Got your holiday essentials?

A full stomach

Food generally slows down the speed at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, which means a  meal will help you stay sharp if you plan to drink alcohol on your night out in town. Of course, with plenty of delicious local places to choose from, filling up shouldn’t be a problem – but remember to save a few Euros for late-night munchies on the way home as well.

A bottle of water

If you’re jockeying for position in a packed bar, or basking on a busy beach, a bottle of water is your new best friend. When you’re feeling the heat water is an essential part of staying hydrated – which can be difficult when the temperature soars. And if you’re drinking alcohol, sipping some H20 is even more important. Alcohol dehydrates your body, which can leave you feeling woozy after a couple of drinks, and makes your liver work much harder. Drinking water, or other soft drinks, will help slow down the pace and keep you feeling cool, calm and more in control.

Your mates

Sharing an adventure is probably the reason why you went on holiday in the first place, so make sure that your mates are all OK when you’re on a night out. Be sure you’ve got everyone’s mobile number before you leave the hotel so you can hook up later. If anyone in your group does look like they’ve drunk too much, check they’re OK and sipping soft drinks rather than downing more alcohol. Helping a mate who’s in a state is essential. After all, you’d want them to do the same for you! 

A map

So where was the hotel again? Take a map or card with your hotel’s address on with you and you won’t have to worry about finding your way back. A map is also useful for circling good restaurants, bars and shops for when you go out again. Even if you’ve got a smartphone clever enough to track your location, it pays to have directions on paper in case your battery dies. And anyway, you don’t want to run up the huge phone bill that using your phone abroad can create just trying to find your way around.

Your sunglasses

Whether they’re cheapo sunnies straight from the high street or a designer pair you’ve saved up for all year, the right sunglasses add instant sunshine to any holiday outfit. Before you buy make sure they offer at least some UV protection to stop the sun hurting your eyes. And when you’re heading out always remember to take a spare pair in your beach bag. The chances are that you or your mates will sit on, break or lose at least one lot before the holiday is out.

Do you have any advice for people going on holiday abroad for the first time?

Page last updated by

Unknown, 10 May 2012.

Page checked on

29 Apr 2010