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Whether you’re sunning yourself in Santorini or sprinting between sets at Primavera, your manicure needs to go the distance and look good. But travel is testing for your nails: suitcase hauling risks chips, arid cabin air saps moisture, and extreme heat or cold at your destination further challenge nail resilience.
Angie Campbell, lead nail tech at Paint Nails London, says we need to think about hand and nail care as part of our overall beauty routines. “When you book your salon appointment, invest in treatments like hydrating masks and vitamin-infused base coats to maintain strong, damage-free nails wherever you travel.” Looking after nails in between salon appointments is as important as the appointment itself.
On top of the care factor is the decision of what colour to pick – what colour or style is best suited to each individual trip? Here, Angie has sound advice again: “In 2025, nail art and colour is less about following a rigid trend and more about creativity – layering different colours, mixing finishes, or adding personal symbolism.” Here’s your ultimate travel-by-nail guide, with expert tips and, most importantly, strictly no chipped polish or sad cuticles in sight.
The best nails for: last-minute trips
Packing for a spontaneous getaway? “Last-minute trips and city breaks often come with frequent hand washing that can leave nails and cuticles brittle,” says Daisy Kalnina, CEO and co-founder of The GelBottle. “A good hand cream makes a world of difference. Make sure it’s always in your handbag, particularly if you’re travelling.”
If your nails look great but are just a little chipped, then a speedy repaint with a glitter topcoat can help to disguise them by adding a different texture. Likewise, if it’s one nail that’s looking a little worse for wear, paint it a bold colour and embrace its new guise as a feature nail (we love a clever rebrand). Above all, quick-dry lacquers reign supreme for grab-and-go grooming, and many are surprisingly long-wear too, perfect for a few days away with minimal fuss.
However, if you’re starting from scratch and there’s no time for a salon visit, then there are two excellent, speedy options you shouldn’t overlook. Forget the flimsy, plasticky versions of the past – press-ons are now officially chic, and much better quality than the ones you might remember. With sleek shapes, glossy finishes, and snug, non-damaging adhesives, they’re a fast track to pro nails without the salon. You can also try nail wraps; these smart nail stickers apply to the nail and are shaped with a buffer to give a polish-like appearance. Both can give you at least a week of colour – ideal if you don’t have time for a proper salon visit.
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The best nails for: the beach
Peeling polish is often a sad accompaniment to seaside stays. Salt and sun wreak havoc on a mani, so durability and hydration are non-negotiables. “Just like skin, nails can suffer from the effects of the sun. Before hitting the beach, apply a nourishing cuticle oil to keep them hydrated and always rinse your hands thoroughly after swimming in saltwater or chlorinated pools to help prevent further dehydration of skin and nails,” Daisy advises.
If your nails are weak, try a builder gel like BIAB before your regular gel polish, which acts as a reinforced strengthening barrier, protecting your nails. If you're using regular polish, then prep with a keratin-rich base coat to prevent staining and choose short, square or oval shapes to avoid beach-bag breakage.
When it comes to colours, coral is a summer favourite, but if you’re looking for something new; “Pastel colours bring a sense of freshness to your nails, and delicate tones such as baby blue, lavender, mint green, and blush pink create a dreamy look that works on the beach and at home” Angie suggests.
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The best nails for: active holidays
From hiking the Dolomites to yoga in Ubud, active getaways demand polish that’s both tough against the elements and gentle on the nails. Avoid acrylics and long extensions; they’re a liability mid-ascent. Instead, prioritise strong natural nails supported by fortifying serums, and don’t forget a high-performance top coat with anti-chip tech. If your nails need extra support, getting builder gel applied at your salon is crucial in avoiding further breakage.
When it comes to colours, sporty nails are glossy and minimal in 2025 – think muted shades and cool neutrals, because dark and bright shades tend to show chips more easily. Daisy says practicality is smart here: “For active travel, keeping nails short and neatly filed is key to prevent snags and breaks, helping your nails withstand bumps and knocks during hikes or sports." Always keep a thick hand balm with you and also use it as a night-time mask to replenish those hand-working hands.
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The best nails for: festivals
Festivals have long been fertile ground for sartorial experimentation, so seize the opportunity to flirt with bold shades you’d normally sidestep. If that feels a touch scary, take Angie’s advice: "Neutral and classic shades will never go out of style, but in 2025, people are bolder about mixing contrasting colours – think soft lilacs paired with neon yellows or sophisticated greys with pops of hot pink. It’s about letting your personality shine through unexpected combos and colour-blocked art."
When time is tight, swap the intricate salon appointment for press‑on nails, pre‑embellished with graphic art, or apply chic, peel‑and‑stick decals over gel or classic polish for an effortless flourish that still feels bespoke. Amid the revelry, remember that hydration and hygiene are paramount. A lightweight, fast‑absorbing hand cream laced with antibacterial properties delivers a discreet two‑in‑one defence: it nourishes dry hands while shielding skin from festival grime. Keep a travel‑size tube in your bumbag and reapply between sets.
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The best nails for: ski holidays
Cold snaps are notoriously brutal on nails, ushering in a perfect storm of dehydration, splitting, and that tell‑tale flaking that is all but inevitable unless your care routine is watertight. "Regular application of a rich cuticle balm is crucial to combat dryness and prevent cracking – even on the slopes,” Daisy emphasises.
When it comes to colour into winter’s chill and the current appetite for cool‑toned palettes, think crystalline lilac or glacial pistachio and opt for softly rounded or almond silhouettes that glide into gloves without snagging. Finally, consider a nightly ritual of warm oil soaks - like jojoba or olive oil - to fortify the nail matrix during sub‑zero spells or ready-prepared hand masks to infuse your mittens with hydration.
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