Right, let’s be honest – you’ve probably left packing to the very last second. Your flight’s at 6am, you’ve got five outfits and a bucket hat on the bed, nothing in the suitcase and a strong feeling you’ve forgotten something important, like your actual passport.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This isn’t one of those boring travel blogs that tells you to bring “a light waterproof jacket” for your sun-drenched beach rave. No ta. This is a proper list for a proper party holiday. The kind of holiday where you land, drop your bag, grab a drink and forget what day.
So grab yourself a pre-holiday drink and let’s get this sorted.
Party-Ready Clothing (aka Your Holiday Personality)
Clothes maketh the partygoer. You’ve got to be prepared for every scenario, from beach boozing to clubbing in a castle, to that weird rooftop bar where everyone looks like they model for ASOS.
Let’s break it down:
- Night out outfits: You’ll need a few absolute bangers. Think outfits that say “I’ve made an effort” without screaming “I packed this in a panic at 2am.” And bring more than one. You will spill something down the front, or sweat through it on night one, so multiples are a must.
- Pool party gear: This is your time to shine. Loud swimwear, mesh tops, floral shirts, the lot. Basically, if it looks like something your mum would raise an eyebrow at, you’re on the right track.
- Comfy day stuff: For hungover strolls to brunch, pretending to be cultured or just lying on a sunbed looking fit. Think loose, breezy and flattering on the old beach bod.
- The “just in case” outfit: One wildcard. Maybe something slightly classier. You never know when you’ll be dragged to a posh dinner or end up on someone’s yacht. Manifest it, and it shall be.
Basically, pack like you’re going on Love Island but might need to pop into a church. Variety is key.
Footwear That Won’t Ruin Your Life
Shoes can make or break your holiday. Quite literally if you’ve ever tried walking the cobbled streets while on a party holiday in Dubrovnik in six-inch heels. Spoiler: don’t.
Here’s the dream team:
- Walking shoes/trainers: An absolute must if you’re planning to explore during the day (or at least make it from bar to beach without crying), you’ll need something comfy. Bonus points if they’re the kind that look stylish but still feel like clouds.
- Sandals or sliders: For daytime strutting, beach lounging and the “I can’t be arsed” moments. Ideally waterproof and not the ones that give you that weird squeaky foot sound after five minutes.
- Going out shoes: Not too smart, not too scruffy, just right. You want something you can dance in for hours without losing circulation in your toes. Wedges? Maybe. Loafers? Classy. Trainers that look like they’ve done Glasto twice? Probably not.
- Flip-flops you don’t love: You might lose one after a few shots on an Ibiza boat party or break them while jumping off the boat on a Malia booze cruise. Or your mate will nick them and swear blind they’ve always been his. Bring a pair that won’t break your heart when they inevitably end up floating off into the Adriatic. And bring another pair for when the first pair go walkabout.
Your feet will thank you later.
The Survival Kit
Right, this is the stuff that doesn’t look sexy in your suitcase, but will become your most prized possessions by day two. You’ll feel like a wizard pulling these out while everyone else is crying into their breakfast beers.
- Painkillers: Paracetamol, ibuprofen, whatever gets you through the post-rakija horror. Keep a stash. Guard it with your life. You will become the group legend for handing one out at brunch.
- Electrolytes or rehydration sachets: Honestly, these are magic. Drop one in a bottle of water and suddenly you’re a functioning human again.
- Condoms: Let’s keep it classy and safe, shall we? No one wants to come home with more than a tan.
- Plasters and blister bits: Because no matter how comfy you think those shoes are, they’ll betray you at some point. Especially after four or five cocktails.
- Wet wipes and tissues: For spillages, suspicious toilets and the occasional emergency face refresh when you realise you’ve sweated off your entire face on the dancefloor.
- Hand sanitiser: Festival rules apply. Some loos out there are lawless.
- Mosquito spray: Don’t let the mozzies have a feast on your sunburnt flesh. Stop the little blood suckers in their tracks!
It’s not glamorous, but neither is being stuck in bed while your mates are on a boat living their best lives.
Toiletries That Can Handle the Chaos
Now, this isn’t your normal “pack your toothbrush and floss” nonsense. This is war paint and survival gear for people who plan to sweat, swim, dance and possibly cry in public.
- Long-lasting deodorant: Not your daily roll-on. I mean industrial-strength stuff that can handle 35°C heat, three tequila shots and a full night of body-popping in a fortress.
- Your best scent: That one perfume or aftershave that makes people go, “Ooh, what are you wearing?” Use it sparingly, but make an entrance. Leave a trail of mystery and regret.
- Dry shampoo: The MVP. For when you haven’t got time to wash your hair, or the will to even try. A couple of sprays and you’ve gone from gremlin to Greek god/goddess.
- Waterproof mascara (if that’s your thing): Because one emotional moment or surprise cannonball and you’ll look like a sad panda. No judgement, just preparation.
- Suncream: Please, for the love of your future self. Yes, you want a tan. No, you don’t want to peel like a mozzarella stick after day one. Factor 30 at least. No excuses.
This little line-up is the difference between looking hungover and looking “mysteriously dishevelled”.
Tech and Gadgets
You don’t need to bring your entire electronics drawer, just the bits that’ll keep the party rolling and the chaos (slightly) under control.
- Portable charger: Non-negotiable. Your phone will die at the worst possible time, so come prepared.
- EU plug adapter: Unless you want to be that person wandering around the Kavos strip asking bartenders if they’ve got a spare.
- Bluetooth speaker: For villa pregames, beach hangs and blasting “Mr Brightside” at an inappropriate hour. Don’t go too heavy, though. You’re vibing, not running a nightclub from your balcony.
- Headphones: For hungover airport escapes, quiet time or simply blocking out Karen from Essex screaming into her phone by the pool.
Chuck it all in a pouch, call it your “tech survival kit” and you’re basically an organised adult. Sort of.
Random Stuff You Didn’t Know You’d Need
This is the “wait, why is that actually genius?” section. The unsung heroes. The bits your smug, well-packed mate brings while you’re trying to fashion a towel into a bag.
- Reusable water bottle: Hydration station. You’ll be sweating out cocktails daily, so do your poor liver a favour and chug some H2O occasionally. Plus, you’ll feel a bit smug doing something mildly eco-friendly.
- Bum bag or crossbody: Don’t roll your eyes. These are elite for nights out. Hands free, no pickpockets, and you won’t lose your phone every time you dance. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without one.
- Card game or something tiny for pre-drinks: Something silly. Something social. Cards Against Humanity, Uno, or that weird game someone always makes up after two vodkas.
- A good hat: Wide brim, bucket or baseball – doesn’t matter. Just make sure it looks decent and hides whatever monstrosity your hair has become after four nights of humidity and regrets.
Pack Smart, Party Harder
And there you go – your ultimate packing list for a party holiday done proper. If you’ve got your passport, your bank card and at least one outfit that doesn’t smell of tequila, you’re already winning.
Now go on – book it, pack it, send us a postcard (or at least tag us in a blurry Instagram story).