Wardrobe | Essential packing tips this vacation season

INDIANAPOLIS - There’s no need for extra stress when you’re heading out on a trip meant for relaxation. With a few ground rules, you can simplify your vacation wardrobe with ease. Try these tips to help you organize and be prepared so you can avoid adding any undue worry and focus on fun!

Fly me to the moon

If you are traveling by plane this summer, make sure your bags are packed correctly and you have essentials in your carry-on. These tips work well with all travel as well.

Ten things to pack in your carry-on to ensure a better flight experience:

1. Your laptop. You don’t want to check this, and the truth is, you’ll probably be using it before you reach your destination. But most importantly, you’ll know it is safe and sound with you at all times.

2. Definitely remember to pack your phone. Although this seems like a no-brainer, it is always a good idea to make sure you’ve packed it in a safe and accessible place.

3. You will probably need some tunes, so make sure you pack your fully charged mp3 player with your vacation setlist.

4. Don’t forget your chargers! You’ll want to put any chargers for your phone, laptop, mp3 players and cameras where you can easily reach them. You don’t want to worry about your phone dying while you are on a layover for five hours, so keep them close.

5. Double check to make sure you have packed your wallet! You won’t get far without identification, credit cards and insurance cards.

6. If your traveling abroad, be sure you’ve grabbed your passport. You won’t get past customs without it.

7. Grab a good book or a few magazines so you’ll have something besides SkyMall on any long flights.

8. Headache medicine and other needed medications. There are always a few headaches with traveling, so have some handy. The prices of ibuprofen and acetaminophen are usually three or four times more in an airport. And just in case you lose your luggage, have any daily medicines with you as well.

9. Sunglasses, contacts or glasses should be on hand. You might need to take out your contacts or vice-versa, and those sunglasses might come in handy on a long flight next to chatty seat mate.

10. Carry an extra toothbrush and toothpaste. You might want to freshen up before your flight lands, and you’ll have it in case of any emergencies, like lost luggage or coffee breath.

 

Pack it up

Decisions, decisions, decisions! Whether you are flying or driving to your destination, packing your suitcase can be a major pain. Deciding what to wear for 4-5 days isn’t as easy as it may seem.

First off, check the weather where you’ll be going before you get anything out of the closet. You don’t want to show up and have nothing that fits the climate. Even though some places may be tropical, nights might be chilly.

Pack two outfits for each day, one casual and one for going out. If you’re headed to the beach, sandals can work for both night and day. They are easy to pack and take up less room than sneakers or heels.

Ladies, if you want to class it up, pick your most comfortable heels. You don’t need to take more than one pair. Guys, pack your flip-flops and a casual loafer. You can wear your Chucks during travel time to save packing space.

Throw in some neutral pieces, like a little black dress or some grey or white tanks and tees. You can easily dress these up with accessories like scarves, necklaces or trinkets you find on your trip.

Packing checklist for 5-day trip:

Swimsuit
1 pair of jeans
3 dresses
5 casual tees and shorts/skirt for daily wear
1 pair of flip-flops
1 pair of sandals
1 pair of tennis shoes
1 pair of heels or casual loafer
A light sweater or pullover
3 sets of pajamas
Accessories: a few scarves, jewelry, hat
Bath/body/makeup

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Twinkle VanWinkle ponders, creates and discovers cool stuff about music, movies, food, fashion and so forth. Her thoughtful writings and interactives give great advice about healthy food, cooking tips, DIY projects, fashion and more. She’ll teach you a thing or two about music as well. Along with producing dynamic entertainment content for LIN Media, she is a mother, musician and social media fanatic.

 

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