21 Spring Break Essentials You’ll Wish You Packed
Packing for spring break? Don’t forget these budget-friendly essentials for an easy, stress-free trip. See what to pack to stay stylish and prepared!
Doesn’t that beach photo just make you oh-so-ready for spring break? We love the timing of spring break because it is the perfect jumpstart for the warm weather to come. It is the perfect time to hit the beach, take a family road trip, or just escape the everyday routine.
When it comes to packing though, sometimes it can get a little overwhelming. You definitely don’t want to forget something essential and throw off your whole trip. Lucky for you, we’ve got all the spring break essentials you’ll need in today’s post to be fully prepared. From stylish yet practical outfits to beauty must-haves and travel-friendly gadgets, all of our favorite essentials will keep you ultra-prepared.
Let’s dive in!
The Ultimate Spring Break Essentials Packing List
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The Perfect Travel Wardrobe
I always try to travel with a carry-on only, but the key to that is packing items that are versatile. You want to make sure you pack pieces that are lightweight, easy to mix and match, and comfortable enough for long travel days. Here are a few must-have items to include in your suitcase.
1. Stylish and Comfortable Dresses
We love a good flowy maxi dress for an effortless way to look put-together without overpacking. We recommend choosing one that works for both casual outings and dressier dinners. You could bring a pair of sandals for day and heels for night. Bonus tip: find a dress that’s easy to throw on over a swimsuit for a beach-to-lunch look.
2. Swimsuits That Stay Put
With nine kids between the two of us, we know a thing or two about chasing kids in the sand. So whether you’re lounging poolside or running around, you need a swimsuit that offers both style and support. We like to look for ruched details, adjustable straps, or high-waisted options to make sure the fit is flattering.
3. The Right Accessories
Accessories are the best way to pack light without sacrificing style. A packable sun hat, retro sunglasses, and comfy sandals (like Crocs flip-flops) are all you need to make your look complete. The right accessories will be sure to add style while keeping you protected from the sun.
Our Top Picks
- Swimsuit Coverup for Women – We love this lightweight, breezy coverup perfect for beach days or lounging by the pool.
- Backless Flowy A-Line Maxi Dress – How cute is this elegant maxi dress is perfect for summer outings, with a flattering flowy silhouette.
- Twist Front Cutout Adjustable Straps Ruched Swimwear – A stylish and supportive swimsuit with a flattering ruched design.
- Cap Sleeve Drawstring Summer Sweatsuit with Pocket – The ultimate comfy yet chic set for casual summer days.
- Beach Sun Straw Hat UV UPF 80+ – Stay cool and protected with this stylish sun hat, perfect for sunny adventures.
- Classic Round Retro Vintage Shades – Trendy sunglasses that add a touch of vintage flair to any outfit.
- Crocs Women’s Kadee II Flip Flops – Ultra-comfortable flip-flops that are lightweight, durable, and perfect for summer.
Beach & Pool Must-Haves
Would it even be a complete spring break packing list without the essentials for long days at the beach or pool? Of course, you need the perfect roomy weekender bag. A spacious, lightweight bag is a must for carrying all your travel-day necessities. Look for one with multiple compartments to keep things organized.
We also love a good quick-dry towel to add to our beach bag. Bulky towels take up too much space! Instead, grab a compact, quick-dry towel that won’t weigh down your beach bag.
You also can’t forget to grab a high-SPF, non-greasy sunscreen to keep your skin protected. We like to choose a water-resistant formula that lasts through all the swimming and sweating of the day.
And, if you have enough room, we love packing a refillable water bottle with a straw to stay hydrated, our kindle, and a portable bluetooth speaker, too. Below are some of our top picks for your beach bag.
Our Top Beach & Pool Essentials Picks
- Carry on Weekender Overnight Bag – A spacious and stylish travel bag perfect for weekend getaways.
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen – A must-have for sun protection with a lightweight, non-greasy feel.
- Quick Dry, Super Absorbent Bath Towel – The perfect towel for the beach or pool, designed to dry fast and stay fresh.
- Amazon Kindle – The lightest and most compact Kindle, with extended battery life – Enjoy endless beach reads with this ultra-portable Kindle.
- JBL Go 3 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker – A waterproof speaker with powerful sound for poolside vibes.
- Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw – Stay hydrated on the go with this leak-proof, insulated water bottle.
Beauty & Skincare Must-Haves
Our Top Beauty & Skincare Essentials
As we all know, sun, saltwater, and travel can really take a toll on your skin. That’s why we always pack these beauty essentials to keep us glowing all trip long.
- Banana Boat Soothing After Sun Gel with Aloe – The perfect post-sun treat to soothe and hydrate your skin. Even with the best sunscreen, your skin might need some extra TLC. A soothing after-sun gel with aloe helps hydrate and cool sun-exposed skin.
- Burt’s Bees All Weather SPF 15 Lip Balm – Keep your lips protected and moisturized with this SPF-infused balm. You definitely don’t want to forget this. Been there, done that.
- Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rose Water – Have you ever used a refreshing facial mist? A quick spritz of this facial mist is a great way to refresh your skin after a long day in the sun.
- Goody Ouchless Elastic Hair Ties – You know that hot, humid weather calls for easy hairstyles, so be sure to pack a few no-crease hair ties to keep your hair in place without damage. We like these because they are strong yet gentle to keep your hair secure without damage.
Extras for Convenience
Our Top Extra Picks for Convenience
There are always things you forget about, so depending on where you are going and what plans you have, these extras may be just the thing to add to your packing list.
- Waterproof Phone Pouch – We love keeping our phone safe from water and sand with a waterproof phone pouch. It still lets you take pictures without the risk of getting your phone wet.
- INIU Portable Charger – Last thing you want to do is run out of juice on your phone while you’re out having a good time. This charger is a must-have for staying powered up on the go.
- Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent – If you are going to a place that might have mosquitos, this is one of our favorite natural ways to keep bugs away without harsh chemicals.
- Long Sleeve Open Front Cardigan – And of course, you always want to pack something to throw on if the nights get a little cooler. This is the perfect lightweight layer for breezy summer nights.
We have even more fun beach bag ideas on our Amazon storefront. See our full beach bag idea list here.
The reason we go on spring break is to make memories, and having the right essentials allows you to enjoy every moment stress-free. Whether you’re hitting the beach, lounging poolside, or heading on a family adventure, these budget-friendly must-haves are our favorite ways to keep you comfortable, stylish, and prepared.
What’s your go-to spring break essential? Let us know in the comments!
More Spring Break Tips
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