I'm a travel editor - and these are the items I ALWAYS pack in my suitcase
But, as deputy travel editor of MailOnline, I'm constantly jet-setting around the globe.
In the last month alone, I've stayed at the Radisson Blu Royal in Copenhagen, Pikes Ibiza, Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa in Salcombe, Devon, and the new Virgin Hotel in Shoreditch.
And later this year, I'll be heading to Switzerland twice - for Eurovision next week and the Women's World Cup in July - as well as Croatia, Amsterdam, Italy and the Caribbean.
This globetrotting lifestyle has meant I've had no choice but to streamline my suitcase and get the packing list down to a tee.
Below, I've included all the essentials I take on every trip.
The list includes multiple space-saving gadgets that double up as two items and Amazon products I use to ensure a good sleep on long-haul and early morning flights.
You're definitely going to want to take a leaf out of my luggage next time you holiday...
INSFIT 17-Pack Silicone Travel Bottles Set
This travel bottle set has been an absolute gamechanger for me when it comes to travelling with hand luggage only.
The TSA-approved clear case comes with 17 containers, ranging in size, that you can decant all your lotions and potions in to using the included funnel.
It even comes with a brush for cleaning, as well as waterproof sticker labels so you don't mix up your shampoo with your moisturiser!
£9.99 Shop
OGIO RISE Backpack
I always make sure I bring a backpack with me on holiday in case of any jam-packed day trips.
This one from OGIO is the perfect size and has so many compartments, including elasticated ones on the side, for my water bottle and umbrella (just in case!), and a hidden zip pocket at the front for the important stuff.
There's also a section specifically for your laptop, and enough space to fit a change of clothes and shoes.
£89 Shop
STACKERS Cosmetic and Jewellery Bag
I've always been one of those people with a million different bags and boxes within their suitcase - a jewellery box, a makeup bag, a toiletries bag, the list goes on...
But this nifty 2-in-1 bag from STACKERS has fixed all that.
It fits all my makeup in and has a jewellery box attached at the bottom - which also keeps all my necklaces in place and stops them tangling.
£55 Shop
MyHalos 100% Blackout Sleep Mask
I bought this blackout eye mask for a long-haul flight originally, and it's so good I use it in bed every night now, and my sleep has got so much better.
Designed to prevent pressure on your eyes, this 3D sleep mask is perfect for sensitive eyes or those with lash extensions.
Made from premium memory foam and soft, breathable material, it offers superior comfort and light-blocking ability.
£9.99 Shop
Philips 3000 Series Handheld Steamer
I hate ironing and I'm not a neat packer in the slightest - so my life was changed once I discovered steamers.
This one from Philips is the perfect size for packing in a suitcase and folds up so small so really doesn't take up much room.
£31.99 Shop
Universal Travel Adapter
A travel adapter is an absolute must if you're going abroad, and I always leave this one in my suitcase so I never forget to pack it.
It fits any plug sockets around the world, and also has three USB ports, as well as a slot for USB-C cables, so you can charge five different devices at the same time.
£11.99 Shop
DOCK & BAY Quick Dry Beach Towel
One of my least favourite things about the beach has always been how wet and sandy the hotel towels end up getting.
But now I pack my own beach towel from DOCK & BAY for holidays.
It's quick-drying, never gets sandy and also comes in a little pouch so doesn't take up much room in the suitcase.
I love this tropical print too!
£21-50 Shop
mdlondon BLOW Hair Dryer
While this hair dryer may be expensive, it's so worth it to pack in your suitcase rather than having to rely on the rubbish hotel ones you get.
It's not specifically made for travel, but it's so small and lightweight at 360g, and is just as powerful as most on the market.
It's also really quiet!
£199 Shop
JBL Charge 5
A Bluetooth speaker is always an essential for me on holiday, as is a portable charger - especially when I'm using my phone to take so many videos and pictures.
And, incredibly, this gadget from JBL is both - a speaker, doubling up as a 7,500mAh power bank.
It's not the fastest at charging phones, but the sound from the speaker is incredible - what you'd expect from JBL.
£119.99 Shop
UGREEN Bluetooth Adapter
The free headphones given out on planes are nearly always worse quality than my Airpods.
But with no Bluetooth capabilities, there's no way of using them to watch a movie on long-haul flights.
This Bluetooth transmitter has fixed that and simply plugs into the AUX port.
What's even better is it connects to two devices at the same time, so when my partner and I want to watch the same film together on a flight, we no longer have to do it by pressing play at exactly the same time!
£12.99 Shop
Tile Mate by Life360
Throughout my life I've been told I'd 'lose my head if it weren't screwed on', and have been known to leave my suitcase on the train, my passport on the plane and my purse on the bar.
I really would be lost without tile Mates, which I've attached to my keys and added one to my suitcase.
The Bluetooth trackers are the ideal solution for scatterbrains, and also for safety if you're solo travelling, so friends and family can know your whereabouts.
£27.99 Shop
trtl Travel Pillow
I was so skeptical about trtl pillows for years, having seen the pictures of people looking a bit silly using them on planes.
But I'm officially a convert - they're the comfiest thing, and, together with my eye mask, I can finally sleep on the plane and don't even need a window seat.
£45.99 Shop
Portable Foot Hammock
At 5"1, I have very little legs, and struggle to reach the footrest on planes, let alone the floor.
This portable foot hammock hangs from the tray table in front, and makes it so much easier to get comfy - even in economy.
It also comes in a little bag, which fits easily into any suitcase or backpack.
£4.99 Shop
YETI 18oz (532ml) Bottle
I take a water bottle wherever I'm going, as it means I don't have to keep asking the crew for another tiny cup of water on a flight.
This one from YETI keeps my water cold all day - especially when I add some ice to it when I leave the house.
£30 Shop
MAC IN A SAC Synergy Jacket
The problem with travelling from cold and miserable UK to hot and sunny destinations is needing to pack a bulky coat in your suitcase and never take it out once you're at the hotel.
But Mac in a Sac has the answer - with insulated jackets that pack away into a tiny bag.
I have this Synergy jacket in ivory, and it's so warm and so easy to pack away.
£59.99 Shop
Klearlook 4 in 1 Adjustable Phone Stand
The worst thing about short-haul flights is the lack of screen - and having to hold your phone for an entire movie can be frustrating.
Thankfully, this phone stand - which works with all phones - can mount onto luggage handles or tray tables with a clamp.
It also easily rotates 360 degrees, so I use it to make hands-free video calls too when I'm waiting for my flight in the airport.
£9.99 Shop
Loop Switch 2
Earplugs are a must to get some sleep on the plane - and Loop Switch 2 are perfect for wearing constantly, with three different volume modes.
It means I can use them to nap on the flight, and also to wear in the clubs in Ibiza to stop myself getting tinnitus.
The earplugs have just come out in a gorgeous new McClaren Papaya colour (pictured), having partnered with the racing brand.
£59.95 Shop
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
6 hours ago
- The Independent
Sarina Wiegman: ‘My England players can say I'm direct but I am not blunt'
Four years into the England job, and on the eve of her third major tournament in charge of the Lionesses, Sarina Wiegman reflects on how her role has changed, and how it has changed her. "My approach is the same. I just worry a little bit less,' Wiegman says, appearing relaxed and in a typically open and honest mood at England's Euro 2025 base camp at the five-star Dolder Grand hotel, perched like a medieval castle above Lake Zurich in Switzerland. There is some laughter as Wiegman explains how Sunday roasts and chicken tikka masala have become two of her favourites since being appointed England manager in 2021, while the 55-year-old has also enjoyed embracing the appetite for sport in England. 'It's such a massive sport culture,' she says, 'and in the Netherlands, but here, at every corner, the whole day on TV, for example, there's sports. There's either football or there's rugby or there's cricket. And if that's not there, then there's something else.' And, thanks to Wiegman, the Lionesses now form one of the biggest parts of the sporting summer. A result of England's historic victory at Euro 2022 and run to the 2023 World Cup final is that the attention on the Lionesses before Euro 2025 and their opening game against France on Saturday has never been greater. The news of two senior players – in Mary Earps and Millie Bright – withdrawing from the England squad before a major tournament may not have been headline news even four years ago. But the success of Wiegman's team means there is more publicity, and, for the first time as England coach, more questions when there is some disruption behind the scenes. Wiegman, for her part, welcomes it. 'It [the publicity] has increased, and actually that's great because that's what we wanted,' she says. 'Everyone will have a different opinion and that's OK too. I know what we're working on. I know what the team is about.' Of the 16 coaches at Euro 2025, Wiegman has by far the best record at major tournaments, winning the last two European Championships with the Netherlands and England and reaching the final at the last two World Cups. An important, and potentially contentious, part of Wiegman's preparations is giving every player in her squad a clear sense of their role. Those can be difficult conversations when a player is being told that they may be starting on the bench, or are unlikely to play at all, and there have been some signs of disharmony because of it. For Wiegman, it is the hardest part of being a coach, but it is also her job. She would much rather tell players exactly how it is. 'On being direct, when I have conversations with players, I think it's really important to have clarity,' Wiegman says. 'What I try to do is give them as much information as possible. The players call that direct but do not confuse that with being blunt. I am not blunt. Well, I hope not. I am trying to be honest and clear about things to give them context.' It is an advantage of being Dutch, perhaps, leaving nothing to interpretation. Working in England, Wiegman has noticed that people can often talk around issues, rather than saying how they really feel. 'Sometimes I'm like, OK, is this really the message, or do I have to interpret this a little bit differently? Sometimes I need to ask questions again and think, OK, is this really the way it is, or do I need to read more between the lines? I think that's also a little bit Dutch. And I think that's also the part of the Netherlands I come from, they're being mentioned as blunt.' As a former player herself, and as a mother, Wiegman's directness goes against some of her natural instincts. She admits she often has to resist giving players an arm around the shoulder and showing the nurturing side. 'I am actually very caring, and that's often not very helpful in this job. I want to take care of people, but I have a job where I have to make hard decisions,' says Wiegman. 'I'm trying to not put myself in their shoes and think 'oh, they must feel horrible' because I have to shut that out for that moment.' While Wiegman wants to go into tournaments with a plan, she has also tried to shape England into a more unpredictable team. The Lionesses won the Euros in 2022 by naming the same starting line-up for all six games, but most major tournaments are defined by how teams respond to unforeseen challenges, which was how England reached the Women's World Cup final amid injuries and suspensions in 2023. The growth of the sport over the last four years means Wiegman must also be open to new ideas. 'On and off the pitch the game has changed so much that I have to adapt too,' she says. 'People sometimes say I don't change. I think my values won't change but I have to adapt to new situations and figure out, OK, what's best for the team now to help them to be at their best as a team and as individuals too.' Lucy Bronze, England's most experienced player, said before the Euros that Wiegman has 'evolved' since taking charge of the Lionesses. 'I think her flexibility as a manager has definitely changed,' Bronze said. 'She came in with a few more rules set in place, she was the manager and the boss and we all respected Sarina for that reason. Over the years, her getting to know the team and the dynamics of each player, gaining trust with players, you can see how she's changed a little bit.' Wiegman laughs out loud as some of Bronze's comments are ready back to her. 'I don't see that's a negative, it's just funny that we talk about rules because I hate rules,' Wiegman chuckles. Wiegman remembers a point, upon taking the England job, where she banned her players from wearing any items of jewellery that would monitor their physical activity. With her principles now in place, Wiegman does not feel the need to be as enforcing. 'I think it just becomes more natural,' she says. 'You have set the tone at the beginning, how you want things. And then you hope that things become organic.' She compares managing a group of 23 players while being away at a major tournament to situations at home. "I always try to compare it with your family,' Wiegman says. 'In your family, you sometimes have a conflict or a discussion, that's completely normal. I think you need to have those discussions and share what you feel. We all know that we want to go forward to the highest level. We also know we need each other, so have the conversation and move on.' Wiegman goes into Euro 2025 knowing her future is already secured, with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham giving Wiegman his full backing to stay on for the 2027 World Cup even if England crash out of a difficult group. While not wanting to shift focus with the Euros and look beyond her current contract, Wiegman believes she is also in the right place. 'I feel that I just love to work with this team. I love to work in England with the FA and I hope that stays for a little bit longer.'
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
I went to the world's biggest Wetherspoons with a rooftop bar overlooking a sandy beach – it rivals Ibiza in the summer
I'M peering out over a golden sandy beach, a palm plant tickling my arms as I enjoy the 32C heat with my beer. If you're guessing I'm somewhere in Ibiza or Majorca, you'd be wrong by just over a thousands miles. 4 Just a short train away from my hometown (or from London, around 75 minutes) is the Royal Victoria Pavilion Wetherspoons. But this isn't any old Spoons - it 's the biggest in the UK, therefore also the world's biggest (seeing as they are yet to branch out to anywhere abroad). The 11,000sqft space can now fit up to 1,500 punters after a £750,000 renovation last year. So there was no better place to spend the afternoon during the scorching weather trailing across the UK. From the outside it looks just as impressive, complete with a silver mermaid on the roof and Grade II listed features. And while it looks huge on the inside, with a central winding staircase taking you to the top mezanine, its the outside space that is the star of the show. The outdoor rooftop terrace wraps around the entire building, with enough tables and chairs to fit hundreds. The best views are found at the very back, with pub backing onto Ramsgate's artificial sandy beach. I managed to secure a prime table in the middle, with views of the huge stretch dotted with sandcastle builders and sea swimmers. An older couple were even a few tables away facing the sun, sleeves and shorts rolled up with their eyes closed as they tried to tan alongside their pints. One of the UK's prettiest Wetherspoons is in an up-and-coming seaside town 4 A commitment, when the beach was just steps away. And despite barely being lunch time, the place definitely was already picking up with it already more than half full of people getting their orders in. Littered with palm plants and metal tables, it certainly felt like I was abroad rather than in a Kent town. Especially when I could just about hear the baseline of some music from someones speakers at the beach... If you prefer doing some boat window shopping, you can grab a table on the right side overlooking the harbour. Or the front side of the roof terrace which overlooks the streets - certainly the lesser of the spots to grab. Don't worry if you can't handle the heat either. Downstairs is a smaller beach terrace that is fully shaded, but still with views of the beach. You'll have to go around to get to the beach however, with no direct access but instead via an entry point next to the Wetherspoons. But if you want that cheap beach club vibe without having to hop on a plane or buy an expensive drink - the Royal Victorian Pavilion is your best bet. Here is everything else you need to do in Ramsgate. And we've rounded up some of the best rooftop bars in London as well.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
I'm a travel editor – the flight, train & ferry upgrades that are worth the money… skip the queue & bag unlimited drinks
FOR more than 26 years I've been travelling the world on behalf of Sun readers and while I've been lucky enough to turn left on a fair few planes, I've also spent hours in airport queues and even longer squished into tiny seats on long haul flights. And that's where splashing out on a cheeky little upgrade can make all the difference between a miserable journey and a boujee start to your break. 8 But while paying can sometimes be a real winner, not all upgrades are worth splashing the cash on. Here, I reveal the ones that are worth the dosh, and those to ditch across trains, planes and ferries. AIRPORT No one likes to queue and I've had a few close calls over the years where long lines at security or passport control have led to a mad dash to the gate. If you're travelling at a particularly busy time of year like the school holidays, it can pay to shell out for a FastTrack access to skip the queues. 8 8 If you book a package holiday to a 4* resort with you'll get free fast track security passes from your chosen airport - book a 5* hotel and you'll get lounge access. At Gatwick, you'll get FastTrack for free if you stay at the in-airport Bloc Hotel and rooms there, literally metres from the security lanes, start from just £90 a night, perfect for those hideously early departures. In general though, it pays to think ahead. You can save up to 20 per cent on fast track security passes if you book in advance. And prices start from just £3.50 at Bournemouth. Booked in advance, prices are from: Bristol, £6; East Midlands, £6; Gatwick, £6; Liverpool, £4; Luton, £4; Manchester, £7; Newcastle, £7. Stansted will let you buy a fast track for both security AND passport control at £7.50 and £15 respectively and at Leeds Bradford, where passes cost £5, you can take a child under 12 for free with each paying adult. The same applies to treating yourself to a stay in an airport lounge. If you're travelling with the family or enjoy having a drink and meal in departures, often the cost of a lounge can sometimes be cheaper than buying food and drink in the busy bars and restaurants. Prices start from just £20 if booked well in advance. Check out deals on websites like for extra discounts. PLANE While we'd all love to be basking in the luxury of business class on every flight, the prohibitively high prices are never going to make it an option for most of us. But the stratospheric rise of the class between economy and business shows that we're all willing to splash out a little bit extra for more space and comfort. 8 8 Premium Economy is the one upgrade I think is worth its weight in gold when it comes to flying long haul over 12 or more hours. And one airline in particular has stolen a march on rivals when it comes to their version of Premium. Norse Airlines' Boeing 787 Dreamliners fly to Orlando, Miami, New York, Los Angeles year round from its Gatwick base and will fly to Cape Town and Bangkok from October for the winter season. With its no-frills ethos, flights cost from just £250 return for the absolute basic fare with just hand luggage and no food. But its Premium comes with two meals and luggage as well as a wider seat with oodles of leg room and here's the best bit - with a bit of planning you can fly in this class for the same price of an economy seat on many of the full service, legacy airlines. Another great way to upgrade your flight relies a lot more on luck - and what you're prepared to shell out at the last minute. Most major airlines will have a service in place where you can bid a set price for an upgrade - in general, a price around 20 to 40 per cent above their lowest bid offer will be the most successful. And there's always the option of asking directly as you check in for your flight how much it would cost to upgrade. If a flight is particularly busy in one cabin, there will be some attractive deals to move up. You're more likely to be successful on routes popular with leisure passengers - and on flights later in the day or last thing at night. Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." Rail travel in the UK is hardly known for its luxury but while First Class seats come at a huge premium, there are ways to get an upgrade for less. First Class comes with a host of perks from free wifi to complimentary drinks and food as well as extra legroom and reclining seats. It could also include access to First Class lounges at certain stations. 8 Many train companies have a Weekend First offer - providing you with an upgrade to First Class on services running on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. You can't book these in advance and the price varies by company but can cost anywhere between £10 to £45. Ask staff onboard if there is availability and at what price. Another great way to score an upgrade if you're travelling in the week is to download the Seatfrog app. This allows anyone with a standard class train ticket to bid for an upgrade to First Class. Auctions usually open 24hours before your journey and close 30minutes before departure. Give the app the maximum amount you're prepared to spend on the upgrade and Seatfrog will automatically bid for you, raising the bid incrementally until it reaches your maximum bid. If you win, Seatfrog will automatically allocate you the best available seat. FERRY Ferries may not be the most romantic form of travel - outshone by the glitzy cruise ships - but for heading off on the open roads of Europe in your own car just cannot be beaten. But for a little bit of luxury on your channel crossing, I think the Club Lounges on P&O Ferries' ships are definitely worth upgrading to if you're travelling without the kids. 8 8 From £29 you'll get a private lounge with an all-inclusive offering of food, drinks and even Wi-Fi. And you can even enjoy the sea air from a sun-lounger on the private deck. Considering the cost of a hearty lamb shank main in their usual restaurant will set you back at least £17, you don't have to indulge in much more to get the benefit of the lounge back. And the same can be said for someone looking to take a longer sailing with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao in Spain. An upgrade to their Commodore Cabins may seem pricey but when you factor in the comfy double bed in a larger cabin complete with window and access to the open deck as well as access to the Club Lounge with a veritable feast of food available for free from dawn till dusk, it can sometimes work out cheaper if you do enjoy a glass or two of wine with your lunch and dinner. Travellers often wonder how to secure an upgrade to first class without paying the premium price. According to a flight attendant, there are several strategies passengers can employ to increase their chances. Firstly, loyalty to an airline is crucial; frequent flyers and those with elite status are more likely to receive upgrades. Additionally, booking directly with the airline rather than through third-party sites can improve your odds, as can being flexible with your travel dates and times. Dressing smartly and arriving early can also make a difference. While airlines generally prioritise upgrades based on status and fare class, a well-dressed passenger who checks in early may catch the staff's attention. It's also beneficial to be polite and friendly to the airline staff, as they have the discretion to upgrade passengers at their own judgement. Lastly, if you're celebrating a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or birthday, it doesn't hurt to mention it. While not guaranteed, some flight attendants might consider this when deciding on upgrades. Overall, while there's no surefire way to get a free upgrade, combining these strategies can certainly improve your chances.
