Daily Dose of Design: What to Pack: 9 vacation essentials for your next trip!

Thursday, August 13, 2015

What to Pack: 9 vacation essentials for your next trip!

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I can't even begin to count the number of times that I've been sitting in the airport, staring at my plane and waiting to board and I start remembering all the things I forgot to pack! No matter how much I plan, how many lists I make or how many times I check my packing lists over and over, I still always manage to forget to pack things. Depending on where you're going, it's easy to replenish what you forget but other times it isn't. Like, when you're going to an island with barely any cell phone service - let alone a CVS with Sexy Healthy Hair hairspray.. yep, that's happened! 
 
 

Vacations are a lot of work - packing shouldn't be!! I'll admit I'm definitely an over-packer and most of the time I pack things that I don't end up even wearing! However after all the planning is done, it's so nice to actually enjoy packing and picking out things that you're excited to bring on your trip! I know - sounds crazy to enjoy packing, but with certain essentials to always take with you on vacation, filling your suitcase to just under 50 pounds will be a piece of cake!

Mini-mergency kit: a couple of years ago I had bought my first "mini-mergency" kit from JCrew and I loved it! Ever since then, I've been making my own to take on vacations. I stock my mini bag full of bobby pins, hair ties, wrinkle release spray, band-aids, thread and a needle, earring backs and super glue. Some of these are things you think you'll never need - but you would be surprised!!

Zinc packets: it really is true that airplanes are germ-central so I always take some zinc packets with me to prevent getting a cold! They take up no extra space and you'll be glad you have them!

Backpack: everything is fast paced in an airport and it's always a juggling act to get your bags back together after they're torn apart and separated when going through airport security. Having a backpack as one of your carry-ons will help give you more room and be an easy bag to carry.


Cute crossbodies: I'm a huge fan of large totes but for vacations it's usually way easier to pack a crossbody than a huge tote that takes up your whole suitcase! No matter what kind of vacation you're going on, it's much easier to have a crossbody with you when you're a tourist!


The everywhere dress: I always pack a couple dresses that can work as a dressed down or dressed up piece. It always happens that you wear a cute sundress to breakfast and for sightseeing; but vacation can be unpredictable with timing and that few hours of sightseeing can quickly lead to a trip to the beach followed by dinner and a bar - leaving you no room to go to your hotel to change. If you have a versatile outfit, this won't be a problem and you can continue enjoying your day!


Passport carrier: it isn't often that you walk through security and see people with anything unusual about their passports - but if you see me in an airport you can bet you'll see differently! I love covering my passport in a cute case and it's super helpful when you're in a rush to dig it out of your bag!


Converters & charging station: you'll really only need an electrical converter if you're leaving the country, but this is a super important one if you are! Let's face it - we're all attached to our electronics and for me, my hair products! Don't get stuck in Italy not being able to straighten your hair because you forgot your converter. Trust me. Charging stations are also very practical while traveling, especially for a long flight!

Sunnies: no matter where you're headed, having your favorite pair of sunnies with you will go with any outfit, any time, any place!


Plain white tee: I always bring an oversized white t-shirt with me on vacations because if I start to burn, I can put it on to cover my shoulders (that's where I burn the most). It's always good to have with you - no one wants to be sunburned the first day of vacation and walk around in pain for the rest of your trip (yep, been there done that too!)

When I pack my suitcase, I try and make as much room as possible for myself but also don't want my clothes to get wrinkled. Try placing a piece of tissue paper between each item - I've found this to be extremely helpful!
With another two and a half weeks left of August (WHAT?!) I'm taking full advantage of the time and heading off on another adventure! I hope this list is helpful if you're on your way out the door for one last summer vaca!

What are some of your can't leave home without essentials?

XOXO


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39 comments:

  1. I like the idea of the mini emergency pack, especially for a girls weekend! Your friends will love you for saving the day or at least their outfit. :)

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    1. It's possibly the best purchase I've ever made!! : )

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  2. My portable charger is another necessity, especially when there is a travel delay and people are hogging all the outlets ;) I'm also a huge fan of bringing my tablet stocked with books and fully charged to keep me entertained while traveling and once there.

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    1. Nothing is worse than when you get to your gate in the airport and ALL the seats and outlets are taken! Drives me crazy haha!

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  3. Those dresses are so cute and comfy! That would be my must have!

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    1. Nothing is better than looking cute in comfort!!

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  4. Such a great list of tips for packing . I love the mini emergency bag and the dresses you can dress up or down. Thanks!

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    1. Thank you so much! It's been really useful to me this summer!

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  5. Cute passport carriers! I need a new one!

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  6. This is a great list! I'm always scrambling to see what I forgot to pack LOL

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    1. Haha me too!! Usually the morning of leaving too!

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  7. Great list! Do you have any recs for a power converter? I bought one last year for Europe and my straightener ended up frying :(

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    1. OMG that has happened to me too in Italy! My dad wanted to kill me haha! The key to these adapters is the voltage for each. Charging a phone takes less wattage while a hair straightener/blow dryer takes MUCH more! We buy ours from Best Buy or Amazon and I would recommend the Insignia brand ones! Not that expensive either!

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  8. I love that striped backpack you linked! So cute and great for getting through airports. I need to pick up a passport cover. Not that I plan on using it anytime soon. =)
    Miranda Writes

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    1. Backpacks are the best for airports for sure! : )

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  9. Great list! I have a file saved to my computer of vacation essentials that I print out each time we go on a trip. I would definitely have forgotten several things without consulting that list!

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    1. So do I! Somehow I still manage to forget things lol!

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  10. Look the glasses and passport carrier and great ideas your list come in handy.

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  11. Great list! I always forget my shower cap! Makes it hard to style my hair when it gets damp in the shower. Love those bags!

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    1. That's something that's SO hard to find anywhere internationally too haha!

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  12. Great list, now please do one for the over packed! Lol.

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    1. What a great idea! As per your request I will have to work on a post like that!! : ) Although I don't think I'm the best advocate for not over packing - it's always a serious struggle to not let my suitcase(s) reach 50 lbs haha!!

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  13. Back packs and sling bags are perfect for going on vacations! I absolutely love 'em. Great list!

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  14. Great tips! I wish I was heading out on vacation maybe next summer! - Jeanine

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  15. This is a GREAT list. I went back to Kansas two years ago (for a funeral, so not really a vacation) but a crossbody bag saved my sanity!

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  16. i love the zippered backpacks. I use one sometimes as a diaper bag.

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    1. My sister in law does too! Very, very handy!

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  17. Great list. I always pack extra charger, sunglasses, laptop, phone, sunscreen and much more. I pack mostly everything!

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  18. This is an awesome information a packing for a vacation. I love the idea of the zinc packs which I didn't think of and the mini-merancy kit. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I'm so glad you found it helpful! I never forget my zinc and I'm always grateful I didn't!!

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