Choosing the right accessories for your trip
As a team of passionate travellers and nature lovers, we know the absolute pleasure and joy that travel has to offer. Whether it’s a hiking holiday in the peaks or a fortnight spent relaxing on a beach, there’s something especially magical about getting away to relax, explore, and soak in new experiences and memories.
But even with all the upsides of travel, it’s not without its challenges. Naturally, going abroad or on a destination holiday with specific activities like hiking or skiing requires adequate preparation - without it, things can quickly go south. Whether you’ve left your sunglasses at home, didn’t think to pack any sun cream, or didn’t break-in boots ahead of a walking holiday, being ill prepared has likely gotten the better of us all at one point or another.
If you’re planning a trip and are looking for a little guidance on what you need to bring ahead of your holiday, you’re in the right place. As a tried-and-trusted clothing brand based in Yorkshire, we know a thing or two about what to pack for harsh weather and a multitude of climates and terrains, especially when it comes to accessories. Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular destination accessories, explaining why you should consider them for your next destination holiday.
Essential accessories for colder climates
If you’re going on a ski holiday or on a city break with a chilly climate, there are a few standard accessories that you’ll need to stay safe and comfortable. Naturally, if you’ll be taking part in winter sports, you’ll need to bring the big things like ski salopettes and parkas, however, in the chaos of packing, it’s important to make sure you remember the smaller essentials too. Here’s all you’ll need for a chilly trip away:
Gloves
For any cold climate, gloves or mittens are an absolute essential to keep your hands protected from the cold. Depending on the activities you’ll be taking part in, you may need to browse a range of designs - some will be more suited to the likes of skiing and snowboarding, while others will be ideal for casual walking or for using with mobile phones. Ensuring you get gloves that fit is also incredibly important, especially for winter sports.
Tip: How to measure glove size
Believe it or not, just like our clothes and shoes, there is a standard measure for glove sizes, too. Ill-fitting gloves can not only be uncomfortable but can lead to fatigue in the hand muscles and pose a safety risk when taking part in activities.
Using our handy TOG24 guide, here’s how to measure glove size:
- Total Length Measure from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your palm
- Width At Widest Measure around your hand above the thumb and below the knuckles
Once you have your measurements, you can refer back to the size guide chart.
Hats
Much like gloves, hats are an everyday winter essential that can easily be forgotten or left behind. If you’re travelling to a chillier destination in winter, early spring, or autumn, be sure to pack a beanie or bobble hat to keep your head and ears protected from the cold. For the best possible protection, make sure you bring a hat that you know fits well rather than a new one you’ve not yet tried on. Poorly fitting hats can be really uncomfortable - so much so that you don’t end up wearing it.
Tip: How to wear a bobble hat
Coming in a range of colours and styles, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to bobble hats. Having said that, one size certainly doesn’t fit all in this case, so it’s important to try your bobble hat on before purchasing or taking it on your trip.
When wearing your bobble hat, make sure it fits snugly around your head without being too tight - it shouldn’t fall off when you move about or bend forward, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it slips upward or feels uncomfortable around the head.
Ideally, if you are wearing helmets for skiing or snowboarding, avoid bobble hats altogether, as the bobble at the top will compromise the fit and effectiveness of your helmet.
Essential Accessories For Warmer Climates
Eyewear
If you’re adventuring to a warmer climate, chances are you’ll be encountering some sun. In addition to sun cream, wide-brimmed hats, and cool clothing, protective eyewear is incredibly important. Sunglasses provide essential protection from harsh UV rays, and can also protect the delicate skin around the eyes from sunburn and damage. If you are due a new pair of sunglasses or have yet to invest in a high quality pair, here’s a little guide on choosing the right set for you:
Tip: How to know what sunglasses suit you
If you’re wondering “what sunglasses suit me?”, you’re not alone. Much like picking reading glasses, finding the right pair of sunglasses will likely involve a little research and a session of trying on different frames and styles.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to consider the shape of your face, be it oval, heart shape, square, or round, and then do a little research into what frames pair best. If in doubt, there are several handy quizzes online that can help you determine your perfect match, or you can pop into your local opticians for some free advice on choosing sunglasses that suit your particular face.
Footwear
For many of us, hot climates (and travel in general) can sometimes lead to uncomfortable swelling in the legs and feet. If you’re spending your holiday in a hot location, it’s important to pack appropriate footwear for hot temperatures. Whether it’s a pair of basic flip-flops to wear around the pool or a pair of strapped performance sandals for a longer walk in warm weather, always think ahead to the activities you’ll be embarking on.
Tip: Bring more than just flip flops
While flip flops are a super-handy option to bring on a warm holiday, they’re not as sturdy or safe for walking as strappy sandals. Ideally, flip flops should be worn when at the beach, around the pool, or when casually strolling on stable, flat terrain. If you are planning on driving on holiday, you may be wondering “is driving in flip flops illegal?”. In the UK it is not illegal, but it may be in the country of your destination. Generally, driving in flip flops is not advised even where it is legal to do so, as it poses an additional safety risk. As always, it’s best to check with the local laws and customs of your destination.
Whether you’re off on an adventurous hiking expedition in the Alps or are headed to a tropical paradise, always think ahead. Be sure to have some idea of the activities you’ll be enjoying, and as part of that, what accessories you’ll need to bring to stay protected against the likes of hot and cold weather, the sun, insects, terrain, and torrential weather.
Happy and safe travels!
