Summer is officially here, and for many of us that means beach vacations, family road trips, cruises, national park adventures, or finally checking that bucket-list destination off the list.
Summer is also one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Whether you’re heading to the coast for a long weekend, flying overseas, or exploring somewhere closer to home, packing a few simple essentials can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Over the years, I’ve learned there are a handful of items that almost always make their way into my beach bag, carry-on, or suitcase.
Here are my top 5 recommended summer vacation essentials.
Sunscreen (and lip balm with SPF) – No matter the destination or season, protecting your skin should always be a priority.
Whether you’re lounging on the beach, hiking through a national park, strolling around a European city, or sightseeing in Australia, the sun can be stronger than you realize.
My personal favorite is Australian Gold, although I grew up as a Coppertone girl. Whatever brand you choose, make sure it’s appropriate for your skin type, and don’t forget an SPF lip balm. Your future self will thank you.
A hat and sunglasses – A good hat does much more than complete your vacation outfit.
It provides shade, helps keep you cool, protects your face from the sun, and makes long days of sightseeing much more comfortable. Add a quality pair of sunglasses, and you’re ready for everything from beach days to walking tours.
You’ll almost always find a baseball cap tucked into my beach bag or daypack.
A refillable water bottle – I rarely leave home without one.
Travel days are busy, temperatures are often warmer, and it’s surprisingly easy to become dehydrated while flying or spending time outdoors. Staying hydrated helps keep your energy up and allows you to enjoy your vacation without feeling run-down.
Many airports, hotels, and attractions now have refill stations, making it easier than ever to refill your bottle throughout the day.
Healthy snacks – Anyone who has traveled with me knows I like to keep several healthy snacks close by.
A small bag of nuts, a granola bar, dried fruit, or another easy-to-pack snack can help bridge the gap between meals and prevent those moments when hunger suddenly takes over.
They also come in handy during flight delays, long drives, or busy sightseeing days when meal times don’t always go as planned.
A portable charger – This is probably the biggest change to my packing list over the years.
Our phones have become our boarding pass, camera, GPS, travel guide, and connection to family back home. Running out of battery halfway through the day can quickly become more than just an inconvenience.
A lightweight portable charger gives me peace of mind and ensures I’m ready to capture the next photo, navigate a new city, or pull up my reservation whenever I need it.
And yes… you’ll still usually find a good book or journal tucked into my bag too. Some travel traditions never change.
Packing doesn’t have to be complicated. The best packing lists aren’t necessarily the longest; they’re simply built around the items you’ll actually use.
Whether your summer plans include relaxing at the beach, cruising through Alaska, exploring America’s national parks, wandering the streets of Europe, or finally taking that dream trip to Australia or New Zealand, I hope these simple essentials help make your journey just a little easier.
Here’s to a summer filled with new adventures, wonderful memories, and safe travels wherever your passport—or your car—takes you.
Originally published June 23, 2019 | Refreshed and updated for Summer 2026
Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Branchburg, New Jersey, with agents in TN, MS, ID, SC, and WI.
She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds. Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind. She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember. With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.