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17 Top Spring Break Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Spring break at the beach
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Spring break is an exciting time, whether you’re headed on a family vacation or planning to take a crazy trip with your friends. No matter what type of vacation, your spring break is sure to be an awesome experience! Depending on where you’re going, it can be hard to know what to pack for your trip.

Be sure to check out our complete packing list with sections on what to wear on Spring Break, what NOT to bring, and answers to all your Spring break FAQs!

Family on Spring break
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What to Pack for Spring Break – 17 Essentials

  • 1. Packing cubes

    Packing cubes will be a total lifesaver when it comes to packing for your spring break trip. These make packing and unpacking so much easier and will help you to stay organized throughout your trip. This set comes in a ton of fun colors and even includes cases for shoes and dirty laundry!

    Hero Packing cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Lipstick-Size Portable charger

    A lipstick-size portable charger is the perfect gadget for any spring break trip. Don’t risk letting your phone or camera batteries die when you’re out and about, simply toss this external charger in your purse or daypack and charge your devices on the go.

    charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    A VPN is an awesome thing to have as a traveler, as it’ll protect your sensitive information from potential hackers whenever you’re connected to sources of public WiFi. It’ll also help you get around paywalls on popular news sites and will allow you access to websites from your home country that may be blocked or censored in the place you’re visiting.

    Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    View NordVPN.com Options ➜

  • 4. Neck Wallet

    You’ll be glad you brought a neck wallet on your trip, regardless of where you’re headed. Use it to keep your valuables tucked safely away beneath your clothes and out of reach for pickpockets. It’s also great for keeping your smartphone, passport, cash, and credit cards organized.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Jet Lag Relief

    If you’re headed overseas for your spring break trip, don’t forget to pack these handy jet lag relief pills! They’ll help prevent and cure the negative effects of jet lag and have you feeling ready during the first few days of your trip.

    Jet Lag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Universal Power Adapter

    If you’re planning to visit another country during your spring break, chances are you’ll need a power adapter to plug in your electronics abroad. This universal power adapter is awesome for wherever you’re headed, as it works in over 100 countries and comes with a lifetime warranty guarantee!

    Power Adaptor

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. LifeStraw Water Bottle

    Avoid harming the environment and spending tons of money on single-use plastic water bottles by bringing a reliable reusable water bottle on your spring break trip. This one is great because it comes with a built-in filter to ensure your drinking water is clean.

    LifeStraw Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Microfiber Travel Towel

    Regular towels are bulky and take forever to dry. Instead, opt for a handy microfiber travel towel for your spring break trip. This one is great because it’s lightweight and compact so it can easily be tossed in your luggage or daypack and it dries super quick.

    Microfiber Travel Towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Don’t get caught in the rain without an umbrella during spring break! This windproof travel umbrella is perfect because it packs down small when closed but opens wide to fit up to two people comfortably underneath it.

    travel umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Activated charcoal

    If you eat or drink something that causes an upset stomach during your trip, you’ll be glad you packed these activated charcoal tablets! They will quickly absorb and expel any toxins in your system to keep you feeling healthy and happy.

    Activated Charcoal

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Electrolytes

    You’ll likely be spending long days under the hot sun and long nights enjoying the nightlife in your destination during your spring break vacation. Be prepared with electrolytes to add to your drinking water to replenish the vitamins and minerals your body has lost.

    Hydration

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Travel Insurance for Spring Break

    It’s better to be safe than sorry when heading out on spring break. TravelInsurance.com is a favorite of travelers worldwide due to their comprehensive and affordable plans and coverage. They’ll cover the costs for lost or stolen luggage, emergency medical, and more. You can compare and find plans from top insurance companies easily on their website so you can choose the best option for you and your travel plans.

    Travel Insurance for Spring Break

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

  • 13. Pashmina Shawl

    A pashmina shawl will be incomparably useful during your spring break trip. Use it to spice up an outfit, keep warm on a cool evening, as a curtain for privacy, as a beach blanket, swimsuit cover up, and so much more. I never travel without one!

    printed shawl

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Deodorant wipes

    On spring break you’re sure to be spending long days out and about and in need of a quick freshening up here and there. Simply toss a pack of these deodorant wipes in your purse or daypack for an easy refresh whenever you need it!

    Deodorant

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Affordable Underwater Camera

    If you’re headed somewhere tropical or warm during spring break, you’ll likely be spending plenty of time in and out of the water. An affordable underwater camera like this one will help you capture all your favorite spring break memories!

    Camera

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Daypack

    A daypack is a must-have spring break item. Use it for day trips and excursions during your vacation to bring your essentials with you while you’re out and about. This one is super durable and comfortable, and is perfect for carrying your sunscreen, change of clothes, water bottle, and more.

    pink daypack

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Waterproof Phone Case

    With a waterproof phone case, you won’t have to worry about leaving your smartphone alone on the beach while you take a dip in the water. Simply bring your phone with you in this handy pouch and you can even use it while splashing around!

    Waterproof Cellphone

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What to Wear on Spring Break

What you wear on spring break will largely depend on where you’re headed. If you’re traveling to a warm or tropical destination, stick with the basics: t-shirts, shorts, flip flops, sundresses, and sunglasses. If you’re headed overseas or planning to spend your spring break in a big city, be sure to look put together and dress for the weather in your destination!

What Should WOMEN Wear on Spring Break? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
Women heading on spring break should dress for warm, springtime weather! However, this will depend on the weather at your destination. Bring a swimsuit, shorts, sundresses, and clothing that you’re comfortable moving around in that is sweat-wicking or water-resistant.

What Should MEN Wear on Spring Break?– (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
Men heading on spring break should dress for the weather at their destination. Bring plenty of clothes that you feel comfortable moving around in, and that are sweat-wicking or water-resistant. Don’t forget a few nice outfits, too, for evenings out.

What NOT to bring on Spring Break

  • 1.DON’T PACK a regular towel

    Regular towels take up a lot of space in your suitcase and take a long time to dry after use. Instead, consider bringing a quick dry towel that’s lightweight and compact.

  • 2.DON’T BRING too much stuff

    You won’t want to lug around a heavy, overstuffed suitcase during your spring break vacation. Bring only what you need and leave room in your luggage for souvenirs!

  • 3.DON’T TAKE full-size toiletries

    You won’t have a need for full-size toiletries during your spring break trip. Instead, bring smaller, travel-size toiletries that you can easily and affordably replace or refill.

  • 4.DON’T PACK a winter coat

    Unless you’re going skiing or heading to a cold destination, you’ll have no need for a winter coat on spring break. Instead, pack plenty of layers to easily adapt to changing temperatures.

  • 5.DON’T BRING heavy books

    If you’re planning to do some reading during your trip, opt for a small and compact kindle instead of bringing a bunch of heavy books. This will keep your luggage much lighter!

  • 6.DON’T TAKE expensive valuables

    I Don’t risk your valuables getting lost, stolen, or broken during your spring break trip. Bring only the essentials and leave the rest at home!

What clothing should I NOT wear on Spring Break? – (Click to expand)

Don’t bundle up too much on your spring break trip, especially if you’re headed somewhere warm and tropical, as it won’t be necessary. Avoid wearing flashy or expensive-looking clothes or carrying expensive electronics, as it makes you more of a target for pickpockets and petty theft.

FAQs for going on Spring break

  • 1. Where should I go on spring break?

    Where you go on spring break will depend on your budget, timeframe, and personal preferences. Some of the most popular spring break destinations include Florida, Europe, and tropical Caribbean islands.

  • 2. Is spring break expensive?

    Spring break can be as expensive or inexpensive as you make it. If you’re headed overseas, chances are your trip will end up costing a bit more than if you stay domestically. If you’re trying to maintain a budget, consider going the all-inclusive route, which will give you the most bang for your buck.

  • 3. What should I do on spring break?

    Relax! Spring break is a great opportunity to take a break from the stresses of regular life and enjoy a nice vacation. Be sure to spend time doing the things you like with the people you like, and if that means chilling by the beach all day, going on a hike, or exploring a new city, then that’s exactly what you should do.