Travel isn’t just about the destination anymore—it’s about the vibe, the mood, and how you feel when you’re there. Whether you’re escaping to a coastal cottage, exploring a colorful city, or lounging in a boutique hotel, planning and packing like a moodboard will help you capture your trip’s best moments—both visually and emotionally.
Here’s how to think, pack, and shoot your next getaway to create memories that look as good as they feel.
Step 1: Build Your Trip Moodboard
Before you even book your ticket, start with a simple moodboard—a visual collage of colors, textures, outfits, and moments that inspire you about your destination.
Some great platforms to help you create and organize your moodboard include:
- Pinterest: The classic choice for inspiration. Create boards by theme, style, or color to collect endless photos, outfits, interiors, and travel moments.
- Instagram Saved Collections: Save posts that fit your vibe and group them by theme for quick reference on the go.
- Milanote: A flexible online moodboard and project organizer for a more customized, drag-and-drop experience.
- Canva: Use pre-made moodboard templates and drag in images, colors, and text to create polished, shareable boards.
When curating your moodboard, think about:
- Colors: Soft earth tones for countryside vibes, bright colors for tropical fun, monochrome for urban minimalism.
- Textures: Linen, leather, straw, velvet—visual and tactile cues to inspire your packing list.
- Moments: Golden hour light, morning coffee, market strolls, cozy fireside reading.
Your moodboard becomes your creative compass—refer to it to keep your trip cohesive and intentional.
Step 2: Pack Pieces That Tell a Story
Once you know your moodboard vibe, curate your wardrobe and essentials accordingly. Avoid overpacking by focusing on versatile pieces that layer and complement each other.
- Stick to a color palette: Choose 2–3 base colors plus 1–2 accents to mix and match easily.
- Mix fabrics and textures: Linen shirts, cotton dresses, leather sandals, or chunky knits add visual interest and comfort.
- Include statement pieces: A vintage hat, silk scarf, or bold jewelry adds personality and elevates simple outfits.
- Prioritize comfort and style: Pieces that photograph well but feel good all day.
Pack cozy loungewear: For chill mornings and relaxed evenings. A silk robe or kimono works beautifully for photos too.
Step 3: Curate Your Travel Essentials
Along with your clothes, bring a few mood-enhancing extras that make your stay feel special and photo-worthy.
- Incense sticks or a travel essential oil roller to create calming vibes.
- A favorite book or journal with an artsy cover for quiet, reflective moments.
- A film or disposable camera for timeless, nostalgic photos. Some popular disposable cameras include:
- Fujifilm QuickSnap: Known for sharp, vibrant colors and ease of use.
- Kodak FunSaver: Budget-friendly and reliable with good flash capability.
- Ilford HP5 Plus: For black-and-white film lovers wanting classic grainy aesthetics.
- Fujifilm QuickSnap: Known for sharp, vibrant colors and ease of use.
- A reusable water bottle or a beautiful matcha or tea set for mindful rituals.
- A small bouquet of wildflowers or local greenery (if staying in one place for a while).
These little details add layers of meaning and texture to your experience and photos.
Step 4: Plan Your Shots Like a Pro
Your phone or camera is the tool to capture your moodboard come to life. Here are simple tips to make your photos sing:
- Shoot in natural light: Morning and late afternoon (golden hour) offer flattering, warm light.
- Find soft, neutral backgrounds: White walls, textured linens, rustic wood surfaces create clean frames.
- Use flat lays for styled details: Arrange your outfit, accessories, or coffee setup on a simple surface and shoot from above.
- Capture candid moments: Laughing, walking, reading, sipping—authentic moments tell the best stories.
- Try reflections and mirrors: These add depth and an artistic twist to your images.
- Tell a story: Include contextual elements—your suitcase by the door, shoes by the bed, or your journal near a window.
Most importantly, shoot what feels joyful and meaningful to you—not just what looks “Instagrammable.”
Step 5: Respect the Space and Flow
A moodboard approach isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about mindfulness. Respect the places you visit and the homes you stay in.
- Keep spaces tidy and restore setups after shooting.
- Avoid moving or rearranging things too much.
- Be considerate of noise and neighbors.
- Leave thoughtful reviews if you stay in rentals or boutique hotels.
A gracious attitude enhances your experience and the experience for others.
Final Thoughts: Travel like Living Moodboard
When you plan and pack like a moodboard, every part of your trip—from what you wear to how you photograph your moments—feels intentional and elevated. You return home not just with souvenirs, but with a beautiful, cohesive story that lives both in your mind and on your camera roll.
Ready to curate your next getaway? Start your moodboard now and let your travels unfold like the artful adventure they are.
Do you have a favorite travel moodboard or packing trick? Share it in the comments or tag me on Instagram @sty.lcl —I’d love to see your styled escapes!
