MissLJBeauty

I've been lucky enough to have quite a few holidays over the years, and I've definitely learnt that there are things I simply won't compromise on anymore.

I'm not talking about having the perfect capsule wardrobe or packing every possible outfit. In fact, I've become much better at travelling light. I'm talking about the things that make me feel comfortable, confident and, importantly, make the whole holiday experience a little easier.

From the SPF I won't leave home without to the airport hack that made travelling from Bristol Airport so much easier, these are my sunshine holiday non-negotiables.

 

1. SPF I Actually Enjoy Wearing

SPF is the one thing that is absolutely non-negotiable for me.

It sounds obvious, but I think finding a sunscreen that you actually enjoy using makes such a difference. If you don't like how it feels, smells or sits on your skin, it's very easy to find yourself putting it off or not applying enough.

For my recent travels, I took Sun Bum SPF 30, and I've already written a full review about it if you want to know exactly what I thought. Read my Sun Bum SPF 30 review here.

For me, sunscreen isn't something I only think about when I'm lying on a sun lounger. If I'm sightseeing, walking around a new city, sitting outside for lunch or spending the day at the beach, I'm still thinking about sun protection.

I've also become much more conscious of protecting my skin as I've got older. A sunshine holiday is exactly when I want to enjoy being outside, but I don't want to spend the rest of the year dealing with the consequences of not looking after my skin.

So yes, SPF is number one on my list every single time.

2. A Bikini That Makes Me Feel Confident

Finding a bikini that fits me has always been a struggle. I have a very small back but a larger chest, so trying to find a bikini top that actually fits properly without feeling like I'm being squeezed into it is not easy. Add in the fact that I need a completely different size on my bottom half and you can see why buying a matching bikini set has never been particularly straightforward for me.

I've also lost a lot of weight over the years, going from a UK size 24 to a UK size 6. While that's something I'm incredibly proud of, it has also left me with stretch marks, loose skin and, if I'm completely honest, a fair amount of imposter syndrome when it comes to my body.

There are days when I still look at myself and think, is that really me?

So finding swimwear that makes me feel confident is a huge deal.

For my latest trip, I chose the Jo Severin Timeless Halter Bikini Top in Bright Coral in a size 10, with the Timeless Fold Band Bikini Pant in Bright Coral in a size 8.

I'm normally a UK size 6, but because I have a fuller bust and a small back, I needed to go up in the bikini top. This is exactly why I love the idea of buying bikini separates. My top and bottom don't need to be the same size, so why should my bikini?

The halter top gives me the support and coverage I want, while the adjustable design means I can get a fit that feels much more secure. The bright coral is also such a gorgeous holiday colour and instantly makes me feel more put together.

Shop the Jo Severin Timeless Halter Bikini Top.

I paired it with the Timeless Fold Band Bikini Pant in size 8, which has a comfortable folded waistband and gives me the coverage I want without feeling frumpy.

Shop the Timeless Fold Band Bikini Pant.

For me, this is what a good bikini should do. It shouldn't make you spend your holiday worrying about your stomach, your stretch marks, your boobs or whether something is going to move when you get out of the pool.

It should make you want to put it on and go and enjoy yourself.

I'm not suddenly free from all my body insecurities because I've found a bikini I love. That's not how confidence works. But when I put this one on, I feel good. And after going from a UK size 24 to a UK size 6 and spending years getting used to a completely different body, feeling good in a bikini is a pretty big win for me.

That's why a bikini that makes me feel confident is one of my absolute non-negotiables for a sunshine holiday.

3. A Good Aftersun

SPF might be number one, but a good aftersun is definitely coming with me too.

I don't see aftersun as something you only need if you've actually caught the sun. I like using it after a long day outside because my skin can feel like it needs that extra bit of hydration, especially after spending hours in the heat.

One of my favourites is the NUXE Sun Refreshing After-Sun Lotion, which I took with me on my recent travels.

I have a full review of if you want to know more about the formula, texture and how I found it on my skin.

Read my NUXE Sun Refreshing After-Sun Lotion review here.

I particularly like having something cooling and moisturising to use after a shower at the end of a hot day. It becomes part of my evening holiday routine, especially when I've spent the day outside.

For me, SPF and aftersun go together. One helps protect my skin while I'm out enjoying myself, and the other is part of how I look after it afterwards.

4. My Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge Sandals

Okay, hear me out.

Crocs.

Yes, I said Crocs. More specifically, the Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge Sandal in Black.

I know Crocs aren't everyone's idea of a stylish holiday shoe, and if you'd told me a few years ago that I'd be recommending them as one of my sunshine holiday non-negotiables, I probably would have laughed. But these are different. They don't look like the Crocs you might immediately have in your head. They're a simple black wedge sandal, so they can easily be dressed up or down, and that's exactly what I want from a holiday shoe.

Most importantly, I can wear them all day. I've worn them when I've been walking around exploring, during the day with casual outfits and then straight through into the evening. I don't have to pack another pair of shoes just because we're going somewhere a little smarter.

In fact, I've even worn them to a Michelin-starred restaurant. Yes, I wore Crocs to a Michelin restaurant. And honestly, they looked perfectly fine.

That's what makes them such a winner for me. I can wear the Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge Sandal in Black with shorts and a T-shirt during the day, but put them with a dress in the evening and they instantly look much more dressed up.

When I'm travelling, I don't want to fill my suitcase with shoes. Shoes are bulky, heavy and take up far too much valuable packing space. I'd much rather take one pair that I know I can walk in comfortably all day and still wear when we're heading out for dinner.

These have become exactly that pair for me. So yes, Crocs made my sunshine holiday non-negotiables. And if you're looking for comfortable holiday sandals that you can genuinely wear from morning until night, don't dismiss them because they're Crocs.

Try them. You might be surprised.

5. Paying for Airport Fast Pass

This might sound like an unnecessary extra, but hear me out.

When we travelled from Bristol Airport, we paid for the fast-pass option and it was a complete game changer.

It was only £9 each when we travelled, and for me, it was money very well spent.

There is something about arriving at the airport knowing you don't have to stand in a huge security queue that immediately makes the start of your holiday feel less stressful.

I'm normally someone who would rather save money where I can, so I wouldn't automatically pay for every airport upgrade going. But this was one of those little extras where I genuinely thought, why haven't I done this before?

If you're travelling from an airport that offers a reasonably priced fast-track security option, it's definitely something I'd consider checking before you travel.

Just check the current price and availability for your airport, as these can change.

6. Vacuum-Packed Bags Changed How I Pack

I've become slightly obsessed with vacuum-packed bags for travelling.

And I have good reason. On one of my recent trips, I travelled for an entire month using EasyJet, with just an under-seat Samsonite bag and a Tripp suitcase.

Yes, an entire month. And before anyone thinks I travelled with three outfits and nothing else, I was also carrying a lot of medication with me. The secret was being really organised with my packing and using vacuum-packed bags to compress my clothes. They don't magically make your suitcase bigger, obviously, but they make such a difference when you're trying to fit everything into a smaller case. They also help keep everything organised, which I love.

Instead of opening my suitcase and having clothes explode everywhere, I could separate things into different bags and compress them down. If you're someone who struggles with how to pack light for a holiday, I honestly think vacuum-packed bags are worth trying.

They've completely changed how I approach packing.

7. Don't Try to Pack Absolutely Everything

This one took me a while to learn.

I used to think I needed to take every toiletry, beauty product and makeup item I might possibly want with me from home.

Now I think very differently. If I'm flying, I'll pack the things I really need and then use the airport shops for some of the things I don't necessarily need to carry through security. For example, once you've checked in and made it through security, you can buy things such as toiletries, makeup and other travel essentials from airport shops.

Depending on the airport, that might mean Boots, World Duty Free or other airport retailers. I've also started using click and collect where available, which makes things even easier because I can order what I want before travelling, collect it after security and not have to worry about fitting everything into my hand luggage. This is particularly useful if you're trying to travel with a smaller suitcase or an under-seat bag.

Just remember that what you can buy and collect will depend on the airport and retailer, so check what's available before you travel.

My Sunshine Holiday Non-Negotiables

If I had to strip my sunshine holiday essentials right back, these are the things I wouldn't want to travel without:

• SPF: Protecting my skin is something I won't compromise on.

• A bikini that makes me feel confident: Finding swimwear that fits properly and makes me feel comfortable is a huge part of enjoying my holiday.

• A good aftersun: I love having something hydrating to use after a long day in the sunshine.

• My Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge Sandals: They are comfortable enough to wear all day but smart enough for dinner, and yes, I've even worn them to a Michelin-starred restaurant.

• Airport fast pass: £9 each at Bristol Airport made such a difference to the start of our holiday and was money very well spent.

• Vacuum-packed bags: These made it possible for me to travel for a whole month with an under-seat bag and a Tripp suitcase, even with a lot of medication to pack.

• Airport click and collect: Being able to pick up toiletries, makeup and other travel essentials after security means I don't have to try and squeeze absolutely everything into my luggage before I leave home.

The Things That Make My Holidays Easier

I think the biggest thing I've learnt from travelling is that you don't actually need as much as you think you do. I used to be the person who wanted to pack everything just in case, with multiple pairs of shoes, far too many toiletries and enough beauty products to open my own little shop. Over time I've realised that being organised and knowing what actually works for me makes travelling so much easier.

My sunshine holiday non-negotiables aren't necessarily the things you'd find on a traditional holiday packing list either. Of course, SPF and aftersun are practical, but my bikini and my shoes are just as important because I want to feel good when I'm away. After losing so much weight over the years, I'm still getting used to my body and finding swimwear that makes me feel confident can genuinely change how I feel about a holiday.

The practical things matter just as much. Paying for fast pass at Bristol Airport was one of those little decisions that made the whole start of our trip feel much less stressful, and I honestly couldn't believe it was only £9 each. Then there are the vacuum-packed bags, which have completely changed the way I pack. The fact that I managed a whole month-long trip with just an under-seat Samsonite bag and a Tripp suitcase still makes me quite proud, especially as I had a lot of medication to fit in as well.

I've also stopped feeling like I need to take every single toiletry and makeup product from home. Once you've checked in and made it through security, there are shops such as Boots and World Duty Free where you can pick up things you might have forgotten or simply didn't want to carry through security. I've found that using click and collect where it's available can make this even easier, particularly when I'm trying to keep my luggage to a minimum.

So, these aren't rules and they certainly aren't things you need to have to enjoy a sunshine holiday. They are simply the things I've found make my own travels easier, more comfortable and, most importantly, more enjoyable.

For me, a good holiday is about feeling prepared without feeling weighed down by everything I've packed. I want to protect my skin, wear clothes and swimwear that make me feel good, have shoes I can actually walk in and know that I've made the journey as easy as possible.

After all, we're going on holiday to enjoy ourselves. If a few clever little choices can mean less stress, lighter luggage and more confidence, I'm all for it.

Collab *Jo Severin Swimwear, kindly gifted