'You only need to pack these 12 essentials for your next tropical beach holiday.'

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I just came back from the tropical paradise that is Vanuatu. Yes I know, it's a tough life for some…

But as we're gearing up for vacay season, I wanted to share some of my very intensively-researched packing hacks.

Watch: Desert Island Survival Guide on You Beauty. Post continues below.

Because I'm very fortunate to be well-travelled, I've done the trips, forgotten essentials, and learnt from my mistakes, so you don't have to. And a tropical climate has particular conditions that we simply must factor into packing.

I'm also very into vacation photo-shoots. So this list is very practical, but also very much Instagram-worthy.

One-and-done outfits.

Petal & Pup playsuit on left, Atmos&Here dress on right. Image: Supplied.

On holidays when it's hot and humid, there's nothing more comfortable than light, breathable clothes that don't cling.

Think: Light, breathable, tropical-themed dresses and playsuits.

The great thing about dresses and playsuits (as well as looking tropical IG-worthy) is that you've completed your outfit without having to think – because who wants to think on holidays?

Petal & Pup Ilios Playsuit, $89.

Image: Petal & Pup

I got this new pink Ilios Playsuit from Petal & Pup for $89 for the trip and wanted to debut it on my first night. There just happened to be a tree with matching pink flowers.

It was a moment. The perfect debut for Vanuatu.

It's 100% cotton, so breathable and hot weather-friendly, with an elasticised waist which was very comfortable when I over-indulged at dinner that night.

Atmos&Here Maldives Linen Blend Mini Dress, $104.54.

Image: The Iconic

I got the Atmos & Here Maldives Linen Blend Mini Dress last year for the work Christmas party and this was her moment to shine.

The Maldives print was tropical perfection and really popped against that sunset. It's a linen viscose blend with a cotton lining – again, tropical perfection for balmy nights.

Atmos&Here Curve Costa Rica Linen Blend Midi Dress, $119.99.

Image: The Iconic

They also have it in the midi style Curve range in sizes 22-26. Plus, they both come in different tropical vibe colourways to choose from!

The (not so) boring but practical items.

The ultimate sore muscle hero. Image Supplied

When travelling overseas, I always take these Faulding Probiotics in the week leading up to the trip and while I'm there. Our tummies can take a while to get used to different foods and water, so probiotics are my constant travel companion. Pro tip: make sure you get 'fridge free' ones!

Mosquito repellent is a must for the tropics – don't forget to pack it because sometimes the ones overseas might not be suitable for your skin, plus usually places have tourist prices on things like sunscreen and repellent. BYO from home, Bushman Repellent Lotion is my go-to.

When you're walking so much more than in everyday life, and in my case, using muscles I didn't know I had kayaking and jumping off ropes and ziplines, Brillo Magnesium Spray is such a relief.

The towel robe everyone should buy.

Game changer. Image: Supplied

I panic-purchased this Beach Robe from Big W the week before I left, and I'm so glad I did.

It was $30, and it was so handy for those in-and-out-of-water swims and beach dips, because you don't have to try and smuggle out a resort towel for the day.

It keeps you dry like a towel, but then also looks super cute (for Instagram). I will never summer vacay without this now.

Wave Zone Women's Beach Robe, $30.

Image: Big W

After-sun care and hydrating skincare.

When you're exposed to the elements day in and day out (starting from drying out on the plane), you need to protect your skin.

After being out all day in the wind and sun, I was bathing in ETTO Skin Recovery Gel. Made with Australian tea tree oil and organic aloe vera, it really soothes, hydrates and calms the skin after damage from sun and wind.

The ultimate aftersun saviour. Image Supplied.

It has a cooling metallic applicator which is exactly what hot, angry skin wants at the end of the day.

I also slathered myself in my multipurpose ETTO Skin Balm. It's got a rich base of Australian hemp seed oil, olive oil and organic beeswax and tea tree oil, made with certified organic ingredients.

I use it on my face on the plane for hydration, it's great for chapped lips, dry legs, heels, elbows. I even used it on the ends of my hair to help calm the frizz. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.

Bucket hats!

Buckets for the win! Image: Supplied.

I took two different bucket hats (and no other hats).

They're so easy to pack, don't take up space in your luggage, are made from 100% cotton terry, so your head doesn't overheat, and they don't crush in your suitcase.

Side note: they actually totally make an outfit. Bucket hats for the win.

I borrowed mine from a friend, and they're from Lack of Color in baby blue and pink for $99, but they have some really cute ones from Kmart for $9, plus a crochet style that I now decide I need for $10.

Don't @ me, but yes, CROCS!

The ultimate jungle accessory. Image: Supplied.

I know these are very divisive and I'm biased because I love my CROCS.

But they're just so practical – waterproof for the beach, but also an OH&S-friendly option for boat days.

Plus, when trekking through the jungle, you can flick them to active mode (that's strap at the back), and they protect your feet like a sneaker would, but are waterproof! Genius. I also wore them kayaking. They are the best.

Waterproof phone case.

This one is equal parts practical, equal parts Instagram mandatory. Supplied.

Trust me on this one – whether you're snorkelling, kayaking, or just lounging by the pool with a cocktail, a waterproof phone case is a game-changer.

Mine is the Pelican Marine XL Universal Floating Phone Pouch, $34.95.

You can capture those underwater shots (up to 1 metre depth) and never worry about accidental splashes ruining your holiday photos (or your phone).

The bottom line? Tropical holidays are about relaxation, adventure, and making memories – not stressing about what you forgot to pack. These essentials will keep you comfortable, protected, and Instagram-ready from sunrise to sunset.

Now excuse me while I start planning my next tropical escape... 🌴

What are your tropical holiday must-haves? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature image: Supplied.

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