Your Essential Guide to Effortless Summer Travel: Carry-On Packing, Wardrobe Essentials, and Must-Read Books

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Hello, fellow adventurers and bookworms! We are now deeply immersed in the heart of summer – are you making the most of this vibrant season? For me, summer represents pure bliss. It’s my absolute favorite time of year, characterized by warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s leisurely walks, peaceful kayaking, tending to the garden, or dining al fresco, summer allows for all my favorite activities without the chill or dampness that often accompanies other seasons. It’s truly my happy place, though I sometimes wonder if I’m in the wrong part of the United States, given our reputation for cold and wet weather for much of the year!

I’m thrilled to share what I believe is an exceptional “Good Things List” for you this month. June was largely defined by an incredible vacation, which has inspired me to share a wealth of insights. This includes practical packing tips for warm weather travel, an honest review of how my capsule wardrobe performed, a few standout purchases that enhanced my trip, and detailed reviews of eight captivating books (out of a remarkable twelve read! Can you guess what I spent my flight and vacation time doing?). Plus, there’s even more to explore.

I genuinely value your thoughts and experiences. Please take a moment to comment below and share what you think of this list, or any beloved packing and travel tips you’ve found indispensable!

Good Things: Unforgettable Caribbean Adventures and Smart Packing Strategies

Undoubtedly, the highlight of June was our magnificent trip to the Caribbean! For a deeper dive into our vacation planning, including how we selected the Bahamas as our island destination, effective strategies for saving on the trip, and a collection of additional photos, I invite you to listen to our podcast episode here. It truly was a wonderfully rejuvenating experience.

For this edition of the Good Things List, I wanted to focus extensively on the art of packing for a warm-weather destination. Specifically, I’ll share how I managed to pack for two full weeks using only a carry-on bag, my strategic choices for a comfortable travel outfit, an honest assessment of how my minimalist capsule wardrobe performed (including what I’d adjust next time), and a few new items I purchased that proved to be invaluable.

It’s worth noting that I’ve previously discussed efficient carry-on packing for extended trips. For instance, you can review my guide on how to pack a carry-on for more than a week, which I developed for our 2+ week journey to Greece and Kosovo. That trip required a slightly different approach due to cooler spring temperatures, necessitating more clothing layers. You can find those specific packing tips here.

Carry-On Only Wardrobe & Strategic Packing for a Two-Week Caribbean Getaway

Embracing the challenge of a carry-on only trip meant meticulously planning a versatile and lightweight capsule wardrobe. The goal was to have mix-and-match pieces suitable for the hot and humid Caribbean climate, ensuring comfort and style without overpacking. Here’s a detailed look at my choices for two weeks:

My Two-Week Caribbean Capsule Wardrobe Essentials:

• Swim Gear: Essential for a beach destination! I packed active swim shorts and a rashguard (paired with an existing bikini bra top), along with a skirted swimsuit and an extra top. The advice to bring at least two suits so one can dry while the other is worn proved incredibly accurate and useful. Additionally, a versatile sarong became a surprisingly cool multi-purpose item, serving as a cover-up, towel, and even a beach blanket.
• 5 Tops: My selection included four flowy tanks, chosen specifically because their loose fit minimizes sweat showing in high humidity, and one short-sleeve top. I actually managed to fit an additional t-shirt into a packing cube, but as it turned out, I never wore it, reinforcing the idea that less is often more.
• 3 Toppers: To provide light coverage and style, I brought one linen long-sleeve button-up shirt and two kimonos. These were perfect for sun protection or a light layer in air-conditioned spaces.
• 4 Summer Dresses: Dresses are a warm-weather savior! I packed two black dresses (details linked below) and two comfortable olive pull-over styles I previously shared. The shorter striped dress also doubled effectively as a swim cover-up.
• Sleeping Attire: A simple shorts PJ set and two bra tanks ensured comfortable nights.
• 4 Bottoms: My choices included two skirts, one pair of reliable jean shorts, and one pair of linen pants, offering various options for different activities.
• Extras: Two ribbed tanks for layering or casual wear, and a practical baseball hat for sun protection.
• Shoes: Functionality was key: comfortable walking sandals for exploration, flip-flops for the beach and casual wear, and a slightly nicer pair of sandals for evenings.
• Not Shown: Of course, essential underwear and one pair of socks were also packed.

While we did have access to a washing machine, its convenience was limited, so we primarily used it once for towels and a few shirts. For most items, I resorted to hand washing in the bathroom sink and utilizing a handy clothesline (more on that great find below) to air dry them overnight. This strategy proved highly effective for keeping clothes fresh throughout the trip.

Efficient Carry-on Bag Layers: Maximizing Space

Mastering the art of carry-on packing involves thoughtful layering and strategic placement. Here’s how I structured my bag:

1. Foundation Layer: Flip-flops and other flat sandals were placed strategically at the very bottom, tucked around the sturdy bars of the extending handle. This utilizes often-wasted space.
2. Second Layer: Thin, wrinkle-resistant dresses and my jean shorts were carefully folded and laid flat over the initial shoe layer, creating a smooth base.
3. Upper Layers: The layer shown in the image above accommodated my walking sandals (securely stored in a dedicated shoe bag), my compact toiletries container, another skirt, and a couple more dresses.

A mix of packing techniques was employed: some items were folded flat to prevent creases, while others were rolled tightly to maximize space. The remaining smaller items were neatly compressed into three small packing cubes, which proved indispensable for organization.

As you can observe in the image, a black dress that was initially folded in a previous layer is now rolled and placed behind the packing cubes. The key to successful carry-on packing is constant adjustment – continuously assessing how items fit best as you progress. I was even able to securely place my flat iron on top of the rolled dress, as it sat slightly lower than the packed cubes, creating a stable surface.

Optimizing with Packing Cubes:

Packing cubes are game-changers for organization and space-saving. Here’s my system:

• Left Cube: Dedicated entirely to swim gear, including the versatile sarong. This kept wet items separate and contained.
• Middle Cube: Housed all my skirts, tanks, and other tops. This made it easy to pull out a full outfit without rummaging.
• Right Cube: Contained smaller essentials such as underwear, pajamas, extra tanks, my baseball cap, socks, and bras. This cube actually had a bit of extra room, allowing me to squeeze in that striped tee I mentioned earlier.

Upon arrival at our destination, I simply unzipped the tops of these cubes and placed them directly into the dresser drawers. This allowed me to keep my clothes neatly organized throughout the entire trip, eliminating the need to unpack and repack. This was my first time extensively using these smaller packing cubes, and I was thoroughly impressed by their organizational power and how much I could efficiently fit into them.

My Essential Travel Outfit: Layering for Comfort

Given my tendency to feel cold on planes, especially for a red-eye flight, a layered approach was crucial for my travel outfit. My ensemble included comfortable jeans, an elbow-length tee, the linen button-up shirt (which also serves as a light jacket), a lightweight cotton jacket, a scarf, and my trusted slip-on Sketchers. These shoes have been my go-to travel companions for years due to their lightweight comfort and suitability for both walking and light hiking.

I deliberated about arriving in the Bahamas wearing jeans, but my comfort during the flight took precedence over immediate tropical attire. I certainly didn’t regret my decision; the layers, particularly the scarf which doubled as a blanket, provided welcome warmth during our flights. Once we arrived on the island, our exposure to the hot, humid air was limited to short walks to the car and then to our apartment, making the jeans a non-issue.

Honest Review: How the Carry-On Wardrobe Performed – Lessons Learned

It might seem counterintuitive, but even with a carry-on, it’s possible to pack too much! Just because an item fits doesn’t mean it’s necessary. This trip provided valuable insights into what truly worked and what was superfluous. Here are the items I ultimately didn’t wear, along with the reasoning:

• Short-Sleeved Tees: My daughter’s experience in Cuba had led me to pack three short-sleeved tees (including my travel tee) for sun protection. However, in the intense heat and humidity, I found myself avoiding anything on my arms. I consistently opted for tanks, and when I needed sun relief, my kimono cover-up sufficed.
• The Nicer Sandals: Staying in an Airbnb and prioritizing walking to explore, coupled with no interest in formal dining, meant my dressier sandals went untouched. My comfortable walking sandals and flip-flops were all I needed for the entire two weeks.
• Linen Pants: Similar to the short-sleeved tops, the linen pants proved too warm. I exclusively gravitated towards skirts and dresses for maximum airflow and comfort.
• Flowy Maxi Dress with Sleeves: While I adore this dress (more on it below), it felt a bit too formal and had too much material for the casual, extremely hot, and humid nature of our trip. It would likely be a fantastic choice for a resort setting, but it didn’t fit this particular travel style.
• One of the Black Kimono Covers: I only ended up needing one kimono. Live and learn, right? This emphasizes the importance of versatility and minimal layering in extremely hot climates.

The main takeaway is clear: I could have brought even less! It’s challenging to conceptualize needing only five tops and two tanks for a two-week period, but in a destination like the Caribbean, where daily swimming is common, wardrobe changes are frequent. Hand-washing items overnight and remembering that bottoms don’t necessarily get very dirty with occasional wear over two weeks dramatically reduces the need for a vast wardrobe.

The Caribbean Must-Packs: Essential Items for Your Tropical Escape

Based on my experience, certain items truly shone and proved to be indispensable for a comfortable and enjoyable Caribbean trip:

• Three Versatile Dresses: These were the ultimate winners. Effortless to throw on, incredibly cool in the warm weather, and easily dressed up or down.
• Two Skirts and Flowy Tanks: A perfect combination for breathability and comfort, ideal for daily wear.
• Comfortable Walking Sandals and Flip-Flops: These two pairs cover all bases, from exploring historical sites to relaxing on the beach. Prioritizing comfort for walking is paramount.
• Two Swimsuits and a Sarong: Having two swimsuits ensures one is always dry. The sarong, as mentioned, is a multi-tasking marvel, serving as a towel, cover-up, and beach blanket.
• One Coordinating Kimono: A single, versatile kimono that pairs well with everything offers light sun protection and a stylish layer without being overly warm.
• One Pair of Jean Shorts (or other Hiking/Walking Shorts): Despite their heavier material, I was incredibly grateful for these. They provided essential protection against chafing during long days of walking and sightseeing in humid conditions.

The Good Buys: Enhancing Your Wardrobe and Travel Experience

Before my trip, I invested in a few pieces that proved to be excellent additions, both for travel and for everyday wear back home:

Flowy Black Maxi Dress and Camisole Bra Top Dress.

The flowy dress on the left, an affordable find from Walmart at under $25, is incredibly airy, supremely comfortable, and remarkably flattering. While I didn’t wear it during our highly humid Caribbean vacation (preferring minimal fabric), it has become a cherished item since returning home. It’s perfect for our 70-80 degree non-humid days. Since its purchase, I’ve worn it to church and a backyard BBQ, solidifying its status as a great buy! (A note on its description: it’s labeled as a “strapless dress,” which is quite misleading given it clearly has sleeves. Rest assured, it looks exactly as pictured!)

In contrast, the camisole bra top dress on the right was a true vacation staple, worn at least three times. It was absolutely perfect for the intense heat and humidity. What I loved most was the integrated bra top, which features actual cups rather than just a shelf, providing excellent support and eliminating the need for a separate bra. It’s from **Uniqlo**, a brand I only discovered a few months ago but quickly learned is known for quality clothing at very reasonable prices. This dress is also incredibly flattering and hits at my preferred knee length. Now that I’m back home and the weather is cooler, I often layer it with a cardigan or one of my kimonos, extending its versatility.

Pure Linen Shirt.

I frequently wear button-up shirts over tanks, either as a light cover-up or for adaptable layering in changeable weather. While most of my collection consists of cotton shirts, I’d read that linen offers superior breathability and comfort in hot, humid conditions, prompting my search for a suitable linen option.

This quest actually led me to discover Uniqlo, a brand renowned for its French linen clothing items, which are also surprisingly affordable. This classic white shirt pictured is under $20 and proved to be an excellent find. It performed wonderfully during the trip and has since replaced my cotton white shirt for everyday wear at home. Its fabric feels delightful against the skin and genuinely provided better airflow in the warm Caribbean climate. To be completely honest, I primarily used it in air-conditioned environments on the island; as mentioned, I preferred to have nothing on my arms in the Bahamian heat! However, it was an absolutely perfect layering piece for the airplane journey, offering comfort against the cooler cabin air.

No Clothespin Travel Clothesline.

For travelers who frequently hand-wash clothing in hotel sinks, a reliable travel clothesline is an absolute necessity. After researching several options, I opted for the model pictured above primarily because of its compact size when packed and the brilliant design that eliminates the need for bulky clothespins. It performed exactly as described, proving to be an exceptional travel accessory. The braided rope design allows you to easily thread a small section of clothing through, securely holding it in place. Furthermore, it offers three versatile attachment methods – velcro, suction cups, or clips – ensuring you can hang it almost anywhere. I highly recommend this travel clothesline for its practicality and efficiency; it’s a true lifesaver for keeping your wardrobe fresh on the go.

June Reads: A Vacation Full of Page-Turners

You know a vacation was truly successful when you manage to read an astounding twelve books in a single month – and only three of those were audiobooks! This abundance of reading was incredibly restorative and undoubtedly a major factor in returning home feeling relaxed and refreshed (though spending a couple of weeks floating in glorious Caribbean water certainly helped!). Here are eight standout titles I’m excited to share with you:

Tell Me Three Things, Julie Buxbaum.
I discovered this Young Adult (YA) novel after reading a glowing review on Modern Mrs. Darcy. It proved to be a sweet and surprisingly profound story, tackling the complex emotions of grief and loss among teenagers, alongside their everyday challenges. The narrative centers on a girl coping with the death of her mother from cancer, whose father subsequently remarries and relocates them from Michigan to California, plunging her into a completely new life. She struggles to adapt at her new school until an anonymous helper, communicating via messages, offers guidance in navigating the social landscape. The book handles genuine emotions with sensitivity and develops into a charming romance, though I wish it hadn’t portrayed a casual attitude towards sex among 16-year-olds, reflecting a societal norm that I find regrettable. Like much contemporary fiction, it also contained some strong language.

Act Like It, Lucy Parker.
Another delightful recommendation from Modern Mrs. Darcy, who categorized this as a “closed door” romance (meaning intimate details are implied rather than explicit). It was wonderfully light and entertaining, perfectly suited for vacation reading. This book is the first in a series by Parker, set around actors in London’s West End, offering an intriguing theater backdrop. The premise involves two actors who, despite their personal animosity, are asked to fake a romantic relationship to improve the lead actor’s public image – and, predictably, hilarity and genuine feelings ensue! A note on content: while it is a closed-door romance, there is some strong language and references to casual relationships.

Loving People, Dr. John Townsend.
I listened to this insightful book each morning throughout the month while preparing for the day. Written by the co-author of the acclaimed Boundaries series, it offers profound wisdom on cultivating meaningful relationships. My Book Notes Journal proved invaluable for capturing the many gems from this book about loving others well by becoming a truly loving person. Key takeaways include:

-Loving isn’t always roses and happy feelings. True loving is doing what is best for the other person, even if it’s hard.
-The myth of loving yourself before you can love others is not true. It tends to isolate us from relationships; love is an interpersonal, relational process, occurring between two people, not inside one person.
-“Love your neighbor as yourself” actually teaches to love others as we would WANT to be loved.

Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens.
I observe on Amazon that this book boasts over 15,000 reviews and a perfect five-star rating, which clearly places me in a minority when I say this won’t rank among my top books of the year. From the outset, I found it difficult to fully immerse myself in the novel’s core premise: the idea of a mother abandoning her six-year-old, that child then independently learning to survive, cook, earn money, and navigate life entirely alone, and the notion that no one in the nearby town would extend genuine help or pity to a young girl. We are asked to accept that her initial reluctance to go with strangers led everyone to simply leave a child to fend for herself in a swamp. I also found some of the courtroom scenes to be rather clichéd, and even the twist at the end didn’t come as a significant surprise to me. However, the writing itself is undeniably strong and evocative, and I can certainly appreciate its widespread allure. It will likely translate into a compelling movie. Ultimately, it just wasn’t a story that resonated deeply with my sensibilities.

Born a Crime, Trevor Noah.
Now, here is a bestseller with unanimous five-star ratings that I wholeheartedly endorse. This memoir is simply incredible – it offers a powerful glimpse into life in South Africa just a few decades ago, provides invaluable insights into the complexities of apartheid and race, and chronicles the truly extraordinary life of Trevor Noah. I found myself frequently sharing anecdotes from the book with Brian as we relaxed on the beach in the Bahamas! While I wished he had delved more into his transition from extreme poverty and hardship to becoming a world-famous comedian, I understand that the book focuses on specific formative stories from his life (which are not always presented in strict chronological order). Be aware that it contains strong language, but despite this, it is an exceptionally worthwhile and deeply moving read.

The Printed Letter Bookshop, Katherine Reay.
This is the latest offering from Katherine Reay, one of my favorite authors whose entire bibliography I’ve enjoyed. Notably, it’s her first novel that doesn’t incorporate any elements related to Jane Austen. Based on its conclusion, it appears to be the inaugural book in a new series set in this charming town. I found it to be a fun, engaging, and relatively quick read (Reay’s books are consistently clean, which I appreciate). While the plot’s trajectory and ultimate outcome were fairly predictable within the first few chapters, this didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I particularly relish a good “HEA” book – that’s “Happily Ever After” in romance parlance, for those unfamiliar! I grew fond of the characters and enjoyed observing how they navigated and resolved the various challenges in their lives.

The Ballad of the Whiskey Robber, Julian Rubinstein.
Brian and I listened to this book together, and we both absolutely loved it. One of our favorite literary categories is “Unbelievable True Stories,” and this book perfectly fits the bill. It recounts the captivating 1990s tale of Attila Ambrus, a legendary outlaw from Budapest, famously dubbed a “gentleman thief, a sort of Cary Grant–if only Grant came from Transylvania, was a terrible professional hockey goalkeeper, and preferred women in leopard-skin hot pants.” The narrative is a compelling blend of humor, sadness, and sheer amazement. Through his story, we also gained fascinating insights into the history of Hungary and Romania in the years following the collapse of the Eastern Bloc, where many people lived without basic amenities like running water and electricity, reminiscent of conditions in America 50-100 years prior. While there was some swearing, I highly recommend this book to anyone who, like us, enjoys a truly astounding “I can’t believe this is real” account.

This Must Be The Place, Maggie O’Farrell.
This novel delves into the complex marriage between a divorced man, whose ex-wife restricts his access to his children, and his reclusive film star wife. The story spans several years and, despite being beautifully written and featuring a number of intriguing characters, I ultimately did not enjoy this book. I found myself struggling to understand many of the characters’ motivations and actions (or inactions). Furthermore, the frequent shifts between different years and points of view within each chapter made it challenging to follow the narrative consistently. Some of these shifting perspectives felt rather inconsequential; for instance, we are given an extensive backstory for an elderly lady on a tour bus, solely to pinpoint the location of the father and son characters in a specific year, and she is never seen again. This approach simply didn’t resonate with me, and it’s quite telling that I read this at the beginning of June and couldn’t recall its plot until I revisited its description on Amazon to jog my memory!

June TV & Movies: Summer Screen Time

Even on vacation, a bit of curated screen time can be a welcome escape, especially after long days of exploring or simply winding down in the evenings. Here’s what we watched this past month:

TV:

CBS:
Last season of Elementary. It’s bittersweet to see this show conclude after seven seasons, though all good things must eventually end. We continued to thoroughly enjoy its clever mysteries, despite my lingering reservations about Lucy Liu’s character sporting blonde hair – it just never quite felt right for me!

Amazon:
Good Omens. After our immense enjoyment of Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, we had high hopes for this adaptation to deliver another fun and interesting tale. However, we were ultimately quite disappointed. We found it to be excessively over-the-top, and the Christian themes were portrayed in a way that skewed too far from humor for our taste.

Movie:

Avengers Endgame. As two billion others have done, we felt it was imperative to see this cinematic event, especially after watching *Infinity War* last month in preparation. As I always say with these types of blockbuster movies, you know exactly what you’re going to get, and the best approach is simply to let go and enjoy the spectacle. However, we were all left scratching our heads regarding the ending involving Captain America’s time travel and what that implied for his personal timeline. What were your thoughts on that complex resolution?

That concludes another comprehensive edition of the Good Things List! If you’re eager to explore more of my recommendations and favorites, you can find all previous Good Things Lists here. I’m always keen to hear from you – whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations or have your own tips and favorites to share. Please leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below!

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