin a day at the beach or the snow. The Cancer Council SPF 50 + Sport Sunscreen is perfect to slap on before that bike ride across the pier or an early morning ski. If you like staying active and making the most of your holiday this sunscreen is the one for you.
Dry shampoo
Let’s face it, washing your hair isn’t on the top of the priority list when you’re overseas. You probably have much better things to do, like visiting the Eiffel Tower or drinking Guinness with the locals in Ireland. Dry shampoo is a lifesaver when you’re stuck on a 20-hour flight or the hot water in the hostel isn’t working. There’s nothing worse than looking back at your travel photos and you’re nothing but a grease ball. Batiste Dry Shampoo will keep your hair looking fresh and clean with minimal effort, not to mention it also comes in a handy travel size. More room for shopping!
Shower essentials
Dry shampoo and swimming in the ocean may be enough to get you through a few days but eventually you’re going to have to shower. Instead of taking up unnecessary room in your suitcase with full size shampoo bottles (which you only end up using half of anyway), opt for handy mini sized ones. Sanctum travel essentials pack ($5.95, http://www.sanctumaustralia.com/pure-products/essential-packs/travel-essentials.html) contains a mini shampoo, conditioner and body spa and at only 30ml each, you can even take them in your carry on.
Skin
It’s so easy to forget about your skin when you’re on holiday and there’s white sand, cocktails and topless foreign men running around distracting… where was I again? Oh right, skin! It’s just as important overseas as it is at home, but instead of packing your entire medicine cabinet full of products you may want to swap them for a smaller, handier pack. ASAP travel pack contains a daily exfoliating facial scrub, facial cleanser and SPF moisturiser to keep your face fresh and free of blemishes while you frolic around France.
Facial cleansing wipes
Usually reserved for removing make-up when you’re too lazy to cleanse, facial wipes are my hero when travelling overseas. They’re great for refreshing your face after a long flight or when going straight from the beach to dinner. I find that my skin tends to become oilier in a humid climate so they’re also great for a quick cleanse during the day. I prefer to use unscented wipes and Swisspers Unscented Facial Cleansing Wipes are great value and gentle on my skin. They’ll also take up minimal room in your suitcase, although these babies usually have a prime spot in my carry on because they’re one toiletry that doesn’t count as a liquid, win!
Are you about to embark on a mid year escape? What are you travel must-haves?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
66 Member Comments
Oh, reminder it is time to plan!
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Yep I'm bringing everything on this list and most likely more! Bring on Hawaii! :D
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I try and travel overseas once a year. I've been travelling for about 17 years and I still can't pack properly. I still take too much away with me.
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i agree with all of the above points except I don't fake tan!
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Facial cleansing wipes and dry shampoo are my most important travel essentials!
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The ASAP Clear Skin kit and the ASAP Travel Pack are both compact nifty kits to pack in your suitcase. You can always maintain a good beauty regime with these little gems. The products are concentrated, so only a scant amount is needed, and the trial sized tubes will last you at least a few months.
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I love bringing along a toning mist spray. Helps to keep me refreshed from the pollution.
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I always take dry shampoo with me on holidays.. :)
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I have a holiday booked for October, but I am ready to go now. I have been collecting all sorts of travel sized products to make packing easier. I am going to make sure I have a couple of lip balms packed and some quick, easy make up items such as a tinted moisturiser with SPF 30.
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Oh I could so use a holiday right about now!
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just came back from being away for a few days. It was so nice to be in the country! Apart from the BnB owners we didn't see any humans which was great too LOL I still took more beauty products than clothes though LOL
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Oh how I wish I was going away somewhere, but alas I am not. Some great tips and products there though.
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I am not going anywhere. I wish I was. :(
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great travel advice
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yesss i'm travelling europe in september!! cannot wait!
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Would love a winter item must have list!
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I'm in need of a mid year escape
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I wish! That would be a total dream right now! On the very rare occasion we do get to go away I like to pack any samples I have laying around as they're the perfect travel size. :)
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I've studiously noted all of those for my long haul flight in two weeks - thanks!
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When I was in Europe I went through two whole cans of Batiste! Lifesaver!
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Fantastic tips thank you!
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I have a bag always packed full of products for travel, but they're all standard sizes. I've only recently started buying facial wipes and they're fabulous for travelling.
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