Just in case I haven’t mentioned it enough, I’M GOING TO BALI.
At the time of writing this post it’s only 12 days until I leave, so as you can imagine I am pretty freakin’ excited right now.
After many travel disasters in the past, I am actually feeling pretty organised this time around. I’ve made a mock up of an itinerary, printed out all of our reservations and hotel details AND I’ve even made myself a bit of a Bali packing list.
For someone who is used to short city breaks, I’d say I’m nailing this ‘long holiday preparation’.
Bali Packing List for Plus Size Travelers
So, in my last post I mentioned that I am going to start doing lots more plus size fashion content, so I thought I’d start with a Plus size packing list for none other than Bali.
CLOTHING
Maxi Skirts – One of my favourite pieces of clothing for hot countries is a maxi skirt. Not only are they light and airy, they are perfect for visiting the temples in Bali where you cannot enter without covering up.
Comfortable Tops – An absolute must for countries like Bali, a light, airy top will mean you can walk around for hours without feeling uncomfortable.
Maxi Dresses – Again, maxi dresses are absolutely PERFECT for going in the different Balinese temples. Plus, they totally go with the boho vibe.
Palazzo Trousers/Culottes – I’m not a massive fan of wearing trousers when it’s above 25 degrees, but palazzo trousers and culottes are SO DAMN COMFY. They’re not too warm in hot weather and they stop the dreaded chub rub.
Dresses/Skirts – As well as maxi dresses and skirts, regular ones are perfect for shopping, going to the beach and spending evenings at the bar.
Swimwear – Obviously, you can’t go to a place with a million and one pools without some killer swimwear. As a plus size traveller I find that I feel much more comfortable in swimdresses, swimming costumes and tankinis. They can often be hard to find, but lately I’ve been lusting after these designer swimsuits from Simply Beach.
Sarongs/Kaftans – As much as I love swimwear, I always like to have a kaftan, sarong or cover up for when I am walking around the pool or beach as it makes me feel that little bit more comfortable.
Light Pjs – Again, you don’t want your warm cosy pjs when it’s going to be 25 degrees outside, do you? Take something short, lightweight and comfy.
Anti Chaffing Shorts – THESE ARE MY HOLY GRAIL ON A HOLIDAY. Seriously, I can’t survive warm countries with out them. As a plus size girl I suffer from major chub rub and so these shorts help stop my legs rubbing together in the heat, making walking around much more comfortable and painless.
Comfortable Walking Shoes – Although you may want to wear pretty strappy sandals the whole time, taking a comfortable pair of walking shoes is ideal when you’re going to be walking a lot. We’ve got lots of activities planned that will need trainers, so I’m actually taking two pairs!
Water Shoes – This depends on what you’re doing, but as we’re going snorkeling I thought I’d get myself some shoes that are suitable for water. I’m terrified I’ll step on something painful in the sea as I’m super clumsy, so better to be safe than sorry, right?
Sandals/Flipflops – I think this one is quite self explanatory! I tend to get wide fit, especially as my feet swell the warmer it is!
Beach Bag – Again, this is a pretty standard thing, especially for Bali. We’re going to be heading to the beach quite a lot, so I want to take a back that can fit my millions of bottles of sun cream in.
Backpack – Whenever I am travelling I much prefer to have a backpack with me as it saves the trouble of actually having to carry a bag. Lazy? Maybe. Comfortable? 100%.
Sunglasses – With it being so bright, sunglasses are an absolute must for every day use!
Underwear – Not sure I really need to explain this one but yeah, you’re gonna need underwear, bras and socks. Obviously.
TOILETRIES
Shampoo and Conditioner – Preferably one that is good for hair when it is VERY VERY humid.
Body Wash – Self explanatory.
Shaving Cream and Razor – As I’m going to be there longer than a week, I’m definitely going to need to take shaving cream and a razor, especially as 90% of the time I’ll probably be wearing swimwear.
Deodorant – Again, I don’t think I need to explain this one.
Talc – This is great for chub rub in the moments you can’t wear your anti chaffing shorts, as it helps stop your legs from sweating. I think LUSH also sell something called Rub Rub Rub, which I know a lot of people swear by, so I’m tempted to order myself some of that before I go too.
Toothpaste and Toothbrush – Standard holiday essentials.
Hairbrush, Bands and Grips – As much as I would like to think I’ll have my hair down every single day, I think the humidity is going to mean I won’t want to most of the time.
HEALTH
Anti Sickness Tablets – This is for those that suffer with travel sickness, especially if you’re hopping on a boat to Gili T like we are.
Upset Stomach Tablets – Tablets for an upset stomach are a must for any new country. There are many ways to get a bad stomach when eating and drinking in a foreign country, so it’s always better to be prepared.
First Aid Kit – You can never be too prepared right? I am so clumsy something is bound to happen while I’m travelling, so having a small first aid kit on hand is a great way to make sure you’re prepped for the minor accidents.
Sun Cream and After Sun – In case you didn’t know, I’m ginger. This means that whether it’s 8 degrees or 35, if the sun is out, I am likely to be burnt to a crisp if I don’t have sun cream. It’s also worth packing after sun and aloe vera gel to help moisturise your skin and treat burns if you get any.
Bug Repellent and Antihistamines – Another thing you have to be careful with while travelling to warmer countries is getting bitten by a mosquito and other *scary* bugs. I always have a big reaction when I get bitten so would recommend packing bug repellent and antihistamines to anyone travelling abroad.
Lip Balm – Perfect for protecting your lips in Bali’s very hot sun!
TECH
Power Banks – With long days out and very little space/time to charge your phone, I portable power bank is the perfect way to keep your phone charged the entire time you’re out.
Camera and Memory Cards – If you’re not using your phone for photos, don’t forget to take your camera! I’d also pack a few memory cards too, just in case you take WAY more photos than expected.
European Adapter – Bali (and a lot of Indonesia) uses the same adapters that most of the major countries in Europe do. Luckily, I have lots of those lying around…
Extension Lead – Rather than taking a million adapters, packing an extension lead means you can plug in more than one appliance at a time. Perfect for if you need to charge your phone, camera battery and portable power bank all overnight.
Straighteners/Curlers – Not a necessity due to the fact your hair will probably curl as soon as you leave your hotel, but nice to have with you regardless.
EVERYTHING ELSE
Beach Towel – Always a necessity when there are pool and beaches to visit!
Pool Float – Probably not a must, but definitely something you’ll want to take if you’re planning on going to a pool/beach.
What would you put on your Bali packing list?
Kirsty Leanne
xoxo
