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Take me away
Not to be dramatic, but you've been dreaming of this moment for months. All you need now? A perfectly packed suitcase.
photo credit: @aysekandemir61
There's just one little thing standing between you and finally getting the heck out of your house: an empty carry-on. Whether you love packing or loathe it, it's key to stash your stuff smartly so you get maximum use out of minimum baggage. Here's how to pack right—so you can make the most of your travel moments. Bon voyage!
READY, SET, PLAN
It bears repeating: Don't procrastinate!
WEATHER OR NOT, HERE YOU COME.
Wherever you're roaming, check the forecast before you pack—you don't want to assume it'll be balmy at the beach and arrive to unseasonably cool temps. Search your wardrobe for layers that can fold up small, like a lightweight raincoat and a cotton sweater that can double as a beach cover-up.
GET LISTED.
Start by making a list of everything you'll need on vacation, from bathing suits to cover-ups to juicy beach reads (check out this post to find the *perf* book for your trip). Then, get to checking it off!
START EARLY.
A few days before your departure date, leave your suitcase open in your room, then start to toss in items while you're thinking about them, like your eye mask and your makeup bag. This helps limit all that last-minute pressure when you're running around and trying to think, "What am I forgetting?!"
PACK IT UP
Consider this your outfit recipe.
PLAY FAVORITES.
Pack go-to items like your Levi's and your works-with-everything striped tee. That way, you'll have something you want to wear, no matter your mood.
STAY NEUTRAL.
Your best bet is to grab simple, neutral accessories you can match with any look, like leather sandals and gold earrings. Leave complicated things like thin chain necklaces at home—they'll just end up tangled.
DOUBLE DUTY.
Save space with items that can work overtime. Headed to warmer climates? Toss in bikini tops and bottoms you can mix and match to create more options. And don't waste extra inches on packing lots of workout clothes—your oversized sleep tees can easily convert for a beach run.
SHOE STORY
Maybe the hardest category of them all.
THREE'S A CHARM.
Here's the headline: Three pairs of shoes will get you everywhere you need to go. (That's sneakers/sandals/espadrilles for the beach or slides/flats/walking shoes for the city.)
PAIR 'EM DOWN.
Can't choose? Aim to bring one pair per day you'll be away, up to five selects. But get creative: Chunky sneakers can work with both cutoffs and sundresses. Flying? Slip-ons are a must for getting through security lines.
SHOE SMARTS.
Remember: No matter how cute they are, don't break in those new platform sandals on vacay (hello, blisters!). You probably will be walking around town a ton, so pack shoes that'll bekind to your feet whether you're hiking or scouting the shops.
IN THE BAG
Master these and you'll never need to sit on your suitcase again.
LESS IS MORE.
Checking luggage is wayyyy overrated. How to avoid over-packing? Remove the last two or three things you added to your suitcase. Those are often the "panic items" you most definitely won't end up wearing on your trip.
STICK TOGETHER.
Invest in a set of packing cubes, or just organize your suitcase by category (i.e. pajamas, beachwear, workout gear), with heavier items like shoes on the bottom. This makes it easier to unpack when you get there, too.
ROLL WITH IT.
To maximize your suitcase's space go for a mix of folding and rolling your clothes (we like to fold our tees and roll our jeans). To save even more real estate, roll up small items and stuff them in crevices— like socks in the toes of your shoes.
BEAUTY BASICS
Whatever you do, don't forget the SPF!
TRAVEL LIGHT.
No need to pack every product in your bathroom, but do snag small, refillable bottles for your fave shampoo, conditioner and soap, then bring them home empty to reuse on your next getaway—so much more sustainable than all those hotel mini bottles.
IN THE CLUTCH.
A cute toiletry bag can do double duty as a nighttime clutch. Just be sure to pack all your liquids in a clear plastic bag inside it to get through security (and avoid any tragic spillage).
MAKEUP MUSTS.
Cut down on bulk by toting one wearable shade each of eyeliner, gloss, mascara and eyeshadow. Moisturizer dabbed on a tissue can serve as makeup remover in a pinch. Also bring a boatload of sunscreen—and apply it daily.
TIME FOR TAKEOFF
Look chic—but stay comfy—while you travel.
THE RIGHT LOOK.
You don't want to cut off blood flow to your legs by donning your tightest denim, We're into a maxi dress that looks cute but is still super cozy. Your face leggings also work, but pair 'em with one of your *good sweatshirts*, please.
IT'S A WRAP.
They key to traveling in style? A huge cotton scarf that you can fold or unfold to use as a blanket/pillow/wrap/cocoon to keep you cozy. Psst: It'll double as a cute sarong when you finally hit the sand.
LEAVE IT OFF.
Keep metal belts, dangly earring and chunky necklaces ar home (or securely stashed in your suitcase). Minimal accessories and easy, lightweight layers won't hold you (or anyone else) up in the security line—and you won't have to worry about losing any precious extras as you go from point A to point B.
Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our June/July 2020 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.
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