Spring Break is one of the most anticipated dates in the calendar. It’s the time off you need to road-trip to Mexico, fly to the Caribbean, or backpack around Europe. Whichever Spring Break destination you choose, the goal is always the same: to relax, unwind, and recharge with some vitamin D.
But, before the airport check-in can happen, there’s the packing to do. After two years of your suitcase collecting dust, we get you might be rusty in packing like a pro. So, we’re here to help with a list of essentials for Spring Break 2022.
Bags and Packing Necessities
Carry-On Case
$695.00 at Shopbop
Up to 0.7% Crypto Cashback
Image source: Shopbop
Every trip needs a reliable suitcase. Better yet, an innovative one. That’s where the TUMI International Expandable 4 Wheel Carry On comes in. It’s compact, stylish, and built for international travel to weekend getaways. Stay connected on the go with the built-in USB port or de-stress from over-packing with its optional two inches of additional space in the main compartment.
Packing Cubes
$11 at SHEIN
Up to 10% Crypto Cashback
Image source: SHEIN
If you’ve never tried packing cubes before, prepare to have your mind blown. These are a total game-changer for packing for your Spring Break trip. They allow you to use the space in your suitcase more effectively and organize your items by type. For example, one cube can fit your bikini and swimwear selection. You can never have too many options, right?
This set of travel bags from SHEIN includes different-sized cubes and pouches for any dirty laundry. Super handy and super needed on your beach vacation packing list.
Beach Bag
$49.40 at Vestiaire Collective
Up to 4% Crypto Cashback
Image source: Vestiaire Collective
Every Spring Break trip should include a beach. And alongside white sand, turquoise waters, and blue skies is the perfect opportunity to layer on some sunscreen, read a book, or just kickback. And what better way to bring these essentials with you than in a beach bag?
We’re loving this simple waterproof bag from Vestiaire Collective with plenty of room for everything you could need for a day by the sea. However, suppose you’re after something a bit more decadent. In that case, Vestiaire Collective also sells pre-loved designer bags from brands such as Prada, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. So just add Mulberry to Miami for Spring Break or Fendi to your Florida Spring Break 2022 trip.
Cooler Bag
$89.99 at Carhartt
4% Crypto Cashback
Image source: Carhartt
Pack a cooler bag full to the brim with drinks, snacks, and even more snacks – particularly necessary if you’re going on a road trip. If you’re planning to fly, this Cooler Backpack from Carhartt has a main compartment to fit all your in-flight gadgets, and use it as a daypack once you get to your destination.
No hotel mini fridge? No fear. Just fill the insulated cooler compartment with up to 12 cans. Want to take it to the beach? No worries. It’s water repellent to take on splashes and even light downpours – but let’s hope you won’t be having Pina Coladas while getting caught in the rain.
Spring Break packing list for the journey:
- Passport and ID
- Phone and charger
- Wallet
- Headphones
- Books
- Medication
- Water bottle
Accessories for Spring Break
Beach Towel
$54 at Anthropologie
Up to 12% Crypto Cashback
Image source: Anthropologie
Whether you’re catching rays on one or drying off after a swim, a beach towel is definitely a Spring Break must-have. The Out To Sea Beach Towel from Anthropologie is made from luxuriously soft cotton velour and looks as good as it feels. It’s so comfy, it’ll make lounging by the pool even better than it already sounds.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
$1 at SHEIN
Up to 10% Crypto Cashback
Image source: SHEIN
Want to take photos in the ocean for the Gram but worried about taking your smartphone into the saltwater? Worry no more. Simply bring your phone with you in a handy waterproof pouch. There’s also enough room to add your credit card, ID, and room key if you’re not keen on leaving anything on the beach when taking a dip.
Sunglasses
$270 at CAMILLA AND MARC
Up to 15% Crypto Cashback
Image source: CAMILLA AND MARC
Wherever Spring Break takes you, there’s bound to be sunshine. And while protecting your retinas is vital, it doesn’t hurt to do so in style. The Juhl Whiskey sunglasses by Folk & Frame conjure up images of retro summers on the Amalfi coast with an Aperol Spritz in hand.
They offer complete UV protection and a wonderful mix of playful and classic silhouettes. They’re also made from vintage and sustainable materials in Mazzucchelli, Italy. That’ll be why they remind us of the Amalfi coast, then.
Any other accessories to pack?
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito-repellent spray
- GoPro/camera
- Portable speaker
- Portable phone charger
- Toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant
- Hairbrush
- Makeup
- Mini first aid kit
- Plug adapters
Wardrobe Must-Haves
Swimwear
$16.99 at ZAFUL
Up to 5% Crypto Cashback
Image source: ZAFUL
Can you ever have too many bikinis? We don’t think so, especially prepping for Spring Break, aka the ultimate bikini trip. This textured bikini from ZAFUL will suit whatever Spring Break plans you have. We’re vibing the cutout one-shoulder design with the center ring. Just looking at it is getting us excited for palm trees, waves, and siestas.
Beach Cover-Up
$29.99 at Dresslily
Up to 8% Crypto Cashback
Image source: Dresslily
A beach cover-up is essential for the days when you want to give your skin a break from the sun. We’re smitten with this embroidered sheer kimono from Dresslily, great for chucking over your swimwear. It can also transition seamlessly from the pool to dinner and beyond – making it the ultimate item to add to your Spring Break outfits 2022.
Maxi dress
$79.95 at GAP
4% Crypto Cashback
Image source: GAP
Once you’ve got the light items packed, you can focus on your statement pieces, like this maxi dress from GAP. Statement pieces are the backbone of your cute outfits for Spring Break. They’re perfect for dressing up or down, building whole outfits around them, and watching your Spring Break ideas come to life.
Pair this dress with flip-flops for the beach or bold jewelry and wedge sandals for an evening out. It’s made with a linen blend, too, meaning it’s more breathable than synthetic fabric and can keep you cooler as those temperatures rise.
Denim Shorts
$69.50 at Levi’s
4% Crypto Cashback
Image source: Levi’s
Denim cut-offs have been a vacation staple for decades – and they’ve shown no sign of slowing down. They’re also undergoing a strong resurgence lately thanks to #PamCore trending on TikTok (an appreciation for Pamela Anderson’s ‘90s style). Denim shorts are the most versatile item for the beach, city breaks, exploring unknown places, and even heading out in the evenings.
If you’re going to include a pair in your Spring Break packing list, make it the OG pair: the 501® Original High Rise Women's Shorts from Levi’s. Bella Hadid wore hers to Coachella, Kristin Cavalli wears hers on repeat, and Hailey Bieber is repping them in the brand’s new campaign. Their vintage-inspired fit and flattering high rise are just two reasons they’ve never gone out of style.
Sandals
$29.99 at Cotton On
3% Crypto Cashback
Image source: Cotton On
Whether your trip involves exploring or staying put, you’ll want a comfortable – and stylish – pair of sandals. Our pick is the Rex Double Buckle Slide. They’re quick to get on (important when you’re running to catch the sunset) and extremely comfortable, thanks to their padded footbeds.
What other Spring Break clothing items should you pack?
- 1 x pair of flip flops
- 1 x crushable hat
- 1 x one-piece
- 3 x day dresses
- 1 x lightweight knit
- 4 x tops
- 2 x additional pairs of bottoms
Spring Break Checklist
Simply screenshot or save our vacation checklist below.
For when Spring Break’s over, we’ve put together some back-to-school essentials. We know you don’t want to think about that yet, though. That’s why we have our Staff Summer Picks, so you can look forward to more vacation time. Click the link to see their picks, including sunscreen, pool rings, and surfboards.