The Ultimate Summer Vacation Checklist

The Edit

THE ULTIMATE SUMMER VACATION CHECKLIST

We present the 6 holiday must-haves that will make packing faster and easier, without compromising on style.

By Lindsay Samson

July 27, 2021

With summertime in full swing, we’re sure many are getting ready to grab their bags and take that much-deserved road trip, beach holiday, or jaunt to a far-flung location. And while packing may seem simple, it’s a science with rules that travelers often learn the hard way. Doing it strategically can be the difference between a harried vacation with countless detours and a worry-free trip with everything you need at your fingertips. Here’s our shortcut to packing the right way, from the best travel bags and most comfortable footwear to items that will easily serve double duty and lighten your load.

TO THE BEACH AND BEYOND

The Summer Swimsuit

A non-negotiable summer vacation essential everyone needs is a statement-making swimsuit to rock beachside. So whether you’re a two-piece devotee or a full-coverage fan, embrace the vivid colors and eccentric cuts they arrive in, this season. But what about beyond the beach? Make a multitasking miracle out of your swimsuits by letting them double up as outerwear. One of the easiest styles with which to pull this off is the one-piece, which works when worn with a pair of boyfriend jeans or comfy slouchy sweats and crisp, white sneakers. Feeling bolder than usual and keen to bare a bit more? Find a bikini in your favorite style, be it a tie front, high neck, or bralette, and take to the streets as a “DIY” crop top.

PRINTED FROCK STAR

The show-stopping dress

Romantic, wistful, and delicate, the printed dress is an undeniable summer wardrobe staple and an effortlessly stylish vacation packing solution. They’re chic and easy single-item outfits ready to step in and solve any on-the-road wardrobe woes in one fell swoop. And while we’re not suggesting you throw a couple of floral frocks in your tote bag and call it a day, we do think the garment’s versatility and vacation-ready practicality deserve a little exaltation. All it takes is a few carefully selected accessories, a quick shoe swap, and the option of a lightweight jacket, and you’ve got a relaxed holiday look that’ll keep you cool while exploring, then take you straight to an outdoor dinner beneath the stars.

WALK THIS WAY

The comfortable sandal

Summer holidays call for footwear that is comfortable above all else. Chances are you’ll be spending plenty of time exploring the locale of your destination on foot, so choosing shoes that are not a hindrance is vital. For this reason, we tend toward the ease and casual air of the flat summer sandal—whether it be a slightly chunky flatform or a classic slide. And while your first instinct may be to pack your comfiest sneaker, they can sometimes take up slightly more space in your suitcase than expected. Turn instead to sandals with a comfortable, supportive insole that doesn’t skimp on elegant design elements, like Loza Malehombo’s Uri Sandals: with its classic cross-strap design, thick sole, and elasticated straps, it’s the ideal day-to-night choice.

JUMP(SUIT) FOR JOY

The utilitarian one-piece

Like the printed summer frock, there's a very good reason we love jumpsuits as a vacation essential. Simply put, they’re easy, convenient, and a one-and-done sartorial solution. Just step inside it, button or zip it up, et voilà! You’re dressed! It’s a kind of wardrobe hero that’ll allow you to soak up the sun by mixing it with a simple sandal and oversized sunnies. The all-in-one wonder also takes up significantly less room than separates like a shirt and trousers ensuring your suitcase is light enough for comfortable traveling. Another plus? The jumpsuit needs little accessorizing and is commanding enough to speak for itself.

HAT TRICK

The finishing touch

Okay, okay, we know an oversized sun hat may not be one of the most practical items to be lugging along on your getaway, especially given how much emphasis we've placed on the importance of packing light. But hear us out. Protecting your skin from harsh UV rays is a must when unwinding outdoors, so if you want to avoid returning home with a nasty case of sunburn, don’t leave this one behind. But besides that, it’s an accessory that delivers a swift dose of vacation glamour to even the most casual of ensembles. From classic boleros to summer visors, our cheeky selection of headwear from South African milliner Crystal Birch has got you covered.

IN THE BAG

The durable holdall

Last on our list but certainly not least is the receptacle in which all of the above needs to fit: your travel bag. Before you even begin deciding on what to pack, it’s important to find a tote that’s practical and versatile enough to hold all your things and is easy and comfortable to carry, while still being exceedingly chic. Zaaf’s stylish and roomy takes on the classic weekender tote are the type of pieces durably built for getting beat up on the airport conveyor belt. Reform Studio’s diminutive version of the backpack, on the other hand, is your hands-free go-to: polished and utilitarian, it’s big enough to fit a passport and other essential documents, and is perfect for taking along on an all-day sight-seeing expedition.