Its getaway you’ve needed, but the vacation prep about sets you over the edge. Sound familiar?
It doesn’t have to be this way. Here are my 3 simple tricks to making vaca prep a breeze, and a couple of bonus travel tips.
1. Don’t over pack
{Insert eye-roll}. I’ve been there, you pack extra “just in case.” And then you wear the same 3 outfits that you’re most comfortable in.
Avoid this trap while you pack. Lay out your outfits by day, with your activities planned in mind. Dinners out, pool days, etc. And I mean the WHOLE outfit. Accessories, shoes, the whole shebang. And then have an honest conversation with yourself. Are you REALLY going to need that extra dress?
Consider outfits that you can mix and match. For some great ideas, check out my friend Sarah at the Haute Homemaker. She has a great 21 piece vacation wardrobe capsule, making it easier to pack less by creating outfit combo’s to wear the same pieces in different ways. Genius!
Also consider your rental space. Does your home away from home have a washer and dryer? If so, consider that a great way to pack less. Vacation prep also means thinking about the resources you have while ON vacation!
Wash and re-wear some pieces, it will help you cut down on that vacation pack-rat syndrome. No one will know that you wore the same 3 outfits the whole time. And let’s be honest, isn’t that what we do at home too?
Tip: Keep in mind, there is always a Target or Walgreens anywhere you go. Don’t stress on forgetting something or packing every last thing. Target will never let you down.
2. Roll Everything
To maximize your space in your bag, roll ALL of your clothes.
Flight attendants carry up to 40 garments in their carry on. FORTY! And their secret is to roll everything.
WIth increased luggage fees, I do my best to pack for almost any trip in just a carry-on. And rolling everything has been a game changer to make this easier.
Once you have it rolled, put it all in packing cubes for one more way to keep things organized. I highly recommend everyone invest in some inexpensive packing cubes. This will help keep things organized and from exploding out of your suitcase as things shift in travel.
I usually separate my items by category with these cubes: day wear, night wear, accessories, pool gear, etc. And don’t forget the kids too! This is a great way for them to keep focused when getting dressed by telling them which cube to grab an outfit from.
Bonus: rolling also cuts down on wrinkles!
3. Carry-on essentials
Nothing will start a trip off on a bad foot more than lost luggage.
You FINALLY get to your destination and all you want to do is enjoy it. Making return trips to the airport is not likely on your dream vacation itinerary.
Even if you plan to check a bag, always pack a carry-on. And this bag should contain things that are essential, should your bag be lost, say for the entire trip. Dramatic, I know. But trust me, I’ve heard way too many horror stories.
Having a plan B in hand while doing your vacation prep will save you heartache in the “what if” situation.
Here’s my list of must-haves in my carry-on:
- Change of clothes + shoes
- Sleepwear
- Swimwear (if headed somewhere tropical)
- Essential bathroom toiletries
- Makeup + non-negotiable hair care
That’s it! Anything else you put in there is a bonus.
I hope this helps your next adventure prep go a little smoother, so you can focus on what’s really important – enjoying the trip!
Sign up for my email at danielemineck.com for more tips to stay organized at home (or on the road).
Challenge!
The next time you hit the road or fly the friendly skies, I challenge you to fit everything you need in a carry-on. Put these tips to use and you can do it!
