mollybaer
- Jun 5, 2023
- 3 min read

Vacation Must Haves from Nordstrom

Summer vacations are full of exploring, rest, and quality time with family and friends. Whether you're traveling to the mountains, the beach, Disney, or planning a weekend at the lake I've got your clothing essentials covered!

Packing for a trip can be stressful. Before I had children I would throw my suitcase together the day before a trip and went with the attitude, "if I forget something I'll just buy when I get there."

Now that we have two children and frequently travel my packing mantra has evolved. Don't get me wrong, I love shopping in all scenarios of life but...relaxing and quality time with my people is what I really want out of a vacation! I now know what I need to pack and what should stay at home. Packing lists help make certain I have what I need and my kiddos have what they need on a trip. My husband is not a list man however, he's most definitely improved his packing skills with some "influence."

Living in Atlanta we try to plan a trip to the mountains each summer. Whether it's Highlands, North Carolina or Colorado...we love a summer mountain getaway with cooler temperatures, bike rides, hiking, and rafting.

The Mountains fashion board pictured above includes all of my top clothing must haves for a mountain trip. Jeans, trail sneakers, hats, sweatshirts, leggings, a comfy maxi dress, a long sleeve floral blouse, booties, and a cute backpack are all essentials for the mountains. Each item pictured above is from Nordstrom and you can find links at the end of this post.

Next up the beach! My mother and father in law own a beach home in Florida and we visit as much as possible. It's truly one of our happiest places. My husband and I got married there in 2007 and memories of our kiddos first beach days will always hold close to our hearts. Swimsuits, coverups, hats, flip flops, espadrilles, and a good beach bag are my must haves for the beach. You will rarely find me in pants at the beach!

As much as I love the beach summers spent on a lake have to be at the top of my list. Lake Oconee and Lake Blue Ridge are not far from us and are absolutely beautiful. We have spent long weekends away with groups of family and friends at the lake and I can honestly say I get the #lakelife. Sitting on a dock, cruising on a boat, s'mores, cool evenings, and foggy bee is while drinking morning coffee. Love! Now let's get to lake attire. A sunhat with ties is at the top of this packing list along with jean shorts, Birkenstocks, a one piece swimsuit (tubing in a two piece is a no for me), sneakers, a fleece pullover, and a long sleeve coverup. All of these items will keep you cool & comfy at the lake.

Last but not least, Disney is one of the most popular summer vacation spots for families. My husband is not a personal fan of the lines but, we understand the magic. You can't argue with the "Happiest Place on Earth" and have to take your children at least once during their childhood. Cute Mickey gear like the sweatshirt, & earrings pictured above are essentials to pack and not buy upon arrival. You'll spend twice as much on property and you'll avoid ridiculous lines if you bring your own Disney gear. Comfortable shoes, a lightweight backpack, and athletic dress are my other top picks for Disney packing. Finally, a maxi dress with sneakers and denim jacket for evenings.

In addition to these clothing essentials you will not regret packing a First Aid kit and all your beauty essentials. Having to run to a pharmacy for bandages or face wash on vacation is not relaxing. My favorite cosmetic travel case and first aid kit pictured above are also linked below.