How to pack for a beach holiday

There are only 5 sleeps left until I go on holiday to Ponta Malongane in Mozambique! A beach holiday is my type of holiday, and what better beach than Mozambique, which is only a 6 hour drive for us, north west (haha) of South Africa. With white sand beaches and a vast 2500km coastline,  as well as the infamous R&R's and the friendly locals, this holiday destination is popular to say the least. I have been waiting for my long break over the festive season for weeks, and with only a few days remaining my holiday planning begins!

When I say holiday planning, what I actually mean is packing. Us girls know how important this is, especially if you are going away for 2 weeks like I am! I am a fantastic packer, and so often people look in disbelief when I show them how light I pack, whilst still being able to wear something different each day. If packing was a job, I would be an expert in my field! 

I have compiled a list of summer holiday must-haves to pack for a getaway, a local beach, or anywhere hot and sunny. There is no need to pack too much, or pack items that don't actually match anything else. When I am back home next year (how crazy does that sound??) I will make sure to have a post of my holiday photos and Mozambican experience!

Image from whowhatwear.com

Tops:

The trick with deciding which tops to pack is choosing mostly neutrals with one or two bright and pattern tank tops. This is because the top is almost always the first thing you decide to wear before you put the rest of your outfit together. Keep tops simple so that you can layer and add on accessories.

4 x tank tops in different colours to wear everyday

3 x casual t-shirts to alternate with the tank tops each day

2 x pretty formal tops for evening dinners out

2 x button up shirts for day to night

Dresses:

The beauty of a dress is that it is an outfit in itself, so bring a few dresses and change up the accessories each time. Pair them with a floppy hat or a chunky necklace depending on the situation. Vary short and long dresses, and pack styles that you know you will wear.

3 x casual dresses in pastels

2 x evening dresses in navy or black

Pants:

This is where your personal style comes into play. You know whether you prefer long skirts to high-waist shorts, or flowing long pants to cropped jeans. Pack accordingly and make sure that each bottom can be paired with a top you have chosen (for obvious reasons). 

5 x shorts

3 x skirts

2 x long light-weight pants

Swimsuits:

Even if you are a bikini lover, I find it is always nice to have a stylish full costume when you are on a beach holiday. They are super convenient for those times where you are feeling the bloat from eating too much Christmas food, or you want to cover up a bit (and you can wear them as a top with shorts). Alternate plain bikini's with pattern bikini's of similar colours. 

2 x plain bikini

2 x pattern bikini

1 x full swimsuit

Shoes:

When I go on a summer holiday I prefer either wearing light-weight flip-flops or going barefoot. Don't pack big clumpy wedges and closed shoes if it is going to be hot every day (especially in tropical places) and they take up unnecessary space in your suitcase! If you are planning on being active and going for long walks then pack running shoes.

2 x flip-flops

3 x sandals

2 x formal strappy heels for evening

1 x running shoes

Pajamas:

I am pretty simple when it comes to pj's, as I usually just wear old t-shirts and sleep shorts. Unless you want to pack pretty matching pajamas, keep it simple with what you already have- and remember its going to be hot and humid in the evenings. Most people wear pajamas more than once because you are literally just sleeping in them, so don't over-pack on these items. Lets not forget underwear for each day of course!

5 x sleep shirts

5 x sleep shorts

2 x night dresses

1 x light-weight dressing gown (if necessary)

Accessories:

When it comes to packing for a holiday, accessories are our friends ladies! You could get away with wearing the same black dress twice just because you changed your necklace for a belt. Sarongs are so versatile as swimsuit cover-ups or scarves in the evening. Pack only the jewelry you usually wear every day (stud/pearl earrings/watch), along with statement necklaces. 

3 x light jerseys

1 x jacket

3 x sarongs/scarves

3 x belts

3 x hats (panama/floppy/cap/cowboy hat)

2 x sunglasses

2 x necklaces

3 x headbands or hair accessories  

Extra's: 

1 x camera

1 x sunscreen

1 x water bottle

2 x swimming towels

1 x hair dryer

1 x hair straightener

2 x charger (cell phone and camera)

1 x first aid kit (you never know what could happen at the beach)
1 x passport (if you are leaving the country)

If you would like to print out your own personal holiday checklist go to:
http://www.theholidaylet.com/checklist