Weekender Bag: c/o Sole Society l Straw Hat: c/o Sole Society l Cut-off shorts: DIY (similar) l Pajama Romper: Simons (similar) l Swimsuit: Ella Moss (bikini version) l Sunnies: Winners (similar) l Watch: c/o JORD Wood Watches l Necklace: c/o LoulouLollipop l Makeup Case: c/o Sephora l Hoola Zero Tanlines: c/o Benefit Cosmetics l Consonant Sunscreen: c/o Ecodiva Beauty l Sophie La Giraffe Face Cream: c/o Ecodiva Beauty l Beach Towel: Homesense (similar)

We kinda have this game we play every time we travel – to see how little we can pack and in how few bags. Our goal when travelling by air is to do carry-on only, but with kids you need so many things it’s almost impossible. We made it very close this time but just couldn’t swing it in the end.

This morning we are off on a last-minute vacation to St.Thomas, USVI. This will be our first time travelling by plane with both kids and when I started to think about all that we would need to bring, I’ll admit I felt a little overwhelmed. But since this is strictly a beach-vacation with very little else on the agenda, I did my best to narrow down our necessities to the bare essentials (almost).

When we arrive in St.Thomas later today, I want to be sure I have all my essentials easily accessible for a quick change and minimal delay before hitting the beach. Here is what I packed in my personal Weekender bag from Sole Society that is way more roomier than it looks. Other than these pretty things, I also have tons of other stuff packed inside, but you wouldn’t want to see all of that. The bag has deep compartments, as well as two outside pockets on each end which are perfect for stuffing in last minute items, or for holding your passport while you maneuver through customs. Also, the shoulder strap is absolutely essential and I’m sure will come in pretty hand since I’ve got a diaper bag on the other shoulder – more than likely I will be wearing it cross-body style.

And can we talk about this hat (also Sole Society) for just a second? I’m totally loving the wide-brim, black and white trim detail, and deep natural straw colour – a very sophisticated, modern and practical hat that I cannot wait to wear later today. I have to admit I usually put hat’s away in my luggage and then they’re destroyed once it’s time to unpack, but this time I’ve clipped it onto the shoulder hook of my bag and will be keeping it in pristine shape for the beach.

I cannot wait to share bits and pieces of our family trip with all of you this week from St.Thomas. Be sure to follow along on Snapchat (candacealongi) and on IG with the hashtag #MintedTravels for all that we’re up to. If you know of any places, restaurants, or sights you think we just cannot miss, be sure to let me know below!

* Thank you Sole Society for collaborating on this post.