When you go on vacation in the summer, do you tend to over-pack or an under-pack? I tend to over-pack, but I’ve worked out a few tricks to shorten my packing list. For a start, I only take clothes and accessories that are comfortable, versatile, and low-maintenance so that I can wear them multiple times. I wear my heavier items while traveling (i.e. running shoes, pants, and jacket) to keep my bags lighter. And, I try to keep this list handy so that I don’t end up taking things don’t need. Here are the summer vacation essentials that I pack…
1.Comfortable Shoes
I start by deciding which shoes to take, as they tend to take up the most space in my suitcase. Most of our vacations include walking or hiking, the beach or pool, and restaurant visits so I almost always take these shoes:
Running Shoes (This is how I buy mine: How To Buy Running Shoes The Right Way.
My Teva Tirra sandals for rainy days, short hikes, and long walks.
Comfortable slides like the UGG leather sandals that I wrote about in my Slide Sandals post.
Flip Flops for the pool or beach, like these Oka-B Theresa flip flops. These were a gift from the brand, (but I did not have any obligation to include them in this post). I thought these were the most unique, cute, and comfortable flip flops. Unlike most flip flops, they have a contoured footbed with massage beads so they feel amazing!
Oka-B is a women-led company based in Georgia, that takes back their well-loved footwear to recycle into new products.
2.Easy Shorts
Next on my summer vacation essentials list is shorts! I just bought these Cabo Linen Shorts and wore them multiple times during my week in Florida. Even in 90+ degree weather, they were cool and comfortable, and coordinated with almost every top in my suitcase.
I also bought Athleta’s Trekkie North Short which is perfect for travel, as it has 3 zip-up pockets for valuables, and open front pockets that are big enough for my iPhone 11 Pro-max. They are also light weight so I know that in a pinch I could handwash them and hang them up to dry. The flat front waistband, and seams in the back, and wide leg openings make them very flattering for pear-shaped figures.
3.Skirts or Skorts
I also like to take pack at least one skirt or skort for casual dinners, and as an alternative to shorts. I wore my Brooklyn Skort a few different ways when I was in Florida. This yellow is currently marked down and is such a bright fun summer color.
I also took a printed mini skirt that I bought at LOFT in the spring. I really appreciate that LOFT makes their minis a little more modest (19″ instead of the usual 16-18″). They currently have a Tropical Smocked Skirt that is adorable!
4.Tanks And T-shirts
I usually pack a combination of tank tops and t-shirts for my vacations. My Whisper Cotton V-neck Tank (in the photos above) was perfect for hot weather as it is lightweight and loose. I find that the Whisper Tees run large but then shrink a little in the wash, so keep that in mind.
I take a few t-shirts to cover up cover sunkissed shoulders or add a little warmth in airconditioned rooms. If you’re looking for something new, take advantage of this cute Studio Twist Back T-shirt from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It has a loose fit to keep you cool, and a fun back detail.
5.Easy-Care Dresses
I usually take wrinkle-free dresses for less active days or dinners out. My favorite summer vacation dress is Athleta’s Santorini Dress which is buttery soft and has a flattering a-line shape for that after-dinner belly! I bought mine a few years ago, so they no longer sell this color, but you can buy the same style in other colors and prints.
If you want something more fitted, this Ruched Side Sleeveless Dress is currently marked down during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It’s also easy to pack, and can be dressed up or down. It comes in 9 colors!
For a loose fit, take a look at Billabong’s Funshine Floral Print Slip Dress (don’t worry, it doesn’t look like lingerie). If you wear it on a particularly hot day, you can hand wash it and hang it to dry in your hotel bathroom!
6.Handbags
I always like to carry a bigger handbag for travel and then switch to a smaller one once we reach our destination. I bought a Travelon Anti-Theft handbag for our trip to Europe a few years ago. It has locking zippers and plenty of zippered pockets to keep your valuables safe. For our current travel needs, though, I’ve been eyeing Lululemon’s Pack And Go Multi Wear Bag which you can use as a backpack, a crossbody bag, or a belt bag!
Once I’m at my destination, I carry a smaller handbag, usually one that gives me a few handle options. This All Saints Eve Leather Crossbody Bag can also be worn as a shoulder bag giving you a couple of different looks. Hint: stuff your handbag with clothes before you put it in your travel bag, so that it keeps its shape and saves you space.
7.Hats
Packable hats are summer vacation essentials, especially if you’re going to be out in the sun all day. Take a bucket hat for active days, and a pretty straw hat for sightseeing. I found an inexpensive straw hat at Target last month. This Madewell one is pretty affordable and comes in an unexpected blue.
8.Sunblock
Even if you wear a hat, you’ll want plenty of sunscreen! The Goop Play Sunscreen and Glow Duo that I ordered from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale arrived after I left for my last trip, so I tried out Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen. Warning, don’t get this in your eyes. It stings!
9.Skincare Products
While we’re talking about skin, don’t forget to take mini containers of your favorite cleanser, moisturizer, eye cream, and whatever else you use.
I often save my free samples for travel like my birthday gift from Sephora. This year, I received a travel-sized set from Tatcha (similar to this mini set). I hadn’t tried out the brand before and loved it!
10.Travel Beauty
I‘ve been using Jane Iredale makeup for a couple of years now and appreciate that the products are all travel-friendly (compact and light). I take one of my eyeshadow trios with me on trips, but if you like a couple more color options, try this eyeshadow kit.
I also rely on my Sephora free samples and minis for travel. I just discovered their Clean Mini Mascara Set which not only gives you five mini mascaras to try out, but also includes a voucher to get one of them in a full size! This set is a bargain at under $30 (currently)!
11.Jewelry
At home, I often skip jewelry because it sometimes gets in the way of household chores. On vacation, when I’m not cooking or cleaning, I love a little sparkle. Victoria Emerson wrap bracelets give you the look of an entire stack with one do-it-yourself clasp. I’m wearing the Almost Ready Beaded Wrap.
I also take simple pendants and anklets, similar to this Guiding Star Pendant and this double strand anklet.
12.Sunglasses And Reading Glasses
Sunglasses and reading glasses (if you need them) are summer vacation essentials so don’t forget to pack them! I’ve ordered a few new styles from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale so you’ll see them in an upcoming post. When choosing sunglasses, consider your face shape, skin tone and lifestyle. Wondering what’s trending? Bold (colorful) frames, aviators and geometric shapes are popular right now.
13.Jackets, Wraps And Cardigans
No matter how hot the location is, I always pack an outer layer for unexpected weather and air-conditioning. Denim jackets are always popular vacation outwear, but I actually prefer a light-weight cardigan or wrap. You’ve probably heard me rave about my Pranayama wraps. I almost always take one of them with me and it usually doubles up as a robe in the mornings.
14.Swimwear
If your vacation plans include a pool or the beach, don’t forget your swimwear and coverups. All of my swimsuits are from Athleta. They have affordable mix and match tankinis, one-piece suits, and bikinis including modest cuts. If you’re looking for a new coverup, J.Crew has a nice selection on sale right now from tunic dresses to paddle shorts (the color-blocked one is adorable).
15.Bras And Underwear
For winter trips, you probably don’t need to give bras and underwear a lot of thought; just pack enough for the days that you will be away. In the summer, if you take strapless, cutaway, semi-sheer or halter styles, you’ll need the right bra styles under your clothing. For underwear, I only take seamless nude-color pieces which disappear under whatever I’m wearing.
A note about packing: for short trips, I put outfits together ahead of time and fold them together with the appropriate bras and underwear. For longer trips, I lay everything out on my bed in piles of tops, bottoms, underwear etc so that I can make sure each piece coordinates with a couple of others.
So those are my summer vacation essentials! What other summer vacation essentials do you pack when you travel?
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