Summer Travel Essentials: My 28 Must-Haves for My Next Adventure

I’m talking about 28 super-handy travel essentials that’ll make my summer vacation run more smoothly. Because there are definitely a few helpful travel essentials that I always pack for a summer vacation. Life-changing items. And I’m going to be sharing mine with you in this post.

Yes, I know 28 seems a tad extreme, but believe me when I say – all of these items will help to make my holiday more enjoyable. I speak from experience and I’ve learnt this over the years.

How to pack like a pro: These 28 travel must-haves will make you feel very organised this summer vacation

Wherever you’re headed this summer – to a tropical island or a bustling city – there’s one thing we can all agree on: packing can be stressful. From deciding what to bring to making sure you have everything you need, the process can be overwhelming. But fear not, with these travel must-haves, you’ll be able to pack like a pro and make your summer vacation a breeze. From packing cubes to portable chargers, this post will provide you with a roadmap of essential items to streamline your packing process, maximize space, stay organized and keep your devices charged on the go. So sit back, relax and get ready to learn how to pack like a pro and enjoy a hassle-free trip!

Travel Essentials to Pack for your summer vacation – When packing

Packing cubes

Packing cubes are the latest trend when it comes to travel essentials to use when packing for a summer vacation. And for good reason. These ingenious little organizers help you stay organized and make the most of the limited space in your luggage. You can easily sort your clothes by category or outfit, and quickly find what you need without having to dig through a messy suitcase. I love mine! They’ve improved how and what I pack.

Packing cubes also help you maximize your luggage space by compressing your clothes and creating more room for other essentials. They come in a range of sizes and colours, so you can choose the ones that best fit your packing needs and personal style.

I’ve definitely found that investing in a set of packing cubes has alleviated some of the stress and frustration that often comes with packing for a trip.

 

 

From left to right: Amazon US  |   Amazon UK  |  Amazon AU

 

Portable power bank/charger

Another travel must-have that I find invaluable is a portable charger. Whether you’re using your phone to navigate, take photos, or keep in touch with loved ones, you don’t want to be caught with a dead battery. With a portable charger, you won’t have to worry about finding an outlet or being tethered to a wall.

Like packing cubes, portable chargers come in various sizes and prices, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget. Look for one with multiple ports so you can charge multiple devices at once, and make sure to charge it fully before you leave.

Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Universal adapter

When travelling internationally, one of the most crucial items to have is a universal adapter. Since electrical outlets can differ from country to country, a universal adapter ensures that all your devices stay charged and are ready to use no matter where you are. Without one, you risk being stranded without a way to charge your phone or laptop. (Not ideal, especially when travelling with teenagers or young adults.)

But, not all universal adapters are created equal. Some have multiple USB ports, while others only have one. Some can convert voltage, while others can’t. It’s important to research which one is the best fit for your needs before you buy one. I bought the one from Amazon AU (linked below) recently and I’m so happy with it!

Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Garment steamer

Pairing a universal adapter with a garment steamer is a game-changer for any traveller. Just plug that steamer in and you’re set.

Gone are the days of searching for an iron in your hotel room. With a garment steamer, you can easily remove wrinkles and refresh your clothes with just a few minutes of steaming. Not only does this save time and hassle, but it also ensures that you arrive at your destination looking fresh and put together.

When choosing a garment steamer, there are several factors to consider. Look for a portable and lightweight option that can easily fit in your luggage. You may also want to consider the steaming time and water tank capacity, depending on the length of your trip. I recently bought this one from Amazon US (linked below) – and I can recommend it.

Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Tech kit bag

And while we’re talking about tech and gadgets, it’s a great idea to keep all of your chargers and various other cords together in one bag. You can use one of your packing cubes or opt for a bag specially designed for this purpose. There are some great ones on the market.

 

Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Jewellery bag/box

It’s also a good idea to have a little bag or box for your jewellery when travelling – preferably something small and compact that you can keep in your hand luggage. I’ve got one very similar to the ones I’ve linked below.

Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Travel-sized toiletries

Packing travel-sized toiletries is another game-changer for any traveller. Not only will these smaller versions of your favourite products save space in your luggage, but they also make it possible to get through airport security if you want to take them in your hand luggage. Whether you’re heading to the beach or exploring a new city, having your favourite toiletries in miniature form can make all the difference.

When it comes to choosing what to pack, look for travel-sized versions of your skincare, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Skincare brands also have travel kits which are very handy for a trip. (Click on my links to check out some good ones.)

 

Sunscreen and sunglasses

Protecting your skin and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays is always crucial but especially on a summer holiday. Make sure to pack a high-SPF sunscreen, especially if you’ll be spending time in the water. And don’t forget a pair of sunglasses with UV protection.

Lightweight, breathable clothing

When packing for your summer adventure, it’s worth choosing lightweight, breathable clothing. This doesn’t mean compromising on style. Just look for materials like cotton and linen, that are known for their breathability. This will help keep you cool and comfortable, especially in hot and humid climates. And don’t forget to pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces. And when that linen gets all creased (because, ugh, it always does), you’ll have your garment steamer to sort it out.

Comfortable walking shoes

Whether you’re exploring a new city or hiking through a national park, comfortable walking shoes are a must-have for any summer adventure. Look for shoes with good arch support and cushioning to keep your feet happy and pain-free. And don’t forget to break them in before your trip to avoid blisters and discomfort.

Hat

If you bring one from home (using a hat clip to transport it), you won’t need to buy one on vacation.

Hat clip

If you’re worried that your hat may get damaged by packing it in your suitcase, there is a solution. Enter the hat clip. Here are two lovely ones that I found on Etsy (free shipping on the one on the left and minimal shipping on the one on the right).

Left | Right

 

Perfume atomiser

This is a brilliant little device that allows you to bring some of your favourite perfume on holiday with you. No need to schlep the whole bottle and risk it breaking. And this way you’ll also be able to take it in your hand luggage. I seriously love mine.

Here are some very affordable ones that are bestsellers:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

 

First aid kit

Paracetamol and plasters are a given, but it’s also worth packing a few other essentials. I always pack insect bite cream (like Anthisan) and cream for cuts and scrapes (like Crystaderm). I also like to include an insect repellent, a burn gel and an aftersun gel, just in case.

 

You may also want to read: Have you ever been on a girls’ trip?

 

Portable Bluetooth speaker

There are lots of small portable speakers available these days. But if you don’t have one, don’t worry. You can pop your phone into a cup which then acts as a ‘homemade’ speaker of sorts. Have you ever tried this?

Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Passport wallet

Having a passport wallet is very handy as it can hold your passport, boarding passes, bank cards, cash, your phone and a pen. This is fantastic because you’ll only have one wallet to hold onto as you’re going through the airport. (Less to misplace.) And if you keep it in your handbag, it’s easy to whip out when it’s needed – and everything is right there. Some brands also include an RFID wallet protection section which is a good idea for protecting your bank cards. You can also get ones that hold multiple passports which is great if you’re travelling with your family.

 

 

Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Travel Essentials – On the plane

Reusable water bottle

As travel essentials to pack for a summer vacation go, a reusable water bottle is vital these days. I find it easier to keep hydrated on the plane if you have filled up your own bottle. And at your destination, there may not be anywhere to find water on a hike or at a beach off the beaten track so having your own water bottle could be a necessity.

Hydrating skincare

Mists, moisturizers and lip balms. I carry them in my handbag to use on the plane and every day on holiday.

A big scarf or pashmina

This is quite handy for the plane because it can get a little cold and is a better alternative to the aeroplane blankets.

Headphones

Preferably noise-cancelling ones. You’ll use these on the plane and also when you feel like listening to a podcast when you’re out for a solo walk or when everyone is still sleeping and you’re waiting for them to get up.

A neck pillow

We recently ordered these fancy inflatable travel pillows that allow you to lean forward on your tray table and have a snooze. The memory foam pillow is a great alternative too.

 

Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

 

Earplugs

Mack’s earplugs are simple and effective for the plane or anywhere you may need to block out some noise.

Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Eyemask

I always bring my silk eyemask from home as it’s so soft.

Travel socks

Compression socks or even just a pair of comfortable, cosy socks are a great idea for extra comfort on the plane.

Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Travel Essentials – For safety

Tracking tags

Another good way of keeping tabs on your things is to attach a tracking tag to them (well-known brands are Tile or Apple Airtag). Also, make sure that your Find My Phone function is enabled so you can locate it if it’s stolen.

Travel locks

These days many suitcases come with their own locks built in. But if yours doesn’t have one, it’s worth investing in a good travel lock.

Money/bra belt

If you’re travelling to a part of the world where you need to use cash, it’s worth getting a money belt to keep your cash safe.

Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Waterproof bag

One of these could be a good idea if you’re travelling alone or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving your valuables on the beach while you’re having a swim. You can pop all your valuables into this bag and swim with it.

Order on Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

And lastly, when it comes to travel essentials to pack for a summer vacation

Make a travel list on your phone that has checkboxes (I use the To-Do app) to make sure you don’t forget anything when you’re packing. When I’ve checked off everything on that list, I immediately feel relaxed knowing that I haven’t forgotten anything that I need.

And I’ve learnt that incorporating my travel must-haves into my packing routine makes for a less stressful experience for me. The packing cubes keep everything organized and a portable charger ensures my devices are always charged. And travel-sized toiletries save space while a universal adapter keeps me connected. I’m excited to travel with my new garment steamer which I’m sure will make me feel even more organized. Small things like these make a huge difference.

So don’t let the stress of packing hold you back from enjoying your well-deserved break. And happy travels to you!

PS What are your travel essentials to pack for a summer vacation?

 

This post may contain affiliate links - if you buy something through these links, I may earn a small affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. I only feature things I truly love. Thanks for your support.