By Liesel Schmidt
You can feel it in the air—that subtle shift that happens just before the heat of summer settles in for an extended stay. Getaway season is here.
And while we’re all more than ready for a change of scenery—whether it’s a quick weekend escape or somewhere that requires a boarding pass and multiple destinations—packing tends to fall near the bottom of the list of things we look forward to. Luckily, a few thoughtfully chosen pieces will set you up for an easy, effortless trip—no last-minute scrambling required. Consider this your guide to packing smarter and more efficiently this season, brought to you by the friendly and well-traveled staff at Blue Bay Lifestyle Co.
Foundational Pieces
Every great suitcase starts with a strong foundation: the versatile staples that make getting dressed feel easy, no matter where the day leads. For cooler mornings or breezy evenings, a pair of well-cut Liverpool jeans offers polish as well as comfort, while soft Vuori joggers and an easy hoodie bring a relaxed, put-together feel to travel days. Paired with a simple tank or classic tee, these pieces carry you effortlessly through shifting temperatures as the day unfolds.
If warmer destinations are in your travel plans, breathable fabrics and easy silhouettes—think tailored Liverpool shorts or a relaxed sundress—keep things light without sacrificing style. Coverups like the cute, lightweight linen dresses from Charlie B transition seamlessly from beachside afternoons to casual dinners, making them an easy addition to any suitcase. Toss in a Free Fly romper (super packable), and you’ve got an instant ensemble that’s easily dressed up or down, depending on your accessories and shoes.
In-Transit Rituals
Most people (even you) have rituals that go along with travel. Whether it’s the scent you wear on every plane trip or a playlist you use as miles of road disappear under your tires, favorite stops on the route or in the airport…It’s all ritual.
And often, it starts with a scent. We love the freshness of Coast + Salt fragrances—and, best of all, they come in compact, packable, TSA-friendly rollerball vials. Inspired by days spent on the sun-warmed sands of incredible beaches like Rio and Ibiza, each is light, feminine, and perfect for making your signature scent. Pop it into your purse or carry-on for a post-flight refresh.
From there, it’s about passing the time. Don’t forget to pack whatever is on your TBR list or a journal. Let your mind wander or escape into another world, far away from security lines and filtered airplane air.
When it’s time to unwind, sleep can be a struggle on flights. We recommend silk eye masks and neck pillows, plus a well-curated selection of podcasts, audiobooks, or playlist music. Whatever you do to wind down at home, try to emulate that—even if you are hovering at 30,000 feet.
Beauty & Wellness, Reimagined
See that stockpile of beauty, skincare, and haircare products glutting up your bathroom counter? Repeat after me: This is not packable. Even if you somehow magically make it all fit, do you really need six different serums?
Skip generic toiletries—go intentional. Think multi-use skincare like BB or CC creams with SPF (they hydrate, cover, and protect); makeup sticks that work for eyes, lips, and cheeks; and 2-in-1 moisturizers that negate the need for a serum and a lotion. Also, try and find alternate forms of cleansers: shampoo, conditioner, and body bars and dissolvable facewash strips. Each is super simple for packing and won’t count toward your liquid limit.
The “Always Packed” Items
We know you’d be lost without your techy gadgets and all the accompanying charging cables, so make yourself a checklist of all the screens you need (phone, tablet, laptop, and watch) and don’t forget to add the accoutrements. Pack them all into a small, zippered bag (think beaded bags with fun designs or canvas Ellembee Gift zip pouches with snarky sayings that are so you) to keep them organized.
Cash, cards, IDs, and passports are also a must. Some places you go may have credit card fees or simply not take card payments at all, so always have a stash of cash on hand. Also, be aware of people around you as your travel—both in-transit and when you arrive at your destination. Nothing ruins a vacay like a picked pocket. Birdie personal alarms are a great secret weapon (and completely TSA approved), and FlipBelts pull extra duty as not only a running belt but also for keeping cards, cash, and IDs hidden.
A thoughtfully packed bag sets the tone for everything that follows. Keep it simple, keep it intentional, and leave a little room for whatever the journey brings your way.
