There’s something about packing for a summer holiday that always makes me excited. I love choosing the pieces that make travelling feel a little more comfortable, a little more luxurious and, importantly, make the journey itself part of the experience. This summer, we’re heading back to Sweden for our annual trip to the south of the country, where we spend time in a little fishing village that has become such a special place for our family. I always find packing for Sweden slightly different from other holidays. Think long sunny days, slow mornings, evenings by the water and cooler coastal nights where a cosy layer is very much appreciated.
My carry-on is always a mix of beauty essentials, little luxuries and things that make travelling with a young family feel that bit easier. These are the pieces coming with me this year.
The Fragrance That Starts The Holiday: Art de Parfum Kimono Vert
I’m a big believer that fragrance has the power to transport you. There’s something about putting on a favourite scent before boarding a flight that instantly signals the start of a holiday. This year, I’m packing Kimono Vert by Art de Parfum. Fresh, green and beautifully understated, it feels like the perfect summer travel fragrance. It has that effortless elegance that works for exploring somewhere new, long summer days and evenings by the water. For me, the holiday really begins the moment I spray my perfume before boarding.
The Sunglasses I’ll Wear Everywhere: Jimmy Fairly Halo
A great pair of sunglasses is one of my favourite holiday accessories. They instantly make even a simple airport outfit feel more polished and are always the first thing I reach for once we arrive. Jimmy Fairly’s Halo sunglasses have that perfect balance of timeless and modern. They’re easy to wear with everything, beautifully made and the kind of pair I know I’ll be reaching for all summer long.
The Knit I Never Travel Without: With Nothing Underneath Cornwall Jumper
A beautiful knit is always one of the first things I pack. Planes are notoriously cold, but I also love having something cosy and timeless to throw on for exploring, travelling days and cooler evenings. As we’re heading to Sweden, where summer evenings can still feel surprisingly fresh, the Cornwall Jumper from With Nothing Underneath feels like the perfect travel companion. Soft, breathable and effortlessly chic, it’s the kind of forever piece that works just as well on holiday as it does back home.
My Cabin Skin Saviours
Long flights and cabin air are never kind to your skin, so I always pack a few beauty essentials to help me feel refreshed.
The Wildsmith Skin Super Energising Treatment Mist is one of those products I love having close by. A quick spritz throughout the journey instantly makes my skin feel more hydrated and gives me that little refresh before landing.
The ILIA Lip Wrap Overnight Hydrating Lip Mask has become a handbag staple. I always find my lips get dry when travelling, so this keeps them soft and nourished throughout the flight and is perfect for wearing overnight once we arrive.
MERIT Signature Lip Blush. Before landing, I’ll be reaching for this lipstick. I love effortless makeup, and this gives that fresh, polished look without feeling like you’re wearing lots of product.
The Little Luxury For Tired Eyes: Hello Skin Co Espresso Hydrogel Eye Masks
These eye masks are coming with me for those moments when I need a little pick-me-up. Whether it’s after an early start, a long travel day or simply the first morning after arrival, they’re such an easy way to feel instantly more refreshed. A little beauty ritual that makes travelling feel slightly more indulgent.
My Wellness Travel Essentials
Phizz Daily Immune Plus. I always try to keep my wellness routine simple when travelling, and these electrolyte tablets are perfect for this. They’re easy to pack and make staying hydrated and supporting my daily routine feel effortless while we’re away.
Neal’s Yard Remedies Remedies To Roll Collection. I’m also packing these roller balls. I love anything that creates a little moment of calm, and these pocket-sized aromatherapy blends are perfect for busy travel days. A quick roll before boarding or at the end of a long day exploring feels like such an easy way to reset.
The Little Travel Essential I Always Pack: Peppersmith Extra Strong Eucalyptus Mints
I never fly without my Peppersmith Extra Strong Eucalyptus Mints. Aside from keeping you feeling fresh during a long journey, I always find the eucalyptus helps when my ears start to feel that familiar pressure during take-off and landing. A tiny addition to my bag, but one I’m always grateful to have.
The Holiday Read: Jilly Cooper
I grew up reading Jilly Cooper, so rediscovering her books after watching Rivals has felt wonderfully nostalgic. There’s something so comforting about returning to stories you loved years ago, and I think that’s exactly what holiday reading should be about: escapism, nostalgia and getting completely lost in a good book. I’ll be packing one of her novels for those slower moments in Sweden, ideally with a coffee in hand, looking out over the water in the little fishing village we return to every summer. It feels like the perfect setting for a little bit of classic Jilly Cooper indulgence.
For me, the perfect carry-on isn’t about packing everything possible. It’s about choosing the pieces that make travelling feel easier, calmer and a little more special.
