Traveling offers an escape from the daily grind, an opportunity to explore new horizons, and the chance to create lasting memories. However, the experience can be greatly affected by what we pack. Our travel editors have traveled the world, and with each trip, they learn more about what to pack to enhance their trip. There is one item in particular that they all agree on as a summer vacation essential. This essential is more than just a preference; it’s about combining business with pleasure to ensure a smooth and hassle-free vacation.
The unplugged versatility of the smartphone
While it may seem obvious, the smartphone remains the undisputed champion of travel utility. Considered a simple communication device, its multifunctionality covers almost every aspect of modern travel. Our editors cite several reasons why they wouldn’t go on a summer vacation without their mobile device. First, the smartphone serves as an all-in-one entertainment center. Long flights or unexpected delays become more bearable when you carry a personal library of music, e-books, games, and streaming services. Not to mention the ease of taking quick snapshots or long videos, the smartphone also doubles as a camera, capturing moments in decent quality without the bulk of additional equipment.
Second, the smartphone is an indispensable tool for staying organized. From storing boarding passes and hotel reservations to acting as a GPS when traveling by car, the device’s ability to consolidate crucial travel information in one place makes for a stress-free trip. Plus, the wealth of apps available caters to every travel need imaginable: from language translators and currency converters to local guides and restaurant reviews. The smartphone has evolved into the ultimate travel companion, and when equipped with a rugged, waterproof body, it can withstand the sand, sea, and sun that are often synonymous with a summer vacation.
Protective sunscreen: a must-have for healthy travel
Skin protection can’t be overstated, making sunscreen the second non-negotiable item in our editors’ suitcases. The importance of a high-quality sunscreen goes beyond avoiding sunburn; it’s about protecting against the harmful effects of UV rays, including premature aging and skin cancer. When selecting a sunscreen, our editors opt for broad-spectrum products, which protect skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Additionally, they stress the need for sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) that’s appropriate for their skin type and the sun intensity of the destination. With environmental protection also a concern, our editors are increasingly turning to reef-safe sunscreens formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, ingredients suspected of causing coral bleaching. Beyond personal health, choosing the right sunscreen has broader implications for the ecosystems we visit, which is why sunscreen deserves its place as an essential item on our travel checklist.
Stay Hydrated with a Reusable Water Bottle
Hydration is crucial in hot climates, and carrying a reusable water bottle ensures that access to water is always within reach. Our editors have found that owning a durable, insulated water bottle is essential for both health and convenience when traveling. Not only does it reduce waste, which benefits the environment and often saves money compared to repeated purchases of disposable bottles, but it also keeps water cold for hours, providing relief from the summer heat.
Investing in a water bottle with a built-in filter allows for greater flexibility, giving them the confidence to fill up from a variety of sources while avoiding waterborne illnesses. This is especially beneficial when traveling to areas where clean water is not readily available. Additionally, staying hydrated helps alleviate jet lag and maintain energy levels, making those long days of exploring more manageable and enjoyable.
A versatile scarf or pashmina for all occasions
The versatility of a simple scarf or pashmina shouldn’t be underestimated. Our editors praise its multipurpose functionality, serving as a blanket when traveling on chilly flights, a makeshift towel, a privacy screen when needed, or even a sarong for beach visits. This essential item also adds a touch of elegance and can easily update an outfit, which is helpful when trying to pack light with a capsule wardrobe. The lightweight nature of a scarf or pashmina ensures that it takes up minimal space in luggage while providing maximum benefits throughout the trip.
Additionally, a scarf or pashmina can provide essential protection from the sun’s rays, whether draped over shoulders during a midday tour or worn as a headband while strolling through open-air markets. The cultural sensitivity it brings—covering shoulders or legs when entering religious sites or traditional communities—is another reason our travel editors include it as a staple in their travel gear.
Reliable and comfortable shoes
A comfortable, sturdy pair of shoes can make or break a vacation, especially one filled with walking, hiking, or city sightseeing in the summer sun. Our travel editors swear by investing in high-quality shoes that offer both comfort and style. For them, the right footwear means fewer blisters, better posture, and more endurance as you traverse a variety of landscapes, from cobblestone streets to sandy beaches. They recommend shoes that are broken in, provide good support, and feature breathable materials to keep feet dry and cool.
In addition to practical hiking shoes, a pair of flip-flops or sandals is also a must-have for a summer vacation. Ideal for beach days, quick trips to the hotel pool, or communal showers at hostels, they offer both convenience and relief after a long day on the move. The combined utility of these two types of shoes ensures preparedness for impromptu adventures and planned excursions, cementing their place on the list of travel essentials.
