First holiday abroad?

Elle7

Hi,
It looks like I might be going on my first holiday abroad next week :eek:

I've been to Spain, although it wasn't for a holiday, and I spent most of my time sweltering in jeans and trainers.

This time its two weeks in Greece, and it definitely will be a holiday! So..what do I need to take?!

I'm at a complete loss...I live in trainers. I have very flat feet, and stomp rather then walking, so I've never been too successful in heels...I can just about manage wedges, I think, so I've bought a nude pair...

Gosh I'm scared!

Alioth

Take some comfortable sandals or flip flops, or your trainers (and the new wedges ). Don't worry about looking fashionable, be comfy! Take some airy, cotton clothes, a hat, sunglasses, backpack or a cotton bag to use when out and about..

Elle7

Thank you

I know this must sound like such a stupid question!

Will I be okay in jeans or should I go and try and find some summer dresses in the sale?

Make up and hair wise, do I need anything special? I just use Aussie and a little bit of make up here...I'll need factor 50 over there.

Oh, and I look stupid with a hat on, but the person I'm going with loves to tan. I burn in seconds...is a hat my only option? They suggested a parasol but I think it'd look a bit 1950s...any advice for if I can't find shade?

(I'm probably really overthinking this! I'm so nervous. Packing will be a nightmare!)

podperson

I tend to get a little warm in jeans during the day (especially if they're dark colours as they seem to absorb heat!) - what do you feel comfortable in - sundress, skirt, shorts, can get cheap cotton pants which are a lot cooler if you want to be more covered. Make-up and hair wise I never wear much abroad as it sweats off me anyway lol! Very basic during the day and a bit more at night if going out.
Just relax and take what you think you'll feel comfortable in.

Bronnie

Whereabouts are you going? Greek island summer holidays are wonderfully casual, even for evenings out.

I can easily manage with a pair of beach flip flops and a pair of prettier ones for evening. Obviously some pumps/trainers if you're planning to do more walking/serious sight seeing.

Wear the jeans for travelling in if you like, but forget them after that, August in Greece, you won't be able to bear to pull them on once you get there!! A light cardi/hoody is the only warmer thing you'll need and that'll be in case it's chilly on the plane.

If it's a lazy / beach holiday, daytime will be swimwear and a cover-up (/sarong/vest & shorts/cheap light cotton dress and flip flops, depending on your shape and preferences) , evenings can be vest/cotton top and light cropped pants/linen trousers or dress and flat sandals are fine.

Honestly don't worry , as long as you're comfy and cool anything goes! Also you don't need loads of stuff, you'll find yourself pulling on the same favourite things each day and you can easily rinse things through and they'll dry in an instant!

I'm going again 2nd week in September , will manage on 10kg hand luggage to save ££, but will still have plenty of outfits for evenings!

Have an amazing relaxing time.



ETA if you're worried about burning, a long sleeved loose fine white cotton shirt might be handy. I got one in Asda this year and wore it for travelling...it's really cool and airy. This was the one I got (don't button it up though!)http://direct.asda.com/george/women-s-clothing/moda-pintuck-blouse/GEM70510,default,pd.html?cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-AWin-_-George-_-Deeplink

but they also have this one reduced
http://direct.asda.com/george/women-s-clothing/pintuck-cotton-blouse/GEM68412,default,pd.html?cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-AWin-_-George-_-Deeplink


They also have them in Primark quite cheaply.

Prawny

If you burn in seconds and you're going to be in the sun without a hat, you will either have to style your hair so that your scalp is covered or use a protective spray (I would recommend this to protect your hair anyway). I've burnt my scalp where my parting is before and it's not very nice. Especially when the skin starts to flake and you end up with what looks like massive dandruff flakes in your hair.:( You can pick up hair and scalp protectors in Boots.

You probably don't look as daft as you think in a hat though so maybe try on a few different styles?

I also don't like to wear make up in the sun but I do like Clinique City Block. I use the SPF40 and it is much nicer on my face than sun cream (sun cream usually leaves my face looking like an oil slick). The City Block actually makes my skin look nicer. It's not cheap though, so maybe someone can recommend a similar product that is a bit more money saving!!

Alioth

Prawny wrote: »

If you burn in seconds and you're going to be in the sun without a hat, you will either have to style your hair so that your scalp is covered or use a protective spray (I would recommend this to protect your hair anyway). I've burnt my scalp where my parting is before and it's not very nice. Especially when the skin starts to flake and you end up with what looks like massive dandruff flakes in your hair.:( You can pick up hair and scalp protectors in Boots.

I had exactly the same problem a few weeks ago - I went back home and dug out my hat! Elle7 if you don't like hats you can try a scarf over your head, and you can take it off for photos.
The jeans will be too hot, you won't bear them! I'm not sure if it's your cup of tea, but Dorothy Perkins have a sale on maxi dresses online. If you do decide to go for a dress, make sure it's 100% cotton.
With the suncream - i would go for a factor 15 or 30 and reapply frequently (every hour). I think that very high factors like 50 are not the best option, because your skin will never get used to the sun, and if you forgot to reapply you may get burnt more quickly than if you were using factor 30. However I might be talking rubbish.. And also you know your skin best so better don't listen to me!

Have an amazing time!!!

Edit: I personally don't take any make-up for a holiday - I find that it's too high maintenance in a hot weather, and a hassle to remove if it does stay on. You can't see any eye make-up if you're wearing sunglasses anyways! I would only take a lipbalm.

chocolate.buttons

I second Bronnie with the linen trousers - I have ones which you can roll and button up into shorts for the daytime, then let down into trousers for evenings.
The key to choosing clothes to take is making sure that they are comfortable and loose. Have a look on travel websites such as expedia or tripadvisor to see what the temperature is likely to be. You can then decide on the kind of clothes to take depending on how your body is likely to feel during those kind of temperatures.
Otherwise, I take large suncream for the room/pool, mini suncream for my handbag when going out for the day, aftersun and normal toiletries (deodorant, shower gel etc) - although if you are staying in a hotel they might provide minis, meaning you don't have to bother bringing any with you.
Make-up wise I don't bother at all - I have quite oily skin so it all just slides off anyway!!
Also, my mum really suffers in extreme heat so we picked up a handheld fan for her - it was a godsend! I suppose a lot of things are really dependent on how you fare in the heat!

Elle7

Thank you for all these suggestions! A mini fan is something I never thought of, I'll definatly be getting one of those!

I'm making a list now, and going shopping tomorrow. I'll find some linen trousers (button up one sound amazing) and look for loose clothing. And cotton!

I'll also try on some hats, and get a handbag size suncream. If anyone has any more suggestions, please comment, it's really appreciated!

MrsAtobe

I don't tend to wear make up during the day on holiday either, but I do get my eyelashes dyed before I go. My eyelashes are really fair, and almost disappear in strong sun. I also tend to use my blusher as eyeshadow during the evenings.

Don't forget the travel wash for your swimming things either. Hope you have a great time!

maman

Elle7 wrote: »

Hi,
It looks like I might be going on my first holiday abroad next week :eek:

Gosh I'm scared!

Don't be scared. You're going to have a really great time!!

I agree with lots that's been said, but here's my take:



Unless you're going somewhere really posh then sunshine holidays have three elements as far as dressing is concerned for me.

1. beach/pool you need swimwear, towel and something to cover up for going to the poolside bar for lunch. Maybe a kaftan or sarong or even a big teeshirt.
2. sightseeing/shopping/walking to the beach/breakfast needs something cool and comfortable like shorts or sundress or short skirt or cropped trousers with a strappy/sleeveless top
3. evenings tend not to be formal unless you're really into clubbing. As I only go to bars & restaurants I take cool trousers (jeans if you want but it'll be hot) or skirts and more dressy tops than the day time

You'll need a nice, big beach bag to take all your bits to the poolside (books, puzzles, sun cream, wipes, ipod, towel, water etc). Your wedges are plenty of heels, flip-flops are ideal in the day and fancy flip-flops at night. Some pumps/trainers are good for any serious sightseeing (like old ruins ). I only wear mascara and lipstick/gloss when I'm away. You'll need either special aftersun or body lotion (I use the cheapo £1 stuff from M&S). Don't forget an adaptor for your camera and hair dryer and phone charger. Personally I don't wear a hat but I do stay under the sun umbrealla most of the day. Jeans and a hoody are fine for travelling and it's a good idea to have a cardy you can pop on if it gets cold in the late evening. I wouldn't buy anything you don't have to. This year there are lots of people wearing maxi dresses in resorts (day and evening) but if it's not your thing then don't waste your money.

Oh I wish I was coming too, I could be packed and ready in minutes!!!


Have fun!