6.2.16 26

Summertime Vacation Essentials

Who else is excited it’s finally June?!

As I hinted at in my post on Tuesday, I’ve got a lot of fun trips on the calendar for this summer—and I bet you do, too! So when ghd reached out to me and asked me to share my vacation essentials with y’all, I jumped at the chance because I thought it was something we can all relate to. #overpackersunite

I recently switched hairstylists, and when I first went to Nadine, she introduced me to ghd—aka ‘good hair day’—products. After watching her curl my hair with one of the their 1″ straighteners a few times, and then having the curls hold for more than a few hours—quite the feat for my ultra straight, thin hair—I was sold. And luckily for us summer-loving gals, their new ghd Azores collection means we can now get their awesome 1″ stylers in three beachy colors—serene pearl, atlantic jade, and marine allure.

Even though my hair is naturally straight, I’ve sworn by bringing a flat iron on vacation for years. Now you might be thinking, Katie, the title of this post is vacation essentials, but I seriously cannot go on a trip without my straightener. For one, I love letting my hair air-dry, and then just getting any kinks out with it so my hair is exposed to less heat overall. And two, those curls Nadine showed me how to do turn into the perfect beachy waves with some texturizing spray and humidity, which is a relaxed vacation look I can get behind. Added bonus: all the ghd Azores stylers come with a travel case, making it easy to throw them right into your suitcase, even if they’re still warm from use. 

ghd azores atlantic jade professional styler

ghd azores atlantic jade professional styler

ghd azores atlantic jade professional styler

I’ve been traveling more since college graduation, and established my vacation essentials after many hours of lugging an oversized bag through the airport or train station.

  • Even though I do own a few pairs of nice sunglasses, I generally take cheaper pairs with me on vacations. J Crew Factory makes some of my favorite affordable sunglasses that I can wear in the ocean or out playing tourist. Since they’re usually under $30, I don’t stress too much if I lose or break them.
  • Because my luggage is black, I like to put a bright tag or ribbon on it so it’s easier to identify at baggage claim. Then I also avoid that awkward moment when I pick up someones identical luggage and realize it’s not mine. In case my bag does get lost, I always slip a Tile inside. For those of you that don’t know, Tile is an amazing little piece of technology that sends out a GPS signal wherever it is. Great for finding keys, missing luggage, or anything else you want to take track of, they’re also really affordable and the mobile app is very user-friendly. I’d recommend it to anyone!
  • I always pack an extra garbage bag or two in my luggage. These become great laundry hampers on the fly, or a way to store wet clothes or bathing suits if you don’t have time to dry things out before heading home. They also take up virtually no space, so it’s a win-win.
  • Since I have to lug around a huge bag most of the week, I always take a condensed version of my wallet, and leave the rest at home for safe keeping. For me, this is always cash, my driver’s license, my health insurance, and a couple of credit cards, in case one is compromised while I’m away. I generally pack these items in one clutch or crossbody that I think can fit all scenarios on the trip so I don’t have to use up space in my luggage hauling around multiple bags.

I’d love to know if you have amassed any travel or packing tips along the way, and what you consider to be summer vacation essentials. Feel free to leave me your advice in the comments below! x

ghd azores atlantic jade professional styler

ghd azores atlantic jade professional styler

ghd azores atlantic jade professional styler

Thank you to ghd for gifting me an Azores 1″ styler for review. As always, opinions are my own, and thank you for supporting the brands that keep A Touch of Teal’s doors open!

Leave a Comment

26 Comments

  1. The magic straightener! My hair also looked so good when she worked her magic with this, and it’s making my 10 year old CHI look completely dysfunctional. Also agree re: J.Crew Factory sunnies…they are the BEST for traveling!!

    Published 6.2.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks so much, Mons!

      Published 6.14.16
      Reply
  2. Ciera Chang wrote:

    Love your vacation essentials! These pictures are just gorgeous and I never knew about Tile GPS before, I’ll definitely have to check it out!

    xoxo, CiCi
    http://www.worldwidestylista.com

    Published 6.2.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks so much, lady! xo

      Published 6.14.16
      Reply
  3. KatyRose wrote:

    When I had shorter hair and straightened it all the time, I never went anywhere without my flatiron. It is essential! (Love the essie polishes too – that is by far my favorite brand.)

    Published 6.2.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Mine too! Glad we are two peas in a pod :]

      Published 6.14.16
      Reply
  4. Melissa wrote:

    I pack trash bags, too! The only other thing I’d add to the list is medicine, which I usually pack a few different pills in contact lens holders for small, portable use. 🙂

    Xo,
    Melissa

    http://www.GreenPalateLife.com

    Published 6.2.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Ah, such a good idea! I need to be better about that so I don’t spend $15 on Advil in the airport!

      Published 6.14.16
      Reply
  5. Oh goodness! This post makes me so excited for summer. And makes me want to buy some new sunnies. 🙂

    Published 6.2.16
    Reply
  6. Rachel wrote:

    Love the bathing suit and nail polish colors! Yay for pinks and corals this time of year!

    Published 6.2.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Could not agree more :]

      Published 6.14.16
      Reply
  7. Ashley wrote:

    What a great roundup of essentials! I love the color of that swimsuit top!

    xo Ashley

    Published 6.2.16
    Reply
  8. Jenny wrote:

    I love JCrew Factory’s sunnies too! Awesome essentials and I will definitely have to check out that straightener.

    xoxo, Jenny

    Published 6.2.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Glad we are on the same page :]

      Published 6.14.16
      Reply
  9. Suzanne wrote:

    I love j crew factory! I’ve found some of my favorite summer pieces from there. Great picks 🙂

    Published 6.3.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Could not agree more! xo

      Published 6.14.16
      Reply
  10. Tiffany wrote:

    what a fun list. Did I miss where your hat was from? Love it!

    Published 6.3.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      It’s from J Crew! xo

      Published 6.14.16
      Reply
  11. Annie wrote:

    I’m loving those shades and this bathing suit top! Great post 🙂

    Published 6.4.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks so much, lady! xo

      Published 6.14.16
      Reply
  12. Lauren wrote:

    I love a good hair straightener. For me, a nice hair dryer is key. Being able to blow dry my long hair quickly and not fry my hair is key!

    -Lauren
    pinkonthecheek.com

    Published 6.6.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Completely agree, Lauren! ghd is so good for that!

      Published 6.14.16
      Reply
  13. Great suggestions! I never thought about garbage bags but that is so smart!

    Published 6.6.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Woot! Glad it was helpful :]

      Published 6.14.16
      Reply