For the past three years, my husband and I have kept a little tradition: an annual December getaway. When Nebraska turns cold, gray, and windy, we head somewhere warm, sunny, and preferably beach-y. This year’s trip is already on the calendar, and while it’s still a little ways away, I’ve already started packing… or at least planning.
I am very particular about packing. My process starts with a master list—literally everything I could possibly need. Yes, underwear is on there. And a toothbrush. And toothpaste. (Because forgetting those would be just… ewe.) I don’t trust my memory when it comes to travel prep, so nothing is too “obvious” to write down.
Once the list is made, I start figuring out what I can reasonably pack now. My carry-on and backpack slowly start to fill with items I won’t need before the trip. Of course, there’s not much I can’t pack in advance—Nebraska is no longer warm enough that shorts and tanks are part of my weekly rotation. The minute the temperatures dropped, I officially retired my summer wardrobe and those pieces went straight into my suitcase.
Since our destination is sunny with both a beach and pools, my packing list leans heavily toward bathing suits. I mean, why take a ton of “real” clothes when most of the trip will be spent basking in the sun?
Now, my husband’s approach… is a little different. He’s more of a “pack a day or two before” kind of guy, which inevitably leads to something being forgotten. I will inevitably pack some of the items that I want him to take for things like dinner in the evening— I mean, I’m taking three dresses, so he should have at least a couple dressier pairs of shorts and shirts, right? This makes me absolutely crazy—but also, it’s part of our dynamic. I provide the planning, he brings the chaos. It works.
Even though the trip is still a bit later on the calendar, the countdown has already started. We’re both looking forward to some much-needed time away to relax, recharge, and reconnect after another busy year.
If you’re curious about any of the items I’m packing this year, I’ve included affiliate links for a few of the items on the packing list. They’re tried-and-true travel favorites that make my packing list every time.
Amazon Products
- Red, Neon Green, Black and White Stripped Bikini tops
- Black, White High Waist Bikini Bottoms
- Black Dress
- Tank Tops
- White Bathing Suit Cover-up Shirt
- Coach Sunglasses & Case
- Teva Black Flip Flops
- Espadrille Wedges
- Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
- Suitcase, Backpack, and Toiletry Bag Set
SHEIN Products
- Black and White Wrap Bikini Top
- Black Tie Sides High Waist Bikini Bottom
- Teal Bathing Suit Cover-up (Pants Jumper) – Only available in black or white now