Fashion

3 Perfect Spring Travel Getaways—And Exactly What to Pack for Each

Get your hair wet.

By Brittany Chatburn
spring travel outfits

Last summer I promised myself that every time we visited the neighborhood pool I’d get my hair wet. And not only that—I’d do it by way of “jumping” (stepping) offer the diving board. Imagine me, a 37-year-old woman with a goal in line next 12-year-olds doing back flips on repeat. Terrifying. But looking back, it was one of the most important things I did for myself that summer because it was about nothing else but pure, unadulterated joy. And with the promise of spring (and spring travel!) up ahead, I’m more than ready to play.

what to pack spring travel

The only thing that gets me more excited than the actual act of traveling is packing the perfect bag. Maybe you feel the same way—packing is a game to be won. The mission? Pack exactly what’s necessary, wear every single thing you pack, and leave a little room to bring back something new. I cannot tell you the JOY I feel from coming home with a suitcase full of worn clothes. It’s almost as good as jumping (stepping) off the diving board.

At the heart of every spring packing list is the swimsuit. Winter is OVER, people. It’s time to live a little and make it count. Essentially, it’s time to get your hair wet. Depending on your destination, your entire wardrobe can (and I’d argue, should) revolve around your swimsuit. From a jaunt to the desert where the most fabulous pools await, to a beach getaway where the sand beckons, to an escape to the lakehouse where you enter your “I’m on a boat” era—no matter where you choose to take a dip, here’s what to pack for your spring getaway.

How to Choose Spring Travel Outfits

crochet dress summersalt aesthetic flatlay
white bikini top and button down

So you’ve pulled out the suitcase—what now? The best way to pack for a spring trip is to pack by outfit. Simply grabbing, say, three bottoms and three tops won’t necessarily work here. But if you piece everything together so you know how the items will combine before you even take off, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Once you have your spring travel outfits, lay them all out so you can see your collection as a whole before it goes in the bag. Think about the activities, the weather, and any situation which might require a specific outfit. Do you need something to hike in? Something for a nice dinner? Lounge-wear 24/7? Is it going to be chilly at night? Check all your boxes before the clothes even go in the suitcase.

Poolside ‘Fits Featuring The Only Swimsuit You Need

summersalt sidestroke flatlay aesthetic

Most spring trips are going to involve some type of water, so let’s talk about that beach (or lake or pool) ‘fit. First up, the suit. Long touted as “the internet’s favorite swimsuit,” Summersalt’s designer-quality suits are our favorite options for swimwear. The quality is unmatched and each suit is created to move with you and your unique body. Truly—Summersalt literally referenced 1.5 million measurements from 10,000 real women to create the world’s most flattering swimwear. But while there is no “one suit fits all,” The Sidestroke in particular is some kind of magic. It’s functional, fashionable, and comes in various colors in sizes 0-24. And best of all, the price point makes it easy to order more than one when you just can’t decide. In fact, we’ve selected our favorite Summersalt picks for your spring vacay and you can use the code CAMILLE10 for $10 towards a purchase of $95 or more!

In addition to the swimsuit, you’re going to need a versatile cover-up, a pair of shoes, and accessories. Thanks to Summersalt, there’s an outfit for every type of waterside retreat. Let’s kick it off with the beach:

What to Pack for a Spring Beach Getaway

spring packing list beach

Sandals // Cat Eye Sunglasses // Scarf Pony // Beach Bag // Paper Clip Necklace // Super Serum Skin Tint with SPF // Freckle Pain

A Go-To One-Piece Swimsuit

u003cpu003eSummersalt’s runaway hit, the best-selling swimsuit is often called the most flattering suit on the internet. We love the compression and support, not to mention all the color options. Get $10 off with code CAMILLE10.u003c/pu003e

The Sidestroke by Summersalt

An Oversized White Button-Up Shirt

u003cpu003eIs a simple white button-up shirt the most perfect cover-up? We’d argue YES. The look is trés chic plus, it’s perfect for a trip because it’s a multi-functional piece that goes from the beach to the local farmers’ market to sunset dinner with ease.u003c/pu003e

The Perfect Boyfriend Shirt by Summersalt

What to Pack for a Desert Road Trip

spring packing list desert

Wrap Sandal // Packable Hat // Cream Blush // Beaded Fringe Earrings

A White Bikini with Great Coverage

u003cpu003eA white bikini is always chic—but if the quality is bad then it’s not at ALL practical. That’s why Summersalt’s white plunge top and high-leg bottoms are big wins by us. The fabric is thick (aka, not see-through) and it’s comfortable to boot. u003c/pu003e

The Plunge Bikini Top and High Leg Mid Rise Bikini Bottom by Summersalt

A Breezy Peek-a-Boo Crochet Dress

u003cpu003eLean into the boho vibes with this incredibly cute halter crochet cover-up. It’s full coverage with a fun peek-a-boo quality that’s perfect for a sunny desert day.u003c/pu003e

The Crochet Halter Dress by Summersalt

white bikini aesthetic
crochet dress and woven bag

What to Pack for a Lakehouse Escape

spring packing list lake house

lake house image via Airbnb

Sandals // Paloma Sun Hat // St. Louis Classic Sunglasses // Bold Pearl Pendant Necklace // Vitamin Infused Blush

A Flirty Ruffle Swimsuit

u003cpu003eYou had us a ruffle, but the open back and deep vee front totally bring it home. You won’t be tugging or adjusting in this suit which features Summersalt’s signature compression.u003c/pu003e

The Ruffle Backflip by Summersalt

Anti-Wrinkle Palazzo Pants

u003cpu003eThe best words when you’re packing for a trip? u0022Antiu0022 and u0022wrinkle.u0022 These recycled charmeuse pants won’t wrinkle or cling and the high-waisted design is both flattering and stylish.u003c/pu003e

The Palazzo Pant With Ties