'After spending 5 weeks in Europe, I can confirm you won’t regret packing these 7 items.'

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Not to be smug about it, but I just got back from five weeks in Italy.

You know what wasn't the best bit? Negotiating the Italian rail network, rental car boots and teeny, tiny flights of stairs with a 22.9kg suitcase.

Or realising that item I decided to leave at home? Yeah, that was essential.

Watch this video to get up to speed on must-pack travel essentials. Post continues below.

Don't cry for me though, because turns out, I actually made some super smart travel packing decisions, too.

From genuinely useful fashion items to the skincare product that has the power to make or break your day, scroll on for seven items you won't regret packing for your next local or overseas holiday.

1. The best thigh chafe solutions.

No matter the size of your thighs, chafe will come for you and it will ruin your day(s).

The good news? You've got options:

1. Anti-chafe shorts — Not to be confused with shapewear, anti-chafe shorts (like these Seamfree Undershorts from BOODY) are undetectable when worn under skirts and dresses, and serve the sole purpose of keeping your lovely thighs from rubbing together.

2. Antiperspirant anti-chafe creams — I've sworn by anti-chafe cream for years; Neat 3B Action Cream was my original cheap and cheerful chemist favourite, but even zietgeist-y brands like First Aid Beauty, Skoop and Megababe offer cute, practical options. Apply a generous amount to any skin prone to chafing like the inner thighs, under arms and backs of legs before getting dressed and go live your life!

2. Multi-use hair products.

One thing I wish I hadn't bothered packing was my hair dryer.

It took me about five days to realise the harder I tried to smooth and style my naturally curly hair, the less happy I was with how it looked.

Life felt fun again once I pivoted to air-drying and dousing my hair in this L'Oreal hair oil under $20.

The right holiday hair product for you will depend on things like your hair texture, whether it's coloured or not, and the water of the place you're holidaying in, but look for multi-use hair products like oils and masks at lower price points — you'll be using a lot of them, so leave the Kérastase and Christophe Robin at home.

My holiday hair when I spent 30-45 minutes on it (top) vs. 3 seconds (bottom). Image: Supplied.

3. Crocs (trust me).

Pebble beaches + bare feet = not fun.

Pebble beaches + Crocs = no-brainer.

I never thought I'd be a Crocs person, but this pair of deep purple Crocs was my most-worn holiday shoe.

They're easy to clean, just as comfy as thongs or slides and can be secured with the heel strap while swimming, trekking or even bike riding around on cobblestones.

4. Uniqlo bra tops.

I packed four of these Uniqlo built-in bra singlets in different colours and cuts, and I'd encourage anyone travelling to do the same.

The cropped Uniqulo bra top worn with bias cut skirts and open shirts became my travel uniform, but the singlets also come in full torso lengths if you prefer a longer style.

I found the shelf bra substantial enough to support my E cups, but importantly, the singlets themselves don't look like undergarments or shapewear thanks to their ribbed Cotton material.

Just search 'uniqlo bra top' on TikTok to get a sense of the fabric and support.

@molliecampsie

Try-on haul: testing EVERY Uniqlo built-in bra top so you don't have to! 🎯 Sharing my honest thoughts on fit, fabric and function for big busted girlies (I'm an E cup!) From the iconic ribbed style to the new airism designs - which ones do you think made the cut? Paired with linen trousers and my flip flops, this is a summer capsule wardrobe essential year on year for me ✨ Tried: built-in bra OG, camisole, airism vest, stripe ribbed bra top, strapless bra top, halter neck style and backless bra top

♬ original sound - Mollie Campsie

5. Face and body sunscreens you've used before.

Sunscreen is a daily essential, regardless of your holiday destination.

You'll need a lot of it, and after an unfortunate confiscation of liquids over 100ml, I was reminded of just how much unfamiliar sunscreen scents and textures can inconvenience your day.

Think: Eye stinging, unexpected white cast, pilling under your foundation, offensive fragrances and hard-to-rub in consistencies.

Minor annoyances compared to sunburn, sun damage and the threat of skin cancer, but still.

Make space in your toiletries bag for tried-and-tested sunscreens and avoid the time and money suck of navigating foreign pharmacy aisles.

I used the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ for face and Cancer Council Moisturising SPF 50+ for body.

Remember to always use multiple forms of sun protection — including a hat, sunglasses, protective clothing, and limiting your time in the sun.

6. Button-down shirts.

Honestly, I could've left three-quarters of my clothes at home. Image: Supplied.

I packed so many clothes and ended up living in shirts.

Short sleeve shirts. Long sleeve shirts. Neutrals or patterns. Linen or cotton.

Wear open over singlets or a bikini top during the day, or buttoned up — tucked or untucked — with a skirt or silk pants at night.

I bought two of these Sportsgirl Briley Oversized Stripe Shirts in different colours and they basically paid for themselves when you consider cost per wear.

7. Gaviscon Dual Action Liquid Sachets.

For the inevitable over-indulgence indigestion.

Leak-proof and fast-acting, you won't regret chucking a couple of these Gaviscon liquid sachets (or similar) in your handbag.

Oh, same goes for Gastro-Stop. Better safe than sorry.

Feature image: Instagram @theamyclark.

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