If there was any month in the year that I could choose to take a sunny vacation, it would always be February. Here in Spokane, it's the grayest of months and always feels like winter has gone on too long.
We were able to get away this year and the sun did us all some good. When we travel, I have one basic rule: Less is more. We never check suitcases, choosing to use carry-ons instead. It forces us to bring less and is just a lot more efficient. No waiting for checked or lost luggage and if there's a different flight we'd like to stand-by for (getting us to our destination earlier) it's possible since we don't have checked bags. (Airlines require that passengers travel on the same plane as their luggage).
Several years ago, I purchased a wheeled carry-on suitcase for each of the boys at Target. They were on clearance for $5 each and have been the best vacation purchase I've ever made. Now each person in the family has their own suitcase that they're responsible for.
When choosing what to pack, I make sure all of my clothing works well together. A few shirts, shorts, a couple of swimsuits, a cover-up, light sweater, and a little dress. (Pictured above top to bottom: Sundress, top, light sweater, swimsuits, cover-up, top).
Since I will be wearing sandals most of the time, they are what I wear on the plane. These neutral sandals work well with any of my outfits. (Funny story about these sandals: One time while accompanying Colin on a business trip, I decided to go to the hotel's salon for a blow-out while he was in a meeting. When I sat down in the chair, the stylist looked down at my feet with a horrified expression. Then after doing a double-take, he said, "Oh my gosh! I thought you had hair growing out the top of your feet!"
I also make sure to pack workout clothes (and shoes) and a pair of flip-flops for pool and beach.
And my favorite thing to pack? A little sample-sized perfume. It makes every outfit just a little more special. My favorite right now? French Lime Blossom from Jo Malone. And their samples even have a little sprayer. And once we return home, I like to use the sample for a while longer to remind me of vacation.
Sources:
Top image from top to bottom:
Green Cotton Sundress: Ann Taylor Loft
Pink Floral Top: Anthropologie
Striped Sweater: The Gap
Yellow Striped Swimsuit: Target
Floral Swimsuit: Boden
Ribbon Adorned Cover-Up: Boden
Yellow T-Shirt : Target
Second Image: Sandals: The Gap
Third Image:
Tennies: Nike
Silver Flip-Flops: Old Navy
Last Image: Perfume: Jo Malone
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Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there.
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I'm definitely a "less is more" type of traveler, too! My husband I spent 10 days in Europe this summer. We flew into Paris and out of Rome. And we each only had a backpack! Our backpacks were carry-on size, too. NOT those ones that are as big as a suitcase. It was PERFECT! I think if we would have taken more it really would have weighed us down and made hopping the rails not-so-much-fun.
Posted by: Daja | February 17, 2011 at 09:31 PM
While I realize the great benefits of traveling light, I did not think one could make it look so good or so fragrant! Wow! Thank you for reminding us of the beautiful "benies" of simplicity!
Posted by: Deanna | February 18, 2011 at 04:36 AM
Wonderful tips! Now I just need to work on the vacation part...
Posted by: Audrey Thiesen | February 18, 2011 at 07:43 AM
:-) I love this. I am a light packer too. In fact, when we go places for a week and I have to pack heavy--like for special occasions, it actually gives me a little anxiety now... haha! We camp SO much that we're all really good at backpack packing, and not so good at suitcase packing anymore. I'm loving your beautiful stack of summery clothes there! Ah!!
Posted by: naomig | February 18, 2011 at 10:24 AM
What funny timing to read a post on packing for a warm weather vacation... our family is leave Southern California for a vacation to Seattle - lol! Any good "opposite" packing tips? ;)
Posted by: T.L.L. | February 19, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Love your blog and your house is going to be beautiful. But need to know what style your Nike shoes are in this blog. Love them. Thanks.
Posted by: Cyn | February 23, 2011 at 06:06 PM