Searching for some final summer sun before winter draws in? Whether you head to the Greek Islands, Mexico, Turkey or Morocco, there are countless beautiful and interesting destinations to explore in October and beyond. But while these locations will undoubtedly be hotter than the UK at this time of year, you won't necessarily be guaranteed endless hot sunny days. So what do you pack to prepare for beachy days, cool nights and even the occasional downpour?
Statement sunglasses
A summer holiday is the perfect opportunity to break out those statement sunglasses you're too shy to wear in your everyday life. Try pastel-tinted lenses, oversized 70s frames or a 90s throwback rectangle shape.
Looking for inspiration? Check out this deep dive into 2022 sunglasses styles.
Loose cotton trousers
Depending on your holiday destination, temperatures might dip in the evenings. Don't bother packing bulky jeans you'll likely only wear once; instead, opt for flowy cotton trousers that you can wear from beach to restaurant to rooftop bar.
For a lightweight cover-up perfect for the beach, why not try a loose cotton jumpsuit? Our block printed Rosea Blossom Bow Sleeve Jumpsuit is versatile and comfortable and can be dressed up or down.
Sun cream and insect repellent
Travelling after the peak of summer means there's more chance of rain showers, and rain has the annoying habit of bringing out mosquitoes. Save yourself from nights of itching by packing insect repellant. As for suncream, hopefully it's already part of your daily routine. If it's not, make sure you stock up before hitting the beach!
A jacket or lightweight cardigan
Don't be fooled by hot summer days on the beach! By October, many European holiday destinations cool down significantly in the evenings. If you don't have a jacket or jumper, you'll miss out on that after-dinner cocktail on the terrace. We recommend keeping a cardigan or jacket on hand to avoid the chill.
Don't have much space in your luggage? Go for our Plum Poppy Jacket. It's a block print, hand-crafted miracle item! Purple on one side and yellow on the other, the reversible nature of the jacket means it's the only cover-up you'll need.
Escapist beach reads
Lose yourself in a good book while you're abroad. Top holiday picks for 2022 include The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw, and Luster by Raven Leilani.
Tip: A Kindle can save you from lugging around heavy books (and taking up space in your luggage!) Load up your e-reader before you depart.
Swimwear that makes you feel great
A summer holiday isn't complete without a swim! The ocean should be nice and warm this time of year, so pack a swimsuit or two to make the most of it. Whether you go for a bikini or one-piece, your swimsuit should make you feel as fabulous as you look.
Make sure you look at the ranges released by sustainable UK fashion brands before purchasing any new swimsuits! We recommend Goldesse, youswim and Stay Wild.
A cute co-ord
A co-ord is the ultimate holiday packing secret. Wear it together for a streamlined, chic look or wear each piece separately and make your wardrobe stretch further! Try our Sakura Blossom Bow Top paired with the Sakura Blossom Tiered Maxi Skirt for an ultra-feminine look. Lightweight linen shorts and shirt co-ords are another versatile option.
Strappy sandals and sturdy walking shoes
Shoes can take up a lot of space in holiday luggage, so it pays to select your travel footwear carefully. We recommend one pair of trainers or walking shoes and one pair of strappy sandals you can dress up and down. Just make sure you've broken them in before your trip!
If you're a flip-flops or Birkenstocks fan, check out the Birkenstock EVA range. They're lightweight, waterproof and come in a range of colours.
A block print dress
Nothing says 'summer holiday' like a floral dress. The Patty Poppy Cross Strapped Dress is perfect for everything from wandering through markets in Spain to lazy beachside lunches in Greece. Our beloved block print summer dress is made from lightweight cotton, keeping you cool all day.
The essentials
Passport, travel insurance, visas, adaptors and more… There are so many essentials you need to remember for a trip abroad. Check out this holiday packing list for an exhaustive checklist of must-haves - and don't forget your passport!
Looking for some last-minute pieces to complete your holiday wardrobe? Browse through Hollyblocks' range of block print clothing here, and learn about what makes block prints so unique in our blog!