I love adventures in the sun and thought I'd share some tips for your summer getaway.

1. Travel light.
When getting away is all about rest and relaxation, don't kick it off by lugging a heavy bag with you. Keep packing to a minimum. Thankfully most hotels these days provide some of the bulkier and heavier items, such as hair dryers, shampoo and conditioner. I also saved myself some space: instead of taking a bottle of body lotion and a bottle of perfume, I pack my favourite scented body oil spray to use as moisturizer and scent in one.

2. Pack a pareo or two.
Otherwise known as a sarong, a pareo is a rectangular piece of lightweight cotton that is usually two yards long and about three feet wide. Typically tie-dyed in bright colours, this simple garment is inexpensive, versatile (I wear one as a cover-up on the beach, or folded in two around my waist as a short skirt in town), and, of course, easy to pack.

3. Sport no-fuss flip-flops.
Hot sand and bare feet just don't go together. Cheap and cheerful flip-flops are must-haves for a beach holiday. They come in every colour under the sun, although I'm partial to black as it goes with everything. Try a pair made with a cotton toe-thong as they are much more comfortable.

4. Keep nail care simple.
While I was away, I could not figure out why my freshly polished nails were going to mush. I'd have to give them a fresh coat of polish in the evening, but by the time I hit the beach the following day the lacquer would be soft again. Finally I realized that this only happened after I applied sunscreen. As it turns out, sunscreen contains an active ingredient which, when broken down by the sun's rays, turns in part to acetone -- yep, nail polish remover. So be sure to wipe your nails clean after applying sunscreen. Alternatively, skip the polish and pick up a nail buffer at the drugstore to give your nails a natural gloss.

5. Protect your pout.
Remember to apply SPF to your lips, an area most often neglected. You'll want your pucker in perfect condition to sip those tropical drinks. Look for a waterproof and sweatproof stick.