How to pack for Spring Break

It's Spring Break!

March break/Spring break starts next week for many schools, and provinces/states across Canada and the US. So exciting.

I'm very jealous because I'm not in college anymore, nor do I have kids, so I effectively have no legitimate excuse to go traveling though I'm hoping my work sends me to South America (fingers crossed, VISA issues!).

I thought I'd share my packing wisdom from flying my on average 100,000 miles a year of travel.

What's your Destination?

I'm going to focus this blog post on warm-weather escapes. Firstly, because I want to live vicariously through the experience of pretending to pack for a beach vacay but also under the assumption that the majority of Canadians after experiencing the worst winter in 10 years (aka polar vortex), are craving warmth.

3 Packing Tips for Spring Break

1. Do NOT check a bag. Seriously.

Unless you hold airline status a la George Clooney in Up in the Air, you will likely face MASSIVE lines at the airport during Spring/March break. 

Firstly, at Check in counters, even JUST for bag drops, and second, waiting for your luggage.

This is one of the peak travel times of the year, and it's more likely your baggage will get lost or misdirected.

Go carry on only. 

Wondering how? 

Read on! Also, we have a FREE packing list available if you opt-in to updates from us. I highly recommend packing cubes. 

Why?

Packing cubes help segment your carry-on into sections and you can avoid the awkward moment when security opens your carry-on and tampons and underwear fly out. It's happened. I know it has!

For more packing list inspiration, visit Hitha on the Go, a well-seasoned and super chic world traveler who has great advice on packing, as well as Herpackinglist.com. 

2. Edit your Liquids

Too many liquids is often what previously sank my carry-on only packing dreams. 

NOT that I'm a cosmetics junkie. Okay, I am, but I actually don't WEAR that much makeup, I just seem to own a ton.

Sephora is my go-to destination. 

I'm happy that a quick search on the interweb shows that I'm not the only person that hoards miniature samples from Sephora. Definitely get their loyalty card. When you order online, you often get to pick 3 samples, and there are sometimes bonus mini-sample GWP if you hit a certain points level.

Do this. You often don't need as much moisturizer that you're planning to bring in your 250ml tube. 

I was also recently made aware of a dry-sunscreen. I haven't tried it but it looks promising - by Peter Thomas Roth. 

3. Layout what you think you'll need, and then put half back

I used to be a total over-packer. I was super concerned with the possibility of someone seeing me in the same outfit twice. The horror!

I now realize several things.

One, most people don't notice and keep a mental catalogue of what you're wearing everyday.

Two, versatility rules. You can make numerous outfits look completely different with the right pieces of clothing and accessories.

Three, when going on beach vacations, you often spend way more time in the zen-relaxed zone than caring about what your outfit looks like.

Knowing this is empowering.

Think mix and match. Bring tops that you can dress up or dress down. Mix and match bikini tops and bottoms. Pack versatile clothing that you can wear multiple ways. Try not to bring 8 pairs of shoes. You'll most likely live in flip flops.