The Ultimate Spring Break Travel Checklist

Spring break season is finally here! Whether you are planning a road trip, hopping on a plane to fly across the country (or around the world), or just spending a weekend with your girlfriends in the next town over, it’s time to dust off your suitcase and start packing.

If you need some incentive...Southern Living has recently reported that taking a trip with your best gal pals can improve your overall mental and physical well-being. It can refresh you when you're burnt out on work, plus give you quality time with the people who you love most. Forbes reports that women who take advantage of vacation time are less tense, depressed or tired, and have even showed to be happier with their spouse.

If you are counting down the days until you can ditch the stresses of “real” life, the task of packing for a vacation can seem a bit daunting. Thanks to this ultimate spring break travel checklist, packing your bags doesn’t need to be so difficult. Keep reading to find out exactly what you need!




Beach Bag

Since most spring break vacations involve heading to the beach or, at the very least, spending some time hanging out around the hotel swimming pool, a nice beach bag is a must-have item. Set yourself apart from the crowd with an eye-catching monogrammed beach bag packed with all of the essentials.

A good sunscreen is a must for any vacation. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends going with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. It’s also smart to opt for a product that offers water resistance to ensure that your skin will be protected when you sweat or go for a swim. If you want to go home with a beachy glow, a high-quality self-tanner is great.

You’ll also want to load up your beach bag with your sunglasses, a reusable water bottle (make sure it’s empty when going through airport security!), antibacterial gel, headphones, and a book (Jesse's Girl) or e-reader. Don’t forget to throw in a pair of flip flops, too! While your hotel will have towels, you may also want to pack your own bigger beach towels, if you have the space.

Clothes


The exact clothing you need depends on where you are going and what you are planning on doing. For most spring break trips, though, swimwear is a must. Browse these affordable favorite swimsuits and cover-ups to ensure that you’re ready for long days spent by the ocean or pool.

You’ll also need outfits that are appropriate for your other daily activities. If you are going somewhere hot, shorts, skirts, and lightweight t-shirts are always good options. You may also want to bring a dressy outfit or dress in case you decide to check out a nice restaurant. You can't go wrong with these chic and affordable sundresses on Amazon. 

For cooler destinations, you can’t go wrong with layers - hoodies and jeans. If you are planning any specific activities like hiking, horseback riding, etc., make sure you have appropriate apparel and footwear. Don’t forget about things like socks, underwear, pajamas, and accessories.

When you’re traveling, it’s generally best to leave your expensive and sentimental jewelry and accessories at home. For example, I have a fake wedding ring that I travel with. So, stick with inexpensive costume jewelry and versatile pieces that work well with multiple outfits.

Toiletries 


Figuring out what toiletries to pack and what ones to leave home can be tricky. On one hand, you don’t want to arrive at your destination and not have a product that you need. On the other hand, though, you don’t want to weigh down your bags with your entire medicine cabinet and face problems with the TSA or have to pay overweight baggage fees at the airport.

If you are flying and plan on putting your toiletries in your carry-on bag, remember the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. All liquids, creams, gels, pastes, and aerosols must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or tubes inside a one-quart-sized clear, zipper bag. You are only allowed one bag per person. If you have products in larger bottles or tubes or need to carry more than you can fit in a single quart-size bag, your toiletries will have to go in your checked luggage.

Your exact needs may vary, but when you are trying to keep it simple, we recommend packing travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, moisturizer, deodorant, and face wash. Lip balm is a must-have, too. Stick to the basics for makeup, and bring things like dry shampoo, hairspray, and feminine hygiene products only if you use them regularly or will need them during your trip.

Bring your hairbrush, some hair ties, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Don’t forget to pack enough prescription medications for the duration of your stay. A basic first aid kit and medicines like Advil and Tylenol never hurt, either.

Miscellaneous 


If you’re spending time at the beach, a waterproof case or pouch for your cell phone is a must. Make sure you have chargers for all of your electronic devices, as well as a fully charged portable charger in case you need to fuel up your phone while you are on the go.

When you make reservations for special activities, look at the FAQ section to find out if there are any items that you need to bring with you or if there are any wardrobe requirements. Taking the time to do this could save you from needing to buy gear after you reach your destination. Bring a zip-lock bag for your wet swimwear and clothing. You may also want to pack a few extra plastic bags. You never know when one might come in handy!

And don't forget to pack some pool inflatables from The Floatys to complete your travel checklist

Good luck


Few things are worse than arriving at your destination only to realize that you left something important at home. While many items can likely be purchased at your destination, they tend to cost a lot more in tourist areas. You may also have a hard time finding exactly what you need when traveling internationally. Avoid the hassle and expense by using the list above when packing your bags for spring break.

Fashionable One-Piece Bathing Suits Under $30

1 comment

  1. Great comprehensive info. I wish we'd had this when we were there seven years ago. At that time, as you mention, all photography was prohibited inside the tombs–another regret I'd like to remedy some day.

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    ReplyDelete