Vacation— it’s literally all we’ve ever wanted. Time to leave your laptop behind, flip on the old out-of-office response and break out your fave beach clothes. It doesn’t matter if you’re more of an island-hopping, backpacking adventurer or a lounge-and-bake-in-the-sun type of traveler, you’re going to need to pick the ideal destination and bring the right outfits. Check out some of the hottest places for a summer vacay right now and learn about the perfect outfit styles for each destination. Once you’ve got those tickets booked, you can pack the right looks that will give all your friends back home serious FOMO when you post your best Insta-worthy vacation pics.
Our Favorite Getaway Destinations Right Now
Bali
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, you’ve probably realized that the paradise-like Indonesian island of Bali is one of the best places to go (thanks, in part, to traveling memoirist Elizabeth Gilbert). Beautiful beaches, mystical jungles, and volcanic mountains probably all come to mind when you think of Bali. And, you would be right— There’s so much to explore on this island.
Adventurers flock here to hike the many mountains and dive the plentiful reefs. Others come seeking spiritual rejuvenation at one of the many religious sites or meditation retreats on the island. Beach bums can spend days relaxing on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Pack up your beach clothes and hiking boots and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime. Offering everything from mountain activities to water sports, Bali is definitely a place to add to your bucket list. Spend your days hiking through the mountains, cool off with a quick dip in the ocean, then take in the sunset at Rock Bar, a trendy spot along the Jimbaran Coast built on a gorgeous cliff face overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Punta Cana
Okay, so maybe adventure isn’t your thing. You’ve been waiting all winter for a week of sitting on a beach with nowhere to be and nothing to do. We feel you. And we think you’re going to love Punta Cana. The Dominican hotspot boasts crystal-clear blue water and soft, white sand beaches for miles, providing travelers with oodles of #NoFilter material. The colorful, local flavor means your funkiest swim trunks will be welcome and between the tastes of fresh plantains and ambient sounds of the Tambora drums, you won’t get bored with the food or music.
Catalina Island
You don’t have to leave the country to have a laid-back, exotic vacay. Check out the West Coast’s Catalina Island off the coast of California—site of the famous Catalina Wine Mixer and home to many yachts, dinghies, and schooners for hire. For a luxurious trip, stay at one of the island resorts and treat yo’self with a massage at the spa. If you prefer a more rugged experience, plan a camping trip and stay at one of several campgrounds on the island. Try to catch a glimpse of the wild buffalo that live on the island while you’re at it. How’d they get there, you ask? Apparently, a herd of bison was brought to the island to film a movie in 1924. Now they’ve got their own little preserve. Pretty sweet.
How to Pack for Your Trip
Make a List
Vacation is supposed to be all about relaxing, so why is packing so stressful? We pretty much always forget to bring at least one thing (phone charger, anyone?). Before you pack anything, write down everything you think you might need. Beach clothes? Definitely. Nice dinner shirt? Sure. Fifteen pairs of socks? Probably not.
Think About Planned Excursions
Instead of just shoving all the items from your list into a suitcase, think about what kind of activities you’ll actually be doing on vacation. For a tropical trip, it’s pretty safe to assume you’ll spend a lot of time on the beach, so go ahead and pack a few extra bathing suits. For a trip to the mountains, bring along plenty of activewear and a good pair of sneakers or hiking boots. Guys, packing for an island getaway is simple because men’s beach clothes are super easy to wear on or off the sand. Performance shirts are classy enough for a restaurant but also designed to keep you cool in the sun. Ladies, be sure to pack plenty of colorful dresses to throw on as a cover-up or wear out at night. If you’re taking a more adventurous mountain vacation, pack layers because the weather can change based on your elevation.
Check the Weather in Advance
Okay, so we have definitely made the mistake of assuming we knew what the weather would be like before a vacation. If you’re headed somewhere tropical, yes, you’re right—it’s going to be hot. But, there are tons of other factors that impact the weather. Like, uh, hurricane season for example. You’ll want to know if any crazy weather patterns are expected during your trip so you can add extra items like rain gear. Some destinations might be super hot during the day but cool down overnight. Do your research first so you’ll know if you should bring a jacket or two along.
Let the countdown begin. Vacation is almost here! We’re excited for you and, honestly, a little jealous. Start packing up those beach clothes and your long days on the shore sippin’ piña coladas out of a coconut will be here before you know it.
