Spring break is coming up soon and maybe you have a trip planned somewhere warm and sunny. However, packing can be time consuming and overwhelming, especially if this is your first trip to a tropical destination. Don’t worry, I’m here to help! Below I am sharing nine spring break essentials to make packing easy. Enjoy:)

1. Bathing Suit

If you are going anywhere near water, you definitely need a bathing suit! Instead of putting pressure on finding the perfect bikini, find something that makes you feel comfortable in your own skin and that you like! Have fun with colours and patterns, and explore different styles! The worst part of a vacation is if you buy something that looks good on the hanger but you hate how you look in it. Don’t waste your vacation time thinking “Do I look fat in this?” or continuously sucking in your tummy; you’ll end up hating it. I personally love wearing one piece swimsuits, but that is just me. If you feel good in a bikini, that is absolutely fine too! Walk onto the beach like you own it:)

2. Beach Bag

Nothing is worse than getting to the beach and having to carry everything in your hands. Having a beach bag is practical and stylish! So useful for keeping your sunscreen, sunglasses, cover-up, and phone all in one place, securely tucked away. I enjoy having a neutral beach bag, so that is matches with almost all swim suits and cover-ups. Furthermore, I prefer when it can be zipped up and has pockets, due to personal experience. The one I had was just one big pouch, with no fastener or pockets. Everything was jumbled together, and I ended up having a bag full of sand and sunscreen spilling all over my phone:( Since then I have definitely learned my lesson!

3. Sandals

Strappy sandals with stiletto heels can be very cute, but so impractical for the beach. When you are getting out of the water, trying to fit wet feet into shoes is challenging. Also, heels tend to sink into the sand, making walking nearly impossible! I recommend flat, slip-on sandals, that can also be worn during the day when playing tourist. Moreover, again from personal experience, travel usually involves lots of walking, so having a flat sole will reduce the end-of-day foot pain.

4. Waterproof Phone Case

Something I regret not having on my trip is a waterproof phone case. I did not get the chance to take pictures when snorkelling with turtles, and dropping your phone in the ocean when trying to take that perfect wave picture is not a pleasant experience. Instead, make sure to have a phone case that permits you to bring your phone everywhere! Capture every part of your trip with no regrets!

5. Sunscreen

When travelling to sunny destinations, sunscreen is a must. The reality of sun damage and skin cancer is not amusing, but with the right precautions, can be avoided. I am allergic to most sunscreens, but not to Banana Boat. I especially love this particular recipe since it is waterproof and sweat proof, which is definitely necessary if swimming.

6. Self-Tanner

I do no know about you, but I very much dislike arriving to a location of sun and sand and being the only one that is pale. A good pre-vacation tan helps bring you get into the tropical mood sooner and all your time on the beach won’t be spent rotating every 15 minutes trying to get that perfect tan. Also, even though I tan quite easily, when I am not exposed to enough sun, I am naturally very pale. I almost look sick, so having self-tanner brings a lively glow to my general appearance. I have tried numerous self-tanners, and being that I work in chlorinated pools, I have had my share of failed products. However, I am absolutely in LOVE with St Tropez self-tanning mousse. It works like a charm and gives me the perfect colour. I prefer the mousse to the lotion since it is easier to apply and I feel like the saturation goes deeper into my skin. For application, I like to use the applicator mitt, which helps to spread it in consistent layers without any darker/lighter spots. I apply it after my night shower, and leave it overnight. When I wake-up, I take another shower. This is very important since it helps remove any excess product and seals the rest into your skin. Before discovering this trick, at the slightest drop of water the product would be removed and I would end up with white spots.

7. Cover-Up

Definitely a must! So useful when going back and forth between the beach, lunch, the washroom, and general walking around. Just like with the beach bag, I prefer a neutral colour so that is coordinates with all my bathing suits.

8. Sunglasses

Also an essential item, sunglasses bring style to an outfit and protect your eyes from the sun’s rays. There are various options, so play around with colour and shape. Find the ones that speak to you!

9. Sunhat

Great way of bringing shade to your face and protecting it from damaging sun rays. This is also an amusing accessory. Sunhats come in a huge range of styles, such as floppy hats, which happen to be my favourite. Something about them just says dolce vita (“sweet life” in Italian).