I am very excited to be ending this summer with a girl’s weekend in Seattle to celebrate one of my bffle’s 30th birthday. There will be wine and carbs and late night gossip, oh my. We’re going wine tasting 3/4 days that I will be there so if I’m still alive after this weekend I will be posting some Seattle recs. Stay tuned. Unless I’m dead.
Over the years I’ve perfected my traveling routine and now have a fairly full proof strategy for packing and prepping for a trip. I wanted to share how I get ready, stay organized and maximize my relaxation time! If I want to get the most out of a vacation then I know I need to get my sh*t together before I take off.
Here are my tips for preparing for a trip effectively:
PLAN OUT MY OUTFITS IN MY NOTES
I’m sure you’ve heard this before but it’s seriously the only thing that stops me from checking twelve bags for a weekend getaway. I rarely bring more than a carry-on and will only check a bag if I’m going on a trip that will last more than 10ish days. For that reason, I have to be strategic when packing.
I go through the trip’s agenda and check the weather to get an idea of what exactly I need to feel cute and comfortable. It’s going to be SO nice in Seattle (80s?! What?!) so I’m definitely packing light! We’re essentially doing the same thing every day just in various locations (aka drinking) so I’m thinking a few days dresses/rompers should do the trick.
I also want to be comfy on the plane both ways because I am always freeeeezing so I’ll definitely be bringing one hoodie to stay cozy.
I try really hard to just bring two pairs of shoes and think about which pairs will 1. be the most comfortable for walking and 2. will go with the most looks.
I also steam all of my clothes that need it before I pack so they aren’t as wrinkly when I arrive at my destination! Wrinkles are a huge pet peeve of mine so I try to avoid them if possible.
USE PACKING CUBES & ORGANIZERS
If you’re anything like me then you LOVE to organize anything and everything these packing cubes and organizers I got off of Amazon will probably be a life changer for you too.
Not only are they cute af they are also a fantastic way to keep your suitcase manageable as opposed to just dumping everything you think you need in there all willy nilly. You know how there’s always that point in your trip where you need that one dress so you dig through your suitcase and throw everything all over the floor and then have to deal with that nightmare an hour before heading home? Avoid that drama by using these organizers. That way when it comes time to search for something you’re throwing the cubes all over the floor instead of a million articles of clothing.
I separate my jeans, my undies, my tops, etc. I also use these for my makeup and toiletries and because the ones I linked aren’t structured at all they can be squished and squeezed in your suitcase easily to ensure everything fits!
CLEAN MY APARTMENT
Is there anything less ideal than coming home after a vacation and a long flight to a messy home? I don’t know about you but all I want after a trip is the comfort of my cozy bed so if that isn’t made and ready for me when I get home I am not a happy camper.
I like to make sure my bathroom is clean, my fridge is empty (no one wants a stinky fridge!) and that everything is ready for me when I get back. Trying to get out of vacation mode and back into reality is hard enough without also having to make time to clean your messy apartment.
MUST HAVE TRAVEL ITEMS FOR THE PLANE
I am a pretty calm flyer but one thing I can’t ever really do is sleep. I’m just not comfortable enough to knock out. This means I like to make sure I have everything I need to keep myself comfy and entertained while on the plane. Here are my must-have items I always travel with:
- My iPad (with the latest episode of Bachelor in Paradise downloaded and ready to go!)
- Socks! I always wear slip-on shoes at the airport to make going through security easier but my feet get so cold on the plane! I always bring a pair of cozy socks in my bag.
- Hand sanitizer. Planes are foul.
- Vitamin C. Because planes are foul and I want to be preventative.
- Chapstick. Recycled air! Dry af.
- Water. Same as above!
- A good read, whether that be a physical book or on my kindle app.
What are your go-to travel items? Tell me in the comments below!
Xo,
She
