Summer Vacation Packing List & Tips
Let me start off by saying that packing used to stress me out to the max.
I would save it all for late the night before, and would suddenly hate my entire wardrobe at 2am as I was deliriously trying to put outfits together.
While I am by no means someone who gets to travel all the time since I have a full-time job and a mortgage, etc., I do feel like I've gotten to the point where my packing and trip planning process is pretty streamlined and stress-free.
In this post I'm sharing some packing tips, as well as my travel beauty essentials, other items I love to pack, and some of my favorite shopping finds for a summer vacation!
While I am by no means someone who gets to travel all the time since I have a full-time job and a mortgage, etc., I do feel like I've gotten to the point where my packing and trip planning process is pretty streamlined and stress-free.
In this post I'm sharing some packing tips, as well as my travel beauty essentials, other items I love to pack, and some of my favorite shopping finds for a summer vacation!
PACKING TIPS
1 | Roll your clothes
This saves so much space, and I feel like it keeps my suitcase much tidier!
2 | Start writing down outfit ideas a couple of weeks before
Then when it's time to pack you can just grab those clothes, roll them up, and be done! No middle of the night panicking :) I just make a note on my iphone and add outfit ideas as I think of them or as I order things for vacation.
Then when it's time to pack you can just grab those clothes, roll them up, and be done! No middle of the night panicking :) I just make a note on my iphone and add outfit ideas as I think of them or as I order things for vacation.
3 | Also make a packing checklist...
...on a phone 'note' of all the essentials (phone charger, straightener, extra contacts, etc.). I have a permanent packing checklist that I keep in my notes and reference for every trip - whether it's a weekend trip or a full vacation.
...on a phone 'note' of all the essentials (phone charger, straightener, extra contacts, etc.). I have a permanent packing checklist that I keep in my notes and reference for every trip - whether it's a weekend trip or a full vacation.
4 | If bringing a hat...
...place it at the bottom of your suitcase and stuff the crown with smaller clothing items.
...place it at the bottom of your suitcase and stuff the crown with smaller clothing items.
5 | Be strategic with your carry-on
Bring a change of clothes and your favorite/most valuable items in your carry-on (jewelry, camera, fav pair of shoes, makeup, etc.).
6 | Keep your toiletry bag stocked
I keep my toiletry bag fully stocked with travel sized products at all times so I can grab it and go. I of course throw in a couple of last-minute items, but it's so quick and stress-free to have it all ready! After a trip I always check and see what's running low and restock next time I'm at the store so I'm not ever having to grab things last minute before leaving town.
7 | Plan your outfits for the color scheme/scenery of where you're traveling
This is something I've thought about since becoming a blogger and Instagram-obsessed person, but I like to think ahead of what the color palette and "look" of the place I'm traveling is. I think plan my outfits accordingly! If there's lots of greenery/trees where you're traveling, white, pink, stripes and florals will all look really nice. If you're traveling to the beach, think white, black, red and stripes. Urban jungle/sightseeing trip? Denim, black, and brighter colors will all look amazing.
Bring a change of clothes and your favorite/most valuable items in your carry-on (jewelry, camera, fav pair of shoes, makeup, etc.).
6 | Keep your toiletry bag stocked
I keep my toiletry bag fully stocked with travel sized products at all times so I can grab it and go. I of course throw in a couple of last-minute items, but it's so quick and stress-free to have it all ready! After a trip I always check and see what's running low and restock next time I'm at the store so I'm not ever having to grab things last minute before leaving town.
7 | Plan your outfits for the color scheme/scenery of where you're traveling
This is something I've thought about since becoming a blogger and Instagram-obsessed person, but I like to think ahead of what the color palette and "look" of the place I'm traveling is. I think plan my outfits accordingly! If there's lots of greenery/trees where you're traveling, white, pink, stripes and florals will all look really nice. If you're traveling to the beach, think white, black, red and stripes. Urban jungle/sightseeing trip? Denim, black, and brighter colors will all look amazing.
SUMMER VACATION CLOTHING & ACCESSORY ESSENTIALS
1 | Easy, comfortable sundresses
for daytime and casual meals
2 | Cutoff denim shorts
3 | Comfortable + versatile sandals
(2-3 pairs should do)
4 | Breezy tops + tanks
5 | Versatile sunglasses
(I brought two pairs and only wore one!)
6 | A day-to-night dress, romper or jumpsuit option
7 | A cross-body bag + card case
that fits your essentials only (the less you're lugging around the better)
8 | A cute & comfy pair of sneakers
for the airport and days with lots of walking
MY VACATION BEAUTY ESSENTIALS
1 | Moisturizer with SPF
(damaging your skin is not-so-cute)
2 | Makeup remover wipes
(easy for the airport and save time each night)
(easy for the airport and save time each night)
3 | Eye cream
(obviously.)
4 | Long-wear foundation
(because no one wants to be touching up their foundation on vacay)
5 | Versatile lip color
(this is my go-to)
6 | Spray SPF
7 | Texture spray
(messy waves that can be repurposed the next day? yes please.)
8 | Spray deodorant
(game. changer.)
9 | An easy bronzer for that summer glow.
(obviously.)
4 | Long-wear foundation
(because no one wants to be touching up their foundation on vacay)
5 | Versatile lip color
(this is my go-to)
6 | Spray SPF
7 | Texture spray
(messy waves that can be repurposed the next day? yes please.)
8 | Spray deodorant
(game. changer.)
9 | An easy bronzer for that summer glow.
EXTRAS THAT I LOVE FOR TRAVEL
1 | Travel steamer
(I love not stressing about my phone battery! I have this one.)
3 | Heat resistant covers for hair tools
4 | Polaroid camera
(not an essential, but it's a fun way to document a trip!)
What are your summer vacation essentials and what are some packing and outfit planning tips that you have? I'd love to know!