Shoes You Need to Bring on Vacation

One of the most difficult things to pack for vacation is shoes. After all, vacation is when we want to look our best, especially for all the photos we want to take and people we want to meet. And the right pair of shoes can make or break an outfit. While it would be easy to just pack all the shoes you love so you don’t have to worry about being without a pair, every shoe you pack takes up valuable space in your women’s travel bag.

Plus, shoes can significantly add to the weight of your luggage, costing you extra fees when you’re flying. So it’s important to plan ahead and coordinate shoes that go with as many outfits as possible. There’s more to it than that, though. Read on for our tips on how you can pack to make sure you bring the right shoes on your next vacation.

Consider Your Activities

As you plan our outfits and consider what shoes to match with them, think about what you’ll be doing while on your vacation. If you’re going to be walking around museums or doing a lot of sightseeing, no matter how cute your strappy sandals might look, some comfy sneakers are ideal. The same applies if you’re not quite sure what you’ll be doing. Always be prepared with a reliable pair of sneakers that you know fit well and feel comfortable. Black, brown, or white sneakers will match most outfits, so keep that in mind as well, whether you’re window shopping on Fifth Avenue or ziplining through the canopies of Costa Rica.

Also, if you also plan on going out for a nice meal, make sure you also pack a pair of women’s or men’s dress shoes. If the sneakers play the part of casual and dress well, even better: That means there’s no need to pack an extra pair.

Don’t forget about the swim outfits either. If you’re going to a beach destination or a pool, you’ll want to make sure you have some water shoes that match your swimsuit so you can have some fun in the sun.

Comfort is Key

Nobody wants to be limping around uncomfortably, missing out on all the fun. If you can find a great pair of shoes that’s not only cute but also versatile and comfortable, you’ve got it made. But if you have a pair of shoes you love so much and match a vacation outfit perfectly, we know how difficult it can be to leave it behind. Just make sure that you pack a comfy pair of slippers to lounge around in when you get back to the hotel so you can give your feet some TLC and prepare them for the next day.

Check the Weather Forecast

Depending on when you travel, you might be hit by unseasonable weather. After all, in some tourist destinations, you might be fine with a pair of sneakers one day and need a pair of winter snow boots the next. And the last thing you want to do while on vacation is be stuck in your hotel room, simply because you failed to pack the right footwear.

Some typically warm locations are also prone to midafternoon showers, so a waterproof packable rain jacket might also be a good thing to pack in those situations. Checking the weather forecast and doing an internet search on the weather conditions for your destination will help you pack the right attire and shoes.

Thoughtfully Match Your Outfits to Your Shoes

Now that you know what type of footwear you need, you may find that you have several pairs of shoes lined up — more than you might be able to fit in your luggage. That means it’s time to eliminate a few. Start by laying out any outfits you plan on wearing on your trip, and laying your shoes on the floor nearby. Then choose your outfits based on how many pairs of shoes they match. The more outfits that match a pair of shoes, the easier it will be to narrow down what shoes you want to pack. Leave behind any shoes that you don’t absolutely need.

Remember the Kids

If it’s a family trip you’re planning, chances are you’ll have to do this for younger kids as well. Even older kids might need some help, so they don’t overpack. Once you’ve done all this for yourself, it should be easy enough to do it for the kids. Keep in mind that, considering how quickly their feet grow, you should be prepared to invest in some new boys or girls’ shoes, especially if you’re traveling to a warm destination in the middle of winter, or vice versa. Their last-season shoes may either be worn down or not even fit anymore.