I'm a Travel Writer, and These Are the 40 Must-pack Spring Break Items You Need From Amazon — Starting at $8 (2024)

March has just begun, and that means that we’re just weeks away from one of the largest travel periods of the year: spring break. Whether you’re preparing for a beachside vacation, gearing up to hike in the mountains, or are heading out to explore a new city, it’s always essential to be prepared with the most thorough packing list to keep you on top of the activities ahead.

In order to eliminate the stress from your pre-travel preparations, we’ve taken the liberty of rounding up all of the items (40, to be exact) that you might need to bring along on your upcoming spring break excursion, no matter the destination. From comfy sneakers to enjoy a long day of sightseeing to the most stylish (and functional) beach tote, you can rest assured that you’ll be prepared to take on anything that your vacation may throw your way. And best of all, prices on these items start at just $8, so you can keep the spending to a minimum ahead of your big trip.

Best Overall Spring Break Essentials

Regardless of your spring break destination, there are several key items that you’ll need to have at the ready in order to have the smoothest, most successful travel experience. Packing up a reliable piece of luggage is essential for maintaining peace of mind that your belongings are safe, so if you’ve been in need of a new bag to add to your collection, the Rockland London Hardside Spinner Luggage is an unbeatable choice for a sturdy carry-on at just $57. And of course, you’ll want to maximize your storage space while on the go, so the Gorilla Grip 6-Piece Packing Cube Set will make a world of difference while only putting you out $17.

As for footwear, you’ll never regret having a comfy pair of shoes at the ready, and the sleek, packable, and on-sale Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers are prepared to carry you from a walking tour to a night out dancing with ease — and they’re undeniably stylish as well. And to tie together your travel outfit, the Anrabess 2-Piece Lounge Set is perfect for spring and currently on sale for a mere $33 thanks to an on-site coupon.

• Rockland London Hardside Spinner Luggage, $57 (originally $120)
• Anrabess 2-Piece Lounge Set, $33 with on-site coupon (originally $73)
• Matein Travel Laptop Backpack, $22 (originally $40)
• Gorilla Grip 6-Piece Packing Cube Set, $17 (originally $29)
• Bagsmart Toiletry Bag With Hanging Hook, $23 (originally $30)
• Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers, $70 (originally $100)
• Napfun Travel Neck Pillow, $15 (originally $22)
• Benevolence LA Plush Velvet Travel Jewelry Organizer, $22 (originally $25)
• Morphine 16-Pack Travel Bottle Set for Toiletries, $10 (originally $17)

Rockland London Hardside Spinner Luggage

Anrabess 2-Piece Lounge Set

Best Mountain Spring Break Essentials

The mountains are calling, and if you’re ready to pack up and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, there are a few items that you’ll want to grab first. Those looking forward to their first hiking trip of the spring will want to snag a fresh pair of the Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots while they’re $71 to hit the trails with maximum comfort. And naturally, you’ll need a bag that’s equipped to carry everything from snacks to a spare change of clothes, which is where the Bseash 60L Waterproof Hiking Backpack shines. Plus, a packable, easy-to-carry tent can make a world of difference for setting up to spend a night in the woods, and at just $37, the Coleman Sundome 2-Person Camping Tent is a top-notch choice.

• Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots, $71 (originally $100)
• Bseash 60L Waterproof Hiking Backpack, $40 (originally $50)
• Columbia Women’s Switchback Lined Long Jacket, $58 (originally $100)
• Libin Women’s Cargo Lightweight Joggers, $35 (originally $44)
• Yuoto Hiking Waist Pack, $19 (originally $25)
• Special Made Collapsible Water Bottle, $8 (originally $12)
• Coleman Sundome 2-Person Camping Tent, $37 (originally $70)
• Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit, $19 (originally $25)
• Columbia Unisex Bora Bora Booney Fishing Hat, $24 (originally $30)
• LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, $18 (originally $20)

Columbia Women’s Switchback Lined Long Jacket

Coleman Sundome 2-Person Camping Tent

Best Beachside Spring Break Essentials

The beach might be one of the most popular spring break destinations, so if you want to be the best prepared oceanside traveler, there are a few must-haves that you won’t want to leave your house without. We know that traveling with a towel can be a hassle, which is exactly why the foldable Bay Laurel Turkish Beach Towel is about to become your new favorite travel accessory — especially considering that it comes in its own compact, packable tote. Ice cold drinks are practically a warm weather staple, so the Everlasting Comfort 54 Cans Backpack Cooler will effectively raise the vibes all trip long at just $39, and don’t forget to snag an AiRunTech Waterproof Cell Phone Dry Bag to keep your phone safely protected even when enjoying your time in the surf.

• Bay Laurel Turkish Beach Towel, $14 (originally $30)
• Eomenie One-Piece High-Waisted Bathing Suit, $36 (originally $40)
• Reef Women’s Cushion Breeze Sandals, $22 (originally $40)
• Hoxis Mesh Beach Tote, $14 (originally $20)
• Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50, $24
• Furtalk Women’s Straw Sun Hat, $26 (originally $36)
• Amazon Kindle, $100
• Everlasting Comfort 54-Can Backpack Cooler, $39 (originally $48)
• Jeasona Women’s Bathing Suit Cover-Up, $20 (originally $36)
• AiRunTech Waterproof Cell Phone Dry Bag, $8 (originally $13)
• Joopin Square Foldable Polarized Sunglasses, $14 (originally $16)

Reef Women’s Cushion Breeze Sandals

Jeasona Women’s Bathing Suit Cover-Up

Best City Spring Break Essentials

From New York City to the streets of Rome, you can trust that you’re in for an active vacation when heading to a new city for spring break. That’s exactly why your walking shoes will make the largest impact on your overall comfort, and we suggest snatching up the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneakers while you have the chance (and they’re on sale for $75). A portable charger will also make a world of difference in allowing you to map your sightseeing destinations throughout the day without worrying about running out of battery, so the Iniu Portable Charger has also earned an essential spot in your bag for this trip.

And speaking of bags, a zippered tote is the best way to ensure that your belongings are secure and safe from pickpockets and thieves, which is why the stylish and packable Westbronco Crescent Crossbody Bag is an invaluable selection ahead of your spring trip.

• New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneakers, $75 (originally $85)
• She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm, $24 (originally $30)
• Repel Umbrella Original Portable Travel Umbrella, $25 (originally $33)
• Westbronco Crescent Crossbody Bag, $13 (originally $15)
• Vahoiald Digital Camera, $40 (originally $50)
• Ueu Casual Wide Leg Yoga Pants, $20 (originally $40)
• Omoone Oversized Long Denim Jacket, $39 (originally $56)
• JBL Tune 510BT Wireless On-Ear Headphones, $40 (originally $50)
• Iniu Portable Charger, $18 (originally $30)
• Travelambo RFID-Blocking Wallet, $10 (originally $15)

Westbronco Crescent Crossbody Bag

Ueu Casual Wide Leg Yoga Pants

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