“I’m going to pack light this year.”
Famous last words.
Usually, this is where I’d share what I’m packing for the kids. But after years of beach vacations, their warm weather uniform is pretty well established by now.
Mine? Not so much.
So this year, I thought I’d turn the suitcase around. Instead of another roundup of family vacation essentials, here’s a look at what’s actually making the trip with me—from the carry-on to the jelly flip-flops, plus a few things I wouldn't dare leave behind.
The Carry-On
I've highlighted Rive Droite before, but their totes remain my favorite travel companion. The Celestins is just the right size, with minimal yet smart details that keep everything secure, organized, and within easy reach. Clean, classic, and a must for every trip.
The Dresses
When it's blazing hot outside, I'll choose a flowy dress every time - anything too fitted simply feels wrong if I'm being honest. These two dress couldn't be more different, but they perfectly capture what I'm always after - easy mini silhouettes, beautiful color (yes, I'm counting crisp white here), and enough versatility to take me from beachside dinners to early fall without missing a beat.
The Multitaskers
Also known as, the overachievers. These are the pieces that do it all — beach cover up, dinner outfit, even an airplane look. Vacation in my mind should signal some form of relaxation, and the last thing I want to spend time thinking about is what to wear. These make sure I don't have to.
One more thing. The Donni Silk Cotton Sheer Cargo Pant in purple deserves a special mention. Major, major swoon. Alyssa Wasko just knows what women want - subtly sheer, so very cool, and incredibly easy to wear. The purple is currently sold out, but you can sign up for a restock notification, or choose one of the other beautiful colors.
The Shoes
I've talked about jelly sandals before, but at least I'm a creature of habit. They're incredibly comfortable, come in the best colors, and somehow the humble flip flop has become surprisingly chic. These days, you'll even spot them dressed up. Gasp.
The Accessories
I have a weakness for sunnies. We've discussed this. I discovered Sardine through Mairin Rytting, whose style choices I trust completely. One look was honestly all it took — the color, the quirky shape — sign me up. They're incredibly comfortable, and the sweet little pouch they come with is such a nice touch.
The Toiletry Bag
Summer is the season I lean into a more low-maintenance routine, and honestly, it's kind of the best. A little glow, a little color, and I'm good to go. Saie's Glowy Super Gel and Glossybounce are always in heavy vacation rotation for exactly this reason.
The Kids
The kids are easy. Swim, terry, and a backpack that can handle snacks, beach treasures, and whatever else finds its way inside. Vacation dressing for them couldn’t be simpler—which is probably why they’re always packed before I am.
And Then There’s Jason...
Jason packs in about ten minutes.
A couple of t-shirts. Shorts. A swimsuit. Sneakers. Done.
Meanwhile, I’m still standing over an open suitcase wondering if one more dress is really one too many.
He’s probably right.
I’m still packing it.
I love seeing what people actually travel with—not the twenty-item packing lists, but the things that get packed over and over again because they simply work.
These are mine.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a suitcase to zip...or at least attempt to.
Talk soon,
Betsy
Everything I’m packing, all in one place.
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