It’s summer vacation time! Holidays are just so exciting, from booking your flights, to researching travel blogs, to devouring Lonely Planet books, and then the days leading up to your trip – it’s just filled with so much fun and excitement! I love packing, laying everything out on the bed (haha Charlie is upset because I’ve taken over his usual sleeping spot!), and planning outfits and sorting out all the little things you need to take on your trip!
So I thought I’d share a few things that I always take with me on vacation – in the summertime! I’ll have to do another blog post for a winter getaway 😉
1. Camera
Duh! I don’t know about you, but I could NEVER go on a holiday without my camera. I grew up with a father who took thousands of pictures every family vacation, I always had a camera snapping away around me. I definitely inherited that love for photography! On this trip we’re bringing my DSRL anddd our little waterproof camera! It was so much fun to have on our trip to Hawaii, and the tough little Olympus camera takes really great shots!
2. Comfy walking shoes
I finally took the plunge and bought my first pair of Birkenstocks and I’m so excited! I wanted a cute, comfy pair of sandals that would go with everything, and I think these white Gizeh Birkenstocks are exactly what I was looking for! Full disclosure – they’ve been sitting on my desk for the last week… haha I just want them to stay so new and white! But I’m excited to put them on very soon!
3. Sunscreen
I know, you want to go on vacation and come back with a tan, but in the last few years I’ve been reading more and more on sun protection, and it’s just not worth it! Get a spray tan, use some tanning lotion, but don’t forget sun protection when you’re outside! I have tons of freckles, and while I love them and they’re a part of me, every summer I would end up covered in them, and each summer, less and less disappear come fall. It’s been a bit of a wakeup call that I really need to take care of my skin. It’s totally fine to want that nice bronze glow, but there are other, safer ways to do it!
4. A good book
I love sitting in a café, patio, or park and reading a good book, and when you’re on holidays it’s just so relaxing! It’s an escape, and a time that you really get to sit down and just enjoy the moment. I know it’s a bit of a hassle to lug around books when we have our iPads, e-readers, phones, etc, but nothing beats a good paper book in your hands! So pick one that will last you your trip, and you can really enjoy it!
5. Flowy summer dress
I always find myself either in a pair of Lululemon shorts and tank or in an easy summer dress on holidays. I love that you can just throw on a dress – over a bikini because who knows where you may end up – and be ready to go! You look super cute, it’s breezy for those hot days, and it’s nice to spend the day in! Pick something that is relatively quick to wash, doesn’t dirty too easily, and isn’t too fussy. You don’t want to spend your holidays worrying about your dirty clothes and how to clean them!
6. Purse or day bag
I had trouble picking what bag to bring on this trip! I wanted something easy to throw over my shoulder, would fit all my belongings for the day, but was still cute and would go with all my outfits! Haha so right off the bat that ruled out my hiking backpack, my LV tote, and my small cross-body bag. Thankfully I had a wonderful girlfriend who lent me a purse, which is perfect because it fits my camera, wallet, and must-haves for the day!
A few other things you should definitely pack would be sunglasses and a hat for that sun protection, a water bottle to stay hydrated, and your travel guide! I picked up copies of the Lonely Planet books as they’re so great for when you’re exploring a new city!
Any other must-haves that you can’t travel without?! I’d love to hear them!
Well we’re off! Stay tuned for Montreal, Quebec City, and the Maritimes travel blog posts!
XO
Danielle