Vacation - Packing for a Tropical Destination

This week's posts will be all about our tropical vacation last week. We spent seven days in the beautiful TRS Cap Cana resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. We typically prefer small, adults-only all-inclusive resorts and this one was a dream! 

First things first, one has to pack for a vacation. We booked it back in October, and I have to admit I've been brain-storming outfit options since then. I always use my Stylebook app to start a packing list. I usually start with a colour palette and then compose a capsule wardrobe from there. I make sure to include swimsuits, cover-ups, dresses and summery accessories to make the most versatile outfits possible. This time around, my colour palette was coral, baby blue, white/beige and lots of straw accessories. The more neutral pieces you include; the more styling options you'll have. Just add pops of colourful accessories to change things up.

Here is a breakdown of everything I brought (21 looks):

• 6 swimsuits
• 3 cover-ups
• 5 dresses
• 3 beach bag/purses
• 5 pairs of shoes
• 3 pairs of sunglasses
• 7 pairs of earrings
• 2 hats
• 3 belts
• 2 headbands
• 1 bracelet
• 3 scarves/hair ties
• 1 pyjama
• 1 pair of slippers
• 1 coat
• 1 sweater
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of shorts (should have brought at least 2)
• 3 workout outfits
• 1 pair of running shoes
• 1 cardigan
• 1 tank top
• 3 blouses
• 1 suitcase
• 1 carry on duffle
• ... and a few other bits and bobs!

Once I've created all the desired outfits in my app, I go to the packing-list option and start gathering things. I do a bit of a stock-pile on my desk a couple weeks before leaving. This method helps me not feel too stressed when comes the time to pack and gives me time to remember odds and ends. I also really on my trusty Pack This note pad to make sure I have all the essentials.

Once I've gathered everything I want to pack, I go about packing things strategically. The goal is to be smart and pack in as little space as possible. I start by separating items by category and put them each in their own packing cube. One for dresses, one for workout clothes, one for swimsuits, etc. 

I also try to fill up my bags as much as possible by filling them with belts, headband, hair accessories and the like. Then, I nest my smaller bags into the bigger one and fill in any gaps with other smaller things like sunscreen, hairbrush and the likes.

I use the same method used on my bags for my hats. I nest them. I also use the plastic shape-holders to make sure they keep their shape in my luggage. 

Now that I have sorted the pile of stuff into packing cubes and nested my bags and hats, it's time to put it all in the suitcase. I start with the hats to make sure the brims lay flat on the bottom of the bag. Then, I start filling in the gaps around the crowns, making sure to put the heavier items at the bottom of the bag.
  

I placed the small and medium cubes around the hats, as well as my toiletries kit, and stacked the bigger cubes on the other side. Truth be told, it's the first time I use a big suitcase and I had trouble filling it up! I'm so used to packing for a week-long vacation in a carry-on size, that I did not manage to fill this one up... 

I always pack the essentials in my carry-in, but didn't take pictures of it all. It's the basics: electronics, paperwork, wallet, snacks, water bottle and my trusty emergency-kit (see here). 

So there you have it; everything I packed and how I packed it! Stay tuned for more vacation content on the blog this week.