I used to pack my vacation suitcase like a hope chest: 23 kilos were used as if I had to make a whole new me in the two weeks off. Summer dresses that I haven’t worn for years, crime novels and books about design and personal development that I wouldn’t even read aloud to myself while falling asleep (spoiler: of course they flew back unread) and high heels that really aren’t suitable for walking around blister-free in the heat… and all that for two weeks on a Spanish island?
I’ve been going to the Canary Islands for several years in a row now. Most of the time it’s Fuerteventura. I love this island. “Fuerte” has something magical for me. There’s nothing there but wind, stone and more stone. No hustle and bustle, no distractions, hardly any greenery. Just the vastness and me. And that’s exactly why I fly there again and again… because I come down there, focus on the essentials, forget the time and problems of everyday life. Even when packing.
Today I pack differently. Today I pack with feeling.
It sounds cheesy, but I’m serious. I pack functionally, pragmatically – and at the same time with a keen sense of what I really need. No more ten summer dresses that are only going to hang around the accommodation anyway. Instead: 2-3 comfortable sports leggings, 2 UV shirts (sun protection is self-care!), my 2-3 trekking shoes and 2-3 simple outfits in which I really feel comfortable (and can be seen at the hotel buffet).
Because my vacation is not a show stage. It is my retreat. My space to recharge, let go, not have to – and not have to perform or please others. And to be honest: when we stop wanting to look perfect all the time, we’re often already halfway into vacation mode.
Female empowerment starts in the suitcase!
This may sound exaggerated, but I think that how we pack says a lot about how we treat ourselves. Those who pack to meet expectations (visually, socially, organizationally) rarely really travel with themselves. Those who pack to take good care of themselves take space for themselves. For breaks, for curiosity, for peace and quiet.
For a long time, I thought I had to be special on vacation too: stylish, active, inspiring. Today I know that I can also just be tired. Or happy. Or hungry (and I often am). I can listen to my gut feeling and eat another pizza after a day at the beach without having to justify myself. That is inner freedom.
So let’s pack your suitcase together for a summer in which you won’t forget yourself:
- Take clothes that feel good – not just look good.
Ask yourself when packing: Can I breathe, laugh, dance, cry, sleep in this outfit? If you even hesitate at a “no”, leave it at home! Instead, pack what makes you feel flexible and free. - Pack your energy sources.
What gives you strength? Maybe it’s a certain scent, a small puzzle for in between (my personal insider tip), a notebook for thoughts or a short meditation on your cell phone. Vacations are not just for selfies, but also for self-care. - Forget your inner critic at home.
If you feel like you have to “achieve something” on vacation (spectacular excursions, perfect photos, read 7 books), then please send this inner driver on a world tour. Alone. Without a return ticket. - Pack yourself a portion of permission.
Permission to do nothing. Permission to get up late. Permission to cancel plans. Vacation is not the continuation of your everyday life in a bikini, but your invitation to reconnect with yourself. - Take a little ritual with you.
Perhaps a mini meditation in the morning, a walk at sunset or a moment of gratitude before going to sleep. Female health doesn’t just start with nutrition or exercise – it starts with mindfulness in everyday life.
Conclusion: Summer is yours – very easily.
The next time you pack your suitcase, make it easy for yourself. In the truest sense of the word. Leave the ballast at home. Take what strengthens you. And perhaps also what makes you soft. Because letting go often reveals just how much strength we actually have.
I wish you a summer that doesn’t stress you out, but strengthens you. A vacation that doesn’t overwhelm you, but embraces you. And a suitcase that doesn’t look like a “to-do”, but like freedom.
And on that note: Buen viaje!
About the author
Jenniffer Feder ist Gründerin von re•set – einem achtsamkeitsbasierten Kreativkonzept, das Puzzles, Aromatherapie und Meditation vereint. Mit ihren Entspannungsboxen schafft sie ganzheitliche Erlebnisse, die Achtsamkeit, Kreativität und innere Ruhe im Alltag fördern. Sie steht für eine moderne, alltagstaugliche Achtsamkeit, die für alle Menschen zugänglich ist – unabhängig von Vorerfahrungen. Aus ihrer eigenen Krankheitserfahrung heraus engagiert sie sich besonders für Stressprävention und die Entstigmatisierung psychischer Erkrankungen. Ihre Vision: mentale Gesundheit darf schön, kreativ und selbstverständlich sein.
