The Full Packing List
US Weekly asked me to share my summer travel essentials, but the story had a budget cap of $150 and under. Here's the complete list—the splurges, the staples, and everything I actually purchased.
What are your current go-to minnow pieces you’re planning to bring on your summer travels?
A classic, eternally flattering one-piece swimsuit is always at the top of my packing list.
I also never travel without one of our summer knits, they’re perfect for crisp evenings by the water or chilly airplane cabins.
And of course, our pajamas come along on every trip; they’re truly the softest.
I also love an easy, breezy summer dress that can double as a cover-up but still feels polished enough for lunch or dinner.
What about non-minnow fashion pieces? Why?
This summer, I’m leaning into a great statement stripe
a fresh pair of sunglasses
and a crisp white tee.
Lastly, an effortless party dress packed and ready
What are the three non-negotiable items you always pack in your beach bag, and what makes each one a must for you personally when you’re at the beach with your family?
Towels, snacks, and sunscreen.
We absolutely put our beach towels through the wringer every summer, so I usually restock each season. I buy them all in the same stripe so it’s easy to spot which ones belong to our family.
Snacks are non-negotiable with three kids—you can never have enough.
And sunscreen is a given. If we’re headed to the beach, it’s coming with us.
Do you have a go-to beach bag you always travel with? If so, what makes it your favorite and what do you love most about using it on vacation?
This is my current favorite
The Maine roots in me run deep, and the Boat tote is one of those tried-and-true pieces that somehow only gets better with age. It holds everything, is incredibly durable, and feels timeless.
What about a favorite luggage? (A suitcase and carry-on bag.) Tell us why it’s been a game changer.
I’m loyal to my Away carry-ons. They’re lightweight, easy to maneuver, and make it simple to stick to carry-on-only travel.
You’re a mom to three kids! Any tips you absolutely swear by when packing for a family getaway?
I try to plan outfits for both myself and the kids ahead of time. Being intentional before you leave makes the whole trip feel easier and helps prevent overpacking.
What’s your secret to packing light when traveling as a family, especially when you’re only planning to carry on?
Outside of ski trips, we almost always travel with carry-ons only. I think through our activities and outfits before packing, and one of the things I love about how minnow collections are designed is that everything works together. You don’t need to be perfectly matchy-matchy—the pieces coordinate naturally, making it easy to mix, match, and pack less.
Any tricks for organizing swimwear and outfits in a suitcase? Do you have any favorite packing organizers, cubes, makeup cases, etc.? Tell us why you love them.
Packing cubes are a must. I organize by child, which makes unpacking and finding things so much easier. Socks and underwear go together, and when my kids were younger, diapers and pull-ups had their own section. Swimwear always gets its own cube too.
Do you have any family traditions for summer vacations with your kids?
We love spending time in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, where we have family. It feels like a giant exhale every time we arrive. We park the car and rarely leave. The kids run between the beach and the house, kayak in the cove, pick blueberries, and spend hours outside. It’s an East Coast summer dream.
What’s one packing mistake you used to make that you’ve since fixed?
Packing too many shoes. Every single time. I’ve learned that a few versatile pairs are all you really need. And these days, if you forget something, Amazon can usually get it to you almost anywhere.
What’s your personal summer vacation uniform? Tell us four staple items you always plan to wear for breakfast, beach time, a sporty activity, and dinner.
Easy dresses are my go-to—they work just as well as a cover-up at the beach as they do for breakfast or lunch. I always pack plenty of swim, especially one-pieces that can handle swimming, paddleboarding, or kid wrangling. For dinner, I like adding a fun handbag or accessory like this one to make the outfit feel special.
Do you pack jewelry for summer vacations? If so, what are your go-to pieces that instantly elevate a simple beach or dinner look?
Absolutely. I love gold jewelry with swim and colorful beaded pieces in the summer.
How do you store your jewelry?
I use a jewelry case for longer trips and a smaller travel version for weekends away. Keeping everything organized means I actually wear it and preserve it.
Favorite jewelry pieces?
My most-worn earrings are a pair of pearl drops designed by a French-Tahitian mother-daughter duo. I’ll wear them with a white tee, dressed up for dinner, or even with swim on the beach. I also love simple gold jewelry paired with a classic one-piece swimsuit or a coral or bead on an island.
What beauty products are always in your summer travel bag—especially for keeping things simple?
Ursa Major face wipes are a travel-day staple for me, and a good depuffing eye mask. They’re the quickest way to feel refreshed after a flight or a late night.