The Art of Packing for Spring Break
Carry-On or Bust: Because Checked Bags Are Overrated.
*Warning: This post may be too long for your inbox to handle. If it gets clipped, blame my inability to self-edit, not your email provider. Click 'View in Browser' for the full experience—because my ramblings deserve the spotlight they were born for.
If you know me, you know I am very anti-carry-on packing. There is nothing I hate more than getting up stupid early, going to the airport, waiting to go through security, sitting at the gate, walking around the gate to preview the snacks and beverage situation, flying for several hours, and then… waiting at a luggage carousel for my bags. It’s almost as bad as having to go to a car rental once we land. To put it mildly, I absolutely HATE checking bags. So I do everything in my power to never do it. We went to Disney World a year or so ago for 7 days. We went in August… I don’t know what we were thinking. Everyone in my family brought ONE carry-on bag. It’s like this unwritten family rule: carry on or bust.
Let’s start with my Never Check Your Luggage reasons that I’ve created in my head:
Anxiety (Not the Doechii Song): I am an anxious person, and the idea of not knowing the weight of my bag until I get to the front of that ridiculous line truly makes me feel unwell.
Lost Luggage Drama: Imagine if my luggage gets lost? This might be worse than when I realize I can’t find a shirt right before I’m supposed to go to bed and then start the hunt for it that lasts several hours.
Tetris Challenge: There’s some sort of thrill about packing ALL of our stuff into one carry-on bag. It’s almost like this wild Tetris puzzle that gives me a huge dopamine rush.
No Unnecessary Pikachus: I bring small luggage, so I can’t bring home a ton of nonsense that I don’t need. This goes for my kids, too! It’s an easy way to say, when they bring you a stuffed Pikachu the size of a golden retriever, “Darn, we won’t be able to fit that in your luggage, sweetie!” This is what you call a veteran move.
Let’s look at some picks I would bring with me on Spring Break. I wouldn’t bring every single item in this post, but you’ll get the general idea of what I like to pack. I’ll also provide other options at different price points for you to browse. Obviously, this would be a Spring Break trip somewhere warm. People always try to tell me that a cruise to Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — but for me, unless there are palm trees and the smell of suntan lotion, I’m out.
Airport Outfit
I have memories of going to the airport with my lacrosse team, dressed in what could be considered elevated fashion for the time. We coordinated as a team, wearing our red college sweatshirts, khakis, and……………….sneakers. Maybe we were ahead of the fashion curve back then. It's safe to say I've evolved since my 'khaki-wearing Jake from State Farm' days. Here’s what I’d wear to the airport now — a look that’s put-together but still comfortable enough for warmer weather, so I don’t have to rush to the hotel bathroom and change. Have you ever had to do that with kids? It’s the worst.
Links: 1. Linen pants // 2. White tee // 3. Brown sandal // 4. Jean Jacket // 5. Brown Cardigan
Linen Set
Nothing screams vacation like linen. Nothing screams luxury on vacation like a linen set. I just got this one from Gap, and I’m really excited to try it. I also linked a fancier set from Anthropologie. I love it, but I just can’t bite the bullet on the price. I sleuthed on Amazon but just couldn’t find one that I liked the look of and that had matching reviews to corroborate it was worth buying.
Links: 6. Red linen shirt // 7. Red linen tank // 8. Red linen shorts // 9. Flax linen tank // 10. Flax linen skort // 11. Tropical linen shirt // 12. Tropical linen pants
Swimsuits
I swear by these swimsuits. I was definitely targeted by an Instagram ad to buy them. But honestly, I’m not even mad that my phone is listening to me as I discuss vacation/pool plans. They fit like a dream. The straps are adjustable, the coverage is solid, and the ribbed material just feels so flattering. I kid you not, I have this exact suit in three colors: red, navy, and black. When you love something, you just know.
Links: 13. Red swimsuit // 14. Black swimsuit // 15. Brown swimsuit
Sunglasses
Would you believe this can sometimes be one of my most difficult decisions to make? I try to keep this to no more than three pairs of sunglasses. This is because the sunglasses I decide to wear have to work with my hat that day. I love my black Celine glasses, but I can’t wear a baseball hat with them without looking ridiculous, so I need to opt for a smaller/thinner frame. If I wear a straw hat, I can go for bigger glasses. It’s fashion math, and it’s more complicated than geometry. I’m still waiting to flex my Pythagorean Theorem skills one day as I build a house for a hypothetical pet baby goat in my yard.
Links: 16. Hexagon Sunglasses // 16. Hexagon Sunglasses DUPE // 17. Black Sunglasses // 17. Black Sunglasses DUPE // 18. Brown sunglasses
Cover-ups
I definitely pack light in this department. I usually just throw in a pair of linen shorts and a long linen shirt to wear over my swimsuits. This year I’m going to experiment with the boxers from this post as a cover-up. I’ll link a few other ones that look cute!
Links: 19. White cover-up // 20. Black cover-up // 21. Green sarong // 22. Tropical Sarong
Bottoms
I love to pack bottoms like linen shorts/pants, trouser shorts, boxers, and skirts/skorts. I like feeling comfortable. If I’m feeling crazy (and I have room) maybe I’ll toss in a pair of jean shorts. However, that’s unlikely, my legs need to breathe.
Links: 23. Linen trousers // 24. Black linen pants // 25. White trouser shorts // 26. Linen drawstring pants // 27. White wide denim // 28. Skirt // 28(A). Boxers
Hats
I usually pack one straw hat and 1-2 baseball hats. The straw hat is what I wear throughout the airport. This is mortifying for my husband and family. But to me, I think I look fantastic. I wear a hat 100% of the time on vacation—this face got torched by the sun way too many times at travel lacrosse tournaments in Ocean City, Maryland. I swear we literally put tanning oil on our faces. Unhinged behavior.
Links: 29. Straw wide hat // 30. Black baseball hat // 31. Straw hat with string
Tops
I like to pack neutrals when I go away. Light tanks that can be worn with different outfits.
Links: 32. Linen tanks & Linen tanks (less expensive) // 33. Eyelet tank // 34. Linen button-ups // 35. Red linen tank
Shoes
I pack a pair of sneakers (you'll see more about this below). I also pack a pair of comfortable casual sandals. Like any true millennial, I pack a pair of my Rainbow sandals. Are those cool, still? I’m not sure, but I’m also pretty sure I don’t care. They’re the best. Then, I’ll pack a dressier sandal. I do not pack heels; I just don’t wear them, so it’s a waste of space for my little carry-on bestie.
Links: 36. Black sandal // 37. Tan sandals // 38. Brown sandals // 39. Gladiator sandals
Dresses
I may pack one or two dresses. I don’t pack many— we just aren’t that fancy. Our kids have an advanced palate for chicken fingers, pizza, hotdogs, and french fries. So, the chances that we’re going anywhere that’s fine dining are pretty slim. I usually pack an airy, casual dress for days when I don’t want to coordinate pants and shirts.
Links: 40. White linen dress & White linen dress (less expensive) // 41. Blue tie dress // 42. Sun dress
Workout Gear
I work out on vacation. PLEASE DON’T UNSUBSCRIBE! It’s not what you think. I just like to wake up and do something to move my body. Many times, it’s a beach walk or a boardwalk stroll while I listen to music. Sometimes it helps me get in the right mindset for the day. I walk and think about all the times I’m going to say, “Stop splashing!” or “No, you can’t go on your iPads” or “You can’t be hungry; you just ate!” Self-care is not selfish.
Links: 43. Black shorts // 44. Red shorts // 45. Socks // 46. Sneakers // 47. Tank tops
Beach Bag
I usually pack a beach bag. However, I think I need to use it as my “personal item” on the flight. It’s a pain to have two bags for no reason. I also pack some sort of clutch that I can carry around without herniating more discs in my neck because I have two iPads, two Nintendo Switches, and everyone’s Yeti water bottles in my community bag.
Links: 48. Straw beach bag // 49. Straw clutch (Amazon) // 50. Straw clutch (Fancier)
Jewelry
Accessories are life. I pack a few pieces of jewelry that I know I’ll wear. I just tuck them into my makeup case—usually an “everyday” earring and a “statement” earring or two. I’m also OBSESSED with these stylish “beach charm” necklaces. The one I have posted here is from Etsy —I will also post some other options!
Links: 51. Shell earrings // 52. Diamond (CZ) earrings // 53. Raffia drop earrings // 54. Shell earrings // 55. Beach charm necklace // Target charm necklace // Amazon charm necklace // Amazon charm necklace (2)
That’s a wrap! I hope this sparks some excitement for any warm-weather trips you have coming up. Stay tuned for two more Substack posts next week! And as always, THANK YOU for following me, for choosing me, and for loving my writing—no matter how unhinged I may be.
If the spirit moves you and you enjoy my ramblings, consider buying me a coffee! You’ll be fueling my triple-shot habit and ensuring I stay wildly caffeinated—so I can keep oversharing with style. Think of it as a Substack tip jar. ABSOLUTELY NO PRESSURE. Click the button below!
Feel free to follow me on Instagram @timelesslytraci for even more fashion content—cringey reels, posts, and more.
Let’s Chat! — what are some of your favorite pieces from this post? Comment below and let me know what you’re loving! Your likes and comments help my work become more visible to other readers.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love and recommend. Thank you for supporting my content!
Discussion Questions…
What are some of your favorite pieces from this post?
Do you check bags or refuse?
And if you were a college athlete, what was your Airport uniform?
Great packing tips! I love reading these older posts!