What to pack for spring break can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to balance cute outfits, warm-weather essentials, and travel must-haves without overpacking. Whether you’re heading to a beach destination, resort, or sunny city, this spring break packing list covers everything you actually need. From spring break outfits and swimsuits to travel essentials and beauty must-haves, this guide will help you pack smarter and enjoy your trip stress-free.

What to wear on the flight:

Let’s start with what to wear at the airport. I will always go for comfort over fashion here. What if your flight is delayed? What if your suitcase is lost and you’re forced to sleep in the clothes you have on? You don’t want those clothes to be completely impractical. So I tend to travel in either comfy jumpsuits, cute sweat sets, or comfy jeans with a tee and hoodie.

It doesn’t matter to me if I am traveling somewhere warm, I always dress cozy for the plane. They tend to be cooler and if I’m sweating when I arrive at my destination, I can toss on shorts or a sundress easily. And my hot tip: Put a jean jacket on top of this outfit for the flight to have for cooler nights on vacay. That way your heaviest piece is on you instead of packed. (Especially important when carrying-on!)

What to pack for Spring Break – easy care clothing:

I get it, you want to dress up and look your best. But that doesn’t mean you have to go nuts to still look put-together and cute. When traveling somewhere warm, my go-to outfit is midi length or maxi length sundresses. For more casual adventures, I also toss in jean shorts and t-shirts. Some of my favorite sundresses are here, here, and here.

The beauty of the sundresses above is that they all look good with a nude sandal. No need to pack heels or wedges if you don’t want to. And the same pair can get you through the entire trip. But if you are looking for ideas on shoes to pack, below are my favorites for a Spring break trip.

What shoes to pack:

Now, are you going to pack all of these? Of course not!!! I love shoes more than most people, and I do over-pack them. But I’ve learned through the years that I am set with three pairs. First, you need a neutral pair of tennis shoes (I’m usually wearing these through the airport. The beauty of TSA pre-check is you don’t need to take your shoes off at the airport!)

Then I pack a nicer pair of nude sandals like these. And the last pair of shoes I pack is a pair of foam, basic-bitch flip flops like these. If I am going on a trip where I know I am getting REALLY dolled up, I’ll also toss in a pair of wedges like these or heels like these. But that’s only if I have room in my suitcase or am checking a bag. Truly, if you have a nice pair of leather sandals, you can wear those for most occasions.

What to pack for Spring break when it comes to swimsuits:

I am tall (just under 5’9″) and turning 44 this summer, which means I’m firmly in my modest-but-still-cute swimsuit era. That said, there is one bikini set I absolutely adore, and it’s this one. As you can see in the photos above, I own it in two colors – red and black, because once you find the swimsuit, you don’t argue with the universe.

I love it because it’s higher-waisted (thank you sweet lord above, because no one needs a surprise appearance from my C-section scar), and the tops aren’t lined or padded. That might not be everyone’s preference, but I personally do not enjoy walking around for the next hour with tiny waterfalls dripping out of my swimsuit top every time I move after getting out of the pool. I highly recommend this suit if you have a more athletic build.

Another brand I love for bikinis is this one. It’s definitely more revealing but so cute and they also have flattering one-pieces. The other swimsuit I am in above is this one. Since I am tall with a long torso I like that their site lets you narrow it down to “long torso” suits. I am in a size medium in literally every suit above.

Swimsuit covers:

What good is any Spring Break trip without some cute coverups? I love ones that you can toss on to go immediately from the pool to shop or grab lunch. I just bought this one for our upcoming trip to Mexico. But I also own this black one and think the starfish clasp on this one is adorable. Some women like full on shorts and shirt coverups but I prefer loose, gauzy dresses instead. (They’re also easier to fold small into a carry-on suitcase.)

What to pack for Spring Break – Accessories

We will start out with handbags. I have a few options for you. For cheapy bags, all of these are under $35 and this, this, this, this, and this one are all my top five. But if you are a bougie bitch and prefer to showcase your nicer purses on vacation, here are my favorites below.

Going left to right we have the Fendi Mon Tresor bag, (I also splurged for the checkered bag strap). Then next up is the Prada small crochet tote in pink. (I also love the beige one but the pink is a fun.) Lastly is the Marc Jacobs small tote bag. The first two bags are investment, but I can’t even tell you the amount of compliments I get on each of them. Plus they’re big enough to store the necessities without being burdensome.

Next up, you need a good pair of sunglasses. I am a big lover of aviators. They’re flattering on so many face shapes, and they are massive so they really block out the sun. My favorite brand is Goodr. (I own both the pink and the teal in the style called “Carl is my co-pilot.”) They’re one of the few sunglasses that don’t leave marks on the bridge of my nose after I take them off. Plus, nothing says Spring Break like aviators in a bright shade.

What to pack for Spring Break – Jewelry

Now, if you aren’t a jewelry girl, just skip this entirely. I’ll be honest that I tend to just wear a couple layered necklaces on the plane and that is my jewelry for the trip. (Along with my Oura ring, apple watch, and wedding band set of course.) But if you’re looking for cute jewelry that you can swim and sunbathe in that won’t break the bank I love this, this, this, this, and this necklace. You can choose just one or two and mix and match because these necklaces will go with literally every piece of clothing you pack!

What to pack for Spring Break as far as essentials:

I don’t think I need to tell you to pack a toothbrush, or medications you take daily. But here is an easy list of what I pack for warm trips abroad.

As you can see, I cover the essentials like your passport (if traveling abroad. If not swap this out for your ID!) And then of course you will need sunscreen, aloe vera in case you get burned, and I like a good chap stick with sunscreen in it. I also pack basics like travel Advil, a hair brush, hair bands, a travel-size deodorant, and nicer mini shampoo and conditioner. We travel a lot and I have yet to stay at a resort that has hair products that don’t snarl up my fine hair! And then I like to also toss in an itch relief stick if going somewhere tropical. You never know if you or your kids will get a mosquito bite or get into something that gives you a topical allergic reaction!

Other nice-to-have items include makeup, face wash, moisturizer, band aids, and a curling iron if you’re planning on really getting gussied up. Then don’t forget the basics: Undies, bras, pajamas, and socks (because buying airport underwear is a personal low point). I also have to remind my girls every single trip to pack their glasses or contact solution and a contact case, because apparently eyeballs are optional until we’re airborne.

Once you’ve got all that, everything else is just a bonus. For longer flights, I always pack snacks in my purse for the kids – easy stuff like Goldfish, granola bars, trail mix, beef sticks, and gum. Just don’t be a jerk and let your kids rain crumbs all over the plane. We may have sailor mouths, but we are not feral.

I have an older blog on how to pack for a girl’s trip that has a FREE printable packing list. You can check that blog out here. If you are going somewhere tropical that includes a long flight with kids, read here. And I also have another blog with cheaper Amazon finds for Spring Break here. All of the content listed in this blog is shoppable on my LTK page here. And I even have an Amazon storefront here if you need more travel item or fashion inspo. As always, thanks so much for reading, and go get packin’!