I Asked Pro Travelers How They Pack for Spring Break, and Their Organizing Tips Are So Good

For those in school, spring break is a great time to take a pause from preparing for end-term projects or studying for finals. This break usually involves some sun, relaxation, and just a timeout from the rigorous schedule. As an adult, though, you can still take a spring break vacation — but you’ll want to make sure you’re a little more organized.

I spoke to pro travelers and asked them to give their advice on packing seamlessly for a spring break trip. Below, they share their best organizing tips.

“When packing for spring break, I recommend a strategic, minimalist approach that prioritizes versatility and practicality,” says Gloria Clementoni, tour director for EF Go Ahead Tours. For a 10-day trip, Clementoni suggests one casual outfit per day plus one dressier option for special occasions. “The key is to pack adaptable pieces that can be layered — four to five pants, coordinating tops, and a mix of light sweaters including one fleece.”

The most important advice Clementoni gives travelers: Pack flat, choose lightweight fabrics, and leave valuables at home. “This approach ensures both comfort and security throughout the journey.”

An adult spring break will likely still involve a fair amount of pool or beach time, which means repacking wet clothing when it’s time to come home. “I love my Wander & Perch wet bag. Spring break or not, it’s always in my luggage because it’s perfect for that last dip in the pool or the ocean on the morning you’re checking out. Chances are your bathing suit won’t have time to dry before you have to pack up, and this wet bag makes it easy to travel with wet clothes — without it smelling gross and musty by the time you get home!” shares Miami-based travel and food journalist Amber Love Bond.

“As Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, my job involves a lot of travel throughout the year — and to destinations of various climates, from Alaska to Europe. But I’m also someone who has horrible luck with flight delays and cancellations, so I’m known for my insistence on flying with only a carry-on, whether that’s a five-day Caribbean sailing trip, or 14-day Antarctica sailing trip,” shares Colleen McDaniel.

One way McDaniel makes that carry-on work is that she swears by using packing cubes. “Not only does it help create more space in your suitcase, but it also is a dream for staying organized,” she says. Rather than having to dig through your suitcase for whatever you need, you can categorize your cubes so that you need only pull out the necessary cube to get what you want. “You can take your cubes and place them directly in your accommodation drawers, which makes life so much easier when you’re on the go,” says McDaniel.

If you are planning to check a bag for your trip, you should also pack a carry-on with your valuables, medications, a change of clothes, and a bathing suit … especially when you’re going away for spring break. “If an airline loses your bag, you don’t want to waste time trying to find a shop that sells a bathing suit that fits and that you like or, worse, end up paying five times too much. When you arrive at your destination, you’re going to want to hit the beach or the pool right away! I’ve started packing this way for every family trip we take,” says Johnny Jet, editor-in-chief of JohnnyJet.com.

McDaniel also plans for multiple uses for certain items of clothing, whenever she can, so she is able to mix and match onboard, without having to pack her entire wardrobe. “I plan my outfits strategically, and pack only what I need. Packing a stain stick or travel-friendly detergent can also help make your wardrobe go further for you.”

Cosmetics can also be an organizing nightmare as you try to fit a million tiny bottles neatly in a bag. “I have a rule where packing sunscreen is never since it can be purchased anywhere,” shares Katy Nastro, travel expert at flight deals app Going. “I won’t bring any item that’s bigger than my palm, and I am forever trying multi-purpose products. I swear by Iris and Romeo’s Weekendskin SPF50 for providing skincare and makeup in one.” For Nastro, a little self-souvenir she’ll usually splurge on is foreign skincare, as it packs easily. “It’s a way to keep the vacation mindset long after it’s ended.”

Not all spring break plans are to sunny beaches; some hit the slopes as well. Plan what you are going to put in your ski or snowboard bag and make sure you get a good-size bag with compartments and wheels! “Packable layers are best — things that can be put together in different ways for different conditions, like five to six base layers, a mid-layer, a light or mid-weight jacket, a helmet, goggles with interchangeable lenses, a hat, and gloves or mittens,” says Jonah Drescher, former U.S. ski team member and manager at Christy Sports in Arvada, Colorado. If you are packing well, these layers can also be used for off-the-mountain activities and walking around town.

Often, the most stressful part of a trip for Blane Bachelor, an Amsterdam-based travel and aviation writer, is the mad dash to get out the door to the airport. But there’s a small but meaningful way to make that activity easier: “I find that the simple act of closing my carry-on luggage so that the zipper is at the top when the bag is standing upright on its wheels can be such a lifesaver.” For Bachelor, this is helpful because it allows her to easily cram in something she may have forgotten to pack — an extra pair of socks, or perhaps a bathing suit. “By unzipping the suitcase just a little bit at the top, it’s easy-peasy, instead of having to position the suitcase on the floor to reopen it all over again.” Game changer.