What to pack for a spring (+family+religious) vacation

My husband and I are flying to Los Angeles for Passover next week, and I was thinking about what to pack. 

Packing for the holidays is always a little bit different than simply going on vacation: you need to wear something that will be comfortable so you can play with the children, you need to bring clothes that are fancy and modest enough for synagogue or church, but at the same time, you need to bring standard vacation clothing. So I thought I'd give you a few tips and tricks for what to pack for your spring vacation! 

Everyday Outfit

So, first thing's first: I believe in packing light. I think it's a great idea to bring different pieces that work with multiple different outfits instead of packing 10 different individual outfits, each with its own pair of shoes and specific accessories. Most of the items I bring, I plan on wearing multiple times and in multiple ways. 

The first thing that I recommend is a pair of earrings you never have to take off. I love these ones from Nadri - they match everything, they're resilient (I almost never take them off), and they're so comfortable you can sleep in them! They're an item I think it's worth splurging on because they'll last a long time and you'll definitely get your money's worth out of them. Plus, if you never take them off, you never have to worry about losing them! 

Then I recommend bringing two statement jewelry pieces - I chose a necklace and a bracelet, which is in the next look. The two that I chose can work with a few different outfits. This necklace from Cost Plus World Market is a new favorite of mine - I removed the tassel myself, but you can also choose to leave it on. It looks great dressed up or dressed down, and it's so inexpensive! I saw a similar necklace for $300 recently, so I was happy to find this dupe. 

​As far as a purse, I'm a big fan of a saddle bag that is packable - you may not be able to bring your purse with you on the flight if you're taking a rolling bag and a backpack as a carry-on, so it's best to bring a purse that you can stuff in your luggage without worrying about it. Plus, a saddle bag looks cute with anything! 

I wanted to suggest two different shoe options - these incredibly comfortable sandals from Naot and these sneakers from Target. The sandals I actually bought on my honeymoon last year! After we'd done a lot of walking on the first leg of our trip, my feet were killing me because I was wearing a pair of $10 sandals that didn't offer any support. My husband insisted that I spend the money and buy myself a pair of sandals that I could walk around in and that would last more than one season. I have to say, he was definitely right. I wore these every day last summer and they're still in great shape. I can't wait to wear them again this season. 

The sneakers were a recent purchase, and I've been loving them. They're so comfortable and they make your feet look really attractive - sometimes you've got to wear sneakers, and if you're going to wear them, then get a pair that make you feel like a lady.  

I think a sunhat is a must have when you're traveling to a warm place. It adds the finishing touch to every outfit, and protects your skin. Plus, in an Orthodox Jewish synagogue, women cover their hair once their married for modesty purposes. (As someone who loves hats, I am all about that tradition!) Find a hat that matches a few of your outfits and if it's packable, so much the better! You don't want to worry about your hat being crushed in transit. 

As someone who loves perfumes, I thought I would share with you my recent favorite: Simone by Tocca. It's perfect for a spring vacation, especially if you're near the water. It has notes of crisp apple and frangipani, and it is light and lovely. I think packing a perfume is a nice little touch. 

And now for the crux of the outfit! A pair of jeans is a must-have if you're packing light - you can wear them with anything, and they can be dressed up or down. I love this pair from Levi's - they're a wedgie cut that makes your tush look great, plus they're high-waisted, so you can tuck in a blouse and look instantly put together. Then I chose a sleeveless blouse - and voila! That's a basic everyday look. 

Beach/Pool Outfit

Now we get into more standard beachwear. I think three or four pairs of shoes is plenty when you're traveling - a pair of flip flops, a pair of comfortable sandals, a nice pair of heels, and, if you're planning on exercising while you're away, a pair of sneakers.

I found this beautiful swimsuit on Amazon, and I love it. It's comfortable and flattering, and everything stays put as it should! Plus, when you're with family, I tend to think that a one-piece is a more comfortable option. The back has a really cute zipper and a tie so you can adjust it to your body. This swimsuit is cute enough that you could wear it with the shorts and it would be an adorable outfit. But, just for an added layer of coverage, I threw this cover up in the mix. 

Of course, a hat is never more important then when you're at the beach or the pool, so grab either the same packable hat you wore before or a second one and protect your skin! Lastly, this Neutrogena sunscreen is the only one I'll use on my face - it's specifically made for acne-prone skin. 

Fancy Outfit + Modest Option

When you're on vacation, you want to be able to take an evening away from family and get some alone time in with your partner. That's where a fancy outfit comes in. 

I chose this dress because it's so springy and yet it's very modest on its own. It comes about mid-calf, but because it has a handkerchief hemline, it doesn't look dowdy. The neckline is cut high, but because it's sleeveless, the dress still looks modern. And it translates so well to a religious event! Throw on a blazer and you are completely church- or synagogue-ready. With the addition of a sparkly cuff, you can go from day to night. 

These heels are the final pair of shoes that I think are a lovely addition to your suitcase. A neutral, summery pair like this go with every outfit, and they're super comfortable. Another great alternative would be a cute pair of espadrilles. 

As you can see, everything else is the same - the hat, the perfume, the purse, and the earrings. See how much you can do with a few key pieces? 

What do you pack when you go on a spring vacation? Let me know in the comments! 

​​*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase something. ​​​