secret diary of jess

As a blogger as well as a keen photographer I always have my trusty compact camera to hand whenever I’m travelling alongside a powerful memory card to make sure I get the most out of every photo. I always take my Canon Sx710 HS as well as my Canon 200D and a range of lenses, you never know what you may need to get that perfect shot where you’re visiting. Pictures are great time capsules capturing a moment in time creating wonderful memories.

Suncream is another essential for me. As someone that is very fair skinned I often burn very easily so no matter where I go I’ll always make sure I have suncream to hand. Although most countries will stock suncream it’s nice to have a brand you know and trust and when it comes to sun protection it’s not something you want to risk. Always check the weather forcast and how intense the sun will be in the country you’re visiting to get the correct SPF.

This is an obvious one if you’re going abroad as you won’t be going anywhere without your passport! An EHIC card is also it’s essential to make sure you pay as a local when travelling in Europe (Remember: this doesn’t give you free healthcare if you were to need it though you will pay like a local in the country does). Another essential in my opinion and only one I’ve discovered recently is the CAXTON card. This allows you to load money by bank transfer onto the card and use it as though it is a debit card. It also allows you to draw out money from an ATM abroad with no extra charges and works through chip and pin. I always would take a bit of cash with you though as you never know when you may need it.

I love sunglasses, not only are a wonderful accessory to complete a look but also are a life saver when it comes to being out in the sun. Especially on my recent trip to Marseille where many of the pavements were light in colour and therefore reflecting the sun right back up and straight into your eyes. This is something that I’ve noticed happening in many countries that I’ve visited and therefore are now even more essential than you would first think.

And finally, as a probably overly organised person, I have to always have my travel wallet. This has a section for my passport, important documents and tickets. Knowing I have everything in one place helps to put my mind at ease throughout the whole trip and particularly in the airport of it you’re going on a trip that requires transport. I bought this one from Paperchase a couple of years ago but believe they are still doing them in a range of designs.