Just like everyone else, we love a good holiday. And you’d think, considering we're surrounded by everything you could possibly need to take away, that we wouldn’t forget a thing. But honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

These products might be right under our noses all day long, but we still find ourselves packing the night before thinking, “Oh no, I forgot this... and that... and that too.”

So we figured, if we can forget (when we live and breathe this stuff), then what chance does everyone else have? Unless you’re one of those super organised people, and if that’s you, we think you’re great!

After one of the girls recently came back from a trip telling us what she forgot, we thought it was time to do a little feature on what’s actually in our holiday bags (when we remember it all). Think of this as your no stress checklist, so you’re prepped with everything you need before, during, and after your holiday.

So, here’s everything we (should) have in our bags:

Z Gel:

Many of you know this one well, as we always recommend it for first aid kits or to keep in your handbag if you’ve got little ones. It’s one of the fastest acting gels we know and works for literally anything and everything.

Holiday wise, it’s brilliant for taking the itch out of bites, the sting out of stings, and calming sunburn. It’s magic on scuffed knees at the park, helps reduce bruising, and adds anti-inflammatory support wherever you need it.

It’s for the whole family, and not just physically, it works on an emotional and vibrational level too. So if you’ve got an anxious flyer or any post shock moments, massage it behind the ears, on temples and wrists.

It’s full of ingredients you’ll recognise and love like arnica, calendula, propolis, star of Bethlehem (great for emotional tension), and more. A year round essential, but especially in your suitcase.

De Mamiel Altitude Oil:

This one’s a total treat. And once you go there… you won’t go back. It lasts a long time (unless you get a bit hooked and start dabbing it everywhere, which, fair enough).

We love it when travelling, especially on planes, as it keeps you calm, decongested, refreshed, and mentally switched on. Plus, it’s full of antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic oils to keep cabin bugs at bay. Think of it as your very own protective shield, that just so happens to smell amazing.

It blends some of the most gorgeous aromatherapy oils, like lavender for calming, eucalyptus for decongesting, fragonia leaf as an antibacterial, pine leaf to clear sinuses, and more.

Little trick: if you struggle with hayfever, at home or abroad, dab a tiny bit under your nostrils to help clear airways and relieve stuffiness!

Fun fact: it’s even offered to guests leaving Necker Island (yes, that Richard Branson island) to boost energy and help with travel fatigue. So yes, it’s a treat, but also a total essential.

Organic Pharmacy Insect Repellent Spray

Who could go away without one of these? Insect bites has to be one of the most frustrating parts of the holiday - for those who get bitten. And if you don’t, we have no idea what you’re made of but count your blessings!

We love this one because it contains neem, one of the most recognisable (and powerful) herbs for natural insect repelling. Neem has an earthy, bitter scent (and taste, apparently), which mosquitoes really don’t like.

The way neem works is quite fascinating, it contains compounds like azadirachtin, which mess with insect hormones and life cycles, basically making you a no-fly zone for mosquitos, midges, and even ticks. And when combined with citronella and eucalyptus (as this spray is), studies show it can be as effective as DEET, just without the harshness.

It’s also great for sensitive and young skin too. And, if you were too slow and already got bitten, it also helps calm the itch and reduce inflammation.

Dr Hauschka Birch Arnica Body Oil

This is Kylie's favourite post sun body oil. You might not expect it for after sun use, as it’s mostly used for after exercise or physical recovery, but it’s amazing for sun exposed skin.

Birch and arnica are both deeply anti-inflammatory and amazing for reducing any skin irritations from the sun. Plus, it also helps to supports lymphatic flow and fluid balance, which is helpful if you're feeling puffy or sluggish after travel or sunbathing. It gives the skin a subtle freshness, which is so nice after a hot, sticky day.

It also contains nettle (rich in minerals like silica and magnesium), which nourishes the skin barrier and helps calm irritation, particularly on heat sensitive or reactive skin, and burdock root for that cooling, calming effect we all need after sun exposure.

So whether you’ve been hiking or just sipping cocktails by the sea, this cooling, balancing oil is just what you need!

Abloom Soothing Lotion

Abloom will forever find a place in our holiday bag, or any bag for that matter. We rave about them constantly because, well, they’re just perfect in every possible way.

This soothing lotion is ideal for holidays. It can double up as a toner, while also calming sun or heat exposure. It’s especially helpful if you’re prone to acne or rosacea, and that’s whether you’re away or not.

All Abloom products are aloe vera based, which we know is one of the most soothing plants on earth, and this lotion is no exception. Add in chamomile and lavender, and you’ve got a trio that works beautifully to reduce redness, calm irritation, and ease heat stressed skin.

Plus, it hydrates, supports the skin barrier, rebalances, and is made from over 20 botanical extracts with no fillers or chemicals. It also helps with shaving rash, bites, and any kind of skin freak outs mid holiday.

The Organic Pharmacy Daily Mineral SPF

We have a shiny new SPF in the house, from The Organic Pharmacy. So, first opinions when using this - it smells divine and is packaged beautifully. But, here’s the good stuff, it’s so full of antioxidant rich botanicals and hydrating oils, that it’s been clinically shown to significantly increase moisturisation by 18%, in just 28 days!

Plus, the antioxidants reduce oxidative stress from pollution. This means less pigmentation, less ageing, less inflammation, and more hydrated, glowing and happy skin.

It uses Non-Nano Zinc Oxide for physical UV protection (sits on the skin, doesn’t absorb), plus hydrating, calming extracts like aloe vera, rosehip, shea butter, and calendula to keep your skin smooth, calm and hydrated all day.

It goes on like a dream - smooth, soft, no chalky residue, and no white cast. It honestly feels like a beautifully scented moisturiser, but with serious protection. It’s also water resistant, reef safe, and brilliant for sensitive skin. So whether you’re lounging poolside or off exploring, this one has literally got you covered!

RMS Suncover SPF 50

If you haven’t tried this yet, prepare to fall in love. This is soon to be your favourite summertime make-up.

Firstly, it contains SPF 50, giving you have that added layer of protection, and secondly, the cover is actually really good for a tinted serum. So, it's perfect for day and night, whether at the beach or out for dinner.

Like all RMS products, it’s designed not just to look good, but to actually help your skin. It uses non-nano zinc oxide to reflect UVA/UVB and blue light, plus herbal extracts and adaptogens to hydrate, soothe, protect, and balance your skin.

It’s honestly beautiful, skin is dewy, healthy, and even toned, and the formula is breathable and non-comedogenic, so no clogging or caking. If you love to wear a bit of make-up on holiday but can’t bear full foundation, this is it.

Top tip: pair it with RMS UnCoverup for that extra little bit of coverage where you want it. The perfect duo for holiday make-up, and all summer long!

Have a great holiday, enjoy the sunshine and moqusitos free days out!

If you’re heading off on a trip, here’s your unofficial, but hopefully really helpful, checklist. Every holiday is different, of course, you might want a new nail colour, or a glowing face tan water, or even a hydrating mask for the plane. We could list things forever.

But these are our ride or die essentials, as they cover you pre-sun, post-sun, during travel, for skin, bites, make-up, and all the little emergencies in between.

But, if your feel there is more you need, then check out our full holiday essentials section if you want to see more, and most importantly…

Enjoy the sunshine, stay bug free, and don’t forget your SPF 💛