If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you know Alexis and I recently packed our bags for fun beach getaway with our parents to Grand Cayman. If y’all haven’t been, definitely add it to your getaway list! We have been traveling there for our annual family vacation for the last eleven years, and y’all the water and sand literally look like a postcard! It’s the one time we are all together relaxing as a family, so I always look forward to it (not to mention the amazing tan I get every time)!
On that note, while I love a good getaway, I’ll be honest, I despise packing! It just stresses me out and I always put it off in hopes it will get done on its own. Anyone else relate? Both Alexis and I get asked a lot about essentials for summer travels (or year round for that matter), so I thought why not cover what I took with me on this beach trip as well as some essentials!
I love using my American Express #BlueCashEveryday Card to stock up on travel essentials because it gives me cash back, including 3% at US Supermarkets, 2% on gas and department stores and 1% on everything else! It also has no annual fee, which I love! I’ve been using this card for over four years and have nothing but great things to say!
When I am heading to the beach, obviously, swimsuits are number one on the list! This is semi- embarrassing but for this trip, between the two of us, we took about 25 swimsuits for a week! Clearly, we will be doing lots of shooting on the beach! I like to take a variety of suits on trips for different activities. For example, if you’re going on a cruise or somewhere where you’ll be doing different water activities like snorkeling, jet skiing, sailing, scuba diving, etc., you’ll want something that stays put. We know we have all been there where your suit is super cute but not so much when half of your chest is hanging out or your bottoms are falling down…OOPS! These are some of my favorites for activities like this because they’re all super cute for photos AND stay in place:
Another essential are coverups! You could always do the basic cutoff and tank, which is always a good option if you’re going to be out and about and want to be able to wear stuff! These are some of my favorite shorts for that. Some other good options for coverups are these kimonos/scarfs that can double as a sarong for walking around and can be tied differently—just search sarong ties on Pinterest! I also love a good off shoulder coverup like this one with tassels or a cute black or white one that can be used for years.
For the evenings, I love a good sundress or romper. I take a few black and white options that can be easily dressed up with heels or down with flats depending on the look you’re going for. I’ll also pack lots of fun colors because who doesn’t want to look bright and cheery on vacation? They don’t have to be expensive either! I’ll get a bunch for under $20 that look nice and classy paired with a cute bag and heels.
Some other must haves are a good beach tote. I like to double up my plane bag as my beach tote to save room! I love this one by Carmon Sole that has the cutest studs at the top and is wipeable. This one is also one of my favorites that you can customize! On that note, y’all know how much working out is part of my lifestyle, so I always pack enough workout clothes for each day I am on vacation and some running shoes! No, that doesn’t mean you have to workout everyday, but it at least gives you the option to do so and no excuses not to!
Lastly, here are some other essentials I always pack:
- Tinted moisturizer with SPF to throw on in the morning before heading to breakfast for the beach
- A good pair of sunnies (I usually bring one or two)
- Curling wand in case you want to do your hair—I usually wear it natural or up in a top bun, but in the event I want to style it
- Sunscreen
- A good hat to protect your hair and skin. Love these that are customizable. If you’ve listened to “An Extra Dose” podcast, these are made by Olivia!
- Fun earrings to add some pop to your outfits, especially if your hair will be up
- A good book or Kindle/IPad
You may be wondering if I have all of these products already or stock up before the trip. Some of the suits and pieces I have already, but I like to buy a few cute things for each trip. I like to take fresh sunscreen and cosmetics with me on every trip, especially if it’s travel sizes. I also like to take new stuff so that way there’s less of a chance of it leaking in transit!
I also love that with being an American Express card member, I am automatically eligible for ShopRunner. If you’re wondering what that is, it provides all members with unlimited free two-day shipping and free return shipping! There are tons of stores that are part of this program like Neiman Marcus, GNC, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Sole Society, just to name a few! I love this program for ordering stuff in general, but specifically for last minute packing like this trip!
If you haven’t listened to our “An Extra Dose” podcast episode where we talk about traveling tips, definitely check it out! We all talked about what we take for international travel that has helped us a lot!
There you have it! Happy packing!
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