How to Pack for Spring Break Travel

Spring can be one of those weird times of year where you just aren't sure what the weather will be like, even when going somewhere warm and sunny. I've gone on those trips and forgotten to bring a coat or packed only warmer clothes. Just like with all travel, Spring should be one of those times you pack an dress in layers, because it might be cool in the morning and evening and then hot in the afternoon. Bringing just shorts and sandals might be a mistake, so here's a list of what I would bring on a Spring getaway in order to keep warm or cool an still pack light.

Spring Break by shereentravels

Go-to Dress

You always want to bring a dress if you plan to go out or just want something you can throw on and go. A shirt dress or a plainer LBD can always be dressed up with jewelry, giving you the option to wear it out dancing, to a nice dinner or just out sightseeing.

Pants

A few pairs of pants are essential, because when it's chillier than expected, it's nice to have something other than shorts to wear and you won't have to buy anything to augment your wardrobe, especially when that money could be better spent on food. I always pack a pair of khakis and wear a pair of stretchy lightweight jeans on the plane, giving me two options and neutrals that are easy to match with.

Shorts

Bring your 2-3 favorite pairs of shorts that are solid colors, preferably neutral colored, that'll go with all the tops you bring. Solids work best, because then you can bring patterned tops and mix and match for maximum outfit combinations.

A Cardigan

I get cold on the plane and in the hotel room. I also get chilly in the evenings in a lot of places, so having a cardigan on hand is a must for me. I usually bring a back one, because it matches everything, but a big pattern can also work for your wardrobe. As long as it's warm an you love it, you'll make it work.

A Variety of Tops

I make sure that I bring a few tanks and few t-shirts. Remember to bring tops you actually want to wear. I limit myself to four, because I can mix and match and then do a bit of laundry to rewear throughout my trip. Don't forget that the shirt you wear on the plane will rotate into your travel wardrobe, so with five tops, two pants and two shorts, you can make twenty different outfits. 

Two Pair of Shoes

I know, I know, this seems like not enough, but think of the activities you'll be doing an pack for those, not for those "what if" things. I go with a pair of comfy flats that I can wear all day long and a pair of nicer sandals that go with everything I've brought an can double as dressy shoes should I want to go to a nice dinner, but will be totally fine on the beach too. If you plan to do some more outdoorsy activities like hiking, wear your best walking shoes on the plane and save that packing space for something else.

Spring Break 2 by shereentravels

Now that we've taken care of the necessities, let's get down to the optional things I still think you should definitely pack.

Rain Jacket

You never know what the weather will bring. The report may claim rain for the next three months, but if you don't plan for it, it will pour down rain in the middle of your trip. I always assume there might be some rain storm or a freak cold front, so a lightweight rain jacket is a must. It can shield you from the downpour, but also makes another layer if you need one. (Remember my trip to Paris where it was 20 degrees out and I wore four layers of clothes to stay warm?)

Sun Hat

Protect your face, head and hair with a sun hat if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. You don't want to bleach out your hair or get sunburned on your scalp (because that's a big ouch). If a hat isn't for you, then make sure you use sunscreen in your part and your tresses. I put a small amount in my palm, rub my hands together, then run my fingers through my hair and rub into my scalp. No sunburn and no fading color.

Sunglasses

Your eyes are very important. Squinting isn't pretty and neither are the crow's feet they cause. I wear a pair and pack a pair (because I have a history of losing or breaking my shades on trips) so I'm never without protection for my eyes. 

Lightweight Scarf

Just like with the jacket and cardigan, you never know when you'll need an extra layer of warmth, or a way to cover your head or shoulders if you're planning a trip to a church or other religious establishment. Not all will let you in wearing shorts and a tank top, so make sure you do some research before you head out looking like a tourist. If it's quite warm and you aren't willing to put on something with sleeves, bring your scarf. It's also nice to have when you go inside and they have the a/c blasting.

Bathing Suit

I hardly wear my bathing suit when we travel, but I'm not a big swimmer. Still, I bring it with me just in case. Even if you don't think you'll have occasion to wear yours, it takes up hardly any space, so throw it in your carry-on. You'll be glad you have it if get the chance to swim or jump in the ocean.

Sunscreen

Even on overcast days you can get burned and sun damage can occur. I usually pack two small tubes of sunscreen in my 3-1-1 bags (because there are two of us), but I've also used sunscreen wipes and they are easier to use, give the same level of protection and don't have to go in your liquids bag. I like that you can throw them in a bag for mess-free reapplication. If you wear make-up, look for moisturizers and/or foundations with SPF. I like the Take a Deep Breath moisturizer from philosophy.

Lip protection

You don't want cracky and chapped lips on vacation. Make sure you're protecting your pout and making it look pretty too by using a tinted moisturizer with SPF. I'm loving the Fresh Sugar lip treatment that comes in a bunch of colors to match your mood and lets you leave the harsh lipsticks at home. You'll look fresh and also your lips will be protected from the sun.

All these items will easily fit in your carry-on, allowing you to skip paying baggage fees and jump right off the plane and get onto your trip. Now, don't forget your passport (if you need it) and your reading material for the plane and you're set! 

If you're planning a trip for Spring Break, my next newsletter will be full of apps to keep the kids busy on the plane, in the car or while waiting to do something. If you aren't signed up for it, it goes out twice a month and is full of extra tips and deals, sign up now so you aren't missing out:

What are your must-pack items for Spring travel?

Where NOT to Go for Spring Break (And Where to Go Instead)

Somehow, Spring break is different across the country, so that means it really lasts six weeks or so, no matter where you live or when you travel for your own holiday. There are certain destinations that just draw all the vacationers for Spring Break and make doing things more difficult, lines longer and rates much more expensive. If you want to save money – and absolutely need to get away for the Spring Break holiday – then these top ten destinations (compiled by CheapOair) should be off your list and planned for another time of year. 

Book Your Spring Break Travel

Start looking for more nontraditional destinations for our trip if you want to evade the most crowds. 

• Avoid Florida altogether and head north to Myrtle Beach, SC where great deals on beachfront condos can save you a ton and keep you close to the action.  
• Want to go somewhere more exotic? Bermuda has some fantastic options for its shoulder-season (which falls before May).
• If you aren't too concerned about getting some sun and working on your tan, Vermont calls the budget-minded skiers with rock-bottom lift tickets and up to 30% off accommodations. 
• Portland is neither covered in snow or bright and sunny this time of year. Our crowds show up mid-May and stay through the start of the school year, so now's the time to visit for affordable lodging and to spend your savings from that on the many local microbreweries and wineries. This is also a great time to get outside and do some outdoorsy activities like hiking, biking or bird watching. (Here are some other ideas for you.)

• While everyone else is flying south, why not pack a coat and visit Washington, DC. With so many free attractions – museums, national landmarks, etc. – you can fill a few days or a whole week really easily. Flights aren't crazy expensive like for other destinations, which means you'll really only need to worry about dining. Luckily, it's easy to find cheap eats around the city. (Here are just a few ways to fill your itinerary.)
• If you'd rather go somewhere warm and wear your summer clothes early, try a getaway to San Diego. You can enjoy the sun and everything they have to offer from the San Diego Zoo to Balboa Park with its 15 museums, play areas, hiking and biking trails, gardens and variety of restaurants and cafes. You don't have to go far to find things to entertain everyone in your travel party.

If you're planning a trip for Spring Break, I've got more tips coming, including how to pack your bag, so you only fly with a carry-on, and my next newsletter will be full of apps to keep the kids busy on the plane, in the car or while waiting to do something. If you aren't signed up for my twice-monthly newsletter full of extra tips and deals, sign up now so you aren't missing out:

Where will you be spending Spring Break? Not going anywhere, but still want to make the most of your time? Check out my Staycation Pinterest board.

Let’s Be Spies: The DC Spy Museum

Stealth and espionage always sounds so cool, right? Of course it does. James Bond is so suave and has all those fantastic gadgets. Well, after a visit to the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, I was both more intrigued and far more impressed by those that actually lived their lives as someone else. There were so many awesome gadgets from all decades of spying, but first-hand accounts of spies in the real world and ways to test your own skills as a master spy.

Can you keep cool under pressure? Can you remember you cover story? How to answer in-depth questions about your secret identity? Spot a suspicious person on the street? Find clues from other spies? You’ll find all these things out and more at the Spy Museum.

Our visit fell during the 50 Years of Bond exhibit that had tons of trivia and memorabilia from the James Bond films. Unfortunately, there was so much there that we had to rush through half of it, so I would suggest getting to the Spy Museum when it opens instead of mid-afternoon, because you’ll likely need half the day to see everything there is. Between the displays, videos and interactive elements – not to mention the extensive gift shop – you’ll notice time slipping away quite quickly. Your admission ticket includes re-entry, so you can leave to have lunch and then return when you’re refreshed and ready to do more spy stuff.

Remember that telephone shoe from Get Smart? Want to know where the concept came from? Real spies!

Ever wonder how spies connect with each other and pass along information without giving themselves away and also getting murdered in the process? Important data can be encrypted, or more likely hidden in objects, like what appears to be litter on a rarely used road, a coin and in between the layers of postcard.

What about weapons? Spies have a lot of them, hidden in everyday object. They may not be as sophisticated as those you see in movies, but they are definitely innovative. One of my favorite old shows was the Avengers with Emma Peel and John Steed. Mr. Steed, ever the gentleman, wore a bowler and carried a fancy umbrella that was used to aid him in fighting bad guys. It concealed a sword for those he needed a little extra help with. This wasn’t so farfetched, because they actually existed.

So, what happened to spies who got caught? Nothing good. None of them ever were able to go back to their normal lives, and the majority of them were killed, brutally. Even the best spies were always one step away from being found out.

During your visit, you’ll have the chance to pick your cover identity and soak in the information of this person. See how well you retain the information in just a few minutes to be able to answer questions at checkpoints throughout the museum. Will you slip up or are you a master liar? Eric and I both took pictures of our alternate identities, just in case, but I was able to easily answer questions about where I’ve been, what I was doing in the country and how long I planned to stay.

If you want to do many things in DC, then take a look at the NOW Pass for DC, which is what we bought in order to get the most of our money and time.

Who’s Your Favorite TV/Movie Spy?