The Single (And Not So Single) Girls Guide to Packing All the Essentials for Your Summer Trip

Summertime is here, and your are off adventuring or at least thinking about your next adventure.  In fact, you may have even decided to go with one of the ones in my article The Single Girls Guide to Doing Summer Right BUT now you’re encountering real problems - packing for your summer adventure! You don’t want to overpack (I definitely did this on my first European Adventure) but you want to make sure you have all the essentials. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you do just that. Use the list below to make sure you pack all the right things for your summer adventure.

Pick Out the Perfect Suitcase (To Put it All in Of Course!)  
The suitcase I currently own is an Aimee Kestenberg 24” hardcase suitcase in marine python. What I LOVED about this suitcase was its hard body (to prevent liquid damage or bugs living on your bag), bright and fun colors (because who wants to travel with a boring black bag plus it’s easier to spot when collecting your luggage), and that it expanded (for when you  inevitably over shop when you’re on your trip)! All important things to me when traveling. Especially the expanding zipper! I like to make sure I don’t use it when packing so that I know I have room to grow on my trip.

Pack the Perfect Outfits
You want to make sure you look cute on your trip but not at the expense of over-packing clothing wise. This is where battles are won and lost ladies! Here are some things I usually pack to make sure there are options but space in my suit case as well.
Rompers - It’s a t-shirt and shorts all at the same time! What could be better then that?
Sundresses - The perfect one and done look! 
Jean Jacket - Versatile and perfect for those casual cool (temperature wise) evenings.
Lightweight Leather Jacket- Versatile and perfect for when you’re going out on those cooler nights.
Black or Neutral Going Out Dress - The perfect piece to have because you can wear again and again (Just pair with different jewelry).
Bathing Suits - Make sure you bring a couple because what’s a vacation if you aren’t lounging pool or beach side?
Undergarments - The more the better you may not be able to wash along the way.
Shoes - I like to bring a pair of heels (not too high though, you may not always be walking on well paved roads), tennis shoes, and flats.
Purse - It’s important to have the perfect day and night bag. Right now I’m obsessed with Saveida Sethi’s Sofiya Tote in Noir + Blanco as a day time bag. AND for the evening a classic clutch is always the perfect accessory!
Jewelry - Pack a couple of pieces but not all of your best ones - these should be your travel pieces. I like to bring two necklaces to put on in the evenings (I alternate) , one pair of neutral studs, and one versatile bracelet!
Misc Items - Pajamas, Sweatshirt, Socks, Hat, Lightweight Scarf, Leggings/Tights, Sunglasses

Don’t Forget Toiletries
Here’s my thought on toiletries, they take up ALOT of weight and space! So I like to purchase these when I get to my final destination (If I’m going somewhere where items are readily available) and toss them before I go home, I suggest you do this too! BUT Here’s something I never leave home without packing — FEMININE PRODUCTS. Wherever you’re going just may not have what you’re used to at home!

Pack the Make-Up Essentials
When I’m traveling, and typically at home too I’m not worried about wearing too much make-up. So I pack light, here are the basics I make sure I never leave home without.
Tinted SPF Moisturizer - I currently use Ultra HD Perfector Blurring Skin Tint with SPF 25
Mascara - I’ve tried several different ones but I keep going back too - Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Red Lipstick - My current favorite is Nars Dragon Girl Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
Highlighter -  I’m LOVING Smashbox + Vlada’s Petal Metal Highlighter in Prismatic Pearl (Don’t forget to check out The Single (And Not So Single) Girls Guide to the Perfect Summer Glow)

These four categories should definitely help you make it to your final destination with you feeling stressed out about forgetting anything. Just remember though, these are the basics and really just the beginning to everything you need to pack for your perfect summer trip. Check back next week for Everything the Single (And Not So Single) Girl Needs to Know to Pack the Perfect Carry-On.

Was there anything I forgot? Let me know what you like to pack for your summer adventures below. 

Xoxo, @kellithinks
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