What I Packed For A Week In Crete

Now that we are back from our lovely holiday to Crete, I thought it might be useful for you if I listed what I packed, what I wore and what I didn’t. I do really try not to overpack, but like most people, I end up throwing a few extra bits in ‘just in case’. I don’t think I will ever learn, but I’m trying.

Firstly, a bit of info on our trip. We stayed at the gorgeous Phāea Blue hotel in Elounda, but really it’s closer to Plaka, a lovely little village with lots of great tavernas and a superb cocktail place. One of my main priorities was to have a few dinner options within walking distance as I didn’t fancy doing any driving this time. We were extremely lucky to stay as guests of Sovereign Travel at the hotel. They also booked the transfers for us from the airport, so I didn’t really have to think about anything, which was so nice as I’m usually the one figuring out how to get everywhere, driving on the wrong side of the road and booking everything individually. I feel like I need to leave the booking of holidays to the experts more often. They really know what they are doing.

The hotel overlooked the Island of Spinalonga, if you have ever read the book ‘The Island’ by Victoria Hislop you will be aware of its fascinating history. It’s a must visit and that book is a must read if you go to that area. Or even if you don’t, it’s a fantastic book. You can get a boat over to the island for €12. We spent most of the rest of our time at the beach; the hotel provides a golf cart service to get you back up the hill to the hotel which is pure decadence. Most of the rooms at the Phāea Blue have their own pool too – absolute holiday goals! I think I would go so far as to say it’s the nicest hotel we have ever stayed in for a family holiday. Highly recommended.

But let’s get onto the packing or we will be here all day. Here’s the overview of what I took with me. I thought it might be useful to see what I did and didn’t need.

4 x dresses – but only wore two of them

1 x towelling beach dress

3 x co-ords – denim, cheesecloth and silk. I wore all of them and mix and matched for other days too

4 x shorts – wore them all

3 x bra vests and 3 x vests – only wore the bra vests

6 x t‑shirts – only wore one

1 x jumper – never worn, only lent to one of the long brothers on the first night

1 x cardi – not worn

2 x trousers – I wore one pair, the other commandeered by different long brother

3 x short sleeve shirts – wore them all, mainly over the vest tops

1 x long sleeve shirt – not worn

1 x polo shirt – wore

1 x bikini – wore

2 x swimming costumes – wore both

4 x sandals – wore three of them

1 x ballet flats – not worn

1 x trainers – worn to travel in only

So there’s the list, let’s have a look at the outfits. Obviously some of the things I took were old so I’ve tried to find alternatives to those and, as always, there are options at all price points under each set.

TRAVELLING

Here’s where the first co-ord came in. A very soft denim ensemble from ME + EM with elasticated waist and deep pockets that fit a passport without fear of it falling out. I also pack my bags like Russian Dolls, so the smaller basket goes in the bigger basket and the evening bag goes in that and stores my phone etc. It’s a tried and tested formula that really works. I got my suitcase about 14 years ago from TK Maxx, I do fear the zip might go anytime soon, and it’s totally bashed up, but for now it still works fine.

TO THE BEACH

A simple throw-over dress cover-up or a longer length shirt is all I need at the beach, just something to cover your modesty when you eat your Gyros and drink your cold glass of Coke with ice and slice at lunch time – there’s something about hot holidays that demands a full fat Coke at lunchtime for me. I still stand by the Hunza G costume being the best one I’ve worn. It’s comfortable, it’s flattering and even though it’s only one size it really does fit pretty much everyone. Left On Friday comes a close second.

THE CLEVER CO-ORD

Here are co-ords two and three. The TOTEME one is expensive, but I have worn it on every warm holiday I have had over the past three summers and many times at home for nights out. I have worn the shirt with jeans and the trousers with a t‑shirt, and I can see myself wearing it for years to come. Who doesn’t love an outfit that’s basically fancy pyjamas? I bought the ME + EM cheesecloth skirt co-ord after I featured it in a previous blog. I had so many of you recommend it that I caved and bought it for myself. It’s great. I will say though if you are under about 5′6″, the skirt might be a bit long for you. I love the shape of the cropped shirt and I also wore that with shorts over a vest on holiday.

CASUAL EVENINGS

Yes, holidays can be a great reason to wear all those dresses you never wear at home, but I’m more of a casual girl at heart, so I do like a light trouser or a slightly smarter pair of shorts in the evenings. The jacket I am wearing here is made from a flour sack. I got it at a market in Lisbon – I have never seen it for sale online so if you’re over there, look out for the guy who sells them down by the water near the big square.

SIGHTSEEING

Here’s where you need your good shorts and your most comfortable sandals. I like to wear an easy vest with built-in bra (really all vests should have this in my opinion) and a loose shirt over the top. This gives you the option of a light layer to save your shoulders getting burnt, but also you can lose the shirt if it gets too hot.

THE HOLIDAY DRESS

I took three evening dresses with me, but I only ended up wearing one, this one from RIXO. It’s super lightweight and perfectly hides your bra straps. I think it may have sold out in this colour, but they have other patterns. I also took my very old H&M lemon print dress and a simple black shift dress.

BEDTIME, HAIR AND TAN

A few of you asked me about holiday hair, usually I suffer from this in hot and humid climates, but I have to say Crete was a dry heat and whatever they have in their water actually did wonders for my hair. I did use my Living Proof oil before drying and the System Solar Sun oil when it was dry to help with the frizz and potential sun damage. I also took my GHD rise hot brush to give a nice little wave after a rough dry with the hotel hairdryer.

I swear by the Ultra Violette matte SPF 50 for the face, it helps with the shiny shine you usually get when you put suncream on your face and doesn’t give me spots like a lot of others do. For Aftersun, I love the Lancaster tan prolonging cream. I do think it works. I don’t think I’ve ever been so tanned from a week’s holiday before. I know it’s probably not the done thing these days, but I am a nicer person when I have a tan.

I hope this was somewhat useful when it comes to your holiday packing.

K x

WearsMyMoney

I spent it all on clothes by the looks of things...