The whiteboard on your dorm room door has a countdown — and the days before Spring Break are dwindling. And while plane and train tickets are booked, and plans are set, there is still an empty suitcase in your closet just waiting to be packed. While we know you wouldn’t forget to pack a bathing suit for Mexico, a scarf for Vail, or sandals for Florida, there are other musts you might forget, and Her Campus has you covered, no matter what you’re doing with this precious week off from textbooks, Blackboard and lectures.
For the “Typical” Spring Break
Puerto Rico, Cancun, Miami, Cabo san Lucas, The Bahamas and Bermuda are just some of the places that come to many people’s minds when they think of a traditional spring break. But no matter which warm weather location you’re going to, you’ll probably need the essentials below.
To follow your ocean dip
Trust me, that all-inclusive you’re going to, it’s not going to have a soft, bold towel like this Victoria’s Secret PINK Beach Towel. So treat yourself to one of these so that you can always find your place in the sun. $19.50
Beachside Style
Add an extra boost of style to your bikini look with this Snake Print Dip Dye Scarf from LOFT. It will look absolutely adorable any way you wear it on the beach. $34.50
A hairy situation
Get a whole medicine cabinet full of hair care in one bottle with black 15in1— it shines, protects, conditions and much more! If you want beachy locks like Whitney Port (who’s been known to use the miracle hair treatment product) then look no further! $10 for 1 oz, $20 for 3.3 oz.
Way better than a school bag
We don’t need to remind you to bring sunscreen, magazines, and your iPod. However we will remind you to bring a on-trend neon beach bag, like this Xhilaration Orange Neon Print Tote. $17.99
Kick back and relax
With long days on the beach and long nights out, you’ll need a shoe that can keep up with you — and not contribute to you breaking that nasty 50 lb. weight restriction from TSA. The Ecote Shimmery Knot Thong Sandal will keep you looking stylish throughout the day. $29
Makeup!
Odds are you probably need a new makeup bag. How quickly they get covered in powder, spilled nail polish, and cracked eyeshadow. This Snake Print cosmetic case will get your makeup vacation ready! $16.50
Shady Lady
There is perhaps nothing worse to forget on Spring Break than a pair of cheap sunglasses you don’t mind if you lose or break. Check out Forever 21’s collection of shades, including these Round Sunglasses which you won’t mind if you squash in your bag on the trip home. $5.80
Be careful and don’t forget!
Water and sand are among a long list of threats to your digital camera during Spring Break. Trust us when we say, this is the time to go retro with a Kodak Funsaver (yes, they still sell them). You’ll thank us when you have beach shots — and when you see a girl crying because she can no longer turn her digital camera on.
$9.98 for 2
Drink up
You’ll definitely be indulging in beverages on the beach, and what better way to distinguish which drink is yours than with Her Campus’s Classy Koozie? $3
Love your locks
You may love the sun and pool, but your hair doesn’t as much. Give your hair the break it deserves with Hairtrition products from Zotos. Stock up on shampoo, conditioner, leave-in treatment and hairspray before your trip so that your hair can indulge in Phyto-Keratin, which will smooth and hydrate it, as well as protect it from damage. Bonus: Between your tan, relaxed demeanor, and lustrous hair you’ll look the best you ever have! $8
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For a Spring Brrrrrrr-eak
Who needs a tan on spring break when you can get rosy mountain cheeks and some strong ski legs? Check out our suggestions below for your trip to Big Bear, Vail, Beaver Creek or Stratton.
Kissable lips
Just because you’ll spend your days bundled, doesn’t mean you should forget to keep your lips kissable. Before hitting the slopes each day, load up on some eos Smooth Lip Balm to keep your lips protected from the cold, and ready for what comes your way at night. $3.49
Keep warm
You’ve got your gloves, hat, scarves, and ski socks. But you never know how cold the mountains can be. Make sure to pack hand warmers, in case of a freezing day, so your life ticket doesn’t go unused. $14
Sweet times
Surprise your girls with La Parisienne Couture Cocoa after a long day on the slopes. The luxurious cocoa will make you feel like you’re skiing the Alps! $15
Apres Ski
These Karma boots from Two Lips are the perfect pair to bring for dinners in the lodge. Sure your tired feet may want to slip into some Uggs, but you need to maintain some style, and what better than with this fun lace-up pair. $71
Energy break
Food on the ski slopes is pricey, so pack snacks like Bear Naked’s Peak Protein bags in your pocket to save a few dollars (and calories). $15 for 12 2oz. bags
Long, hot shower
With sore muscles, you’ll want to spend a lot of time in a hot shower. But you probably don’t want to spend too much time with wet hair, or drying your hair multiple times a day. The Dry Divas is perhaps the most adorable shower cap we’ve ever seen. $26
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For a Stay-Cation
You’re saving some money by taking a staycation, but that’s no need to sacrifice your enjoyment. Forget that chemistry assignment your professor assigned at the last minute (and cruelly made due the day after break) and let yourself have some fun!
Nom, nom, nom
Treat yourself during your staycation with a recipe book like Ready for Dessert so that you can whip up some treats for your friends and family over break. Plus, if you make the sweets for your parents, they may be more inclined to foot the bill for the ingredients. $19
You better work!
You saved money by not going on an exotic trip, so we’re going to give you the OK to splurge on some amazing Adizero apparel from adidas. You didn’t have a bikini-filled spring break to inspire you to get fit, so this new super-light weight and cool workout gear will do the trick! $100 for sneakers, $50 for shorts; $50 for top
Many manis
Take this staycation to pamper yourself! With the Kardashian Kolors for Nicole by OPI, you can give yourself an at-home mani with these sparkly colors everyday, like our favorite, One Big Happy Fame-ily. $7.99
Get your game on
Whether you’re staying home with the family or hanging around campus with your pals, you might get bored. The cure to boredom? A good board game like Scattegories is just the medicine you asked for. $28
Lazy Days
Between papers and pregames, long chats with friends and long nights in the library, there isn’t much time for a good old-fashioned movie night. Whether it be with mom or your sister, throw a bag of popcorn in the microwave and make some root beer floats and then pop Gilmore Girls for a long night of bonding between gals.