Travel preparations

ShoppingTravel

1. Dakine Girls Carry-On (Marshalls) 2.) Mossimo Crop Pants (Target) 3.) Mossimo Shorts (Target) 4. Braided Sandals (Forever 21)

Only a ten-hour work day separates me from ten glorious days of freedom. I couldn’t be more excited!

I don’t know about you, but before I travel, I always get a little bit  carried away at the stores. All of a sudden, I realize that I need a new pair of sandals, a new pair of shorts or a new bikini (which shopping for was majorly unsuccessful, but that’s a whole other story. I don’t know how many bikinis I’ve tried on. My verdict: they don’t make bikinis for real women with anything larger than a B cup. It’s ridiculous and frustrating.)

The fact that pretty much everything is always on sale in most stores in the US is not helping either. I mean, is there actually a time when there is reason for stores not to have a sale?
I know, I know, it all comes down to marketing tactics…. the sale prices are actually the real prices and they just trick you into thinking that you’ve made a bargain (and they laugh at the people who actually pay the “original” price).
Either way, I have to admit that those sale tactics are working, because to me it still feels like a bargain. In the last few weeks, in preparation for our trip,  I made a few trips to Target and ended up perusing the clearance stands, where I found those nice black basic shorts and  the lovely pink capris. Believe it or not, I am attempting to jump on the fashion bandwagon of wearing colorful skinny pants this summer. Let’s see how that works out!

And then, J and I decided last weekend that it would probably be a wise idea to travel just with carry-on luggage. We are flying with Southwest and have a very short stopover (with plane change) both going to and coming back from the East Coast and I am kind of afraid that if we check a bag, we might end up with no luggage at the other end (and this is always a hassle and no fun!)

Of course, while J has no problem fitting his stuff into a small duffle bag (he’s a guy!), I was a little bit more concerned about what bag I might have that will fit all my (girl) stuff, but I was up for the challenge. I actually do have a small carry-on suitcase, but it’s very much on the small side and after some trial packing (in my head), I decided that it would probably be wise to invest into a new, good-sized carry-on (with wheels). Luckily, you can always count on stores like Marshalls or Ross to have good deals on luggage and so I found this really pretty Dakine carry-on for basically 50% off the original price. I love the colors and pattern. Obviously, now I’ll be able to pack comfortably and travel in style!

Do you like to shop before going on a trip? Or do you rather save your money to have more to spend while you’re on vacation?

 

  1. My boyfriend always needs a much larger bag than me :)!

  2. You could always buy a few outfits here and them mail them back to you in CA when you’re done. Clothes are so light the shipping would be super cheap. Or you could mail stuff you currently have to your first stop maybe?

    I get to see you soon!!!!!!!!!

  3. On Monday, the day before my flight to Ireland, I stopped at Barnes & Noble, Target, Old Navy and Bed Bath & Beyond and bought something in each store. So I guess I do pre-travel shop!! Though I think this was more about hitting up my favorite stores (not including BBB; that was just to buy something for the Ireland apartment that we couldn’t find). I also had to go to Chipotle, Starbucks and Jimmy John’s sub shop. I was ridiculously happy to hit all my favorites at home before I left!

    PS – one of my purchases was a pair of turquoise colored skinny jeans. I can’t believe I’m getting on that fashion train too!

  4. I usually shop before a trip, since Nathan hates (and I mean HATES!) to spend any money whatsoever when we travel, apart from food. And even then he only wants to get fast food. So I treat myself to a few new things before we go :) Just packing a carry-on is a good idea – I try to pack as little as possible when I travel but that’s mostly due to the fact that Topher has so much luggage!

  5. Sweets and I gave up carrying on luggage a long time ago. That extra $50 is well-spent, so we can be as hands-free as possible while running after a toddler through the airport! =)

  6. Yay vacation! I constantly find myself shopping before vacation. It seems like I don’t have enough of anything! I think it’s just a great excuse to spend more money and look cute in new stuff. Ha :) Have an amazing trip!!<3

  7. It kind of depends on the trip… I didn’t buy much for this trip to the lake/Amber’s wedding besides getting 2 new dresses at Target. In general I am more apt to spend money around a time that I am not traveling, but I have definitely taken trips (like my first trip to France) where I bought shoes and some outfits with that trip in mind.

    Have an absolutely wonderful time! I want to see a pic of you in the pink pants! They will look awesome on you, I am sure!

  8. I have a cousin who would always shop before a trip or a major event and I never understood why, aren’t we shopping on the trip? Was always my question, but I completely get the shopping here, for, well, anything basically. You’re right, the marketing here is monstrous and we fall for it every time.
    I just flew to stay in Miami for 3 weeks with just a carryon and I’m awfully proud of that little accomplishment, I even had 3 books with me in it!
    Have a great trip!!!!!

  9. Oh, I always like to go shopping before AND during my trip!

    Where are you going???

  10. SO TRUE about bikinis. Sorry, Target. But even your “XL” won’t even come close to covering what I’ve got going on chest-wise. I usually buy my bikinis from Victoria’s Secret and they fit great!

    I would totally check your bag – especially on Southwest since bag check is free! It’s so nice to not have to deal with that luggage (though I do understand the concern of it getting lost!)

    Have a fantastic trip! Can’t wait to hear about it.

  11. I always go shopping before a trip, even though they actually always have stores where ever you go. lol
    I am so excited for you and cannot wait to see and read all about your trip! Yay for vacations!
    Hugs xxx

  12. I tend to shop a lot, too, for clothes for vacation. It’s just so fun and really gets you excited for your trip! Plus, I tend not to spend much on stuff while I’m on vacation (case in point: I spent just $22, shopping in Mexico), I guess I get it all over with beforehand! Heh.

    I’m excited for you to have 10 days off, although IT’S JUST NOT FAIR you’re not venturing down to Florida. ;)

  13. When I travel I always made sure that I bring with me my personal hygiene kit. My shorts, t-shirts, and a pair of Havainas slippers.

  14. OOOh. I like those pink pants. I do not shop beforehand. I don’t really like shopping that much. I would rather buy food than clothing! Have fun back East!

  15. I always, always shop being going on a trip. It’s totally unnecessary, but I can’t seem to get out of town without spending at least a little bit of money at Target or someplace like that.

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