What to Pack: 9 vacation essentials for your next trip!

I can't even begin to count the number of times that I've been sitting in the airport, staring at my plane and waiting to board and I start remembering all the things I forgot to pack! No matter how much I plan, how many lists I make or how many times I check my packing lists over and over, I still always manage to forget to pack things. Depending on where you're going, it's easy to replenish what you forget but other times it isn't. Like, when you're going to an island with barely any cell phone service - let alone a CVS with Sexy Healthy Hair hairspray.. yep, that's happened!     
Vacations are a lot of work - packing shouldn't be!! I'll admit I'm definitely an over-packer and most of the time I pack things that I don't end up even wearing! However after all the planning is done, it's so nice to actually enjoy packing and picking out things that you're excited to bring on your trip! I know - sounds crazy to enjoy packing, but with certain essentials to always take with you on vacation, filling your suitcase to just under 50 pounds will be a piece of cake!
Mini-mergency kit: a couple of years ago I had bought my first "mini-mergency" kit from JCrew and I loved it! Ever since then, I've been making my own to take on vacations. I stock my mini bag full of bobby pins, hair ties, wrinkle release spray, band-aids, thread and a needle, earring backs and super glue. Some of these are things you think you'll never need - but you would be surprised!!
Zinc packets: it really is true that airplanes are germ-central so I always take some zinc packets with me to prevent getting a cold! They take up no extra space and you'll be glad you have them!
Backpack: everything is fast paced in an airport and it's always a juggling act to get your bags back together after they're torn apart and separated when going through airport security. Having a backpack as one of your carry-ons will help give you more room and be an easy bag to carry.

Cute crossbodies: I'm a huge fan of large totes but for vacations it's usually way easier to pack a crossbody than a huge tote that takes up your whole suitcase! No matter what kind of vacation you're going on, it's much easier to have a crossbody with you when you're a tourist!

The everywhere dress: I always pack a couple dresses that can work as a dressed down or dressed up piece. It always happens that you wear a cute sundress to breakfast and for sightseeing; but vacation can be unpredictable with timing and that few hours of sightseeing can quickly lead to a trip to the beach followed by dinner and a bar - leaving you no room to go to your hotel to change. If you have a versatile outfit, this won't be a problem and you can continue enjoying your day!

Passport carrier: it isn't often that you walk through security and see people with anything unusual about their passports - but if you see me in an airport you can bet you'll see differently! I love covering my passport in a cute case and it's super helpful when you're in a rush to dig it out of your bag!

Converters & charging station: you'll really only need an electrical converter if you're leaving the country, but this is a super important one if you are! Let's face it - we're all attached to our electronics and for me, my hair products! Don't get stuck in Italy not being able to straighten your hair because you forgot your converter. Trust me. Charging stations are also very practical while traveling, especially for a long flight!
Sunnies: no matter where you're headed, having your favorite pair of sunnies with you will go with any outfit, any time, any place!

Plain white tee: I always bring an oversized white t-shirt with me on vacations because if I start to burn, I can put it on to cover my shoulders (that's where I burn the most). It's always good to have with you - no one wants to be sunburned the first day of vacation and walk around in pain for the rest of your trip (yep, been there done that too!)
When I pack my suitcase, I try and make as much room as possible for myself but also don't want my clothes to get wrinkled. Try placing a piece of tissue paper between each item - I've found this to be extremely helpful! With another two and a half weeks left of August (WHAT?!) I'm taking full advantage of the time and heading off on another adventure! I hope this list is helpful if you're on your way out the door for one last summer vaca!
What are some of your can't leave home without essentials?
XOXO

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