When it comes to packing for vacation, it can be hard to know what exactly you will need. Common questions I ask are: What outfits do you need? how many pairs of shoes? What if I end up running out of something? Do I need jewelry?… the list goes on. It wasn’t until I started taking more weekend trips that I came up with “My List”. Every person is different and our differing styles lend themselves to different necessities. So instead of figuring out the perfect number of shirts to bring, I came up with my own system of packing that has worked great for me over the past year. I haven’t always been the best packer, but with practice and trial and error, I’ve found the best way to pack is with this system.
1. Pack neutrals- this insures that everything can match everything therefore giving you the most versatility. While vacation may seem like the perfect opportunity to pull out that crazy skirt that doesn’t match anything… save it for when you have full access to your closet and aren’t in need of repeating.
2. When it comes to beauty only pack necessities. You’re going to the beach so let the sun kissed look be your go to. So here is what I bring:
- cover up
- foundation
- sunscreen
- lotion
- eye-liner, eye make up
- mascara
- chapstick or lipgloss
3. Dresses are your friend, pack ones that can be dressed up or casual. The statement that “a picture is worth a thousand words” – it also applies to the perfect dress saying something like “the perfect dress is worth a thousand outfits”. Find something lose fitting but still shows your shape. My favorite is a t’shirt or slip dress.
Examples
5. Figure out your MUST HAVES…. as I have said before, everyone is different so take some time to figure out 3 or 4 things that you have to have to be comfortable on your beach trip. For me, its a comfy sweater (I’m always cold), running shorts, and pens and a notebook. (this would be the time to add that crazy skirt back into the mix if you absolutely can’t live without it).
6. Fail to plan, plan to fail… Give yourself time to pack properly. The week before start thinking of outfit ideas and start compiling a list of what you have and what you need. Get together the things you know you will forget the moment you remember them. For me, its headphones and sunglasses…the two things I most frequently forget…
7. 2 bathing suits at least… I know I said I didn’t use numbers… but…. the truth is, you can never have too many bathing suits but you can have too few. The reason you need more than one is because you can wash one every other day. There is nothing worse than an itchy bathing suit filled with sand…
8. Some frills are required… The ridiculous sun hat, the bangles, the sparkly earrings… no vacation is complete without some sparkle and flair. Don’t feel like you can’t have anything fun, but do it with caution. Bring only the pieces that can match everything and add to your outfits, not take up space.
9. Invest in good travel equipment… I know it seems like a no brainer, but when it comes to organization and space, good travel cases make the trip so much more enjoyable. When you don’t have to worry about where that earring went or your make up spilling all over your clothes, vacation becomes much more peaceful.
10. Always remember reading material. Whether its a celebrity magazine or the latest novel, don’t forget to pack books. You may think your time will be jam packed with things to do, however there will inevitably be down time at some point. At that time, you will wish you had a book or a magazine to work your way through. If you have a kindle, don’t for get it AND the charger.