Ready, Set, Sun! Your Easy Guide to Pre-Holiday Prep

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of counting down to your next sunny getaway. Whether you’re off to a tropical beach, a Mediterranean escape, or a poolside paradise, here’s your stress-free guide to getting prepped, packed, and ready to soak up the sun.

✈️ 1. Check Your Travel Docs

Before you start dreaming of cocktails and flip-flops, make sure your passport is up to date! Some destinations require at least 6 months’ validity, so double-check now to avoid last-minute panic. And if you need a visa, get on that early.

An Post are currently estimating 6 - 8 weeks to process passport applications (accurate as of May 26th 2025), so get your passport photos taken and applications in quickly. 

>> Boots at The Mill Shopping Centre has a passport photo machine

and is just around the corner from the Clondalkin post office for <<

🧴 2. Sun & Skin Prep

Your future sun-kissed self will thank you for this one. Start moisturising daily, drink lots of water, and if you're super fair, consider a gradual tan moisturiser to avoid looking like a ghost on day one. And don’t forget a high SPF sunscreen, your skin deserves it.

>> Pick up all your moisturisers and suncreams at The Mill Shopping Centre<<

👗 3. Sort Your Holiday Wardrobe

Lay out what you think you’ll wear… then take half of it. Trust us. Think lightweight, breathable clothes, swimwear, sunglasses, and one or two dressier outfits for evenings. Flip flops, comfy sandals, and a hat are must-haves.

Pro tip: Roll your clothes instead of folding to save space and avoid wrinkles.

>> Dunnes Stores has a summer clothes range for the whole family in store now<<

💅 4. Pamper Time

Book in those pre-holiday beauty appointments! Haircuts, waxing, nails, get them done a few days before you fly so you’re feeling your best. A fresh mani-pedi is a holiday essential, right?

Pro tip: At this time of year, hair and nail appointments fill up fast. Book in advance with Monroes Hair and Beauty and Dnails so you don't miss out.

📱 5. Tech & Travel Must-Haves

Make sure your phone is loaded up with:

• Boarding passes & travel documents (or print them just in case)
• Offline maps
• A great holiday playlist
• Travel apps like Google Translate or your airline's app

And don’t forget your charger, adapter, and maybe a power bank.

>> Pop Into IT Star for all your tech accessories before you go<<

💼 6. The Final Pack

The day before you leave, do a final check:

• Passport? ✔️
• Money/cards? ✔️
• Sunscreen? ✔️
• Travel insurance? ✔️
• Swimwear? ✔️
  

And pack a mini carry-on with your essentials: water bottle, snacks, book, headphones, and anything else to make the flight fly by.

🏖️ 7. Relax… You’re Going on Holiday!

Once everything’s packed, documents are in order, and you've checked in, it's time to switch into holiday mode. Deep breath… your sunny escape is just around the corner.

Wherever you're heading, have the most amazing time. Here’s to sandy toes, sun-kissed noses, and memories that last long after the tan fades 🌴✨

p.s. If you haven't booked yet, keep an eye on TUI Clondalkin's Facebook page for their daily deals!