Must-Have Travel Essentials for a Fun and Safe Summer Adventure
Summer is here, and it’s time to get outside and soak up the sun! Whether planning a beach vacation in the Caribbean or embarking on a spontaneous road trip, having the right travel essentials can make all the difference. This guide covers everything you need to stay safe, comfortable, and entertained during your summer adventures. From sunscreen to bug bite relief and travel gadgets, let’s dive into the must-haves for a fun and safe summer vacation.
Skincare Travel Essentials: Protect and Nourish Your Skin on the Go
When it comes to summer travel essentials, protecting your skin and staying healthy should be at the top of your list.
Related: What to Pack for Family Beach Vacations for Safe Fun in the Sun
Sunscreen: Your Skin’s Best Friend
Sunscreen isn’t just for summer; it should be worn daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. However, it’s especially important during the summer when we’re outdoors more often. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours or after swimming. My go-to is the LA SOL Clear Zinc Sunscreen. It’s clear, doesn’t cause breakouts, and comes in convenient travel sizes. You can grab it here: beautyologie.com.
Bug Bite Relief: Don’t Let Bites Ruin Your Fun
Traveling to warmer climates often means dealing with pesky mosquitoes. I always pack HeatIt, a nifty device that provides concentrated heat to relieve itching and pain from bug bites. It’s compatible with Android and Apple devices and lightweight enough to attach to your keychain. No batteries are needed—just plug it into your phone for quick relief. It’s safe for kids aged four and up! HeatIt is available on Amazon.com for $39.99.
Eye Patches: Stay Fresh and Hydrated
Long flights can leave your skin dry and puffy, especially around the delicate eye area. Using eye gels during a flight can moisturize and restore your skin in just ten minutes. They help combat the dry, recycled air on airplanes, reducing puffiness and dark circles so you can arrive at your destination looking fresh and well-rested. These Patchology Perk Up Eye Gels are perfect, and the 5-pack is $13.50 on Amazon.
Electrolytes: Stay Hydrated
Sun exposure can lead to dehydration, so packing electrolyte packets is a smart move. They’re easy to use and compact—just add a packet to your water, and you’re good to go. My favorite is Liquid IV in lemon flavor. It’s a lifesaver for staying hydrated during hot summer days. The 16-pack is currently $21.11 on Amazon.com.
First Aid Kit: Be Prepared for Anything
Accidents can happen anywhere, so having a travel-sized first aid kit is essential. Whether relaxing on a beach or hiking through the mountains, a bandage kit, antibacterial ointment, and pain relief medication can keep you safe and comfortable. I use the Keep Going Kit, which has all the basics in a convenient size. It’s available on Amazon.com for $39.99.
Handzies Soap + Water Wipes: Clean Hands on the Go
Keeping hands clean is crucial, especially when traveling. I always have Handzies Soap + Water Wipes in my bag. They’re made with natural castile soap, water, and essential oils—no alcohol or artificial perfumes. They’re perfect for quick clean-ups on the go and ideal for kids’ backpacks or lunchboxes. They’re available on Amazon.com for $13.99.
Face Masks: Prevent Illness During Travel
I never travel without face masks anymore. COVID is still a concern, and there are plenty of other airborne illnesses to worry about. Unfortunately, some people travel while sick, so I always wear an N95 or KN95 mask when I fly. I’d rather be safe than risk getting sick on vacation or bringing something home. Face masks are essential for protecting yourself and others. WellBefore is my go-to brand. You can get a pack on Amazon.com for $13.90.
Mini Fan: Stay Cool Anywhere
When we hit the beach or pool, staying cool is a priority, so I bought a 3-in-1 mini fan for each family member. This travel essential is a game-changer. Not only is it compact and easy to carry, but it also comes with a handy flashlight. Plus, the battery life is fantastic—it lasts up to 21 hours on a single charge. It’s available in five different colors, so everyone in the family can have their favorite. This little fan keeps us comfortable and cool no matter how hot it gets! You can get it for under $15 on Amazon.com.
Cleaning Supplies: Travel Clean and Safe
When it comes to staying clean while traveling, I take extra precautions. I always pack disinfecting wipes and spray to sanitize high-touch surfaces on airplanes, in hotel rooms, and everywhere else. It’s surprising how often these areas aren’t thoroughly cleaned. I also bring disposable gloves to protect my hands and bed bug spray for added peace of mind because even luxury hotels can have unwelcome guests. Being proactive about cleanliness ensures my family a healthier and more comfortable travel experience.
Slippers and Shower Shoes: Comfort and Hygiene
Walking barefoot in hotel rooms can be uncomfortable, especially on less-than-clean carpets. I pack slippers for everyone in my family to avoid dirty feet and socks. Shower shoes are another must-have to protect your feet in hotel showers and prevent unwanted infections.
Water Shoes: Foot Protection for All Occasions
Water shoes are great for beach and pool vacations. They protect your feet from hot sand, rough surfaces, and potential injuries. Whether walking on pebbly beaches or around the pool, water shoes keep your feet safe and comfortable.
AirFly Duo: In-Flight Entertainment Game Changer
Ever struggled to connect your wireless Bluetooth headphones to an airplane’s entertainment system? The AirFly Duo transmitter solves this problem. Pair it with your headphones, and you can enjoy in-flight movies and music without the hassle of wired headphones. It’s a travel game-changer!
Waterproof Phone Pouch: Protect Your Device
A waterproof phone pouch is a must-have for beach and pool vacations. It protects your phone from water and sand damage while allowing you to use your touchscreen through the plastic. Plus, you can capture amazing underwater photos without worrying about ruining your phone.
Security Travel Essentials
Staying safe while traveling is all about having the right travel essentials. These items will keep your devices safe and your travel experience smooth and worry-free.
RFID Passport Wallet
An RFID passport wallet is a travel essential for keeping cash, cards, and important documents safe from digital theft. The PacSafe RFID Wallet, available on Amazon, offers peace of mind with its blocking material that protects against unauthorized transactions. PacSafe is a trusted brand among travelers, and their RFiD wallet is available on Amazon.com for $59.99.
Apple AirTag
Travel with confidence by placing an Apple AirTag in each of your bags. If you get separated from your luggage, you can easily track it using the Find My app on your iPhone. It’s a small investment for significant peace of mind. You can get a 4-pack on Amazon.com for $79.99.
Doorstop with Alarm
I’ve been doing quite a bit of semi-solo travel lately, and one item that gives me peace of mind is my doorstop with alarm. It’s a simple but effective way to enhance my hotel room security while traveling alone. If someone tries to open the door, it triggers a loud 120dB alarm that can alert me and potentially notify nearby guests up to 1,500 feet away. Having that extra layer of security is reassuring, especially in unfamiliar places.
Travel Essentials for the Littles
Traveling with kids can be challenging, but with the right travel essentials, it becomes much easier and more enjoyable. It is crucial to keep your little ones entertained, comfortable, and happy during your summer adventures.
Stokke Jet Kids Bed Box
Keep your little traveler happy with the Stokke Jet Kids Bed Box. This ride-on suitcase doubles as an in-flight bed or leg rest, making long travel days more comfortable. It’s practical for storing items and ensuring your child gets some rest on the plane. It’s currently $229 on Amazon.com.
Bumpas Mushies
We recently discovered Bumpas Mushies, and it’s been a game-changer for keeping our 4-year-old entertained and comforted during our travels. This adorable plush doll has stretchable arms and legs that pop and hug, making it cuddly and a great sensory toy that helps ease travel anxiety. It fits perfectly in her backpack and has become her little companion on flights and road trips. Bumpas Mushies is a must-have for any parent looking to make travel more enjoyable for their kids.
Related: Traveling with Kids: The Only Travel Tips You Will Need to Survive
Squaregles Character Packs
My daughter absolutely adores her Squaregles Character Packs (Oggs & Erggs), and I have to admit, they’re pretty fun for me too! These sets really spark her imagination, and they’re so easy to pack for trips—toss them in a Ziploc bag to keep everything organized in her backpack. They’re perfect for keeping her entertained on long flights, and the 17-piece packs are just the right size for travel. Each set includes cool features like characters with heads that turn into marbles, a car, and other fun accessories for endless creative play. Squaregles Character Packs are a must-have for any kid who loves imaginative play, and they’ve become an essential part of our travel gear. They can be found on Amazon.com for $24.99.
HoloToys Paw Patrol Stickers
Anything that helps keep tantrums at bay is a win in my book, and HoloToys Paw Patrol Stickers are a lifesaver. These cool tattoos and stickers come to life with stunning animation when scanned with the free HoloToyz app. I put the app on my 4-year-old’s iPad, which she loves! She can stick, scan, and watch her favorite Paw Patrol pups come to life right on her skin. She can even place the pups in the room with sound effects and interactive features and take fun photos and videos. These stickers are a great travel essential for keeping kids entertained and happy.
Pack Smart and Stay Safe: Your Summer Travel Essentials Guide
Summer travel can be an amazing adventure with the right essentials. This guide covers all the bases, from sunscreen and bug bite relief to entertaining the kids and ensuring your safety. Pack smart, stay safe, and have fun exploring new destinations. Happy travels!