Hedayat Reda My friends and I have been doing regular girls’ trips over the course of our adulthood— same chaos, different beach. And every single time, I used to pack like I was preparing for every possible version of myself. The “I might work out” version, the “I’ll read three books” version, the “I’ll wear heels” version. None of those people ever showed up.
After a few years (and a few very humbling packing mistakes), I think I’ve finally got it down.
It always starts the same: me repacking my suitcase the night before, taking out the things I think I’ll use and keeping the things I actually reach for.
This is my holy grail (use wisely).
The Non-Negotiables:
Mineral-based sunblock + a hat
Someone always forgets sunscreen and becomes everyone else’s problem. The hat, I have learned,needs to go with everything—I once brought one that only matched one outfit and spent the rest of the trip carrying it around. You do not wanna be stuck on a beach vacation with a sunburn day one.
A proper water bottle
Because “I’ll just buy water there” turns into being dehydrated and slightly annoyed all day. It’s a headache to lug around sometimes, but reminds you to keep drinking. Summer means:hydration, hydration, hydration.
Chargers + adapters
The least exciting, but most stressful thing to forget. I once spent half a day hunting for the “right” adapter in a beach town. Never again. Editor’s Note: universal adapters are really useful, but quite bulky. Better to be specific.
Wallet (edited down)
You do not need old receipts or loyalty cards from 2019. Travel light. I have a travel wallet that I save especially for these kinds of trips. It’s red and only fits the most essential cards.
Basic medication kit
One year, someone had a headache, someone had allergies, and we had nothing between us. Learned our lesson. Nothing is as strong as Rivo and Cataflam. The foreign alternatives do not do it. BYOMeds.
The Logistics Layer:
Phone attachment or a camera
Using your phone as a camera is fine, but make it practical—get something to attach it to so you’re not constantly dropping it. Been there, done that. Or go all in with a digital or instant camera if you’re committed to the memory-making. We did that one trip in Italy and the photos were really special.
A very obvious keychain
Airbnb keys are chaos waiting to happen, so bring a slightly ridiculous or very noticeable keychain. You’ll thank yourself when you’re wandering around restaurants at 2AM wondering where you left your keys (no, it wasn’t in the bathroom).
A compact tote or foldable bag
Beach, groceries, carrying everyone else’s things by the end of the day—it does it all. This item has saved me more than once. My go-to is my UNTY براحتها one. Shoutout to this gem of a local brand.
The Wardrobe Check:
Clothes are where I used to go wrong. Each article of clothing should pull its weight.
A good dress that can do day and night (change shoes, add earrings, done).
Comfortable sneakers or proper walking shoes—this is not the trip to break in anything new. You will get blisters. You will wish you had taken the ONs instead of the cute flats you got in Madrid.
Extra T-shirts are essential. You’ll go through them faster than you think. Add three extra to the number of days you plan to be there.
Swimwear—even if you’re “not planning to swim.” You will.
A lightweight layer for flights, cool evenings, and aggressive air conditioning. The all-in-one cardigan is your best best.
Flip Flops.
For Your Leisure:
A book or a Kindle
I bring a book every year and never finish it. It’s optimistic. The Kindle is the realistic option, because if I want to read more or less, I can. Also, it fits in most of my purses. But there’s always that one quiet moment—usually early morning, before everyone wakes up—where the book adds a sense of whimsy to the trip. Your choice.
A small notebook
I like having somewhere to write down stuff or draw random things. A place we went, something someone said, a restaurant to remember. It’s messy but it’s nice to look back on and can help spark future ideas for stories.
The Tiny Things:
Natural deodorant + toiletry bag
Floss is one of those things you don’t think about until you really need it. Then it’s all you think about. My toiletry bag includes all of my hydration must-haves and niche organic beauty products. I have travel versions of all my go-tos and rely on them intensely for any trip. Sorry, I don’t care if I’m high maintenance, it’s worth it.
Hair tie or claw clip
Small, essential, easy to forget. Lifesaver any day.
For Comfort’s Sake:
Two types of headphones
Noise-canceling for the flight (or avoiding people), and a lighter pair for walking around. There’s always a solo walk—it needs a soundtrack.
Eye mask or earplugs
There’s always one early riser, one late sleeper, and one person playing music slightly too loud. And finally, if you care about sleep at all, these items are GOATs. Learned this one the hard way,but many places don’t come with blackout curtains. Be prepared.
That’s it. It took a few years—and a lot of “why did I bring this?” moments—but this is the list that actually works. Everything else stays home.
You’re welcome.
