Spring Travel Packing List: What to Pack for Spring Break
Spring travel packing list
Spring break is just around the corner, and I know you're buzzing with excitement for those sun-kissed beaches, Insta-worthy cityscapes, or maybe those serene mountain hideaways.
But before you dash off, let's talk packing! I've got you covered with the ultimate cool-girl guide on what to pack for spring break. Think less stress, more style, and all the essentials to make your trip as fabulous as you are. Get ready to create your perfect spring travel packing list!
Not sure what to wear for spring break? This packing guide features stylish springtime essentials, cute spring outfits, and tips to help you pack efficiently for your spring vacation!
What to pack for your spring break vacation
Here’s a packing list to help you decide what to pack for your spring break!
Spring break packing list:
Hat
Sunglasses
Swimsuits & cover ups (if applicable)
Light jacket
Tops
Shorts and/or skirt
Dress/romper/jumpsuit
Jeans and/or pants
Shoes
Bag(s)
Use this packing list as a rough guide on what to pack for your spring vacation. You can add and subtract from each category based on your personal style, weather, how many days you will be traveling, and to accommodate for the size of your suitcase.
hats
From shading you on sunny days, to keeping messy hair days in check while on the go — hats are the perfect travel accessory!
Lounging by the pool or heading to the beach? A straw hat is the perfect choice! (this Lack of Color wide palma boater is my favorite)
Exploring the city or taking a hike through nature? A fedora or baseball hat are great options!
Need something to store your hats in while traveling? This hard shell hat case is my favorite way to travel with multiple hats! If you’re only bringing one, hat clips are the perfect handy little tool to keep your hat by your side when you’re not wearing it.
Sunglasses
If you’re going to be out in the sun on vacation, eye protection is absolutely necessary so don’t forget to pack sunglasses! Not only do they offer protection, but they’re a fun way to spice up your spring travel outfit! I tend to bring at least 2 pairs, just in case I lose or break a pair. This sunglasses organizer is a great way to protect and carry multiple pairs of sunnies when traveling!
Swimsuits and swim coverups
If you’re planning on hitting up the beach, pool, or lake on spring break, swimwear and cover ups are a must!
Whether you’re into bikinis or one piece swimsuits, there’s a swim style suitable for every body type and travel activity! Swimsuit coverups are the perfect clothing item to toss over your swimwear when you’re not in the water and they can also serve as an additional outfit (just make sure to wear appropriate undergarment if the coverup is sheer).
Lightweight jacket
A lightweight jacket is essential for spring break travel. Whether you're facing a cool evening breeze or an unexpected spring shower, you need a jacket that offers both practicality and style. Some good spring travel jacket options include a trench coat, bomber jacket, shacket (aka shirt jacket), windbreaker, or a classic denim jacket. When packing jackets for spring break travel, it’s best to only bring one jacket in order to save space, or you can choose to wear your second jacket on the plane.
tops
For spring break, it's key to pack a variety of layering tops that cater to the unpredictability of spring weather. Breathable cotton tops like t-shirts and tank tops are perfect for sunny days, while long-sleeve tops and cardigans are perfect layers for cooler moments. My best rule of thumb is to bring 1 t-shirt, 1 cropped tank top, 1 bodysuit, 1 long sleeve top, and 1 light cardigan. This provides the perfect amount of layers for several outfit options!
Shorts and/or skirts
Shorts are one of the most common warm weather staple items to pack for spring break. If shorts aren’t your vibe, skirts and skorts are a great alternative!
Denim shorts are perfect for styling casual spring travel outfits, while skirts offer a more dressy casual look.
For spring trips, I typically pack 1 pair of denim shorts and 1 skirt (in either mini or midi length depending on the weather and travel activities).
Dresses, rompers, and/or jumpsuits
Dresses are the perfect spring travel style staple! Mini dresses are typically the most popular to wear for spring travel and they can be styled in many different ways. Rompers are a great alternative to dresses if you need something a bit more secure, yet still breathable. If you prefer even more coverage, jumpsuits are the perfect choice! Light and loose-fitting jumpsuits are great for casual travel days, while fitted jumpsuits are best for a dressed up dinner or if you just want to look super stylish on the go!
Jeans and/or pants
Jeans are a great spring travel style staple as they’re super versatile for any weather or occasion! For warm casual days you can pair them with a simple crop top, for cooler days, a long sleeve tunic top!
Pants are not only a more comfortable alternative, but they can be super chic for dressy dinners or elevated travel outfits! Opt for linen or lightweight fabrics to keep you cool and stylish!
shoes
When it comes to what shoes to wear for spring break it depends on your activities and the weather. For a beach destination, sandals are perfect. If you’re hitting the city, a great pair of walking shoes is a must! If you’re doing a combo, bring 1 pair of good walking shoes and 1 pair of sandals.
Bag(s)
Bags can be a cute spring travel style accessory. However, keep in mind that these will take up a good amount of space in your suitcase so try to stick to 1 bag, or 1 bag and 1 clutch or belt bag. Another option is to pack a weekender as your personal item and use it as your daily travel bag.
Packing tip: Store small items such as socks and underwear inside of your bag(s) in order to optimize space in your suitcase!
Tips on how to pack for your spring break vacation
Are you a notorious over-packer like me? Here are some tips to help you pack more efficiently for spring break!
Check the weather before you go - In order to pack efficiently, it’s important to know the climate before you go. Depending on your destination, you may experience mild heat, humidity, rain, or chilly weather, so make sure to check the weather before you travel!
Plan your outfits in advance - In order to prevent overpacking, or even worse, under-packing for your spring vacation, plan all of your outfits ahead of time. Create and outfit for each activity or event, and try to mix and match pieces to optimize your clothing selections.
Bring matching sets - Packing matching sets for your trip is not only a fashion-forward choice but also incredibly practical. They offer versatile mix-and-match options, reducing the time spent on outfit planning while ensuring you look effortlessly coordinated and stylish throughout your journey.
Keep it neutral - Creating vacation outfits can get a bit complicated if you have a colorful wardrobe. The best way to avoid bringing too many outfits is to pack neutral colors. This way it’s easy to mix and match anything you bring with you on your trip!
Roll, tuck, or vacuum seal your clothes - There are tons of ways to maximize space in you suitcase. Try tightly rolling some of your items and stacking them together, or even tucking them into other items in your suitcase, such as shoes. For bulkier items, use a travel-friendly space saver bag, or compression packing cubes to easily compress your items as thinly as possible.
Wear your bulkier items on the plane - If you want to save space, try wearing your bulkier items, like jackets and sweatshirts, on the plane. Cabins are usually cold so you should be comfortable and this will help to save some space in your suitcase!
Need some spring travel outfit inspiration?
Here are some cute and stylish spring travel outfit ideas to help you plan what to wear on your trip!
