Every summer of my childhood was spent in Viken, a small, beautiful fishing village in the south of Sweden. This year, I’m going back, with my four-year-old son in tow. I can’t wait for him to experience the magic; fishing for crabs off the jetty; swimming in the brisk Baltic Sea; kayaking past the colourful boathouses and eating as much ice cream as the long Scandi summer days allow.
Packing for this kind of trip isn’t about high-glam holiday wear, it’s about comfort, versatility and a touch of understated indulgence. Here’s what’s made it into my suitcase this year for my holiday to Sweden and why these are my summer essentials.
Olverum Alpine Revive Cleansing Balm
A holiday is no time to compromise on skincare, especially with salty sea air, sunscreen layers, and late-night dinners. This deeply nourishing balm melts away SPF, sweat, and sand, while its fresh alpine scent brings a little luxury to my evening routine. Bonus: it doubles as a calming ritual after long sun-filled days.
Left On Friday Barrel Bottom Bikini in Jet
This bikini is my go-to for actual swimming, not just sunbathing. The fit is sporty and secure enough for kayaking and beach games with my son, but chic enough for lounging dockside with an iced coffee. The “Jet” shade is timeless and flattering, and the fabric? Utterly unshakeable, even after hours in saltwater.
Sarah Chapman Infusion Face Masks
These sheet masks are a bit of an obsession, I love them and they are the perfect post-sun remedy. I pack one for every few days when I am away, it’s like a tall drink of water for parched skin after wind, sun, and sea. A great pre-dinner skin refresh when you want to feel (and look) a little revived.
Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 25″ Light *Special Edition
Perfect for my morning run along the beach path, kayaking or playing tennis with the family, these leggings are featherlight but supportive, with pockets for all the essentials. I always bring one great pair of leggings when I travel and these are them.
de Mamiel Multi-Active Hydramist
A constant in my carry-on, beach bag, and beside my bed. This hydrating mist is like skincare aromatherapy: refreshing, calming, and filled with skin-loving actives which I use throughout the day.
Chelsea Peers Button-Up Pyjama Set
Soft, sustainable, and classic. The Swedish summer nights can be cool so these pyjamas are perfect as they are both breathable but will keep me warm. I’ll also happily wear the shirt on chilly mornings with a coffee overlooking the harbour for true laid back style.
KMS Hair Quick Blow Dry Spray
Hair always takes a hit on holiday with sea, sun, salt and endless wash cycles. This time-saving spray cuts drying time nearly in half while protecting against heat damage. It’s lightweight, smells amazing, and helps keep frizz in check after breezy beach days. Bonus: less time styling means more time to spend with the family.
Gun Ana UV Stick SPF
I love this Swedish-made sun stick, it is genius, tiny, mess-free, and glides onto my son’s face without drama. I use it on my lips, shoulders, nose, anywhere that needs a quick SPF top-up. Plus, it’s reef-safe and made for active outdoor days.
Peppersmith Xylitol Eucalyptus Mints
I never travel without mints, and these are next level. They’re not only fresh and punchy (the eucalyptus gives a real clean-slate feeling), but they’re also made with xylitol, which supports oral health which is especially handy when you’re indulging in a bit more ice cream than usual. They live in every pocket, every beach bag so I always have them to hand.
Bon Charge Red Light Face Mask
Skincare doesn’t stop just because I’m on holiday and long days in the sun are part of the charm in Sweden, but they can leave my skin feeling a little overexposed by the evening. That’s where the Bon Charge LED Mask comes in. It’s light and compact enough to pack, and gives my skin a quick recharge after hours of salt, sun, and SPF. The red light therapy is soothing and restorative which is perfect for calming any post-sun redness or tiredness.
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