When you’re going on vacation, you don’t want to pack any more than necessary. So how does one stay stylish and functional with minimal extra items in the carry-on (because let’s face it, if you’re flying these days, you don’t want to check your bags). The answer to to pack a few must-have travel accessories that make your vacation both enjoyable and easy breezy.
Often, when traveling (whether for business or pleasure), you want to have the option to dress up or dress down, without having to pack all of your clothes, every piece of jewelry, and 10 pairs of shoes, or all. There’s good news! You don’t really need to pack accessories to match every outfit as long as you are smart with the items you do pack.
There are a few non-fashion must-have travel accessories that can make traveling less bulky and more convenient as well, so I’m including a couple of my favorites there, too.
9 Must-Have Travel Accessories for an Easy Breezy Vacation
Simple Jewelry
Choose silver or gold and then pack a 2-3 necklaces, bracelets, and earring sets that coordinate with each other. By choosing the simplest jewelry you own, you’ll likely be able to match every outfit for the duration of your vacation. I love silver, so I generally pack a pair of silver hoops, a simple earring set with my birthstone, one silver bangle, a multi-colored beaded bracelet, a simple silver chain necklace, and a multi-colored beaded necklace to match the bracelet.
A Scarf in a Neutral Color
I love scarves, especially if we are taking a trip in the fall or winter. My favorite scarf to pack is a solid black knitted infinity scarf. It matches much of my wardrobe (skirts, dress pants, and jeans) and most every color blouse. If the weather is warmer, a light chiffon scarf (in black, white, or cream) will usually make a way into my suitcase. You can easily go from a day to evening look with the addition of a scarf and jewelry, which is much more convenient than packing a bunch of extra outfits.
A Wide-brimmed Sun Hat
I have the loveliest hat my husband purchased for me at the City Market in Charleston, SC a few years ago. It goes with me on every vacation — whether we’ll be at the beach or not. If we will be outside in the sun a lot, I wear my straw hat (even at home). The one I have is super cute and brings lots of compliments. But more than anything, it is comfortable to wear and protects my eyes and face from the sun. At the very least, don’t forget your sunglasses!
Comfortable Shoes or Sandals
Sandals and Crocs. That’s what I pack most. Comfort is my number one concern with shoes, and I have a variety of both that will work for most any outfit. I have cute Crocs Slingbacks and Croc Jellies that can be worn with dress pants, jeans, or a skirt. And adorable sandals with colorful beading that can also be worn with capris and on the beach. These shoes take up little space in my suitcase, especially since I wear one pair for travel. If you really need a pair of sneakers because you’re going to be walking a lot (say all over Disney World), then wear those shoes on your travel days so you don’t have to pack the bulk. For those vacations, I wear my Sketchers Memory Foam sneakers.
A Lovely Wrist Watch
I know you don’t think you need to wear a watch any more; you have a smartphone. I felt the same way. In fact, until about 2 years ago, I had not worn one since I stopped being a hospital nurse nearly 10 years ago. But now that I am back in the habit of wearing a watch on a daily basis I love it for a few reasons.
Wearing a watch is convenient. When you rely on your smartphone to tell you the time, then you must always have it on your person. This isn’t always convenient. And let’s be honest, checking the time on your watch probably is the first step to falling down the rabbit hole of social media. You only meant to check the time and suddenly quite a bit of time is swallowed up on Facebook. You’re on vacation; don’t spend it on Facebook.
Wearing a watch keeps you punctual. I’ve noticed that since I started a wearing a watch regularly, I am on time more often. I think it’s because when you rely on your smartphone to keep time, you have to take the time to find your phone (dig it out of your purse, walk to the other room, etc.). Wearing the time on your wrist makes it super simple to glance at your wrist to check the time as often as you need to.
Wearing a watch is stylish. One of my favorite body parts to accessorize is my wrist. I almost always wear bracelets, and now I love stacking them with one of my JORD wood watches (the only brand of watch I wear). I have 3 of these watches and Ben has one, all in different styles, but my favorite to travel with is the Cora Koa and Rose Gold. It’s feminine enough to dress up, but functional enough for all day, every day.
Grab a $25 gift certificate for your own JORD Wood Watch, while quantities last.
Kindle or other eReader
My favorite accessory of all – my Kindle Paperwhite. It goes with me most everywhere, at home and on vacation. Reading is one of my favorite pass times, especially on vacation. Hundreds of books at my fingertips for relaxing reading on the beach, poolside, in the hotel, on the plane, or in the car, without all the bulk of packing along several books.
A Fashionable Tote Bag
I will admit to having a bit of a bag obsession. I have more than you can even imagine. But my favorite tote to take with me on vacation is one that can double as a purse, beach bag, shopping bag, or carry-on piece of luggage. It’s that adorable striped one above picture with my Kindle (it’s inside the Wuthering Heights case). My tote is canvas with a sturdy rope handle. Make sure your tote has at least one zippered compartment for your wallet and keys, and is easy to clean (either wipes clean or can be tossed in the washer). Waterproof is a great idea if you’ll be spending a lot of time poolside or at the beach.
Smart Phone
As much as we want to unplug when we’re on vacation, having a smart phone is just . . . well, smart. Not only will it serve as your phone and messenger connection to the outside-your-vacation-villa world, it doubles as a camera, video recorder, airplane boarding pass, hotel scheduler, alarm clock, and GPS. That’s at least 4 items you can leave at home + the added convenience of not having to print a boarding pass and maps/directions. I’m partial to iPhone, but that’s a personal preference.
Essential Oils
I don’t leave home for any length of time without essential oils. At the very least, I take a couple of roller bottles with blends for immunity boosting, headaches/allergies and repelling insects. Traveling with essential oils is simple with small 5cc bottles filled with your favorite single oils or blends. You can tuck them into a small baggie in your purse. I don’t have any trouble getting through TSA with them either.
Use the code BenandMe20 to save 20% off your essential oils order from Rocky Mountain Oils (cannot use with sales or other discounts)
Are you planning a vacation this year? What are some must-have travel accessories you won’t be leaving home without?
