Entering vacation mode should be a relaxing process. Yet, without the right vacation essentials, it’s almost impossible to kick back and enjoy that time away from home. Ready to enjoy an incredible warm-weather getaway? Check out this complete packing list for a beach vacation. With a separate travel pack list for in-flight needs, pool-side must-haves, and items for hitting the town, this vacation checklist for packing will cover all the essentials for every minute away. All that’s left? Choose the right luggage, then zip up and go!

To simplify the packing process, this vacation checklist for packing goes in order of travel. Here are the vacation essentials to include in carry-ons for easy access during the flight.

Traveling from cooler climates into warm weather presents some packing dilemmas. How to stay warm on the way to the airport and during the often-chilly flight itself? Enter the first item on the warm-weather travel pack list: a foldable jacket that’s easy to stow upon arrival without taking up valuable suitcase space needed for other vacation essentials.

Of course, a long sleeve shirt or light sweater could be sufficient for this purpose. But this quilted, belted puffer coat is a superior option: elegant, stylish, and fairly lightweight. It even comes with a padded, removable hood that will be handy should showers pop up unexpectedly during vacation.

Looking to leave home feeling toasty and deplane looking hot—while staying cool? Beneath that lightweight coat, slip on this floor-length, oversized jumpsuit. Easy to dress up or down immediately upon landing, its polyester, rayon, and spandex blend is crazy comfortable. It feels like a dream, whether on a plane, at the beach, or strolling the streets of a vacation destination.

Even if there’s still snow on the ground at the vacation point of origin, pass on the impulse to wear winter boots on the plane. Instead, look for footwear that can work at home and on vacay: mules, slides, and loafers are all viable options. But for the ultimate comfort, try these supportive sneakers that are lightweight and breathable—perfect for hiking and exploring in warm-weather destinations.

Looking for a dressier option built for comfort—but could still offer seamless day-to-night transitions? Try these gorgeous metallic sneakers from Nordstrom. The leather upper and rubber sole combine elegance with practicality. And that one-inch platform gives a little lift without sacrificing the comfort needed for long walks through the terminal or from the hotel to the hottest shopping destinations.

Think about swapping out a purse for a lightweight tote that can double as a pool or beach bag. This extra-large mesh tote is a great choice: it’s got plenty of room for all the in-flight vacation essentials. Plus, it comes with the security of zippers and a see-through construction, so it’s easy to locate essential travel documents without removing every single object in that carry-on.

Between flight delays and turbulence, packing a personal water bottle is the only way to guarantee quenched thirst on an airplane these days. Plus, when heading to warm-weather destinations, preparing for the punishing heat is important. The solution: Slip this 40 oz, insulated, stainless steel water bottle in a carry-on bag and prepare to stay hydrated at every step of the journey.

If the in-flight travel pack list was all about transitioning from home to vacation mode, these next vacation essentials would make lounging by the pool—or the ocean—a perfect experience.

Slides are the ultimate warm-weather shoe choice whether sitting on a pool deck or the sand. But to make sure the shoes offer enough traction—and can withstand some serious splashing or intense waves—keep them waterproof and stylish, like these classic Crocs slides, in a cool, crisp, and sun-deflecting white.

It goes without saying that bathing suits are warm-weather vacation essentials. But in the world of swimwear, not every piece is created equally. Some look good but will fall apart—or fall off—should they actually enter the water. Others could withstand a speed race in the water but look way too practical. The solution? A suit that finds the perfect balance between form and function, like this high-waisted, one-piece monokini. Designed with a daring neckline and uber-flattering tummy control, the suit still offers plenty of leg line coverage and a secure tie-knot back closure to prevent unexpected slippage.

Dashing from the pool to the snack bar, or need to run up and grab something from the hotel room? Stash this gorgeous white cotton-and-lurex midi coverup in the beach bag, and the transition can be seamless. Stunning side ties make it effortless to put on, and an elasticized waistband keeps it securely in place.

Entering vacation mode means slipping on some serious shades. This pair of Italian-made, classically-cool, square-framed Ray Bans screams effortless vacay style while offering critical eye protection thanks to a quality UV coating.

Just as the jacket brought from home for in-flight use should be easily stored upon landing, a key item on the travel pack list must be a hat that’s easy to store during the flight. Enter this chic straw sun hat: foldable for easy packing, constructed from UPF sun-protective fabric, and trimmed with a simple black bow for an added element of sweet femininity.

Sun-protective clothing won’t be enough to prevent burning—especially when hours in the sun is a non-negotiable highlight of vacation mode. The solution? Add this weightless, scentless, oil-free, and, most importantly, invisible SPF 40 sunscreen to the travel pack list. Appropriate for all skin types, it will offer loads of sun protection without the fear of breakouts—or embarrassing white smudges in hard-to-blend areas.

Want sizzling pool-side photos without crazy-looking raccoon eyes? Pick up this smudge-proof and water-resistant pre-mascara primer, perfect for lengthening and thickening lashes without creating unsightly streaks after a cooling dip.

While it’s tempting to spend an entire vacation by the pool, exploring a new city, enjoying dinners out, or entering a unique nightlife scene is also fun. Here’s what to pack for fun on the town at a warm weather destination.

Long, floaty dresses are vacation essentials because they are so versatile—they can be dressed up or down and can double as beach coverups, all while remaining light and breathable. Even better? A style like this ruffled, off-the-shoulder maxi dress—constructed from 100% rayon—takes up minimal suitcase space and packs easily, without wrinkles, to look instantly fresh and elegant.

Athleisure wear is a wardrobe staple in pretty much everybody’s closet, so it’s only natural that it would make the packing list for a beach vacation. Still, with warm weather in play, it’s vital to keep styles light and breathable—and photo ready, naturally. Be conscious of the color palette—white reflects light, keeping things cooler—and the cuts, choosing breathable silhouettes that show some skin, like this chic and simple white crop top and this wide-legged pair of ‘sweats,’ constructed from 100% cotton that’s perfect for beating the heat.

With slides and sneakers already on the vacation checklist for packing, now it’s time to slip a pair of dressier sandals into the suitcase. These woven raffia platform sandals are a perfect neutral, ready to pair with many different colored outfits; dressy enough for evening but simple enough for daytime looks.

Want to feel special in vacation mode without worrying about lost or stolen baubles? Pack a simple yet impactful piece of jewelry like this 14k-gold-dipped choker, perfect for accenting a plunging swimsuit, an off-the-shoulder dress, or dressing up cutoffs and a tank top.

Are you ready to enter vacation mode? Any other vacation essentials you want to suggest? Comment Below!