What To Pack For A Staycation: Our Summer Travel Essentials

While a far-flung exotic holiday might not be on the cards for a little while longer, one thing's for sure, we adore packing our bags and experiencing new places – even if it's not far from our very own doorstep!

Read on to discover our summer beauty prep secrets and the fashion, skincare, food and lifestyle buys we just couldn't leave home without.

By Sarah London

Where are you most looking forward to travelling to for a break this summer?

LAUREN: I'm heading to the Welsh coast! I've not been before and I'm so looking forward to getting out into nature, with walks on the beach and enjoying long green vistas of beautiful countryside. I love spending time outdoors so you'll most likely find me hiking or biking, and probably on my yoga mat for some outdoor classes. Nothing beats spending time in nature and I'm looking forward to some new adventures this summer, much closer to home than I would otherwise have ventured given the pandemic.

What are your top travel beauty must-haves from the By Sarah London collection?

SARAH: I couldn't be without our Hero Facial Oil. It was the first skincare innovation I formulated to restore and revive Lauren's sensitive skin following her recovery from leukaemia, and it is now much-loved by so many women and men of all ages.

I use it after cleansing with our Balancer Oil-to-milk Cleanser (another favourite of mine). Its velvety texture is delicate enough for even the most sensitive of skins and whisks away all traces of makeup, sunscreen and daily grime without any irritation. I also adore our antioxidant-rich Hair Oil for keeping hair so beautifully-soft and swishable.

LAUREN: I can't travel without our Hero Facial Oil, it's my morning and evening skincare saviour. And our Balancer Oil-to-milk Cleanser will be my best friend this summer, removing all the daily grime and SPF to keep my skin clear and free from breakouts.

I love having relaxing baths, and will be sure to enjoy more time soaking in the tub after long bike rides, so travelling with our nourishing Body Oil will be a must.

What other products do you swear by for your travels?

LAUREN: My favourite pineapple print Desmond & Dempsey PJs will be packed as they keep me nice and cool in the summer; some Deliciously Ella snacks for the road (Caramel Cups are yum) and a white shirt from ME + EM to pair with jeans for an easy classic look. My yoga mat will also be in my car for all road trips, and anything by Tim Ferriss to read or listen to.

I'm a huge Marie Kondo fan and actually really enjoy the process of packing! There's something therapeutic about taking out your favourite things from the wardrobe, arranging them neatly and then unpacking them at your destination – like it's a present to yourself.

Do you switch up your beauty routine for the summer months?

SARAH: I love a pared-back makeup look all year round but particularly in the summer months when spending time outdoors and the mercury rising. My go-to essentials are a flick of ILIA mascara, a pink cheek blush (mixed with our By Sarah London Lip and Hand Balm for a natural lip gloss) and the delicate sweet notes of my Floral Street perfume. This summer, I'll also be spritzing throughout the day with our plant-powered and prebiotic Reviver Hydrating Mist for an instantly healthy, radiant glow. Love it.

How do you like to prep for a holiday?

SARAH: Before leaving home for a holiday by the beach or even for a long weekend, first on my list is to tend to my house plants, making sure they have plenty of water and sunlight while I'm away! (Did you catch our IG Live with Alice Vincent? She has some great tips).

For skincare, I tend to step up my body care routine in three ways:

Dry body brushing to stimulate lymphatic flow and gently buff away dead skin cells
Applying our By Sarah London Body Oil after each shower for deep, long lasting nourishment and skin suppleness
More walks and running in the park! It's an easy way to maintain healthy cortisol and insulin levels for a radiant spirit that's ready for some fun in the sun :)

Have you taken your By Sarah London favourites on holiday this summer? We love to see your travel photos! You can share them with us @bysarahlondon on Facebook and Instagram.

Written by: Sarah & Lauren

By Sarah