Spring Break is almost a distant memory (so sad), but we spent 5 days in Cabo San Lucas in mid-April to celebrate our high school senior! With the goal of whisking through customs, we only had carry on luggage. And let’s be honest, when traveling to the sun and beach it is a much easier challenge. In the last year I have figured out a couple of hacks that really help with packing! Additionally, for this trip I had two new items in my luggage that will now be staples when packing for a sunny location.
In the last few trips, I have swapped my work bag for a duffel bag as my “my personal item”. I admit that shoes are my biggest struggle when it comes to carry on luggage. A Lo and Sons weekend duffel bag has all but solved this problem. The bottom of the duffel is a separate zip compartment for shoes. With my size 6 1/2 feet, I can fit three to four pairs of shoes (more if they are flip flops and sandals). I throw a few packing cubes of light weight clothes and what I need for the plane in the top of the duffel. For this Cabo trip, that was workout clothes, my swim suits, my Kindle, and a small pouch with charging cords, AirPods, and motion sickness medication. Admittedly, I did not travel with my lap top, but I have a new solution for that-which I will mention at the end because that will be a new purchase for me.
In my rolling suitcase, I packed two shoulder bags that fold and lay completely flat. They took NO room in my suitcase. I used these bags to carry all my essentials to breakfast, to the pool, on a zip line adventure, and for a dinner out. I also did this when I traveled to Paris last spring. I am certain I am not the first person to figure this out, but it took me 49 years. While doing a quick search for flat shoulder bags, I found these amazing raffia bags on Etsy. They would work perfect for summer travel or beach locations.
Ok, for the new stuff! I have wrote about Nuuly before, but I am still a huge fan! For our trip I ordered 6 items that were updates or items that I did not own. One of those was a caftan! This green caftan was a dream in many ways! It is a bit bulky and hard to pack in a small rolling suitcase. Instead, I wore it on the plane. My travel outfit was jeans, tank top, lightweight sweatshirt and the caftan. It felt like a genius! On the trip, I wore the caftan in the evening and to the pool during the day. A total game changer for me. I loved it so much, I kept it!
Lastly, I have committed to keeping sun off my middle aged face. I’ve done enough damage and better late than never. However, I still contend that everyone looks better with a tan. (Sorry, old habits NEVER die.) During Spring Break I traveled with SALTYFACE tanning water. I used it every other day. It gave me a subtle tan and saved my face from real sun exposure. It is truly the consistency of water and smells amazing. I have never had trouble with application and it has never streaked or looked weird! I ran out once I got home and a new bottle is en route to me now! When I ordered, SALTYFACE sent me a discount code for my friends! Here is the code if you want try it yourself: https://www.saltyface.ca/DENISE29237
And my final add to this travel ramble. I usually need my laptop when I travel and I find it cumbersome in the duffel bag. I plan on investing in a new rolling suitcase with a laptop compartment in the front. This Away carry on is the front runner, however I am still on the search. Do you have any great travel essentials? Please share! xo
