Packing for the long coveted summer vacations can be both exciting and exhausting: your dream destination is waiting, but the empty suitcase and the messy pile of clothes on your bed are the obstacles that are keeping you in the present reality.
To help you in the job, we’ve put together a summer vacation packing list suitable for any traveller. Roll up your sleeves, put on some music, and proceed with strategy. Ready? Dream vacation here we come.
The essential starting point is to properly plan your summer vacation outfits. Thinking about your looks in advance is key if you want to travel light, save space in your suitcase, and bring only what you’re actually going to wear. Consider your destination, the activities you’re going to do, and the clothes that make you feel yourself: connect the dots and pick from your wardrobe just the things that meet all three goals. Here are some suggestions to get you inspired.
For a sunny stroll through picturesque villages in Greece or local markets in Sicily, pack a couple of summer dresses, a breezy maxi skirt and a few basic tops to pair it with. Don’t forget to reach for a handy bag that can work for both day and night, as a top handle or crossbody option. Finish the look with a pair of comfortable Capri sandals.
Even if it’s summer, chilly and cloudy days are alway a possibility: consider bringing with you a few staples to keep you warm. A leather jacket is perfect as a light cover up, both on dresses or trousers-and-top outfits. If you’re travelling by plane, you’ll probably want to keep it with you during the flight, so you can protect from air conditioning while also saving up space in the suitcase. Always pack a light cardigan as well, which you can throw on at night, while looking at the sea from the outdoor patio of your b&b.
Summer nights have a truly special allure when on holiday: you have no alarm to set, you can sleep in, you get to try a different bed, and you can leave those windows open just to hear the sound of Nature. To make the most of your nights, ditch the boyfriend maxi t-shirt and pack a luxurious silk pajama or nightgown instead. Silk takes up less space than cotton in the suitcase, and it will keep you fresh and cool throughout the holiday.
Whether you’re heading to the Caribbean or just to your usual sea destination, your beach packing list won’t have to change that much, and packing resortwear is the most fun part of the process anyway. Once you’ve collected your bikinis, swimsuits, and beach towels, think about what you like to wear on the beach. Are you a kaftan or a maxi skirt girl? Or maybe you’d rather just wear an oversized shirt that can work as a mini dress? Will you indulge into your tropical style addiction, or keep things minimal and monochrome? Answer the questions and put together your favorite beach outfits, while also not forgetting the magical duo of beach accessories: a beach bag and a sunhat. Opt for a roomy straw bag to carry suncreams, phone, sunglasses, and a book. And when it comes to hats, you can both go for a trendy straw hat if that’s your vibe, or for a light linen bucket hat that can be easily squeezed in the luggage. The important thing is to protect yourself from annoying sunstrokes.
Less creative than outfit planning but definitely more important, the travel checklist is a crucial part of any pre-holiday preparation. Here’s a comprehensive list to get you started:
To finish off, we’ve summed up a few tips and tricks to follow for the perfect summer suitcase.
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