Packing List for Florida, What’s in My Suitcase

Hopefully, you follow me on Instagram and have heard that Spencer and I are heading to Miami this Memorial Day Weekend! It’s become a tradition for us to head on a vacation every year when school gets out at the end of May! I think most teachers head out to travel as soon as the final bell rings, but our tradition really started on our honeymoon! We have enjoyed getting away each year, one time exploring Mexico, another time traveling across 5 different European countries (including London, England; we hope to make it back this year for London Fashion Week and an Arsenal game or two). Last year we headed to Maui and stayed with family friends. It felt like home! After staying in the US for our trip this past summer, we have decided that it is important to explore our home country, thus, Miami was on the top of our bucket list!

This is a sponsored blog post on behalf of Olay and may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Florida Packing List for Light Travel

When we went to Europe, we took a lot of budget flights that charge extra for big luggage, so I learned the art of packing for 3 weeks (we traveled to Barcelona, London, Paris, Rome, and Dublin) of clothes and essentials (including for photos) in a tiny carry on! Going to Hawaii was much different and I packed two suitcases full (mostly of dresses and swimming suits). As you know, I am always prepared and never leave anything off my packing list (even for festival season)! It brings me peace of mind to be ready for all situations that might happen (hello, that sounds like my anxiety talking)! Miami is going to be a big pack if you couldn’t already tell!

What I Am Bringing to Miami in My Suitcase

Besides being an easy destination to take luggage to, Miami requires quite a few of my favorite essentials to make it a trip of a lifetime! This is our first time heading there, and actually, my first time going to Florida. However, I do know that we will need to get everything set for heat, humidity, lots of sun, and lots of water. Oh, and color!

Trending Swimsuits 2019

I have been stocking up on swimsuits the past month or so! I’ll be honest, I am one of those people that keeps swimsuits for years. Going through my drawer, I have a few that are from before Spence and I got married! Some of those swimmers still fit fab, some have worn down, some have shrunk, or I have outgrown. Most recently, I have gotten bikinis from Nasty Gal (my current-favorite cow-print swimsuit you’ve seen a lot of is from there) and Shein (these are arriving this week and I cannot speak to their quality yet). In the past, I have gotten from UpBra (great for chest support), Yandy (fabulous to find swimsuits of all sizes and body shapes). Trending this season: Neon colors, narrow & high-cut bikini bottoms, animal print, belted one-pieces, and bandeau tops. Personally, I ordered one of each 😉

Travel Skincare Routine

As you know, I take my skincare routine pretty seriously! I wouldn’t say I am a beauty maven about makeup, but I sure am about skincare products! This past year I turned 27 years old, and anti-aging products are a big part of my life now. Honestly, I began adding more serums and lotions into my daily regimen when at the age of 23, but each year I get more dedicated to it. While we are being honest, I would rather forget clothes than forget any of my skincare products! The essentials I bring with me: AHA cleanser, a moisturizer with SPF, Vitamin C serum, eye cream, hyaluronic acid, retinol. Now that I am best friends with my Olay Sun Face Sunscreen + Shine Control with SPF 35, it will absolutely be coming with me to Miami, Florida. The newest moisturizing formula prevents shine and oil so it will be perfect for Memorial Day Weekend in the humidity and heat.

Hair-Care On the Go

Let’s face it, I have more hair than I can handle! Since my hair is thick and coarse, I am extra picky about the products that I use in it. Never will it ever work out for me to show up at a hotel and use their shampoo and conditioner– especially if it is a combo! Not only do I not like their formulas, but my tresses require more than a little bottle per wash. When traveling, I always bring TSA-approved bottles full of my favorite shampoo and conditioner so that I don’t have to worry about dry, frizzy, or tangled hair while enjoying our wanderlust.

Summer Dresses and Flowy Tops

Finally, Salt Lake City has begun to warm up a bit as summer is coming near. With that being said, I don’t think I am ready for the Miami heat! Since we will be battling humidity, too, I am thinking that breathable clothing is the right answer! I will be bringing a lot of summer dresses and flowy tops. My current favorite brand to find those is Band of Gypsies. They have amazing prints and silhouettes for bohemian babes.

Travel Blogging Equipment Essentials

Spencer and I never take a trip without getting blog content! Although it is a time to relax, I really can’t relax unless I am working a little. It’s true, I am a workaholic. Among my clothes and skincare will be my MacBook Pro, my Canon Rebel T6i, and a GoPro. Oh, and of course, my cell phone. All the essentials to create gorgeous photos and videos of our adventures in Miami!

In-Flight Essentials

We have a 5+ hour flight and a 3-hour layover to get to the east coast, so I will most definitely be packing a few things for comfort and entertainment for the airport. While flying, I love to try and nap, so I always have some sort of travel pillow attached to my bag! Typically, I also get cold in the frigid airline, so I like to bring a blanket for me to have in-flight so that I don’t freeze from the blasting air conditioning. Of course, would it be a beach trip without a book to read?! Per usual, I have some self-help books that I have been slowly making my way through. I may head to the library this week to pick-up some thrillers as well!

What are your must-haves when traveling?! Tell me in the comments below!

Thanks for reading Lauryncakes! Looking for even more travel tips?

Follow me on Instagram for even more content including expert traveling hacks and packing guides.