Your last minute summer essentials

19th September 2025

Whether you’re looking forward to finally getting away this summer or planning to staycation in the UK, you’ll still want to put in some pre-holiday summer prep.

Troubled by travel sickness?

Sea-Band Nausea Relief Bands (£6.86 for two bands, amazon.co.uk) alleviate the symptoms of nausea and travel sickness within as little as 5 minutes. Worn like a sweatband around the wrist, the pressure stud sewn into the interior of each acupressure wristband, presses against and stimulates the P6 (or Nei-Kuan) acupressure point. Extensive research, including independent expert opinion, clinical reviews and randomised controlled trials, shows that pressure applied to this point, can relieve nausea and vomiting associated with motion and travel sickness, and more recently, the use of GLP-1 medication (for those who don’t want to leave their weight loss plans behind).

Spray away stress with Passiflora

Passiflora tablets and drops can be used when a period of stress is anticipated or encountered, for example just before a flight. A handy spray is also available – A.Vogel’s Passiflora Complex RELAX Spray (£13.99 for 20ml, www.avogel.co.uk) provides a gentle, relaxing blend of herbs for those needing to relax, including Passiflora, Lemon Balm and zinc, and is flavoured with natural vanilla and star anise. It fits easily into your pocket or bag and is perfect for on-the-go support and those who aren’t so keen on tablets.

Pack a Peppersmith

Whether 33,000 feet up or camping off-grid, it’s not always easy to keep your teeth clean when you travel, or stick to your usual oral hygiene routine. Peppersmith make delicious Gum, Mints and Pastilles, and because they contain plant-based sweetener xylitol, they represent a healthier choice for your teeth, gums and smile. Whilst nothing beats regular, twice-daily brushing with an actual toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, chewing sugar free gum with xylitol is scientifically proven to reduce cavities, neutralise harmful acids, and keep your breath minty fresh – and Peppersmith Gum (£1.35 for 15g, Ocado, and all WHSmith travel outlets) is bursting with this tooth-loving hero.

Ward off unwanted attention

Forever getting bitten? An insect repellent on exposed skin can help to keep biting bugs at bay. Many sprays and lotions will contain a chemical called DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide), which although effective, can produce adverse reactions in some people. Neem seed extract is a popular alternative to DEET-containing sprays, as the scent of neem masks your individual scent, making you less easy to find. It can also be used against midges which are particularly troublesome in the UK, and flies. A.Vogel’s Herbal Insect Repellent Spray (£6.99, www.jandevries.co.uk), is suitable for all the family (but not children under four, or pregnant women due to the essential oil content) and can be applied to exposed areas of skin every three hours or as required.

Stay safe in the sun!

Have fun in the sun but do so safely. Avoid sitting in the sun when it’s at its strongest and always wear a good SPF. Kalme Day Defence SPF40 (£23.95 for 50ml, www.skinshop.co.uk) contains a certified SPF protection of 40 and is formulated for very sensitive skin. It also contains zinc oxide, a natural mineral block (as opposed to chemical filter) that also helps to reduce skin inflammation, and patented caper extract Derma Sensitive, which has been proven in clinical trials to reduce skin redness (including rosacea) and sensitivity by 70%.