Originally published by Elle
To vacation in the summer is a no-brainer decision. But deciding exactly where to go—and, moreover, strategizing what to wear for your vacation—requires far more consideration. A truly successful trip, after all, gets both these aspects of planning just right. Nothing is a bigger buzzkill at a mind-bogglingly beautiful location than realizing you packed all the wrong clothes.
To that end, I’ve gathered seven ELLE-approved travel itineraries for the upcoming months, and a primer on what to bring to each. Scroll on to find travel inspiration for every sensibility (because not everyone is a beach person!), as well as an edit of pieces to pack.
1. The Serene Southern Escape: Bluffton, South Carolina
Where to Stay:Montage Palmetto Bluff
Nestled within 20,000 acres of historic community and sweeping low-country views, this South Carolina resort boasts 200 intimate residences—including cottages, suites, and guest houses—emanating Southern charm. Because the area is so beautiful (think dolphin-filled waterways and lush forests), you won’t need to overschedule yourself to enjoy this spot. However, those who’d like to keep busy are sure to find plenty to occupy themselves at six in-house restaurants, multiple golf courses, and an on-site spa.
What to Do:While the property offers a wide array of outdoor activities like boating, biking, and hiking, the neighboring town of Bluffton is brimming with charming boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Those who have time for a day trip won’t regret a drive to Savannah, Georgia, another historic destination known for its scenic town squares and dramatic Spanish moss trees.
What to Pack:South Carolina’s dreamy coastline is definitely steamy during the summer months, so pack your lightest, airiest pieces—breathable staples you can layer through temperature shifts, such as a cotton skort that goes from outdoorsy activities to dinner. A visor and playful raffia purse feel polished, but still have a laid-back vacation vibe.
2. The World Cup-Centric Experience: New York, New York
Where to Stay:The Mandarin Oriental New York
Dripping in Old New York glamour, this deluxe midtown outpost of the Mandarin Oriental is well situated at the southern edge of Central Park. This gives guests easy access to many of Manhattan’s most famous landmarks—Times Square, Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle—and public transportation to this summer’s FIFA World Cup revelry. Guest rooms come complete with floor-to-ceiling windows offering staggering views of the Big Apple skyline.
What to Do:When you aren’t jetting to MetLife Stadium for a match, take advantage of the location’s proximity to designer boutiques and world-famous museums. Or, if you’d prefer to stay in, there’s a pool, fitness center, and spa (recently named Best in New York by the World Spa Awards).
What to Pack:Whether you’re sightseeing or heading to a game, sporty shorts and a graphic T-shirt are just the ticket to come off as casual yet pulled together. You’re sure to have a few special dinners out, though, so bring a dress that you can wear with both heels andsneakers—that duality will save you some suitcase space.
3. The Old-Meets-New Euro Retreat: Florence, Italy
Where to Stay:W Florence Hotel
This sleek, modernist hotel is set within a restored mid-century building just steps away from the iconic Piazza Santa Maria Novella, setting the tone for what the property does best: melding the best of the Italian city’s rich historic offerings with updated experiences. In short, you’ll be right in the thick of some of the most legendary sites the area has to offer, as well as innovative new restaurants, stores, and ateliers.
What to Do:There is, of course, no shortage of ways to occupy oneself in Florence. But if you’re looking for ways to break up the requisite stops at Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo, consider a cocktail at the hotel’s newZefiro Rooftop Baror a visit toProfumoir, a fragrance library where visitors can make bespoke scents.
What to Pack:Florence is a design-centric city that you’ll want to dress up for. The easiest day-to-night shortcut is a bold statement shirt you can mix and match with different bottoms (slim black capris feel particularly of the moment). Sure, you may want flats or sneakers for heavy walking days, but you’ll find a low kitten heel almost as comfortable and better suited to the city’s overall mood. Keep a pair on hand for shorter excursions and meals out.
4. The Bohemian Beach Oasis: Las Catalinas, Costa Rica
Where to Stay:Santarena Hotel
You aren’t just booking a hotel room when you stay at Santarena. Its location in Las Catalinas is also key to the experience. The beach town, which is totally car-free, was built two decades ago with the mission of promoting a more relaxed and connected way of life. This property, in particular, is located between two of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, so the vistas are incredible—as is its clean-lined décor and rooftop pool access.
What to Do:When you aren’t unwinding on site, take some time to soak up all the laid-back pleasures Las Catalinas has to offer, including rustic plazas, as well as plenty of shopping. It’s also an ideal place for outdoorsy types—in addition to the stunning local beaches, the area also includes over 40 kilometers of hiking and biking trails.
What to Pack:Bring a bikini, of course, but also a dress that’ll serve both as a cover-up and a night look. From there, it’s all about accessories you can swap in and out for different activities, like oversized sunglasses, flatform raffia sandals, and a roomy tote.
5. The Chic Cultural Hub: Vienna, Austria
Where to Stay:The Rosewood Vienna
This beloved Austrian capital is filled with lavish places to stay, but few can compare to the grandeur of this stately location set in the city’s 1st district, which boasts a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Located within a lovingly restored 19th-century façade, the space brings together Viennese heritage, romantic Old Town views and serene, earth-toned décor. On site, you’ll find a series of buzzy restaurants and bars, a fully equipped fitness center, and an incredibly luxe spa with a signature Augustinus Bader facial on the menu (casual).
What to Do:Beyond the Rosewood’s many pleasures, Vienna itself is brimming with historical significance. Try a guided tour based on the life of Mozart (who spent a great deal of time living and working in the city), or a visit to the atelier ofA.E. Köchert, a jewelry house with a centuries-long legacy of making custom pieces for European royals. And if you’re starting to max out on all the dreamy art the area has to offer, recharge with a meandering stroll in the city’s famous Stadtpark.
What to Pack:If anywhere’s going to motivate you to put some effort into your look, it’s this stately city. Bring a ladylike dress and heels, as well as a refined ensemble that you’ll feel comfortable wearing to museums, cafés, and galleries. A versatile solution is a chic and structured shorts suit you can break up and wear multiple ways.
6. The South Pacific Eco-Escape: The Yasawa Archipelago of Fiji
Where to Stay:Turtle Island
This intimate all-inclusive resort offers only 14 villas on its property, each of which includes a private stretch of beach. Each group of guests is assigned a concierge (or “Bure Mama”) to assist with anything they might need, from organizing excursions to helping with laundry. The island is also the longest-running eco-tourism destination in the South Pacific and works with neighboring communities on initiatives like student scholarships and free medical clinics.
What to Do:Because of the limited capacity, the destination lends itself to highly customized itineraries. Guests can go all in on outdoor adventures like cave excursions, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving—or keep things chill with a beach picnic and a massage. The island is totally Wi-Fi-free as well, making it the ideal place to dive into a book or creative project without outside distractions.
What to Pack:Start with a swimsuit you can wear more than one way: for outdoor activities, yes, but also to meals and local outings with a breezy skirt or shorts on top. Everything else should keep in line with the resort’s ultra-casual feel—think boxer-like bottoms and slide-on sandals. And it’ll serve your pictures well to go with a more elevated form of each basic, like delicate mesh flip-flops instead of a standard rubber pair.
7. The Côte d’Azur Hot Spot: St. Tropez, France
Where to Stay:Hotel Byblos
You’ll find everything that makes the French Riviera so enticing at this renowned enclave in the heart of St. Tropez: bustling and gorgeously adorned restaurants, a Slim Aarons-worthy pool, and a list of past VIP clients that includes the likes of Mick Jagger and Cher. It doesn’t hurt, of course, that the rooms and suites where you’ll be staying are also visually striking, complete with vibrant Mediterranean-inspired décor and dreamy vistas just outside your window. If you’re traveling from a major U.S. city, like New York or L.A., consider making the most ofLa Compagnie’s direct flights to Nice. The private French airline offers luxe, business-class-only service—complete with soothing LED lights, a seat-bed, and a chef-developed menu—at lower prices than comparable options from major airlines.
What to Do:This is very much a spot to see and be seen, so you’ll likely want to spend some time wearing a statement piece while drinking a spritz by the pool or at the on-site nightclub, Les Caves du Roy. Just be sure to make time for an afternoon or two at the incredible hotel spa, which specializes in Sisley product-based treatments.
What to Pack:St. Tropez is an inherently fabulous place—and thus, requires an equally fabulous wardrobe. Your best bet is a dramatic dress that works for both day and night, depending on your shoe choice, and a swimsuit that’ll double as a bodysuit later. And remember: If there’s anywhere worth wearing a giant, glamorous sunhat, it’s here.
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