This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
Are you going anywhere this summer? We’ll be spending almost ten days in Colorado, a few nights in Charlottesville, a long weekend at Deep Creek Lake, and hopefully half a week on a trip towards the end of summer whose details are yet to be ironed out. I can’t wait to use these Paravel suitcases (currently 25% off the already-discounted bundle price) with these packing cubes and a combo of these new cosmetic bags from Weezie and these soft-sided ones from Julia Amory. Historically, I’ve used the Medium M.Z. Wallace for travel days (weighs nothing and can fit the universe inside — really fun new colors available) with a small crossbody bag to keep my wallet/phone easy to access. My Goody would be a good candidate for the latter, and I’m also in love with this daisy-patterned Naghedi (20% off with YOUROCK)?! Do I need this for everyday errands? I love traveling with a crossbody not only for the travel day but also because it tends to be the perfect shape for tourism/day trips (hands free, and secure!) and can usually transition from jeans/tee to a dress at night. But on the MZ Wallace note: I am contemplating buying this Dagne Dover Landon tote (size large) so many of you love to travel with. I love the feature of the little fabric slot that slides over a roll-a-board handle, and having the separate laptop sleeve compartment would be handy, too. If you have it, do you use the large or XL for travel?
The Paravel suitcases are so thoughtfully designed, and currently 25% off (sitewide promotion), meaning the carry-on style is around $300. It comes with a “compression board” that you can use to really stuff your belongings inside, and I love the zippered pouch top to keep bulkier items separate. I don’t know if you can see it from the photo below, but the material that zips the top compartment closed also has a little zippered slot on the front you can use for smaller items (belts, underwear, anything loose that you don’t want floating around the bag). It also has one of those TSA locks so the officials can get in but no one else can — peace of mind. I also bought the AirTags for our checked baggage after our last trip (to Tulum). Again, peace of mind — and also convenience. When you’re waiting for the bags on the carousel, you can at least get a sense for whether they’re likely to appear imminently.
I also wanted to mention that these Weezie cosmetics bags are for sure going to be heavily used this summer. They are highly functional — the interior and exterior wipe clean, and you can fit a curling iron / hot tool in the largest one (so convenient!). All three have pockets on the interior, too, which I always find so useful. I’ll use these for my luggage and the soft-sided ones for my carry-on most likely — those can squish a bit better into small spaces.
I’m not sure what to do for the children’s luggage for the long trip to CO — any tips? I’m thinking I’ll probably just put all their belongings in one big checked bag and then have them carry on backpacks or duffels. I’d love to get them their own roll-a-boards (per their feverish requests!) but that route seems fraught with tactical challenge. When we were little, my mother purchased my three sisters and I personalized duffels from Lillian Vernon that came to be known as “the pink bags.” We’d line them up on the kitchen counter the night before a trip and my mother would tuck a few activities, snacks, and toys inside that we were permitted to retrieve as soon as the seat belt sign had turned off on board the plane. The main thing I remember about these pink bags is that my doting father invariable ended up lugging all four of them through many airports while also wheeling his own suitcase and toting his own (heavy!) briefcase. I can’t imagine what would have happened if all four of us had roll-a-boards. My Dad wouldn’t have had enough hands! So, suitcases feel wrong. But, if the prevailing sentiment is that this is the way to go, these Target ones are cute and currently on sale for $62 — price is right. — and Quince also has a reasonably priced option whose quality is probably more trustworthy. I’d personalize either of these with those cute vinyl stickers from Joy Creative Shop.
If I go for duffels, I like the ones from Mark & Graham, Lila and Hayes, Calpak, Little English, and TBBC. Also! OMG, who else lived for her Vera Bradley duffel bag in high school and college? I had a yellow floral one I treasured and I have no idea where she is now. But I noticed VB is still in action and has some cute solid colored options. I mean, those bags have earned their keep! They are well-made and very lightweight.
For backpacks, I like the ones from State that are specifically designed for travel, and some are currently on sale for 50% off. (Also, this kids’ roll-a-board is almost $100 off.)
As far as packing, most of these trips are going to be active-oriented. Lots of hiking across all three, with some lake sports and Colorado adventures (kayaking, horseback-riding, etc) folded in. Here are a few of the items I’m eyeing or planning to pack for these trips:
LULULEMON HIKING SWEATSHIRT // CLARE VIVIER HAT // BEYOND YOGA LEGGINGS // COTOPAXI BELT BAG // BEYOND YOGA TANKS // OUTDOOR VOICES SOCKS // COLLAPSIBLE CARABINER WATER BOTTLE // BIRKS // FREE PEOPLE FLEECE // BEYOND YOGA BIKE SHORTS // NIKE RUNNING SHOES // DANNER HIKING BOOTS
Not seen above, but on my radar: a couple of long-sleeved mid-layers to wear over sports bras/tanks. I love the Vuori Halo, and I’ve been eyeing this Addison Bay one, which comes in great colors. And I’ll probably pack a sport dress or two — I love this one from Lululemon (my review here), and this Vuori appeals in the fun cornflower blue. For active shorts, I like these striped Fair Harbors and these bandana print Tuckernucks.
For meals and non-active activities, all three destinations are very low-key. I’ll probably wear easy sundresses along the lines of…
MILLE SAFFRON AND JANE DRESSES
I own all of the above dresses! I’ll pair all of the above with other these D.V. sandals I’ve been wearing heavily lately or my Eleftherias.
A few I’d love to add to the list…
THIS LORETTA CAPONI (FOR FOJ!)
Last note: I thought your differing perspectives on how to pack skincare for travel were fascinating! I am torn between the smart point that it’s better to buy what you love in trial/mini sizes for travel (as they will come in the correct types of bottles / sprays / pumps / etc and will not require you to decant) and investing in a smart set of travel containers, like the Cadence ones.
P.S. More great travel tips from Magpies here and here.
P.P.S. Some recent travelogues: Deep Creek Lake and Calistoga, CA.
P.P.P.S. I just updated my Amazon shop with all my latest buys and finds.