Hola, amigas!! One of the best pieces of advice I received when preparing my heart for Sloan’s college transition was to plan trips and getaways! And preferably soon after move-in day, to give us something to look forward to, rather than just the dread of her leaving.
Obviously, with my love of travel, this was advice I could get on board with, so we booked a last-minute getaway! Initially it was planned as a ‘cry into my margarita’ occasion… a pity party, if you will. But recently I began changing the perspective to one of celebration, rather than loss.
Parenting requires selfless dedication every. single. day for 18+ years!! Making it to the finish line of that is worth celebrating, don’t you think?!
I already miss Sloan like crazy, but my moping doesn’t help or change the situation, so we’re choosing to cheers each other and the job we did as parents… and I can’t think of a better place than Mexico! It’s always a top choice, not just because it’s a quick and easy trip, but because we absolutely adore the country and people. Be sure to follow along on Instagram HERE to see where we land!
As for what I’m packing, I couldn’t help ordering a few new things… not everything will arrive in time, but here is what I’m hoping to pack.
What I Ordered for Mexico //
1. Black Swimsuit // 2. Pink Swimsuit
3. White Bikini // 4. Hangover Vitamins
5. Straw Hat // 6. Straw Tote Bag
7. Button Down Set // 8. Tropical Print Set
9. Smocked Bandeau Top // 10. Smocked Strapless Dress
11. Ruffle Neck Maxi Dress // 12. Strappy Midi Dress
13. Gauzy Palm Print Pants // 14. Striped Cover-Up Pants
Skincare //
My skincare and makeup routines definitely get down-sized, and I pack just the essentials to keep my skin clean and hydrated. We do have TSA PreCheck, which allows me to keep all the liquids (under 4 oz.) in my bag, but I do keep my Toiletries Case in the Duffel Bag for easy removal if needed.
Illuminating Eye Cream | Mini Radiant Cleansing Balm | Vitamin C Brightening Serum | Intense Hydrating Mask | Sheer Renewal Cream | Quench & Shine Restorative Hair Mask (Mini Size Included HERE) | Micro-Mineral Resurfacing Scrub // Code SUGARPLUM20 for 20% off site-wide!
Travel Essentials //
These are the essentials that come with me on most every trip… plus this new Toiletries Case that I recently added to the mix, and LOVE! The Curling Iron is dual-voltage, which means it works in other countries with just a plug adaptor! And if you’re in need of a new carry-on, I’ve had this Rolling Spinner Suitcase for years and it’s currently on clearance!
1. Curling Iron // 2. Kindle Paperwhite
3. Charging Cord Organizer // 4. Pill Case
5. Outlet Adapter // 6. Travel Steamer
7. Zippered Makeup Brush Case // 8. Foldable Vanity Mirror
9. Clear Zipper Pouches // 10. Hat Clip
11. Toiletry Bottles // 12. Noise Machine
13. Packing Cubes // 14. Carry-On Duffel Bag (Also HERE)
15. Luggage Scale // 16. Rolling Spinner Suitcase
Do you have any end-of-season trips planned? I told Mr. Sugarplum to get ready… this is only the beginning of our Freedom Era, ha!
I’d love advice from those of you in the empty nest season… how did you adjust, and make the most of it?!
[MORE SUGARPLUM SUMMER TRAVEL POSTS]
What I Packed for 3 Weeks in Europe… in a Carry-On!
Wedding Weekend in Lamu, Kenya
Trip Report: Spring Break in St. John, USVI
Trip Report: Girls Weekend in Todos Santos
A Weekend in Cabo
Great Strays | Four Seasons Bora Bora
Le Taha’a Resort | A Gem in French Polynesia
Great Stays | Hotel Esencia
Great Stays | Casa de Sierra Nevada
Trip Report | Holbox, Mexico
Trip Report | Maui, Hawaii
Trip Report | Pine Cay, Turks & Caicos
Trip Report | Vieques, Puerto Rico
Trip Report | Santorini, Greece
Anna Maria Island
Trip Report | Exuma, Bahamas
Swimming with Pigs in Exuma
Empty nest survival tips: By keeping busy and doing exactly what you (two) are doing! And always remember, we raised them to be independent….blessings! xo.
You’re so right, Sandy!!!! Sobbing into my margarita… it’s going to be ok! xo,C
Can you compare this curling iron to your GHD curling iron or are they even comparable? Which do you prefer? Thanks!
Hi Nancy! My ghd remains my fave for fast, long-lasting curls! But I don’t take it on international trips bc I don’t want to risk the voltage conversion. This one is a great option, and is dual voltage!
Cassie,
Just saw the Insta of you crying on the plane to Mexico. I just dropped my daughter off at college and my husband and I went on a trip the next day. I made the mistake of watching the movie IF (Invisible Friend) on the plane and quietly sobbed through much of it thinking of my daughter’s childhood and how much I will miss it and her. This is just so hard. I know we’ll get through it but this is a loss and I’m just going to give myself permission to grieve. I thought it would be a little easier sending off my second and last. Hoping each day gets a little better. I think a bunch of small trips or dates or excursions during the year will help distract us!
Oh no, your poor mama heart!!! We will get through it! And yes, permission to grieve for sure. You got this! xo, C
I couldn’t find the spinning rollerbag from your upcoming Mexico trip post. Was it Calpak? The link took me there but they show no rollerbags. Thx! PS… I just dropped off my oldest son at Univ of SC. I feel your sadness too… xoxo
Oh shoot, that link was broken! Here is the correct one for my rolling suitcase from Calpak, the best ever!!!!! And hugs to you, mama!
Calpak: https://shopstyle.it/l/ceXpF
Always love your travel posts! I’ve never been to Mexico – is there a place you’d recommend for a family with teenagers?
Hi Kathleen! Mexico is typically our getaway for the two of us, but we did take Sloan to Cabo…we stayed at the Puerto Bonita property. It was great bc it’s al-inclusive, had lots of pools and things to do. I don’t know that it would be our top choice to return, but I’m sure a travel advisor would have the best ideas for family spots!
We dropped our eldest daughter off at college this past weekend. We still have two more girls to go, and I know the next six years will go fast. I remarked to my husband a few days ago, “We should plan a trip for later that fall after sending the youngest off.” He shook his head and replied flatly, “No. The very next day.” We love our kids so much and I know we’re going to need all the cheering up we can get…plus, to celebrate a job well done!
That’s exactly right, to celebrate a job well done! Ya’ll will deserve it! xoxo, C