@_zoekerr
Planning and executing Euro summer is truly an art form – and basically a part-time job on top of my 9–5. Probably the best part-time job I could ask for, if I’m being completely honest.
Before I even reached for my suitcase, I was elbows-deep in Excel sheets, mapping it all out in colour-coded precision. Hours were devoted to the TikTok gods, searching for the trendiest It-Girl beach clubs, restaurants, and gelato spots.
But somewhere between the spreadsheets and the missed trains, I found something better than perfection: spontaneity, stillness, the beauty of a well-worn pair of sandals, and a glass of wine at the local happy hour. So here’s my own little postcard of places and pieces that made this summer what it was. The kind of things I wish someone had written down for me before I boarded the plane.
The Essentials
You’ll walk more than you expect – 20,000 steps a day without noticing. So the idea of strappy heels trotting through the Riviera? Best left on screen.
These were the heroes of my suitcase:
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Comfy sandals
My platform Getaway Crocs became part of me. Equal parts practical and surprisingly chic. No notes, no regrets.
Crocs Getaway Platforms -
Flip flops
Light, beach-ready, non-negotiable. Havaianas, always. -
Sneakers
A neutral pair of Adidas Gazelles that carried me from airport lounges to cobblestones.
Style Notes: What I Packed (and What I Didn’t Need)
Lay everything out. Then halve it. Whatever you think you’ll wear, you won’t. You’ll rotate the same few pieces again and again, and the weight of overpacking will haunt you at every Ryanair check-in counter.
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More bikinis than clothes
If you’re anything like me — a water baby — you’ll be beach-hopping every day. New day, new bikini. You can’t have too many, and they don’t take up much room. -
Accessories are king
The secret to making a basic outfit look intentional when you can’t be bothered? Accessories. A good pair of sunnies, chunky earrings, and some jewellery can do wonders. -
Versatility is key
Every item in your suitcase should earn its place. If I can’t style a piece with at least two other things, it’s staying home.Some of my MVPs:
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A white linen dress — the perfect beach cover-up. Easy, versatile, timeless.
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Wide-leg white pants — so chic, perfect to throw on over a bikini after a long beach day, and they go with literally everything.
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A white skirt (mine was from My Mum Made It) that I wore at least five different ways and still wasn’t sick of. Truly the skirt of the summer.
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The Places That Stayed With Me
No two moments were the same, but these are the ones that stuck and will forever.
Santorini, Greece
Yes, it’s romanticised. But I let myself fall for it anyway. Whitewashed streets, cliffside dinners, and that soft blue light that makes everything feel like a dream.
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Eat at: Dimitris Ammoudi Tavern — a taverna so close to the sea it felt like we were floating. The seafood was caught that morning, and both the wine and food were local. Always choose local when you can.
Lisbon + Lagos, Portugal
Portugal felt different — slower, warmer, somehow more grounded. Terracotta rooftops and pastel buildings, golden-sand beaches framed by limestone cliffs.
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Eat at: The Garden in Lagos — a quiet spot tucked away from the buzz. Garden seating, grilled meats, and fresh produce that makes you want to call your dad and say, “This reminds me of your cooking.”
Nice, France
Nice was a dream — the most beautiful buildings and beaches I’ve ever seen. The food and produce were unmatched.
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Eat: Honestly? Head to the local grocer. Cooking with local ingredients is half the fun. Fresh bread, cured meats, ripe produce — we made some of the best sandwiches of the trip that way.
That’s pretty much it — my little love letter to European summer.
If I’ve learned anything, it’s this: pack light, say yes to everything, and always leave a little space in your suitcase (and your schedule) for the unexpected. The best moments are usually unplanned — the new friends you make along the way, a random obsession with French havarti, or that fridge magnet you’ll bring home to gift your parents.
