Spring Break Survival Kit: Things That Actually Get Used
After 14+ countries in a year and too many suitcases, I've got strong opinions about what's worth the precious luggage space. Not the Instagram-perfect item that travel influencers push, but the real MVPs that have saved me from disasters across four continents. These are the things I've panic-bought in foreign places, stolen from friends, and finally invested in after one too many "well that was completely preventable" moments. If it's in this list, it's because it's survived the chaos of my actual travel life – from flash floods in Morocco to that time I got dumped on a beach in Mexico.
I thought these were peak millennial nonsense until my friend forced me to use one in Turkey. Now I'm obsessed. My thick hair actually dries before midnight, and it doesn't take up any space.
Look, I've tried the "natural" sunscreens that turn you into a greasy ghost and make you break out like you're 15 again. This one doesn't do that. It actually disappears on your skin and doesn't make me look like a sweaty mess in photos. I put this on religiously after a guide in Morocco told me I was getting "a little pink" (aka fire engine red).
If you’ve roomed with me, you know I like to PACK, and this case allows me to pack heavy. We’re talking “three pairs of sunglasses on a 10-day trip heavy”.
Remember when I wrote about flipping that jet ski in Wisconsin? I was wearing these, and they STAYED ON. I've also hiked up muddy kasbahs and forded flooded roads in them. My feet didn't hate me, and they’re’ cute. That's the review.
After one too many incidents of swimsuit water leaking all over my passport (panic-inducing) and phone (expensive), I finally got one of these. It's just a waterproof bag, people. But it works. Bonus: you can also use it for dirty laundry on those final days when everything's just kinda gross.
Travel wrecks your skin. Weird water, no sleep, questionable food choices, and too many margaritas or mojitos. I wake up looking like I've aged seven years. This stuff fixes it. Is it magic? Maybe. Do I care? No.
I literally used to roll up my towel as a beach pillow. I finally broke down and bought this before I went to Colombia, and now beach naps don't end with neck pain and sand in my ears. Game changer.
Standard beach towels are for people who enjoy having half their body in the sand. This thing is massive. I've had impromptu beach picnics with six people on this beast. And it packs down smaller than you'd think.
I lost my favorite hat to a gust of wind in Greece and nearly threw myself off a sailboat chasing it. Never again. This little contraption has saved multiple hats from becoming tumbleweeds across foreign lands.
You know when sand gets absolutely everywhere after a beach day? Not anymore. This mesh beaut lets all the sand fall through while holding an impossible amount of stuff. I've fit a towel, three books I delusionally think I'll read, snacks, water, and still had room for random shells I collect like some kind of beach magpie.
What random shit has saved your trips? Send me your recs! And if you're tired of planning your own adventures (and forgetting half your packing list), check out my upcoming trips. I'll handle the logistics while you focus on not forgetting your sunscreen.
