A celebratory weekend away with the ladies is an opportunity for all sorts of fun. It’s an excuse for unrestrained self-care, relaxation and sophisticated living. But – just like the guys – it can also be an excuse for mischief and mayhem.
That said, packing for a destination bachelorette party has to be versatile. You might dress up for a fine dinner at an exclusive restaurant one hour – and then dress down for an all-out dance party the next. You’ll need items to keep you energized and agile, but also items to pick you back up the next morning.
On top of all that, you want to pack it all in a neat carry-on bag. (No one wants to lug a suitcase around for one weekend). Here are our must-have items for a destination bachelorette party.
The Complete Package: Stylish Merino Wool Travel Clothes
Merino clothes are a must for any trip abroad, but they particularly shine when faced with bachelorette parties. Because merino wool is sweat-wicking and antimicrobial, it actively resists body odor and moisture, making it the ideal choice for hot destinations and steamy dance floors. Moreover, the material is wrinkle-resistant, meaning you can jam it at the bottom of a backpack this morning and still wear it to dinner this evening.
For an example of a sophisticated, versatile travel option, check out this comfortable merino wool dress, available in various neutral colors.
Hitting the Dance Floors and Streets: Flats and Light Heels
Shoes are often the most challenging thing for a light packer to edit. We understand the impulse to pack five different pairs, but it’s not reasonable – you need to choose one or two.
The best combo for a bachelorette weekend is flats and light heels. The flats will be your go-to pair for daytime walks, casual pool hangouts and even dancing. Meanwhile, light heels add a little pizzazz without the thick wedges or unwieldy boot heels of a traditional dressy shoe.
Pics or It Didn’t Happen: A Classic Polaroid Camera
This will be a photo opportunity. And everyone will leave the weekend with roughly 150 new photos on their phone. But there’s something impersonal and short-lived about a phone camera photo. Once you take them, you often forget about them immediately, and they get lost in the shuffle of an iCloud account.
Instead, consider packing a Polaroid camera (or similar instant camera) to document the party. They produce a physical memento you can cherish forever (or be embarrassed by!).
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Emergency Prep for the Worst-Case Scenarios
Let’s not spend too much time on this one. Suffice it to say: things happen. Bring an emergency kit, swap phone numbers with everyone, and ensure you have a plan for getting split up. If you want to be extra safe, pack a backup burner phone to contact people.
Self-Care for the Day of and the Next Morning
Lastly, pack for self-care. Include travel-sized options to help fend off sunburns, ward off hangovers and manage skincare on the road. Consider things like:
- A streamlined skincare routine kit filled with travel-sized bottles of care products (or your regular skincare products decanted into travel bottles).
- Hangover helpers like electrolyte powder, energy bars, etc.
- Fresheners like blotting papers, mouthwash, travel-sized deodorant, etc., for when you get off the plane.
- And sun-safe products like sunscreen and a hat – if you’re heading somewhere warm.
With these essentials in your pack, you’re ready for whatever the bachelorette weekend throws at you – well, mostly everything.
