Spring Break’s just around the corner for my family, and when you’re vacationing with hubby and kids, that’s a whole different kind of Spring Break than the Daytona Beach ‘n’ beer variety.
And a whole different kind of packing list, too.
Last year I outlined a one-carry-on version that worked in a warm climate for 7 days.
This year, I’m packing for a 5-day road trip Spring Break in the northeast.
Some items are going to change (more long sleeves, no pool stuff, sigh), but many are going to be very similar (denim and sneakers and cardigans).
Even though I technically have more room and can bring more, because it’s a shorter trip I’m going to keep it light. Besides, I find that when I plan my items and outfits in advance like this, there’s really no need for a lot of extra options.
That’s the beauty of identifying a core set of packable pieces in your wardrobe; it gives you an easy starting point for assembling a packing list that’s customized for each trip.
Packing List for a 5-Day Spring Vacation Road Trip
Here’s what I’ll be bringing.
Clothing
- Jeans
- Long pants (black/khaki)
- Second pair jeans or long pants
- Cropped pants
- Grey hoodie
- 2 cardigans
- 2 knit shirts (short sleeves)
- 3 T-shirts (long sleeves)
- 1 knit shirt (3/4-length sleeves)
- Pajamas
- Underwear (5 panties, 2 bras)
- Socks (5 pair)
Accessories
- Belt
- Medium weight jacket (denim, leather or heavy knit)
- Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Hat/cap
- Tote bag/Backpack
- Camera(s)
- 1 pair flats
- 1 pair sneakers
- Chargers for phone, cameras
- Hair dryer (if not available in hotel)
Outfits
Day 1 (travel)
- jeans
- long-sleeved T-shirt #1
- hoodie
- flats
Day 2
- pants
- short-sleeved knit shirt #1
- cardigan #1
- sneakers
Day 3
- pants
- short-sleeved knit shirt #2
- cardigan #2
- sneakers
Day 4
- jeans
- long-sleeved T-shirt #2
- hoodie
- flats
Day 5 (travel)
- jeans #2
- long-sleeved T-shirt #3
- hoodie
- sneakers
What to buy
Like the items in the photo illustration above? Here’s where to find them.
- Wallis coral top, $44
- Hollister Co cotton cardigan, $35
- Wallis indigo jeans, $52
- Vans Lo Pro shoes, $50
- Travel hat, $36
- Wallis pink shades, $18
[Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links.]
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Other working mom style advice you might like:
- What to pack for a week-long spring trip
- How to pack for your holiday travels
- What to pack for a 10-day winter trip
- Road-test results: What to pack for a 10-day winter trip
