THE HOLIDAYMAKER QUIZ

Words: Lindsay Samson | Images: Ashiq Johnson

The holiday season is almost upon us and we’ve already started fantasising about getting out of town and switching off. But before you set off on your trip, there are a few things you should consider. We all have our preferences when it comes to holidaying and consequently very specific travelling personalities. Are you the one stopping every passerby to ask them to take an Instagram-worthy photo? Or are you more likely to be found in an opulent resort, slugging back champagne cocktails and shielding yourself from the sun beneath an umbrella? Take our quiz to discover just what kind of holidaymaker you are and then read on for some helpful styling and packing tips.

For you, travelling is all about feeling that adrenaline rush through your veins. Always searching for the next adventure, you’re not satisfied unless you’re sand-boarding, rock climbing or bungee jumping. You’re going to want to pack for every possible activity and circumstance. To avoid ending up with impractically heavy luggage, we suggest taking along comfortable, easy-wearing basics that won’t take up much space: a few different crew neck T-shirts, denim shorts, a pair of classic trainers and a utilitarian jacket will serve you well, no matter the situation.

If you didn't post your holiday on Instagram, did it even happen? Obsessed with snapping the perfect photo and racking up those likes, you’ve already pre-planned your OOTD and outfit changes. Your holiday isn’t just about seeing new things, it’s also about being seen. In this case, there really are no packing rules you’d consider but your own. May we suggest a few, regardless? Classic denim jeans and ruffled crop tops are perfect for those candid summery shots you’ll upload (and that you’ve already art directed in your head) and printed midi-dresses look sensational against any holiday backdrop. Don’t forget the selfie stick, too!

As soon as you decide on your destination, you start drawing up a detailed itinerary of top sites to visit, precise routes to get there and the best mode of transport. You’ve bought all your passes to museums, galleries and festivals in advance, too. If this is you, you’ll appreciate a suitcase that’s as organised as you are. Packing cubes – fabric containers designed to compartmentalise items in your luggage – are your best friends, allowing you to pack more efficiently, find things easily and save space. When it comes to what to pack, a stylish peak cap will protect your face from the harsh summer sun and a pair of chic, loose-fitting printed shorts are as versatile as your holiday activity list, but practical too. While we know it doesn’t come naturally, try to leave some room for spontaneity. The last thing you want is a schedule so tightly packed that you forget to live in the moment and enjoy your trip.

Holidays are all about kicking up your stylishly clad feet, lying beside the pool as a waiter brings you cocktail after cocktail and enjoying leisurely lunches at the local hotspots. In this case, an all-black-everything wardrobe is your best bet. Versatile, sophisticated and chic, it can easily be dressed up or down by adding some statement jewellery or a massive neutral-colour straw hat. Not going away for long? You’ll only need two or three dresses per day, depending on what you’ll be up to – one for casual strolls, one for special occasions and one for an indulgent night out, a bodysuit that can be easily paired with sleek summer trousers, a textured bag, cateye sunglasses and a printed headband for some French Riviera flair. Just remember to leave room in your suitcase for all the shopping you're likely to do.

There’s nothing you love more than the feeling of unrelenting sunshine, sand between your toes and the smell of salt water. So where to these holidays? The beach, obviously. A much more simple endeavour, packing for a seaside holiday calls for as little as possible. Throw in a few of your favourite swimsuits (since they take up such little space, you can afford to take along more than one), a couple of loose, airy minidresses, a kaftan, some woven, slingback espadrilles and a lightweight jacket. This way, you’ve got all the attire you need for the long days you’ll spend soaking up the sun, as well as a few essentials for the seaside sundowners. Clink, clink.