Conde Nast Traveller’s out-of-office emails are set to be on for much of this summer, with many of us travelling abroad at least twice over the next few months. Some are for work trips to review hotel openings in Greece and Italy. Others are personal holidays, from family trips to Bali to the ultimate party weekend at Glastonbury. With much of the planning out of the way, we’re now focusing on the packing stage, strategically selecting the ultimate summer essentials – from shoes to swimwear and tech gadgets – that we won’t travel without.
Sarah Allard, digital editor
Where I’m going: Glastonbury and Greece
What I’m packing: Few things can take me from the muddy fields of Glasto to the sandy beaches of Greece, but a good pair of sunglasses is one of them, so I’ll be investing in a tortoiseshell pair like these from The Attico. For all those festival miles I’ll cover, comfy trainers are critical (in black because… mud). Finally, a portable charger is an absolute must, so I’ll pack one for both trips.
Olivia Morelli, senior digital writer
Where I'm going: Tuscany and Seville
What I'm packing: I'm a serious sun worshipper, so I'll spend much of the summer flat on my back soaking up that Vitamin D. I'm dreaming of this Hunza G swimsuit with its square neck, stretchy fabric and bright green colour – which will look great peeping through this uber floaty Free People dress. My trusty Tumi suitcase is on its last wheely legs, so I will replace it with this slate grey hard-shell case.
Lauren Burvill, commerce editor
Where I’m going: Crete and the Maldives
What I’m packing: With a two-year-old in tow this summer, I’m packing items for ease and comfort. So I will swap my usual espadrille wedges for a pair of sleek summer flip flops that can go from beach to hotel restaurant. After exclusively only wearing high-waisted bikinis for so many years, I now find myself drawn to more relaxed styles and love this tropical print from Boden. I’m also committed to reading more, starting with Jenny Jackon’s Pineapple Street, a pulpy read about a privileged family living in Brooklyn Heights.
Sarah James, deputy digital editor
Where I’m going: Copenhagen and Glastonbury
What I’m packing: My summer travels are eclectic this year – I'm going from a weekend in Copenhagen, hoping to channel a chic Scandi-girl aesthetic, to Glastonbury, where the order of the day is sparkly festival realness. For Copenhagen, I'm obsessed with this Poplin midi dress from Ganni, perfect for drinking spritzes by the water, and this denim button-up dress which is great for slightly cooler days exploring. This year will be my second Glastonbury experience, so I know to take more layers this year – the fields get cold as soon as the sun goes down. So I'm eyeing up these trousers from Kitri, which are dark enough not to worry about inevitable mud splatters. Meanwhile, this cute little dress from & Other Stories will be great for the sunnier days I'm trying my hardest to manifest.
Amber Port, audience development manager
Where I’m going: Norway
What I’m packing: I’ve booked to go on one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe, the Bergen Railway. So naturally, I’ve also planned a few stops along the way, including a stay in Flam for kayaking and hiking, which means I must pack incredibly practically. This trip will have me swapping out my linen trousers and Camper loafers for my favourite Lululemon align leggings and Merrill hiking boots. And while I love my bikinis – I thought I’d try something more versatile with the Finisterre Nieuwland swimsuit.
Jessica Rach, Global Content Planning Manager
Where I’m going: Austria and Bali
What I’m packing: This year, I have two very opposite trips planned – and a toddler to keep happy in the process. For my short haul trip to the Austrian Alps, I'm packing sartorially apt milkmaid dresses and trainers to tick the comfort and style boxes, while an oversized denim jacket will be light enough for airy al-fresco suppers. I'm mentally preparing for the 18-hour trip to Bali by purchasing an inflatable airplane bed for my two-year-old, and I am praying that it will provide respite for all involved. Lastly, some light, fast-drying and micro-foldable towels will cover beach trips and mountain stream dips.
Paula Ellis, Art Director
Where I’m going: France and Turkey
What I’m packing: This summer, I’ll need to pack a mix of functional yet stylish items as I’ll be walking in the Pyrenees and then chilling out on the stunning Turkish coast. Dresses from ME + EM in a cotton cheesecloth travel well and look great straight out of the case. A pretty espadrille flat from Penelope Chilvers will prepare me for a cocktail after hiking all day in Merrell trail shoes and shorts from brilliant New Zealand brand MacPac (with built-in SPF). I’ll make room for my Winsor & Newton watercolour set and Moleskine notebook, as I’m always trying to capture the essence of any place with a few brushstrokes of colour and the odd pressed grass or flower popped between the pages.
