8 Holiday Essentials... That You're Likely To Forget!

In the run up to your summer holiday, you're excited to leave your stresses at home and enjoy a relaxing week or two sightseeing or lying on a golden beach sipping a fruity cocktail.

You've planned all your outfits, changed your currency and packed your suitcase. You're ready to head to the airport.

But have you really remembered the essentials?

Here we take you through eight holiday items that you've probably forgotten to buy:

1. TRAVEL HAIR DRYER

On holiday, you want to be on the go as much as possible, but sand and chlorine can leave your hair feeling greasy and grimy and you wash it a lot more than you usually would! With a travel hair dryer, you can get ready for your evening meal or drinks quickly without worrying about packing your 16 setting, top of the range hair dryer. It has a powerful 2000 watt voltage so you don't miss out on the styling power that you can't quite achieve with a hotel hair dryer, has two speeds, two temperature settings and a concentrator nozzle. With it's folding handle and lightweight compact design, it's easy to store in your suitcase or hand luggage without worrying about your baggage allowance limit.

TOP TIP: If you're in a humid country, let your hair dry naturally whilst you finish getting ready so that you spend less time under the heat of the hair dryer.

2. ADAPTOR PLUG

There is nothing worse than unpacking your case ready for a week in the sun, and realising you have no way of blow drying your hair or charging your phone to update Instagram with the fantastic views and pictures of your exotic meals. Make sure you pack a couple of travel adaptors so that you're not caught short on electricity. They can be difficult to get hold of abroad and can be expensive in the airport if you realise you've forgotten them at the last minute.

If you're unsure which adaptor plug you need for your chosen destination, then we've put together a handy guide for you to check before buying an adaptor plug.

TOP TIP: If you are going away in a group, also pack an extension cable. There are limited plug sockets in hotel rooms and you will all want to get ready and charge your phone at the exact same time.

3. BEACH BAG

Getting sand in your handbag and pool water on your leather is a nightmare. Sand sticks to everything; your phone, your purse, an old receipt and forgotten mint at the bottom of your bag... the list is endless. Make sure you pack a straw or canvas bag so you do not have to worry about carrying your handbag when out and about. The nautical design of this straw bag is bang on trend whilst still being lightweight and easy to carry.

TOP TIP: Double up your beach bag with your flight bag to save room in your suitcase.

It may also be a good idea to invest in some resealable plastic bags. Whether you're going to the beach or the city, you will always have a use for these from carrying around snacks to popping over your phone or camera to keep them safe from the sun, sea and sand.

TOP TIP: Pack your toiletries in plastic bags too, in case they explode in your suitcase and leak all over your clothes.

4. LUGGAGE SCALE

The biggest stress when packing for a holiday is the weight of your suitcase. Most of the time 15kg or 20kg just will not cut it, and you'll have to leave behind 4 pairs of heels and a hoody that you packed “just in case it's cold one night”. Check before you get to the airport to ensure you're not over packing and avoid extra baggage costs.

Always take your luggage scale on holiday with you. You may have used up all your shampoo and shower gel, but you also raided the duty free and stocked up on souvenirs for your friends and family. Weigh your bag again before check-in to avoid incurring a hefty charge coming home too.

TOP TIP: If you have booked a holiday with your partner or friend, your baggage allowance is usually combined, so if you're 5kg over but they're 5kg under, there's no need to transfer items from case to case in the middle of the airport.

5. LUGGAGE STRAP

You may have a fancy new suitcase brimming with clothes and accessories, but now and again that doesn't necessarily mean that it will follow you to your destination. It's everyone's worst nightmare to touch down in Greece and find out that your suitcase is in fact still en route to Singapore. You need to keep your belongings as safe as possible as there's always a chance it may end up in a different country to where you are. These straps have a resettable combination lock that only you know, so no one can root around your case, and the distinctive colours help you spot your case easily on the conveyor belt if it does easily follow you abroad!

TOP TIP: Always pack a spare day and night outfit in your hand luggage, just in case your suitcase does go missing. You can always buy a towel and toiletries when you're there but there is nothing worse than wearing your comfy old plane outfit in the scorching heat until you finally get your suitcase back!

6. FLIGHT SOCKS

If you're taking a long haul flight, you probably won't even think of wearing flight socks. Yes, they may not be the most fashionable outfit in the world, but it's extremely important to keep your blood circulated and you need to stay hydrated and healthy. Flight socks will keep your blood circulated, your legs less cramped and your chances of developing deep vein thrombosis to a minimum so that you are ready to enjoy your holiday.

TOP TIP: Go for an hourly stroll up and down the aisle of the plane to feel more comfortable throughout your flight. Also try to avoid alcohol and drink lots of water, as flying can make your skin and body extremely dehydrated.

7. NECK PILLOW

If you have taken an early morning or late night flight, the plane is the perfect place for some shut eye. Not only will your journey seem to take a lot less time, but you'll feel refreshed for when you land at your destination. Unless you're flying first class, you don't have a huge amount of room to get in a comfortable position to snooze, and leaning your head on your fold down tray or window will leave you feeling sore and stiff. A neck pillow moulds around the shape of your neck to offer maximum support to your head and back. At eTwist, we offer this amazingly cute kids neck pillow for your little ones and an inflatable one for you.

 The inflatable pillows have just as much support but you don't have to worry about it taking up space in your flight bag.

TOP TIP: Don't think getting to the airport in the middle of the night will be easy and leave your house at the last minute. Still leave enough time for emergencies as you never know if you might break down, forget your passport or hit traffic. Everyone else on your flight and the flights leaving at similar times will be travelling to the airport too, so the roads most certainly will not be empty!

8. MINI SHAVER

A lightweight shaver is ideal for taking away. It's easy on your baggage allowance whilst still giving you smooth skin anytime, anywhere. The unique foil pattern of the Mobile Mini Shaver from Braun captures hairs growing in different directions and the wide floating foil gives a close, yet comfortable shave. It can easily be cleaned under running water too, so there is no need to pack a cleaning kit or brush.

TOP TIP: Throw a couple of disposable wet shavers in your bag in case anything happens to your electric shaver. These will also come in handy if you have already forgotten Point Two (Adaptor plugs!).

What holiday essentials do you never travel without?

Have you ever arrived at your destination to find you have forgotten something vital?

Share your stories in the comments below!