17 Items You Must Pack for Traveling in Summer

Summer is here, which means it’s finally time to unwind and take a well-deserved break. Whether you’re taking a road trip to the beach or exploring a different country, this is the perfect time for you to fulfill your traveling dreams while the weather is still nice.

The only tedious part about traveling is packing. It can be time-taking, but most importantly, it can be overwhelming. You’ll find yourself staring at any suitcase wracking your brain for what you might need on this trip, and nothing comes up!

If that sounds like you, you’re at the right place. Here are some items you don’t want to forget on your upcoming summer vacation.

1) Sunscreen

Sunscreen is definitely a no-brainer when it comes to packing for a summer trip, but it can be easy to forget! You don’t want an unexpected sunburn to ruin your exciting getaway, so make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and keep reapplying every few hours.

2) Hat and Sunglasses

Sunscreen isn’t the only sun protection you need. If you’re going to be on the beach, don’t forget to pack a few chic pairs of sunglasses and hats. Opt for neutral colors so they can go with all of your outfits without taking up space in the suitcase.

3) Lightweight Clothing

That maxi dress may seem cuter, but you need to cool off in the hot weather. Pack lightweight clothing like shorts, sun shirts, sundresses, and skirts to suit the season. You can also pack a jacket or two to layer up in case the weather cools down.

4) Swimsuit

Of course, your summer trip would be incomplete without a swimsuit. Don’t restrict yourself to just one; pack a few so you can switch it up for every day on the beach. This way, you can also make use of any pool or lake near the hotel you may stay at.

5) Water Bottle

You may think it’s easier to just buy disposable water bottles wherever you go, but that’s not true. Not only is it environmentally friendly to bring a reusable water bottle, but it’s also cheaper. You can refill them throughout the day at your lodgings and any restaurant.

6) Insect Repellent

Mosquitos and bugs are the only bad thing about summer, and they can disrupt your summer vacation more than you think. Keep these annoying pests away from your blissful trip by packing a tube of insect repellant. Don’t forget to reapply every now and then!

7) Comfortable Walking Shoes

While you do need a pair of your best heels or dress shoes for formal events, the rest of your trip will most likely consist of walking and exploring. For that, you need a pair of comfortable walking shoes you can count on. That can be a pair of flip-flops, Crocs, or your favorite summer sandals.

8) Portable Fan

The best part about visiting a different city or country is walking around and exploring. But in the summer, the humid weather can take the fun out of this free-spirited activity. Luckily, you can combat this with a lightweight, portable fan to carry around all day.

9) Travel Adapter

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll find that the electrical outlets are different in most countries. In that case, it’s best to keep a travel adapter on you so your phone and gadgets are never without charge!

10) Travel Towel

If you’re staying at a hotel, you’ll probably be provided with a towel or two. Still, there’s more of a need for towels at the beach than you think. That’s why it’s always better to travel with your own towel, especially on humid days.

11) Travel Pillow

It may seem overboard, but getting your sleep on the plane or in the car is the best thing you can do for your summer trip. This way, you won’t be tired once you arrive at your destination, so you can get into your itinerary right away. Packing a travel pillow will help you fall asleep on the way by giving you a sense of familiarity.

12) Portable Charger

Picture this: you’re at a busy tourist attraction hoping to find your way back to your hotel when your phone runs out of battery. There are no wall outlets around, and you’re stranded in a strange city! The only way to avoid this is with a reliable, portable charger.

13) Travel Insurance Documents

This is another easily-overlooked item when packing for a summer trip. It may seem tedious to look for your travel insurance documents, but you never know when you might need them. Don’t forget to pack them so you don’t find yourself empty-handed in the worst moments.

14) Medications and First Aid Kit

Accidents happen without warning, and you don’t want to wait for an ambulance or pay expensive medical bills in a strange city. That’s why we recommend keeping all your required medications and a handy first-aid kit in your suitcase while packing for your trip. In the case of smaller injuries, you can patch yourself up and avoid medical expenses.

15) Travel Journal

Being on vacation doesn’t mean you have to take a break from healthy journalling. Bring along your travel journal to record all your favorite travel memories for later perusing.

16) Laundry Detergent

We’ve all made the mistake of packing too many pairs of pants because we won’t get to wash them. If you pack laundry detergent, you can wash your clothes in the hotel bathroom and lessen the load in your suitcase by bringing fewer clothes.

17) Entertainment

Last but not least, you can’t forget your entertainment. The beach can be pretty fun, but sometimes, it’s just not enough to curb your boredom. Instead of spending your vacation bored, pack your favorite book, your iPad, and or any other form of entertainment for some me-time.

Conclusion

A getaway to the beach or a country with good food is as good as it gets during the summer. The only thing disrupting this blissful trip is packing. We’ve all found ourselves questioning what we really need to put in our suitcases. That’s exactly why our summer travel packing guide is the only one you need before your trip. Use it as a checklist to make sure you’ve packed all the necessities to make for a wonderful vacation.