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We’ve all been through a grueling pandemic for the past two years and are busy putting winter in the rearview. Which means we're all ready for a reset, right? The best way to do that in our book is to simply change your location—whether it's for a night, a weekend or a full week. A change of scenery helps your mind reset and you're able to come back to your normal routine with a fresh perspective.
We get that packing your bags can be a hassle and you're always asking yourself, “How many outfits should I bring? Am I going to have enough underwear?” These are all valid questions, but we're here to coach you through a successful packing strategy. We don't need to tell you what to pack, but rather remind you to think of it this way: How much time? And what's the situation? To help get you started, we've pulled together three different travel bag categories that will set you up for success no matter how long your trip is.
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For Overnights
The Tote Bag
The tote bag is ideal for a last-minute overnight stay, but it's also the best companion for your carry-on bag as well. This type of bag is just big enough to stash a change of clothes along with your iPad, charging accessories and your dopp kit. It's a bonus if the tote has an adjustable ergonomic shoulder pad, which will come in handy if you're ever in danger of missing your flight.
Going somewhere for a weekend? A duffle bag makes it simple and casual. Perfect for packing shoes, two outfits, and maybe a book and your camera (leaving room for a souvenir or two). Piece of advice: roll your clothes military style to cut down on wrinkles and place your socks in your shoes to save room.
A carry-on bag is the ultimate security blanket for traveling. People tend to overpack these but remember, it's not what you pack, it's how you pack. If you're going on a week-long vacation, you don't need multiple outfits for each day—edit your picks down to a few essential pieces like a few T-shirts, chinos and oxfords, then a nice jacket and jeans to pair with everything. It's okay to cycle through and wear the same things every day, especially if they're investment pieces.
According to a survey from NerdWallet, Americans plan to spend on average $1,817.70 for spring break vacations this year. Families will be spending a bit more, at $1,996.90 to get away.
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