Packing for a two week beach holiday

I am packing for a two week beach holiday. We are travelling by car, staying in a family cottage/bach and it is mid summer. We travel to this part of NZ all the time so I know what works and what doesn't.

Likely occasions
Sports/beach, swimming, yoga, running, kayaking
Social - BBQ on deck, maybe coffee at other houses
Lounging- reading books, puzzles

Weather
- will be hot and sunny mostly but also windy and potential rain

I am packing

Beach capsule
- one bikini, two one pieces
- one rash shirt
- two beach cover ups (one orange, one black and white)
- one floppy hat
- flip flops
- three pairs of sunglasses

Gear capsule
- two pairs running shorts
- two pairs yoga/running tights
- four tops
- one pair cycling shorts
- two caps
- one hoodie
- three sports bra
- four pairs socks
- one pair running shoes
- one pair sports sandals
- yoga mat

Bottoms
- one pair denim shorts
- one pair white jeans
- one pair rust linen culottes
- one floral skirt

Tops
- one black tee
- one black tank
- one black and white striped tee
- one olive, rust, black and white striped tee
- one floral blouse
- one floral tank
- long sleeve mint blouse

Dresses/Jumpsuit
- one black jumpsuit
- one blue floral dress
- one white floral dress

Jackets
- one gold jacket
- one micropuffer
- one black floral kimono

Shoes
- one pair pewter slides
- one pair black sandals

Jewellery
- three gold earrings
- one blue earrings
- three bracelets
- one resin necklace

I created a collection here - not included is the beach capsule (mostly black and white and navy) or the gear capsule (mostly black, pink and coral)

https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=8207

Things I considered
- other sneakers (decided too hot for me in mid summer)
- second pair of jeans (again too hot for me)

Mistakes I usually make
- no options if cold weather
- taking heels (never wear them)

Wish I had
- neutral colour long sleeve linen blouse
- a pair of shorts I like more than these

There are a few nice shops in the area so I might look for the above items if I feel in the mood. I also would be open to a new bikini should I find one I like (a hard ask!)

I will report back how it all went. I will be on YLF sporadically during the holiday I am sure.

All the best for 2020....wishing for a year of kindness and change.

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Eileen Fisher Eileen Fisher Sport Sandal (Women) | Nordstrom

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4 years ago

nemosmom

Veteran

You look well-sorted for the activities you describe! Have a fabulous, fun time, Sal! You deserve it!! Happy New Year! xx

rachylou

Yes, you seem set. I appreciate your identification of ‘usual mistakes’(!)

bridgie

Looks as though you have thought of everything you could possible need. But leave room for something you want if you feel like shopping. Enjoy the beach vacation and Happy New Year to you. I love your " kindness and change" wish.

Suz

(website)

Sal, I absolutely love your addition of these two categories:

"Mistakes I've made"
and
"Wish I had".

That is SO brilliant I want to steal it for my next major trip!

As things stand it looks as if you have a terrific and varied capsule. It can be especially difficult to pack for "regular" wear when you also need to pack a substantial gear capsule. The gear takes up a fair bit of room. Your jumpsuit, 2 piece dress, and kimono will do so much work for anything semi-dressy. Bonus -- they make you look and feel like a million $$$. Doesn't it feel great to have made purchases that truly work for your lifestyle and are ultra-flattering? You are going to look and feel fab.

notsaf

Lovely light brights and florals with a good base of black I think your ready! Have a lovely trip!

Jen W

Active Member

I love your capsule here, but especially appreciate how you've laid out your thinking. I travel for 4-8 weeks in the summer and struggle to balance the gear I need with the casual pretty I crave. You've done this so well! Thank you for creating a template capsule that I know I'll use when our warm months roll around. Enjoy your trip!

Joy

You will relax and have fun. I would need some of those mesh water shoes and socks to wear with them to protect feet from sharp beach sand. Have a wonderful time.

Bonnie

Sounds like a great vacation and your packing plan looks perfect.

Stagiaire Fash

Sounds like a perfect couple of weeks, and looks like you’ll easily be able to pull together just what you need from this very manageable capsule. Have fun!

Bijou

Sal this is a great travel and holiday capsule. One of my favourite purchases for trips is my long wrap cardigan. I usually wear it with the tie at the back, so it looks less robe-like when worn over jeans or dresses. However, it doubles as a robe, so is handy when travelling. I usually travel with a denim jacket even in summer, as that is a good option when things get chilly.

Have a wonderful holiday and looking forward to your posts in 2020.

by Bijou

Sal

Back now and reporting in. We had a great relaxing break.....although I don’t need more pre dinner nibbles in a long time.......

MVP - bike shorts, running shoes, rash guard, sunglasses

Very well worn - blue floral dress and black floral two piece.

Unworn - light puffer, jumpsuit, white floral dress, one gear tee shirt

I probably slightly overpacked considering we did lots of laundry. I could have removed two tees, one dress and one topper and would not have missed them.

New Additions - black shorts and an ecru camisole - both simple essential items.

Edited out- Merrell sport sandals - really uncomfortable - to be honest they have never been great and are 5 years old. And my floral top - keeps going at the seam in the same place. And after a candid shot in it it will be used for a workplace rag - always needed in our line of work.

A couple of shots including the NZ Christmas tree.

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So beautiful by the ocean there, Sally! WOW. You packed extremely well. You never know what weather conditions may be. And yes to letting the ill fitting sandals go -- time for a new pair next year. Maybe make some notes about what did not work with the fit of the old pair?

Thanks Suz - the Coromandel Peninsula is a gorgeous spot here. The ocean beaches are stunning - although we had a couple of ashy days from the Australian bushfires so we do not take it for granted.

I struggle with shoes without socks due to very hot feet - I think Birkenstocks would be a better choice for me or just wearing sneakers with socks.

What a beautiful spot! I get to attend a wedding in NZ next winter and now I think I might have to add in some beach days to our itinerary: glorious!

Thanks Notsaf - how exciting! Where is the wedding?

Winter could be quite different of course but we get sunny clear days too.

The North Island has better beaches in general but the South Island better lakes and mountains. Gross generalisation of course.

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