The Do's & Don'ts of Packing for Summer Vacation

Summer is here and that means traveling! While we relish every opportunity to get out of town, we also know that it can be stressful to pack everything we need. Thankfully, the Promocodes.com team members are travel veterans and we've pooled our knowledge to ensure you know exactly how to pack for your trip. Below you'll find the do's and don'ts of packing for summer, no matter where your travel plans take you:

Do's

Do pack jeans, even if you don't wear them all that much. Darker pairs are incredibly versatile and are perfect for casual nights out, everyday wear, fancy dinners, or exploring new cities. Not to mention, they also don't get dirty half as fast as regular trousers, leggings, or other pants. Packing a high-end pair also means that they won't become baggy over the course of your trip.

Do give careful thought to accessories. It might be tempting to bring all of your favorite bracelets and necklaces just in case you need some extra flair in your outfit. However, this will only take up additional space in your luggage. Instead, a couple pairs of sunglasses and a nice scarf can go a long way when it comes to creating a well-rounded outfit. There are some fantastic pairs of shades at Sunglass Hut that can transform a simple look into a work of art. You can even use this discount to get $40 off any 2 pairs of designer shades!

Do pack travel clothes that can be hand-washed. This is an incredibly important tip because you never know when you'll have access to a laundry mat. We also highly recommend packing clothes such as lightweight chiffon blouses that can be worn over camisoles or underneath sweaters. We especially love Pure Collection which contains a new collection of lightweight apparel that is perfect for constant travelers.

Do apply for credit cards that give you a discount on your first checked bag on airplanes. While this may seem like an extreme measure at first, keep in mind that you're bound to save some cash if you fly anywhere. It's also important to remember that some destinations automatically allow you to bring more luggage without the charge, including Cuba and Brazil.

Don'ts

Don't pack things that can only be worn with one other item. When you're traveling around the world, it is best to bring interchangeable items that you can use to create a wide range of outfits. Layered looks including button-ups and silk tops are a great option! But, be sure to try on all of your outfits ahead of time and only bring the combinations you love.

Don't pack new shoes because they may not fit exactly as you imagined and they still need to be worn-in (hello, blisters!). Also, don't bring shoes that are so worn out that they will "die" on you or get holes in the middle of your adventures. It's common knowledge that if you're traveling for any length of time - you are sure to be walking a lot. So, bring a reliable and comfy pair of running shoes that will last through your entire vacation.

Don't bring all of your makeup. Cosmetics will take up valuable space in your luggage and, let's be honest, you probably won't end up using all of them during your trip. Instead, grab a small toiletry bag and only pack the essential products that you use everyday (such as face wash, foundation, blush, mascara, etc.).

Don't bring more than one carry-on when flying. We know that this will be a challenge for fashionistas, but there are a lot of perks to only bringing one bag. A single carry-on means that your luggage won't get lost, you will be entirely self-sufficient, and you will never need to worry about lugging around a giant bag during your entire trip (because a small wheeled bag can fit almost anywhere!).