We’re well into the new year, and you know what that means – resort season is right around the corner! Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out getting your passport stamped multiple times, packing like a minimalist is always a good idea. While there are plenty of benefits to packing this way – from less decision fatigue, not having to check bags, and more room for souvenirs, we can always use a refresher. So, let’s review specifically the “must take” items this resort season, where you’ll still have plenty of room in your suitcase for things you pick up on your journey.

Layers On Layers

The key to being able to travel like a minimalist is bringing along layers, so they are easily your first essential. When packing for resort season, these layers will look like sarong wraps, a light jacket, and some chic plus size dresses for the cruise you’re taking. If you’re going somewhere tropical, you can quickly get away with one or two of the previously mentioned dresses, one pair of jean shorts, and a few layering tanks and tees. The key is being realistic about what you’ll wear and resisting the temptation to pack items for “what if” or “just in case” scenarios. Those who travel often recognize that those situations rarely, if ever, occur.

Where To Maximalize

Your typical resort season vacation is escaping where you are (which is likely still cold) to head somewhere warmer, like a cruise, an island, even Florida will do (we’re called snow-bunnies). We all know there is nothing worse than putting on a swimsuit that is still wet and somewhat cold to the touch when we’re trying to warm up – this is an excellent example of where you can maximize your suitcase. If you keep things sparse in departments, you don’t utilize often, you’ll have room to bring at least two, ideally three, sets of swimwear with you. You can keep things minimal with one pair of sandals and sunglasses, though.

What To Skip

There are plenty of things you can “skip” on packing for resort season that you might typically pack if you were going to rent a beach house somewhere. Suppose you’re like a lot of people. In that case, this season of travel is likely somewhere “all-inclusive,” meaning you can forgo items like beach towels, water bottles, and other daily necessities if you were roughing it on your own. You don’t need to lug all those items with you as you’ll hopefully be staying somewhere that will keep your needs met as they arise.

What To Bring

Aside from the daily medications you take, the appropriate clothing for the climate you’re traveling to, and an extra bag stowed away in your suitcase – after all, you’ll likely shop on this trip – there are some essentials you can’t forget. If you’re going to a country with different electrical outlets, you’ll need an adaptor. While we all should wear SPF year-round, you’ll definitely want to take some extra sunscreen since you’ll be spending lots of time soaking in that essential vitamin D. Lastly, don’t forget to bring a positive attitude – it takes up zero space and is a must while traveling! The unexpected should be expected when you’re going out of town, and the ability to roll with the punches will take you further than getting bent out of shape over every mishap.

# 1 Must-Have

The number one must-have when you’re packing like a minimalist for resort season, or anywhere for that matter, is a crossbody bag. While looking like a sartorial siren might be your usual schtick, and a crossbody carry-all seems like a sin, you’ll be grateful for it on this trip. When you’re trying to pack as minimally as possible, you can fit all your necessities – passport, credit cards, phone, SPF, insect repellant – you name it – in your crossbody. Additionally, most have enough room to store items that you purchase throughout your day of excursions. You can even keep snacks in there! These also serve as your handbag and don’t count towards your carry-on while traveling, which is another huge bonus.

If you’re lucky enough to be taking advantage of resort season this year, after all, travel is phenomenal for our mental and emotional well-being. Packing like a minimalist will do you well. Utilize the tips as mentioned earlier to get the most out of your trip and make things as easy as possible for you – vacation is all about easing stress, and this will help. Happy trails!