What To Pack For Vacation
Okay, let’s get real for a sec. I absolutely love vacations — who doesn’t, right? The excitement of exploring a new place, relaxing on a beach, or simply enjoying some time away from the usual grind is enough to make anyone smile. But here's the truth: when it comes to packing, I’m the queen of throwing everything in my suitcase last-minute and praying it all works out!! Some might say it's chaotic, but hey, it gets me to my destination, and somehow I always end up with what I need. But for those of you who prefer a bit more organization (or maybe you’re just a bit more grown-up than me in the packing department), I’ve decided to share some actually helpful tips on what to pack for a vacation. Trust me, you’ll feel like a pro even if you still end up throwing things in your bag last-minute like I do!
What To Pack For Vacation
First off, let’s talk about the basics. Now, I don’t always plan my outfits down to the last detail (we all know what’s going to happen if I try that: panic packing), but there are a few things I’ve learned to bring on every trip. So, whether you’re a “throw it all in” kind of person like me, or you want a more organized approach, these are the absolute essentials that will make your trip a lot smoother:
1. Clothing for All Types of Weather (Just in Case)
Look, I’m not going to pretend I’m an expert at wardrobe planning, but here’s one thing I always pack: clothes that can work in any situation. I’m not about to pack a ton of specific items for specific weather — I need things that can cover me no matter what the forecast throws my way.
Cold Weather: If you’re headed somewhere chilly, just bring layers. A puffer jacket, a cozy sweater, and a scarf will do. If you’re in a rush (like me), you can just throw these in your suitcase without stressing over the perfect jacket or whatever.
Warm Weather: For warmer destinations, I pack simple, breathable clothes like dresses, tank tops, and comfy shorts. Easy peasy.
In-Between Weather: This one is tricky. So, I’ll just bring a versatile jacket or cardigan to cover all bases.
If you want to get fancy and organized, you could use packing cubes (they really save space if you’re into that), but honestly, I just end up throwing things in, hoping it’ll all fit!
2. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes — Or Just Whatever Fits
Here’s a fun fact about me: I never plan how many shoes to bring. I just grab a couple pairs and hope they’ll cover everything. If I’m walking a lot, I’ll go for comfort. If I need to look cute, I’ll pack something dressier. If I’m on a beach vacation, sandals are non-negotiable. That’s pretty much it. I can’t overthink shoes.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: These are always a must, even if I’ve already decided to pack 5 other pairs that I’ll probably never wear.
Dressy Shoes: A pair of sandals or cute wedges in case I need to look a little fancy for dinner or a night out.
Flip-Flops/Beach Shoes: Obviously, if I’m going to a beach destination, I need flip-flops. If I forget them, I’ll regret it.
But hey, if you want to plan your shoe choices a bit more strategically, go for shoes that can serve more than one purpose. That’s my tip for saving space without overthinking it!
3. Toiletries and Other Things You’ll Probably Forget
I always forget something when it comes to toiletries. Like, 99% of the time. But here’s my simple approach: I just grab the essentials (toothbrush, deodorant, face wash) and pray I don’t get caught without toothpaste. If I do forget, well...there’s always a store nearby, right?
Basic Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner. If you’re on an international trip, throw in some travel-sized bottles and call it good. You don’t need to overthink it.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray: If you’re going somewhere warm, this stuff is non-negotiable. But it’s easy to forget. I usually throw in a bottle or two and cross my fingers.
Medications and Aid Kit: If you’re the responsible one, an aid kit with basics like pain relievers, band-aids, and allergy meds might be a good idea.
And if you can, downsize everything into travel-sized bottles so you don’t have to stress over international travel liquid limits. It’ll save you tons of space (which is great if you end up buying a ton of stuff on your trip).
4. Travel Accessories: The Must-Haves to Make Your Life Easier (And Cuter)
Okay, so I may throw everything in my suitcase without much organization, but there are some absolute must-haves that make the packing chaos way more enjoyable. These travel accessories are the little touches that can make your trip smoother and a whole lot kuter. And of course, I’ve got one super kute accessory that I’m obviously obsessed with — and I know you will be too.
Quillows – The Koziest, Kutest Travel Essential You Never Knew You Needed:
Listen up, because this is the accessory I cannot travel without. If you haven’t heard of quillows yet, you’re in for a treat. These are the perfect combination of quilt and pillow (hence the name — kute, right?), and they’re honestly the most adorable and practical travel item ever.
Here’s why everyone is obsessed with them: Quillows are compact, super kozy, and so much kuter than your average travel pillow or blanket. When you’re on the go, they function as a comfy pillow, and when you unfold them, they turn into a warm, kozy blanket. It’s like traveling with your own personal cloud!
From fun patterns to kozy textures, there’s a quillow for every personality and travel vibe. Whether you're on a long road trip, taking a flight, or just chilling at the airport, a quillow is the perfect snuggly companion. Plus, they fold up into a cute little pillow so they take up barely any space. And trust me, once you bring one, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without it.
But the best part? People love them! It’s like I’m carrying around a little piece of home with me — and who doesn’t love that warm, fuzzy feeling while traveling?
Away Luggage – The Stylish & Functional Suitcase:
I can’t talk about travel accessories without mentioning Away luggage. If you’re tired of dragging around that old suitcase (or if your luggage has mysteriously gone missing more times than you'd like to admit), you NEED to upgrade to Away. It’s sleek, functional, and it seriously makes packing feel so much more organized (even if you’re like me and end up tossing your stuff in last minute).
With Away luggage, you’ll look like a packing pro, and you’ll be ready for any travel challenge that comes your way. It's one of those pieces that just makes your whole travel experience feel more polished, even if you’re not exactly the most organized packer (like me).
Portable Chargers:
Because we all know the moment your phone dies is the moment you need it most, right? A portable charger is a total game-changer. You won’t have to worry about being stranded without a GPS, taking pics, or a way to text your friends when you’re lost in the airport. Keep one in your bag, and you’ll feel like the most prepared traveler out there.
Okay, so here's where the organized folks come in. If you want to get your life together and actually make a vacation packing list, I have a few tips that might help:
Tip #1: Consider the Type of Trip You’re Taking
Do you have a road trip coming up, or are you headed out for a cruise packing adventure? Think about your trip, and pack accordingly. A city vacation will be different from a beach getaway.
Road Trip: Pack snacks, a quillow for naps, and extra clothes (just in case). Throwing things in your trunk? Definitely a vibe.
Cruise Packing: Bring formal wear for dinners (but don’t stress over packing fancy stuff — just go with something you feel good in).
Tip #2: Group Things by Category
If you’re into lists, consider organizing your items by category, like “clothing,” “toiletries,” and “electronics.” Here’s a rough idea of what I’d write on my vacation packing list:
Clothing: Dresses, T-shirts, swimsuits, shoes
Toiletries: Shampoo, toothbrush, deodorant, makeup
Electronics: Phone, charger, headphones (don’t forget the chargers!)
For me, I just mentally group things like this in my head and hope I don’t forget anything major.
Tip #3: Plan for the Unexpected
Listen, life happens. You never know when a random rainstorm or spontaneous adventure might pop up. Always have a jacket or a pair of sneakers for unexpected adventures, just in case.
When To Pack When Going On Vacation
So, when should you actually pack? The truth is, I usually start packing the night before my flight... sometimes even the morning of! But ideally, you’ll want to start a couple of days before departure. This gives you time to grab anything you might have forgotten and make sure you’re not running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
For the super-organized folks, try packing at least 2-3 days in advance. That way, you’ll be prepared for anything!
So, whether you’re a “throw everything in and hope for the best” kind of person like me, or you prefer a more structured vacation packing checklist, the most important thing is to remember to have fun!! At the end of the day, packing is just a small part of the adventure, and it shouldn’t stress you out too much. And if you’re headed to Hawaii soon, check out my other post on what to wear in Hawaii — you might find a few tips for your tropical getaway!
