1. Sexy swim suits, duh

Bring bathing suits that you know will flatter your figure and make you look smokin’! It’s best to bring around two or three so you can alternate and let one dry before wearing it again. I don’t know about you but I hate putting a wet bathing suit back on, so remember to leave some drying time between each use. You may also want to bring something a little more….athletic? You know, for those banana boat/jet ski rides. You know that bikini isn’t going to hold everything in place…

2. Cute sweatshirt or sweater

While the temperature may be steaming during the day, you should pack a light sweater or hoodie in case it gets chilly at night. Vacation ain’t so fun when you’re freezing your butt off.

3. Sunscreen and aloe!

Since I’m naturally extremely pale, I basically turn into a red-faced lobster when I sunburn. And I tend to burn very quickly when I don’t put any sunscreen on. For those of you who burn quickly like me, bring sunscreen to protect yourself and aloe to ease the pain when you pass out in the sun from too many margaritas. For those of you who are lucky enough to tan easily, don’t forget your tanning oil. But remember to lay out in the sun safely and during non-peak hours so your skin won’t get sun damaged. Wrinkles are not cute.

4. Outfits that you can mix-and-match

Less is more when it comes to spring break. You don’t want to be hauling around huge suitcases through airports or lugging them around your hotel, so bring a few dresses, shorts, and shirts that you can wear together. Also, bring along some friends with cute clothes. Just a thought…

5. Figure perfect dress

Whether you and your friends are going to a club or dressing up to go to dinner, bring at least one dress that’s fun and dressy. Even in Mexico some clubs don’t want you coming in looking haggard so it’s best to bring at least one nice outfit. Dressing up is fun, not to mention an easy way to get attention for all the right reasons.

When leaving the country, remember to keep your IDs and passport on you at all times. Put them in a safe when you arrive at a hotel and also make sure to stow away your cash and valuables in there as well. If you absolutely do not want something, such as expensive jewelry, to get stolen, it might be best to leave it at home.

Now that you have a list of all the Spring Break essentials, stop stressing and start packing. Before you know it you’ll be laying on a beach, sipping margaritas and enjoying your fun in the sun!

BEFORE YOU GO:

Don’t forget your passport — You will need it even if you go to Mexico for a day. If you don’t have one already, it’s not too late to get one.

Get your work done — Dig your heels in before you leave, so your trip can be a real vacation without work looming.

Make yourself pretty — If you want to be pampered with a manicure or wax job, do it before you go. It may be cheaper while you’re on your trip, but satisfaction is not guaranteed.

Consider different weather and occasions — You might not be on the beach all the time, so prepare some clothes for lounging, going out, and cold/wet weather.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE:

Bring two bathing suits — Have two different types, and don’t go generic. Nothing is worse than seeing another girl wearing the same bathing suit. Also, putting on a damp bathing suit is never a nice feeling. Having two lets you dry one while you wear the other.

Establish a budget — Prevent overspending by coming up with a daily budget. Research costs for food, accommodations, and other expenses in the currency of where you are going, then convert it back into dollars so you know the different rates.

Beware of scams — Even when you book your room, clarify if the price is for the room or per person. Don’t buy items packaged in a box. I once spent 150 Euro on a “Sony camera” in a box holding what turned out to be a bag of sand.

Protect yourself — Don’t accept drinks from strangers and keep a condom in your purse.

If something goes awry, there’s always Advil — so don’t leave that at home either.

The countdown ‘til Spring Break starts today. Prepping now will keep you worry-free later.

Have fun!