Getting ready to hit the road or the skies this summer? Whether you’re heading east, west, or somewhere in the beautiful in-between, there are must-brings for any summer vacation.
To help you pack, we compiled a list of summer vacation essentials that absolutely need a spot in your suitcase.
Summer Vacation Packing Essentials List
Let’s start with the most important items: your wallet with ID and credit card, phone and charger, any prescription medications, glasses or contact lenses. Do not forget these! If you’re flying, keep them with you at all times in your purse or carry-on bag.
Daytime Clothes. If you’re checking your suitcase, pack a day’s worth of clothing in your carry-on bag in case your suitcase gets lost. In your suitcase, pack enough outfits to last the trip. Consider bringing one or two dresses or skirt/shirt combos that can be dressed up or down. Don’t forget your panties, bras, and socks, too.
Nighttime Clothes. There’s nothing like coming back to your hotel room after a long day of adventuring, taking a hot shower, and slipping on your favorite sleepwear. One of our summertime favorites is this seersucker sleeveless nightgown. The wrinkle-free fabric is perfectly packable, and it keeps you feeling cool and refreshed all night long, like the other side of the pillow.
Robe. If you’re staying with family or friends, you’ll want a robe to throw on over your pajamas or nightgown to get your morning cup of coffee. This tropical print interlock knit short robe is the ultimate vacation robe. You could even wear it to the pool! Speaking of…
Swimwear. Pack two swimsuits - whichever two make you feel most confident - and a swim cover up. The Miss Elaine micro terry short robe is perfect for wearing over your swimsuit while you make your way from your hotel room to the pool. The fabric is soft and light, with a convenient zippered front for quickly warming up after a dip. And if you’re short on suitcase space, this could be your morning robe as well.
Sweater, fleece, or sweatshirt. Even though it’s summer, we always pack something to stay warm on chilly nights or in air-conditioned spaces. The weather can change quickly in certain areas, like in the mountains, so packing layers is important.
Shoes. Pack comfortable, supportive sneakers for walking around, water-friendly slides or flip flops for pool or beach time, and a pair of dress shoes. If you need new shoes, buy them a few weeks before your trip to help break them in. You don’t want to suffer with blisters on your vacation!
Toiletries. Bring items from your daily skincare and hygiene routine, like lotions, soaps, or serums, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and so on. Include your makeup basics, including waterproof mascara if you wear it to the pool, and makeup remover.
Accessories. Keep it simple. We recommend leaving valuable jewelry at home and bringing inexpensive pieces that coordinate with multiple outfits.
Sunglasses. Sunnies are essential for any trip. We like to pack two inexpensive ones, as we inevitably lose one every year. Mirrored lenses, oversized frames, and round shapes are dominating the current trends, while aviators and cat eye corners never go out of style.
Sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen that says “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” and SPF of 30 or higher. If you have sensitive skin, stick with a sunscreen that uses mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and avoids fragrances. While you’re at it, consider packing a hat and UV-blocking long sleeve shirt as well.
Book. We love a good book, and in our opinion, a good book is an integral part of a good vacation. It’s an escape within an escape. The subject matter depends on your preferences, but we prefer to pack light, fun reads to keep us firmly in vacation mode.
If you forget something, don’t panic. Many essentials can be purchased once you arrive.
We hope you have a wonderful time and return feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and grateful for new happy memories.
-Miss Elaine