Tips & Advice · 7 min read · August 1, 2025

Beat the heat with our summer holiday tips

Heading away this summer? We've got you covered with top tips from packing smart and staying cool to taking the perfect holiday snap.

Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.

This summer holiday guide covers everything from essential packing lists to practical tips for staying cool in hot weather and taking great holiday photos. It includes detailed packing suggestions – from travel documents and clothing to toiletries and gadgets – plus advice on keeping cool during the day and at night, like using SPF, staying hydrated, and sleeping hacks. Finally, it offers photography tips for getting the best out of your phone camera in both bright and low-light settings, with editing advice to polish your snaps without overdoing it.

Ready for your big summer holiday? From packing your essentials and staying cool, to capturing the perfect holiday moments, we've got all the tips you need to make the most of your trip.

What to pack

Don't even think about leaving your house without...

• Passport
• Boarding pass, or train/ferry tickets if you're not flying
• Wallet, keys, phone
• ID (driving licence)
• Glasses or contact lenses (plus extra solution and cases if you wear monthlies)
• Essential medication you might need, plus the basics like plasters, antihistamine, bite cream, painkillers, etc.
• Phone charger
• Plug adaptor
• Cash or travel money card

What to wear

When it comes to your summer wardrobe, think light and breezy. But don't forget to pack something warm for later in the day – even Tenerife can get chilly in the evening.

• Shorts
• Sundresses, light shirts and tops
• Comfy shoes
• Pants and socks
• Light jacket (just in case)
• Light PJs

Summer essentials

When you're at the beach or lounging by the pool, you'll thank yourself for packing these essentials.

• SPF
• After sun
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Beach towel
• Swimsuit/bikini/trunks
• Flip-flops or sliders
• Tote or beach bag
• Handheld fan
• Water spray

Toiletries

Don't worry too much if you forget any of these, as you can pick most toiletries up at the airport or when you get to your destination. Remember if you're packing liquids in your carry-on bag, containers can't be more than 100ml and a max of 1 litre is allowed in those clear resealable bags.

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel
• Face wipes
• Make-up
• Hairbrush
• Hair ties
• Nail file
• Lip balm
• A clear, resealable bag to get your liquids through security

Nice-to-haves

• Headphones to block out noisy children on the plane
• Book(s) or a Kindle
• Download some podcasts or music to your phone
• A good camera, if your phone camera isn't so great
• A speaker for your accommodation
• Gym gear if you can be bothered
• Backpack for when you're out and about
• Empty water bottle to fill up at the airport after security
• Laundry bag to put used clothes in

How to stay cool

Beating the heat when out and about

Chances are you're hoping for good weather while you're away this summer and fancy a little tan to make your friends and family jealous when you get back. But let's face it, there's nothing we Brits love more than moaning about the weather.

And for good reason – whether you're exploring the city or lazing on a sun lounger, extreme heat can get to even the hardiest of sun worshippers. Here's how you can enjoy a balmy summer's day more safely.

• Stay hydrated. By that we mean water, not alcohol – poolside cocktails can be quite dehydrating.
• Use sunscreen with a high SPF and UVA rating. Don't order your holiday tan with a side of uncomfortable sunburn – factor 30's your best friend.
• Seek out shade. A little break from the sun can keep you from getting too hot and bothered.
• Bring a handheld fan and water spray. A cool breeze and mist will feel like luxury in 30°C heat.
• Wear light, airy clothes made of cotton or linen. Natural fabrics help cool you down by absorbing sweat and moisture. Lovely.

Sleeping in warm weather

Stuck with one of those ceiling fans in your hotel room that feels more like a hairdryer blowing hot air in your face? Not to worry. There are a few things you can do to keep cool while tucked away in bed.

• Use thin sheets. If your hotel has provided you with a thick blanket to sleep in, ask if they've got something lighter or remove the duvet cover and just use that.
• Keep your curtains closed during the day to keep out the sun.
• Open windows in the evening to let in a cool breeze. But make sure your window is closed on the sunny side of your accommodation during the day to avoid letting hot air in.
• Drink plenty of water during the day, but don't drink too much right before bed. There's nothing like waking up in the middle of the night for a wee to ruin your sleep.
• Avoid napping. By not napping during the day, you'll be more tired later on and hopefully drift off quicker. That midday snooze on your sunlounger is often the best part of the holiday though, so ignore this advice at your leisure.
• Fill a hot water bottle with ice-cold water. Game changer.
• If there's a fan in your room, use it. If not, bring one with you if you can fit it in your luggage.
• Put your socks in the fridge. A bit weird, but it works.

Making the most of your phone's camera

Wherever you're heading this summer, you're sure to make lots of memories that will last way beyond your holiday – and you probably want to take a snap or two to capture them.

You don't need to bring an expensive, bulky camera with you (although we won't blame you if you did!) when the chances are you have a pretty powerful camera in your pocket already. You just need to know how to get the most out of it, and that's why we asked our multimedia experts to share some tips with you.

Taking photos in bright sunlight

Wherever you can, take photos in natural light. Try to take photos early in the morning or late afternoon – just after sunrise and just before sunset is golden hour, when light is softer and at its most flattering. Direct sunlight can create harsh shadows and overexposed highlights. If shooting in bright conditions, try to find some shade.

You can usually tap on your screen to adjust the exposure, which helps control the brightness of your snap. Many phone cameras have a slider to manually adjust exposure. Use it to fine-tune the light in your photo to expose the subject how you want it to look. If your phone supports it, use HDR mode for scenes with high contrast (e.g. bright sky and dark foreground) to capture more detail in both highlights and shadows.

Taking photos at night

If your phone has a night mode, use it. It's designed to capture more detail in low light by using longer exposure times.

Position people near sources of light like street lamps, neon signs, or even the moon – camera flash should be a last resort. And take advantage of reflective surfaces like wet streets or windows to add interesting light effects and reflections to your photos.

The perfect shot

Try using the grid lines on your camera to place your subject off-centre, following the rule of thirds for a more balanced composition. You can also use natural lines and things like roads and fences to draw the viewer's eye into the image. Look for symmetrical scenes or repeating patterns for visually interesting shots.

It's usually best to get close to your subject. You'll avoid distractions in the background and having to use digital zoom, which can reduce the quality of your image.

Staying focused

Tap the subject on your screen to keep them in sharp focus. For moving subjects or when you want to maintain focus on a specific spot, tap and hold the subject to lock focus.

It's important to keep your phone steady to avoid blurry images. A travel tripod's perfect for this, keeping your phone still and letting you take hands-free selfies.

Editing tips

Your phone probably has lots of built-in filters to add different moods or styles to your photos Or try out photo editing apps to enhance your photos – basic adjustments like brightness, contrast, and saturation can make a big difference.

Just be careful not to over-edit your holiday snaps – often less is more.