From packing cubes to multi-strap bras: the holiday hacks you swear by

It’s high holiday season and whether you’re heading to the coast, a city or the hills, a bit of pre-trip prep can go a long way.

To help you pack more thoughtfully, make the most of the beach, and stay sane on long journeys with small people, we’ve asked for your best holiday tips – and rounded up the best of our own, too.

Intelligent packing

If you want to take more manageable luggage, two- (or even three-) in-one products are a godsend. Reader Carina suggests “a decent multi-strap bra to cover all eventualities”, such as this M&S Flexifit bra that can be worn three ways.

Fashion editor Jess Cartner-Morley loves this swimsuit from John Lewis (currently reduced to £27.50). “The shoulder detailing and sturdy, non-transparent fabric make it perfect for wearing as a top, so it does double duty on holiday,” she suggested in her June style essentials. Fashion writer Peter Bevan selected these tailored swim shorts that could also pass as daywear for his 50 men’s summer wardrobe updates.

Shoes are tricky: you want something for every occasion, but don’t want to bring seven pairs with you. So, you need a pair of catch-all shoes that are comfortable for walking but won’t look out of place at dinner. Fashion writer Ellie Violet Bramley found just that for her roundup of the best summer shoes: these women’s Keen sandals and these men’s Ellis Brigham sandals. If you’re in need of holiday outfit inspo, check out Jess’s capsule holiday wardrobe.

When it comes to beauty, travel minis will save suitcase space: beauty writer Anita Bhagwandas picked her favourite Clinique travel moisturiser (currently on sale for £10) and two-in-one Bumble and Bumble dry shampoo and styling powder for her guide to the best travel toiletries. However, decanting your own products is far kinder to the planet (and cheaper – as you can use products you already own): she recommended these travel pots.

Beach day essentials

Choose a lightweight, quick-drying hammam-style towel instead of a bulky beach towel, says Melanie Wilkinson in our summer style updates (she also found this cute coin purse keychain to carry loose change for emergency ice-creams). While reader Annie Jackson suggests packing talc: “It works a treat for getting sand off your feet and hands.”

Packing and pre-trip prep

Reader Shona recommends packing cubes: “I organise my clothing by category in each cube so it’s easy to find what I want without rummaging,” she says. She also advises noting what you did and didn’t wear to inform your packing next time.

If you’re in need of some new luggage, look no further than Pete Wise’s favourite budget pick from his test of the best suitcases and this genius Antler carry-on bag that Jess says has strangers stopping her in the street.

Always check visa requirements before travelling: people from Europe heading to the UK now need to pay £16 for an ETA. Similarly, the US requires you to have an Esta even just for a layover. If you’re planning on driving from the UK to Europe, here’s everything you need to know.

Learn a few basic words in the language – please, thank you, hello at least. Duolingo is a great free app to help you learn. Plus, make a list of everyone’s must-do activities to ensure you don’t miss anything. Never over-plan though – always leave space for spontaneity and rest (holidays are always more tiring than you think).

Keep kids entertained

Reader Jess Rogers has a tip for distracting kids on long journeys: “Wrap up little inexpensive gifts from the charity shop and stagger them throughout the journey – or as a distraction to avoid a meltdown.” She also has a staycation hack: “Find a new theme for every outing … how many birds/butterflies can you spot? Can you find a rainbow of flowers?” For more tips and tricks, check out our guide to surviving long journeys with kids.

Keen to get out for a walk or bike ride but held back by a reluctant child? Parent of a toddler and lover of the outdoors Paddy Maddison gathered all the best tips from parents on how they manage to get outside with their little ones.

Have you made an eco-friendly swap that’s stuck? Maybe you found a microfibre cloth that transformed your skincare routine, plastic-free cleaning products that actually work, or a shopping tote that finally broke your addiction to plastic bags.

Let us know by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at thefilter@theguardian.com.