packing

B&M is selling the XL set ‘perfect for suitcases, backpacks, and carry-on luggage’

B&M shoppers can save space in their cabin baggage and suitcases with a £6 set. Known for selling budget-friendly accessories, the retailer is stocking the travel items ahead of the summer holidays. The bargain chain is selling a new pack of XL packing cubes in stores now.

For shoppers interested in the Beach Club XL Packing Cubes, the four-piece set could help to ‘simplify packing’. There are also three colours available, so families looking to streamline their luggage can each choose their own set to separate their outfits.

The product description says: “Simplify packing for your next trip with our space-saving Beach Club XL Packing Cubes. Great for organising and separating outfits and accessories. Perfect for suitcases, backpacks, and carry-on luggage.”

B&M is stocking a selection of travel accessories ahead of the summer holidays. For shoppers looking for more packing cubes, there’s also a pack of six Travel Packing Cubes for £5. The description explains: “This set includes six packing cubes in various sizes, great for separating outfits and accessories with ease, and for maximising your storage space.”

The retailer also sells small accessories such as travel pillows, suitcase locks, and adapter sets. Meanwhile, shoppers looking for luggage items, including cabin bags and suitcases, could be in luck.

B&M’s current selection includes a £15 Excel Foldable Cabin Case and a £55 Havana Suitcase. The product description for the cabin case says: “Designed for your next getaway, this stylish Foldable Cabin Case is built to make travelling a breeze. Features an adjustable handle and plenty of space for your trip away, whether for work or leisure.”

For holidaymakers looking for more options, there are several budget-friendly retailers such as Home Bargains and Dunelm selling travel accessories. For instance, Dunelm sells £12 Sophie Robinson Packing Cubes.

Dunelm says: “These colourful cubes are the perfect way to sort and store your essentials, making packing and unpacking a breeze. With vibrant prints that add a dash of fun, they’re the ideal match for the coordinating luggage from this collection (sold separately).”

The set is popular with reviewers, with 4.8 out of five stars online. One happy shopper said: “I love the patterns, they are really pretty and make me smile. Much easier to spot which one you need. I spent ages looking for some which didn’t cost too much but were good quality.”

Another fan wrote: “Really nice quality and love the colours – makes a difference to other more boring cubes on the market. Took them on holiday and had no issues, zips worked well and I fit lots of clothes inside.”

Someone else replied: “These colourful packing cubes are delightful. Fit beautifully in my case, smooth zip and easy to wash.”

You must pack this essential travel item in your suitcase before your next holiday to take your pool lounging to the next level – and a game-changer at an all-inclusive

Packing one item in your suitcase on your next holiday could help make relaxing by the pool even more enjoyable.

Fleeing the miserable British weather and flying off somewhere sunny is something many of us eagerly anticipate as soon as we secure some annual leave, or when the children break up from school. We Brits adore visiting destinations like Spain, Greece, and Turkey for reasonably priced all-inclusive breaks where we can bask in the sunshine poolside and let our worries fade away.

However, if you’re arranging a trip this summer, one woman on social media has insisted you shouldn’t even contemplate travelling without packing one crucial item that could make those poolside days even more pleasurable – particularly if you’re booking to stay at an all-inclusive resort.

In a clip on TikTok, Josie Mills filmed herself with a tray of cocktails in small plastic cups that she had collected from the bar on her all-inclusive break.

Typically, you’d need to keep standing up to fetch a fresh drink, or risk them becoming warm in the heat if you collect multiple beverages at once – but Josie has a trick that can conserve your energy and keep your drinks chilled.

All you need to do is ensure you’ve packed a Stanley cup or other insulated drinking vessel. These will keep your beverages ice cold for hours and can contain far more liquid than the small cups the hotel provides you.

She captioned her video: “This is your sign to pack your Stanley so your all-inclusive drinks stay ice cold all day and saves you going to the bar every five minutes.”

Those commenting on Josie’s video who had brought their insulated tumblers on getaways agreed the tip was certainly worthwhile, as it can be a “godsend” in sweltering weather, even if you opt to fill it with chilled water rather than cocktails. Numerous people revealed they had even taken their cups straight to the bar and requested them to be filled.

One person said: “Just take your cup to them, they’ll mix the cocktail straight in there for you. Saves faffing with the little cups!”

Another added: “I do this every time. Save the plastic and just give them your cup, they’re happy to do it.” A third said: “We did this and it was a godsend in high 30 heat.”

While Josie’s suggestion was intended for guests staying at all-inclusive resorts who receive their beverages at no additional charge, you can do this at most hotels – though it will cost more. You can also fill your tumbler with water if you anticipate spending extended periods by the pool, as this will help maintain your hydration in the heat.

How to stay safe in the sun on holiday

If you’re intending to lounge poolside in the sunshine during your break, you should ensure you’re following proper sun safety measures. This includes applying sunscreen and making certain you’re adequately covered during the hottest periods of the day.

According to the NHS, you should make sure you: For further guidance on protecting yourself from the sun’s rays, head to the NHS website.

• Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• Never burn
• Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
• Take extra care with children
• Keep babies younger than six months out of direct sunlight
• Use at least factor 30 sunscreen – make sure to use enough and reapply frequently

For more detailed information on staying safe in the sun, visit the NHS website.

A backpacker’s viral TikTok reveals four items she deeply regretted not packing on a six-month trip – and why travellers keep making the same mistake.

A holidaymaker’s worst nightmare – aside from a cancelled flight – is realising they’ve forgotten to pack something important. One backpacker has gone viral on TikTok after revealing four items she deeply regretted not taking on a six-month trip across Asia.

Dill, an adventurer with more than 11,000 followers and 1.5 million likes, has spent months travelling between countries. But she admitted her packing mistakes in a recent video that has racked up thousands of views and sparked plenty of discussion.

Packing light has become a major trend among travellers, especially backpackers. According to a 2023 survey by Statista, around 40 per cent of holidaymakers aim to travel with carry-on luggage only to save money and avoid hassle.

That often means tough choices about what to bring, and what to leave behind. Here are four items she says she wishes she’d packed, after they caused repeated frustration during her travels.

Jean shorts

Obviously this one depends on the type of holiday you’re packing for. After all, there’s not a chance jean shorts would be of much use in places with colder climates like Iceland and Switzerland.

Nevertheless, Dill admitted one of her biggest regrets was not taking her favourite pair. She wished she had them “two or three times a week”.

Clothing comfort plays a huge role in travel satisfaction, with research from Condé Nast Traveler suggesting packing versatile clothing reduces travel stress. In warmer climates, staple items like shorts can be worn repeatedly, making them more valuable than expected.

Headphones

Another item Dill missed utilising during her Asian adventure was a reliable pair of wired earphones. After relying on Bluetooth and buying a low-quality replacement abroad, she struggled with poor sound and audio issues.

Tech experts at CNET say wired headphones are often more reliable for travel, particularly when it comes to battery-free use and consistent audio quality. This can also be crucial during long journeys or remote trips where charging options are limited.

Journal

Dill also regretted bringing a journal that was too small. She said limited space meant she couldn’t properly document her experiences, leaving pages feeling incomplete.

Travel psychology research shows that journaling can enhance memory and emotional processing during trips, helping people retain experiences more vividly. A larger journal allows for more detailed reflections and creativity.

iPad

Last but not least, it appears an iPad was one of Dill’s biggest missed opportunities during her holidays. Perfect for those who enjoy unwinding with shows or videos on-the-go, she says it’s worth bringing if you own one already.

Streaming habits remain a key part of downtime, with Ofcom reporting that over 70% of UK adults regularly watch streaming content. Having a device like an iPad can make long flights and quiet evenings far more enjoyable.