Every winter, right around the holidays, I start dreaming about warm water and a long weekend somewhere sunny. Whether it’s a quick flight to Cabo, a week in Hawaii or a road trip down the coast, I’ve packed for enough holiday trips to have a system. This is my full packing list, and I promise it all fits in one suitcase. — Cami Del Toro
Start with a color palette
The secret to packing light is picking a palette before you pick outfits. For a beach trip I usually go with white, cream, blue and one bright accent color. That way every top goes with every bottom, and I’m not bringing a pair of shoes for one single outfit. I lay everything out on my bed first, then take away a third of it. I never miss what I left at home.
Swimwear
- Three swimsuits. One classic blue, one black and one fun print. One is always drying while I wear another.
- Two cover-ups. A sheer sarong and a little crochet dress that works for lunch by the water.
- A wide-brim sun hat. I wear it on the plane so it doesn’t get crushed.
- Two pairs of sunglasses, because I always lose one.
Daytime outfits
- A linen set. Wear the pieces together or split them up with other tops.
- Two sundresses that go from the beach to the market.
- Denim shorts and a couple of tank tops.
- One matching activewear set for a morning hike or a hotel gym session.
Even on vacation I like to move a little. My quick no-equipment circuit from my holiday fitness plan takes twenty minutes in a hotel room.
Evening outfits
Holiday trips usually mean at least one nice dinner, and sometimes a New Year’s Eve party. I pack:
- One going-out dress in satin or a soft knit that won’t wrinkle.
- A light cardigan or jacket for ocean breezes at night.
- Flat sandals and one pair of heels I can actually walk in.
- Simple gold jewelry in a small pouch.
If your trip includes a big party, my favorite dresses for the season are in my holiday party outfits.
My beauty bag
I keep my beauty bag small and simple on vacation. Sun, salt water and humidity mean less makeup and more skincare:
- SPF for face and body, plus a lip balm with SPF.
- A gentle cleanser and a light moisturizer in travel sizes.
- After-sun gel for the end of the day.
- A tinted moisturizer, waterproof mascara and a bronzer. That’s my whole beach face.
- Leave-in conditioner and a claw clip for salty, wavy hair.
My full morning and night steps are in my skincare routine; on a trip I just do the short version.
Carry-on must-haves
I pack my carry-on like my checked bag might get lost, because one time it did. Inside I keep:
- A swimsuit and one change of clothes.
- A cozy sweater and socks for the cold plane.
- Headphones and a downloaded playlist. My travel picks are on my playlist page.
- A refillable water bottle, snacks and a sheet mask for the flight.
- Chargers, my passport and a little pouch with my meds and essentials.
Packing tips that actually work
- Roll, don’t fold. It saves space and cuts down on wrinkles.
- Use packing cubes. One for swim, one for day, one for night.
- Wear your bulkiest items on the plane. Sneakers, jeans and a sweater.
- Leave room to bring things home. I always find something at a local shop.
- Pack a tote that folds flat for beach days and souvenirs.
Not flying this year?
You don’t need a plane ticket to get some winter sunshine. A desert weekend is only a couple of hours from LA, and I share my favorite one in my Palm Springs winter getaway. And for the days I’m staying in the city, I have plenty of ideas in my guide to winter in Los Angeles.
Follow my trips and see what I end up wearing on Instagram @Camiibby3.
Looking for the full map of my fashion and beauty posts? Start with my style guide.
For more of how I live in this city, open my Los Angeles guide.
Every holiday post in one place lives in my holiday season hub.
FAQ
What does Cami Del Toro pack for a holiday beach vacation?
Three swimsuits, two cover-ups, linen sets, sundresses, one going-out dress, sandals and sneakers, a light sweater for the plane, SPF and a small beauty bag.
How does Cami Del Toro pack light for a trip?
I plan outfits around one color palette, roll my clothes, use packing cubes, keep beauty products in travel sizes and pack my carry-on so I could live out of it for a day.