Packing Tips for a Tropical Destination

We made it to the Chic Punta Cana for a little #workcation! Zach and I are down here for a few days to cover the resort for my travel section and create some fun summer content for a few of my favorite brands. While I was packing for this trip I decided to document the process and share the method to my madness. I get a lot of requests for travel tips or how to pack for a tropical vacation so I thought I would combine it into one post for you guys. I was running around in a frenzy trying to get everything ready to go on this trip and it really is a process! Once you finally get the kids or pets situated, the clothes bought, the errands complete and the credit cards and cell phones all set up the last thing you want to is stress over how to fit everything into your suitcase. I have some packing tips and ideas that I just think might help and I hope this makes packing for your next getaway a little less stressful.

My travel outfit: SWEATER (available in 5 colors and so soft!), JEANS (On sale for 30% off), SANDALS (Available in 3 colors and so comfy to walk in), TANK (I wear underneath for when we land & it’s hot), SUITCASE

PACKING TIPS & TRICKS FOR A TROPICAL DESTINATION

Let’s start with the suitcase. I love hard side spinner luggage because it protects your belongings and has a nice sturdy frame for packing every last inch. For this trip I left my large suitcase at home and hijacked Zach’s large black Herschel luggage. I also used my collection of MB Greene bags which are great for traveling. I love the bright colors and that they are lined to protect your clothing from any aggressive TSA workers. For this trip I left my makeup organizer at home but it’s also a great addition to your travel essentials. I personally don’t use packing cubes because I fold a mean tee but if you struggle with folding things neatly they might help you out!

When I’m packing I like to start by planning out my evening outfits. I lay them all out on my bed and group them by color. I try to pack all neutral shoes and will always take a dressy heel, a wedge for when I want the height but not the stiletto & then a flat. I also pack neutral purses to coordinate with the shoes. The only exception is that sometimes I will take a leopard heel because let’s face it, leopard is a neutral.

Then I put those outfits away on my clothing rack I snagged off of Amazon.

After I’ve handled the evening I work on the day. I lay out my swimsuits, cover-ups, beach bags, hats and a few casual outfits for the day. I will typically always take denim shorts and then 2-3 casual tops and a sweater or two to layer for if things get chilly.

Then I put all of that way and start to work workout gear, sleepwear and accessories.?I typically take two pair of pjs, a sweatshirt for throwing over said pjs in the am, 2-3 workout outfits depending on how long I’m traveling and of course all of my accessories & toiletries. I packed my accessories below in these cute MB Greene bags!Did I mention that I love that they are lined with vinyl? Because I do. This vertical essential bag can even double as a cooler!

Now for the fun packing tips. I start with my hanging clothes and stack them all up. If I can fit the hangers in my bag I take them. This way I just take the whole set out of my suitcase and hang in the hotel when I get there. If I can’t fit all of the hangers in my suitcase I remove them but leave the clothes stacked up. When they are stacked up I fold the sleeves over each and fold the bottoms up to make a square. This will help save you space and minimize wrinkles in your clothes!?Put the block of clothes right into your suitcase and voila. You know have a new flat surface to pack on and you just saved so much room!

Next I put my bags and shoes neatly on top followed by my folded clothes. One I have the entire side packed I will fill in any gaps with accessories like my straightener, bandana, socks, etc. I snagged this round rattan bag off of Amazon! Isn’t it cute?!?

On the opposite side you put any accessories, toiletries or tricky to pack items. A lot of people travel with their hats but yeah right like I’m going to fight a hat through customs. I pack my hat with my underwear & pjs inside it and then flips over so it’s flat. Then you simply pack around it to help it hold it’s shape! You can apply the same tip to your beach bag. Fill it with your bathing suits and t-shirts and then lay it down and pack around it. (Southern Tide sent me this bag but I can’t find it online as of yet. I will track it down for you all!)

Another tip is that you can pack your tennis shoes around your hat because they will hold their form with the sole but they have give to them so they won’t crush the hat.

One thing I forgot is that you always want to pack your toiletries, fragile items and delicate bags at the top of the suitcase. Not that it necessarily matters with the way TSA throws them around but it will help keep things from getting squished when you are rolling your suitcase to and fro.

I hope you enjoyed these tips! If you have any others leave them in the comments below. I’m always looking to develop my packing skills allowing me to bring more crap on the next trip.

Shop My Suitcase

And now for a few items I packed with me for this trip! Be sure to follow along on my instagram account to see more! I will also post a full travel recap from our trip next week so you can check back there to get all of the details on all of the outfits!

Shop My Travel Beauty Essentials

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