Those lucky enough to be heading to warmer lands for spring break next week probably have your tickets purchased. But do you have your bags packed?
With enough to worry about before the trip — exams, assignments, finalizing plans — take a look at these 10 packing essentials to help take some of the stress off. Upon arrival, remember to have a blast, take tons of pictures and don’t do anything Grandma wouldn’t be proud of.
- Blanket Scarf: This probably wouldn’t be the first thing on your packing list, but it’s an awesome travel hack. Whether you’re road tripping it or hopping on a plane, a blanket scarf will not only work as a cute travel day accessory but can be used as a blanket, pillow or towel in a pinch.
- Swimsuits
This one probably is the first thing you thought to pack. Make sure to bring at least two swimsuits because putting on a cold, damp suit from the day before is the absolute worst. Choose a few bikini tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched for a new beach look each day. Whereas bikinis are great for water sports and tanning (with SPF of course), a chic one-piece is perfect for lounging under an umbrella with a non-school-related book.
- Tees, Tanks and Shorts
The vacation-packing goal is to bring the minimum number of items that create the maximum number of outfits. Denim cutoffs are a spring break given, but you should also include a pair in another neutral color like tan, black or white to go with any top you bring. A good trick for making sure all your pieces are mix-and-matchable is choosing items from the same color palette (all brights, all warm tones and so on).
- Shoes
Flip-flops are a must on the beach, but throw a pair of nice sandals in your suitcase, too. They’ll come in handy when you’re sightseeing, shopping and eating out. If you have the room, you could also take along a pair of wedges to break out at a club or nice dinner, but leave the fussy stilettos at home.
- Sundress
If you choose the right dress, you can dress it up with wedges and a luxe necklace for a night out or dress it down for hanging out with friends. The all-purpose piece can even be worn as a swimsuit cover up on the beach.
- Chambray Shirt
This denim-look button up can be tied at your waist over a high-waisted bathing suit for a retro vibe, tucked into shorts for a casual day look, or thrown over a sundress when you need an extra layer.
- Warm Outfit
All you can think about when packing is the sun and sand, but when it gets chilly at night, you’ll be glad you brought something warmer. A hoodie or sweater with yoga pants will keep you comfy at a bonfire or during a late-night seaside heart to heart with your girls. A good skinny jean can also work for a night out when paired with a cute tank.
- Active Outfit
When adventure finds you, don’t miss out because you’re not dressed for it. You might find yourself on a morning jog or a mountain hike where tennis shoes, performance leggings and a sports bra will come in handy. If not, you’ve got a comfy outfit for the trip back home.
- Bags
Use a beach bag as your carry-on and then stuff in all your beach essentials, including a bikini bag for keeping wet swimsuits separate, when you get to your destination. Also bring along a small crossbody bag for going out at night.
- Sunglasses
You’ll want a few pairs of cheap sunnies for the week. If you must bring your favorite expensive sunglasses, find a cute attachable strap for them so they don’t get lost at the bottom of the ocean. A wide-brimmed floppy sun hat will also keep the sunlight out of your eyes and save your beautiful face from getting burned.