The countdown to Spring Break has started! We leave in 17 days for Thailand. THAILAND!!! This will be Dale and I’s third trip to Thailand and our Little’s second. We were just having a discussion about how excited we are for this trip, possibly more excited than any other trip we have taken. I believe it is because we know what to expect and know that it will be an amazing adventure.
Resort Wear
I have been mentally gathering ideas as I browse social media and Pinterest for must-have items for this trip. Of course it is all things that will carry into summer and other warm-weather trips (that is how I justify the extra purchases!). The reoccurring theme is light and airy, as well as versatile.
1) Peplum Tank // 2) Peplum Tee // 3) Off Shoulder Top // 4) Strappy Sandal // 5) High Heel Strappy Sandal // 6) Espadrilles // 7) Sperry Slip-On Sneakers // 8) High-Rise Cutoff Shorts
9) J.Crew White Shorts // 10) DL1961 Cutoff Shorts // 11) Halogen Cardigan // 12) White Linen Pants // 13) Blue Linen Pants // 14) Long Ruched Tank Dress // 15) Tulip Hem Ruched Tank Dress
16) Lace Sleeve Cover Up // 17) Swimsuit Top // 18) High Waisted Swimsuit Bottoms // 19) Striped Cover Up // 20) Fedora // 21) Striped Fedora // 22) Beach Tote // 23) Striped Beach Tote
24) One Piece Swimsuit // 25) ‘Beach Hair’ Floppy Hat // 26) Floppy Hat // 27) Living Proof Humidity Shield // 28) Travel Clothes Steamer // 29) Aftersun Lotion // 30) Sunblock // 31) Lip Sun Protectant
Tops
I have been digging the peplum hem trend that has been popular this past year. I have yet to purchased a peplum hem top though. I believe this tank and this simple tee are good starting points. Included in my must-have’s is a lightweight cardigan. I run on the cold side, so always try to be prepared with an extra layer. Even though we will be enjoying a tropical paradise I know that the plane and some restaurants will give me issue.
Shorts/Pants
I struggle with finding shorts that I think are flattering and I feel comfortable in. I don’t want them to be too long that I look/feel like a granny, but I don’t want them to be too short that I look like a wanna-be teeny bopper either! I have been working out consistently since the kids started back to school this past fall and am probably in better shape now than I have been in the past decade, but I’m still self-conscience in shorty-shorts. A 3″ inseam is where I feel most comfortable, but sometimes can get away with a little shorter if they are cut/fit just right. Frayed hem cut-offs have been calling my name recently. I also included a couple pairs of linen pants. They are great for on the plane or a cooler evening, yet still offer a casual-chic, put together vibe.
Shoes
Do you feel guilty packing multiple pairs of shoes for vacation? I do! My practical husband would say to pack one, maybe two pairs. I would like to pack flips for the beach, dressy sandals to wear with evening attire, nicer shoes/slip on sneakers that are comfortable, but still cute and a pair of tennis shoes for any hiking/running activities. They take up quite a bit of room, but that is exactly what I will be packing for Thailand. I have a couple pairs of slip on sneakers that I really like but I am really digging the espadrilles in the collection.
Dresses
After being on the beach and in the ocean most of the day it is nice to clean up in the evenings and put something a little nicer on. Dale and I differ on this, him just wanting to be comfortable and ‘on vacation’ (meaning he shouldn’t have to put effort into anything he does not want to) and me enjoying making an effort to ‘get fancy’ as my Littles would say. Not too fancy, but taking a little extra time in the evenings to get done-up when there are not the normal pressing responsibilities that you find at home seems like the perfect time to do so.
Swimsuits & Cover Ups
I always seem to add one or two new swimsuits to my collection before a vacation. I assume it is female nature to continuously be on the search for the most flattering suit possible. We are exposed and vulnerable in a swimsuit; it has to be human nature to seek out what makes us the most comfortable in this situation, right? Cover ups definitely aid in this. I love these cover ups and I especially love their $19 price tag!
Beach Bags & Sun Protection
I love the structured straw beach bags, but when traveling by plane they just aren’t practical. They take up too much room in the suitcase and even with clothes packed inside them they usually end up misshapen by the time you get to your destination. I searching for beach bags that could fold flat and easily be packed. I like both options, but appreciate the better value of ‘the beach people’ tote that is 1/6 the cost of the striped model. Then there are sunhats; floppy brimmed and fedoras. Which do you prefer? I dislike trying to pack hats as well. That is why I usually wait until I get to my destination, then buy a cheap one. Works for me! Don’t forget the sunscreen, lip sun protectant and aftersun lotion. It doesn’t get much more miserable than ending up with a bad burn and having to sit out from scheduled activities.
Miscellaneous
Also included in my must-have’s is this Living Proof Humidity Shield spray to ward off the frizzy tropical-climate-hair that so many of us battle and a small handheld steamer for tackling all of those wrinkles you will be dealing with from cramming as much as possible into your suitcase (at least that’s what I will be doing!).
What do you think, did I forget anything? Is there something else that you have found you can’t live without when on vacation that I need to add? What about a travel jewelry case/clutch? I have been scoping those out recently too…
P.S. – If you enjoy posts about travel you may enjoy this one about our Phoenix trip or this one about our Denver trip.
