Catching some warming sunshine is everybody’s idea of a mid-winter pick me up and if you are one of the lucky ones with a holiday booked to tropical climes; it’s official – we’re jealous.
A holiday in winter is a truly wonderful way of neutralising the effects of one of the dampest and dreariest of seasons. You will no doubt be excited about getting away, but don’t forget to prepare thoroughly before you leave, so that you feel truly comfortable on vacation.
Whether it’s a Caribbean cruise, a Spanish villa holiday or a package deal in the Canaries, they all have one thing in common – great weather. You will be stripping off in the heat so make sure your body is well prepared for the exposure. In winter, skin can become dry and flaky so moisturise frequently to keep it looking plump and dewy. Skin on the legs in particular can take on an almost scaled appearance but it responds well to exfoliation followed by application of rich emollients such as cocoa butter and Argan oil products.
The selection of hair removal options seems to be broadening out all the time. Choose from waxing, laser hair removal or traditional shaving to get skin smooth and ready for the beach or poolside. Give yourself a boost and have a tan booth treatment before you depart to give you that extra glamorous edge.
A week before departure, book in to the hairdresser to get your roots touched up or high lights re-done. A restyle or cut to sharpen up your look will give your hair extra bounce and make it easier to style and take care of whilst abroad. Ask your stylist about suitable products for protecting your hair from sun and chlorine damage.
If there’s time give yourself an extra treat and book in for some spa and pampering beauty treatments. A deep, massaging facial will waken up and brighten your complexion, taking years off you.
Sometimes feet get neglected in winter and hard skin can build up whilst we aren’t looking. Do yourself a favour and invest in some foot care products from an online company to liven up your feet and get them ready for all that dancing and sight seeing you have planned. There are a wide range of foot care products available to help fix and soothe all sorts of conditions related to your feet, so take a look and see if there’s anything your feet might benefit from. Remember to invest in a pretty pair of strappy sandals teamed with some jewel toned nail polish to show your freshly primped feet at their best on holiday.
Shopping for swimwear at any time of year can be soul destroying, but it’s better doing it in winter because the prices are so much more competitive! Take the sting out of bikini or swimming costume shopping by cashing in on all those great cost savings. Buy the right shaped costume to suit your figure. The basics to remember when buying swimwear are: Designs with high cut legs will lengthen your limbs; vertical lines elongate your silhouette making you appear slimmer and taller – horizontal lines do the opposite; minimise a tummy with a swimming costume that has a ruched front; make sure you have adequate bust support; buy a sarong to tie around your waist when moving around on the beach. Other vital beach kit includes a pair of sunglasses with UV protection, sun cream, sun hat, beach bag and steamy novel.
Let’s hope you will be doing a lot of dancing and socialising on holiday, meeting like minded people and generally having a fun relaxing time. Pack your suitcase with clothing suitable for all manner of occasions. Evening options may be anything from casual beach barbecue wear to shimmering ball gowns. Cruise holidays often demand formal wear for the evenings so be prepared with several outfits to wow them at the Captain’s table. Consider lightweight clothing made from non crease fabrics for convenience. Don’t forget to take a range of accessories and costume jewellery to jazz up more casual outfits and give you more day and evening wear options over the holiday.
A sunshine vacation in winter is the ultimate feel-good treat. Get fully prepared for the good times you deserve by following these basic tips, and enjoy a very happy holiday!