Hope August is treating everyone well so far! This summer, I haven’t been traveling as much as I want to but am hoping to take a quick getaway soon before it cools down. One of my most favorite things about staycations and short getaways is packing for them. For longer trips, it can get overwhelming having to consider so many different factors like weather and just needing to pack so much more in large suitcases. I recently got a new aztec print weekender bag from ElleJay. As soon as I saw this bag, I knew that it would be perfect for all my summer adventures. Not only is it super roomy for all my essentials to cover a couple days, it’s also lightweight and super stylish.
Are you headed somewhere fun this summer and thinking about what to pack? Don’t forget these essentials! 🙂
SUNSCREEN
Let’s start with the obvious: Sunscreen is a must in the summer. With the rays being extra harsh during these months, you’ll definitely want to protect your skin while you’re out exploring. Remember, you can still get tan with sunscreen on. Sans the burn. 🙂
A BIKINI
Who could forget their bikini? Heck, I’d bring several depending on how long my trip is. I even pack a bikini to the desert! It might sound weird to bring a bikini to a desert with no water around, but there was one time I went to the Salvation Mountain and it got SO hot that I literally could not wear anything but a bikini. I literally walked around in a bikini and so did a few other people around me. When it’s over a hundred degrees, cute swimwear definitely beats regular clothing.
POLAROID CAMERA
I haven’t really used my Instax mini much this year and plan to change that very soon. This camera is not only Instagram-worthy as a prop by itself, it also captures super cute memories in a fun way! I personally love to hang my polaroid photos along my string lights in my bedroom.
EYEDROPS & SUNGLASSES
Summer adventures also call for a pair of sunglasses to protect the eyes. Lately, my eyes have been unusually dry and it gets to the point where it hurts for me to blink. Sunglasses help a great deal and keep me from getting tired too early (yes, the sun puts me to sleep after a while!). I don’t know about you, but my eyes have been extremely dry lately. I’ve been wearing eyedrops everyday in LA, so I imagine that wherever I’m headed that may be drier, I’ll need triple eyedrop action.
A LIGHTWEIGHT, BUT WARM PONCHO
At night, it can cools down significantly, especially in the desert. With that said, it’s smart to bring along a lightweight, but warm poncho for breezy nights. If ponchos aren’t your thing, then don’t forget a jacket! If your legs get cold easily, you might want to even bring a pair of sweats. Personally, I love ponchos because they’re so versatile. The one I have is actually large enough to be a mini blanket for snuggling!
FACE & BODY MIST
When the weather gets over 90 degrees, you’ll need a way to cool down. This summer, I’m loving my face & body mist from Anese.co. It helps me stay refreshed and cool throughout the day! My skin also tends to get cranky on me in dry weather, so the mist does a great job hydrating, too.
COMFY PJ’S
For lounging, sleeping, eating breakfast… you know. I lost the bottoms to my favorite PJ set so I’ll be on the hunt for them before my next adventure. Fingers crossed I can find them because it’s the perfect set! Can’t go wrong with a lightweight tank and shorts in the summer.
AIRY CLOTHING
I am all for not wearing a bra whenever I can. Bralettes are lightweight and easy on the chest, especially when it’s hot out. Easy breezy tank tops, comfortable shorts, flowy dresses, and minimalistic jewelry is the way to go in the summer time, especially when traveling to desert areas. The lighter and simpler, the better.
SHOE OPTIONS
It’s true that a girl can never have too many shoes. In fact, the bulk of my luggage tends to be shoes, wherever I go. For a quick summer getaway though, a classic pair of flip flops will probably be my go-to… For photos’ sake, I’ll bring along a pair of booties and a versatile pair of heels. These lace-up ones from Public Desire have been my faves recently!
EVERYDAY HYGIENE PRODUCTS & ESSENTIALS
Can’t forget the boring but essential stuff — toothbrush, toothpaste, shaver, moisturizer, make-up remover, lotion, and my make-up! My hair has been growing out like crazy and I haven’t had the chance to touch up the roots, so I pretty much can’t leave the house without my hair curled. Curls make the balayage/ombre look a lot more natural! With that said, my hair curler always comes with me.
What are your must-haves when packing for a summer trip?
54 Responses
Love this Post Darling, and the photos are Just Amazing:) Congrats, Sweet post as always❤️
Love Open Kloset By Karina
Thank you Karina! xo
Great tips! Especially love the bikini…such a cute piece!
xx, gracie
snappedbygracie@gmail.com
Thanks, Gracie! Glad you found the tips useful 🙂 Triangl makes super cute kinis!
Such great tips, I always take eye drops with me too. You never know when it might come in handy. Products for my face is a must.
Omg, eyedrops are my lifesavers right now! I’ve put in around 6 drops in each eye by now and the day is around half way done. LOL. It’s horrible — my eyes are SO dry lately. Glad you can relate. And you are so right! I can’t leave the house without a bag full of products for my face. Thanks for stopping by, Deddeh! xoxo
Sunglasses, sunscreen, check! Love this list, especially the polaroid camera! I’ve never tried that before but I imagine it would be so much fun and perfect for the beach!
xo, alice / T Y P E N U
Thanks, Alice! Glad you like the list 🙂 Omg, the Instax mini is so fun to have, especially on travels! I definitely recommend getting one or putting it on your wish list 😉
So many cute things! Loving that bikini.
xoxo, Jenny
Thank you, Jenny! x
I love the detailing int hat bikini, so cute!
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
Thank you so much, Kayleigh! I love it too! Triangl makes some of the cutest bikinis 🙂
Love your posts and pics ?
Thank you for reading and stopping by Tammy! xo
That bathing suit is so gorgeous! We’re going to NYC next week and I’m going to try to only bring a carry on. We’ll see if I can do that!
Thanks Whitney! Bringing only a carry-on is the best and I always feel so accomplished when I can pull it off! Haha! Good luck and safe travels xoxo
These are all great things to bring in a bag! I’m loving those shoes!
-Anna | http://www.fivefootandfabulous.com
Thanks, Anna! The lace-up shoes are my faves lately 🙂
Those shoes are so cute and I have that suit!! You have some great picks.
http://xoxobella.com
Thanks, Bella! YAY! We can be bikini twinsies <3
Crushing on your bikini and cut-offs! Love these items!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Thanks, Greta! xo
Great post! Loving that bikini and those fabulous lace up sandals!!
xo Ashley
Thank you Ashley! 🙂
I always love to bring my polaroid camera with me! Great stuff to bring along!
http://styledbys.ca
Yes!!! Great way to make new memories 😉
Lovely items ? You gave me some ideas for the next time I travel thank you! I especially LOVE your bikini. Can’t wait to see and read more.
Alyssa xo
Thanks, Alyssa! Glad this post was able to inspire you xx
Wow this is like an ultimate checklist and perfect for summer travelers. We usually take our major vacays in Fall and Spring but I will definitely keep these tips in mind. Love the bikini and the bag and all of the outfits! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Thanks, Christine! I’ll have to keep that in mind and come up with a similar post for fall / spring then 🙂 I’m actually keeping it pretty low-key this summer too but might have a spontaneous quick trip here and there 🙂
Really amazing photos!
http://www.vickydressy.ch
Thanks Annie! xo
Perfect pieces in your bag! The bikini is so cute!
http://violettedaily.com
Thank you, Violette! xo
I love the boho feel! <3
x, Kat of Nested Thoughts
Thanks Katherine! xx
Your swimsuit is so chic, love the color combo! And those heels, they’re too good, one can’t have too many chic shoes indeed haha! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Thanks so much! 🙂 A gal can never have too many shoes 😛
Love the swim suit!
http://mollyx.com.au/
xx Molly
Thank you, Molly! xx
I am saving up for a Polaroid… Such a fun throwback!
Yes!! They’re the best!
I always have to add hair products in my weekend bag, no matter where I go. But I def. like to keep the clothing light and airy especially in the summer! My next thing I need is always a face moisturerizer
Thanks for sharing, Shauna! A good moisturizer is definitely a must 🙂 xo
That’s the prettiest camera. I really want a Polaroid. They’re so fun!
Thanks, Elana! They are definitely super cute and a great way to capture memories <3
Such a great bag. Love your pack list. I packed bralette for my trip. They’re much great way to add detail to a simple tee or tankyop. Also always loved the Polaroid camera but never pulled the trigger and wish I did. They are so much fun! Have fun on your getaway! Love your flat lays. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Thanks Miki! Omg, the polaroid camera is a gamechanger! My boyfriend got it for my birthday last year and I don’t use it nearly as much as I should… but mostly because I just forget to bring it with me places. I need to get better at that. Have a great weekend babe! xo
I love your post and your pack list! The bag is gorgeous and that polaroid camera is so cute!!
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
Thanks Julia! Have a lovely weekend xo
These are all definitely essentials! I love that swim suit!
Thanks babe! It’s one of my faves 🙂
Love what you pack in your weekender bag! This made me think about why I’m so bad at packing hahaha!
Lauren
http://www.auburnrobes.com
Thanks Lauren! I actually am not an expert myself, but last year my boyfriend lived in San Diego and I live in LA… and I’d essentially go on a “weekend getaway” almost every weekend to his place in SD! So, that really taught me how to pack only the essentials for shorter trips. I think it definitely gets better with practice! 🙂