how to: pack for a multi-destination vacation!
(a tale of two trips)
Sorry for the week off- my sister got married!!!! Needless to say I spent most of the week crying tears of joy. Then I cried tears of exhaustion because I had to fly with two kids. *sigh*. Anyway……I know lots of us try to maximize our summer travel and often have more than one destination on trips (especially everyone lucky enough to be in Europe right now). But even for those of us spending summer stateside- packing well is key!
There’s not a ton of overlap with a week at the beach and a black tie wedding weekend, but I tried to pack versatile pieces for the in-between moments. I know a lot of us are making multi-destination trips this travel season- and even if one of them is substantially less glam than the other it’s reassuring to know you’ve packed well for all occasions.
One trick is the bag situation- I’ve found four to be the perfect number. No matter how many you pack, the key is not to overlap function. It also majorly helps if they can fit inside each other (for me- clutch inside of fanny pack, fanny pack inside of big bag).
A clutch you can store personal items in during travel but also use for a night out
A casual throw on and go nylon bag for adventures (this is not just if you have kids! Prada nylon fanny packs are a dime a dozen on TRR and so durable)
A chic bag that can transition from day to night (maybe something like this if you want minimal, or this if you want a city friendly raffia bag, I’ve been getting a ton of wear out of this one, pictured below)
A big tote that can fit my laptop on travel days. It can’t be precious (i.e. - have suede, beads, or anything else that lessens its functionality) but has to be cool.
We’re in the thick of summer so take advantage of it and pack your lightest layers. Bodysuits and sheer pieces have been my best friends on this trip. They work well together in almost every setting, especially when worn with something like a Liam Blazer or chambray shirt.
It’s no secret I love a good platform sandal- it is a great alternative to a classic heel that might feel out of place in a beachy setting.
The only thing I semi-underestimated was chill clothing, but a stop at the Aritzia on Michigan Ave. (everything is up to 50% off right now!) solved that problem for me. A stock up on built-in bra camis, an oversized hoodie for the plane (where the A/C was only semi-functioning, so nvm on that), and a big white tee to wear with sheer skirts saved the day. The sweatshorts and off shoulder sweatshirt (both run TTS) I purchased a few weeks ago have been super useful for hotel room hangs and stroller walks.
Below are the splurges I already had in my closet — and all the ways I've been remixing them for this trip.
This hairspray kept my curls in tact ALL NIGHT at my sister’s wedding. Couldn’t recommend enough. Speaking of keeping things in tact- these sticky boobs for ultimate support.
If you like the Boston Birks but can’t fully commit- a more pared-back version here.
Most of the jewelry pictured above is from At.Present. - their selection is always so good. If you’re into pendants- this is a good one under $150.
Already mentioned, but Aritzia sale is now ON! Up to 50% off everything.
The perfect pistachio-colored flip-flops!!! These add a punch of color to a black & white look.
Shopbop hearts here. Most recent discovery is that they carry Dries sunnies now- can’t wait to summer layer with this.
ILIA x Crown Affair collab is SO CUTE! As a long time devotee of both brands, I love to see them come together. The infamous hair towel is the perfect shade of rosy pink (I travel with mine) and the set is comprised of an ILIA mascara, Crown Affair leave-in conditioner, and ILIA face base milk. After days of events my hair needs a break so I’ll be laying off the Dyson and relying on the smoothing air-dry cream.
Hope you have a fantastic holiday weekend. Back soon with a weekly edit :) xx, Liz
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A perfect packing list, taking notes. Thanks for the feature, Liz -- and congrats to your sister!
Your finds are always the best. Alamais clutch yes, but also the great Adidas Birk sub :-)) Congratulations on the big day. You in that Prada will exist in my memory for life!