Summertime is here and that means summer vacation time! The great thing about traveling in summer is that you can pack lighter and summer clothes don’t take very much space. The key is a few simple, easy, mix and match items with a few accessories thrown in for fun. Ready to start packing? Let’s go!
First, of course, you need to consider your destination. If you’re going somewhere this summer, I’m assuming that you’re going someplace warm. Think about what activities you’ll be doing each day and pick out your clothes according to that. Also, check the weather because it can be unpredictable. You might think its going to be hot, but then you’ll get some cool days. Be prepared! The following packing list is best for a casual summer vacation, with kids, or without. This should get you through a weeklong trip with options for different activities.
Here is a list for a weeklong summer trip:
- 2 lightweight casual pants
- 4 capris or crop pants
- 1 or 2 pairs of shorts
- 5-7 tops that coordinate with the previous pants, capris, and shorts
- Shoes – 1 pair walking shoes, 1 pair casual sandals, 1 pair wedge sandals or espadrilles
- 1 rain jacket
- Optional: 1 dressier outfit for evening outing
Here is a list for a short weekend trip:
- 3 basic bottoms – 1 casual, 1 dressy, 1 nice casual; keep the bottoms neutral
- 3-4 tops to mix and match with the bottoms; tops can be printed or brighter pops of color
- Casual and dressy shoes
- Jacket or cardigan
Extras for your trip, depending on your destination:
- Beach trip: swimsuit, cover-up, sandals, beach tote, sunglasses
- Hiking trip: hiking clothes, rain jacket, hiking shoes
- Sightseeing trip: Nice casual outfits, walking shoes, crossbody purse, sunglasses
- City trip: Nice casual outfits, at least a couple dressy outfits for dinner out, comfortable shoes
Remember accessories! Your strategy for accessories should be simple, however, you could definitely add variety to your outfits by adding fun accessories. They won’t even take very much space in your suitcase. Here is a good jewelry plan for the trip:
- 2-3 pairs of earrings
- 2 necklaces
- 1-2 bracelets
- 1 special statement necklace for dressier outfits
- Take pieces that mix and match well.
- A lightweight scarf is great for evenings, boat rides, a great alternative to taking a jacket.
Important extras for any trip:
- Downy Wrinkle Release
- Sewing kit and safety pins
- Laundry bag
- Chargers for electronics
- Socks for nighttime in hotel room
- Summer pjs
- Underclothes for each day
Make everything fit neatly in suitcase. I guess I’m a little different. I really don’t like the rolling technique that everybody talks about. My clothes get wrinkled that way. I prefer to fold my clothes, and I have a certain way to do that. Each item just gets doubled over (folded in half), so it won’t wrinkle much. I plan my outfits for each day, and then put them in according to when I plan on wearing them. For instance, on day #1, the outfit on the top is for my first day. It sounds a little silly, but it’s always worked for me. I put shoes on the sides, with the heaviest ones at the bottom by the wheels. Pjs and underclothes are on the edge to make them easier to get to.
Another way to pack is to refer to my Minimal Summer Wardrobe. If you have these items, you can easily put together a few outfits for your trip. Also check out my previous post Easy Summer Wardrobe On A Budget.
Toiletries are next. I have a system for that too. Come back next time, for part 2 of my easy, simple packing system, which is toiletries and beauty products for a fun trip.
Have a great summer day!