PREPPING FOR SUMMER TRAVELS

I feel like every.single.parent that I talk to right now, they are BEYOND overwhelmed at this point in the year.  Everyone has this look on their face of just trying to survive to get through April and May.  You know the look!!!  Not to mention prepping for summer camp, summer travels, summer schedules and everything in between.  So today I want to make your crazy busy life EASIER in prepping for summer travels.

In my opinion, many people make travel prepping and packing too complicated and overthink it.  I get it, it’s a luxury to travel and we want to look good, but at what expense?  Spinning your already exhausted mental wheels too much and many times causing you to freeze in making a decision because you are overthinking things.  No thank you!

I’ve shared many of these tips before, but I think it’s important to share them again.

 

MY APPROACH

  • Color Palette-start by choosing a color palette for your trip.  The destination typically inspires this for me.  Choosing a color palette allows you to pack pieces that can mix and match and wear multiple times.

  • Shoes-I limit the number of shoes and typically like to have 1 day shoe (typically sneakers) and 1 night shoe.  That’s right, you can do it!  

  • If you start with the color palette and shoes you pick out everything to work with those and it keeps you from overpacking.  It’s a simple formula I’ve been doing for myself and clients for years and it really works.

SHOPPING

  • Shop Now-Please don’t wait until the week you are packing.  You are setting yourself up for failure and overconsumption of clothing.

  • Create Your Shopping List-Be strategic about your shopping and create a list based on what you need for this trip, your color palette and shoes.

  • Set a deadline-Aim to get everything and decide by May 15th or 2 weeks before.

PACKING

  • Packing List-I always start with my travel packing list

  • Map it Out- I map out the weather, activities, and all the specific outfits

  • Try On-I try on all my outfits before I pack them to confirm.

  • Only what you need-I  don’t bring lots of options and extra items; only what I need.

  • Extra Tees- I do typically pack an extra basic tee or shirt just in case, but that’s it!

  • A few days before-I aim to pack a couple of days before just in case I need to run out to pick something extra up.

TRAVEL/PACKING PIECES

  • Do you have the right pieces?-Be sure to assess if you have the right travel equipment with plenty of time to order new items if needed.

  • My recommendations-You can find some of my favorite pieces here if you need to replenish yours.

I have personally been using this approach for many years for myself, but really had to take it to the next level when traveling to Italy last summer for 2 weeks with a carry on.   I choose a neutral palette for myself and my hubby (I don’t typically pack him but I did help with this trip).  I mostly packed white, off white, tan for both of us.  As much as I LOVE color, I really enjoyed the neutral soft palette for this trip and wanted to create a “Euro” style for both of us.  I didn’t have to purchase really many new things for myself, but we did for my husband.  I’m sharing a few snapshots from our trip last summer to Italy.  It was a dreamy trip and everything with our packing worked out beautifully! 

Please let me know if I can help you get ready for your summer travels!  I hope this blog can help create an approach and system that is not overwhelming you and makes things easier for you.

HAPPY Travels!

with LOVE and grace,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Elias