“What are your hobbies?” “I love to travel!” Not exactly a ground-breaking conversation opener, but what can you say? Nothing excites me more than getting out of dodge, whether it’s on a European adventure or a weekend getaway to the beach. And now that it’s summer, I’m getting into my favorite hobby a little more.
As a shopping editor, I naturally have my eye on a few travel outfits, as well as essential devices and luggage to make my trips even more seamless (because we all know TSA’s packing requirements are bound to cause problems no matter what). I also nearly always travel with my small dog in tow, so I have to keep in mind practical clothes that will stay comfortable and won’t ride up when I invariably wind up carrying him during the second half of the day.I’ve already tested a couple of these products and relied on extensive reviews to vet the rest, yielding 21 summer travel essentials that I won’t leave home without. If you have any excursions planned this season, these may be right up your alley.
Want to know which buzzy products are really worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.
1. Calpak Ambeur Large Luggage
After years of stuffing my medium-sized suitcase to the brim with everything I need for a weeklong trip (plus my pup’s food, treats, travel water bowl, etc.) only to have my last zipper finally give out on me, I’ve decided it’s time to invest in a larger option—and I’m going with this shiny bronze Calpak one. I was already impressed with Calpak’s luggage’s thoughtful details when I purchased the mini carry-on model earlier this year, from the cushioned handles to the stand-out metallic hue that won’t get lost among the baggage claim crowd, so I’m confident that I’ll be just as impressed with this one when it’s time for my next vacation.
Fast Facts
- Size: 30 inches by 19 inches by 12 inches
- Material: polycarbonate
- Promising review: “It looks so classy and high-end. The suitcase is lightweight and extremely roomy. It rolls very smoothly. I highly recommend; you won’t be disappointed.”
2. Madewell The Melody Dress
When it comes to summer travel dresses, I prioritize versatility, comfort, and breathability—and this smocked number from Madewell meets all of those criteria. It’s comprised of 100% cotton and has a crinkle texture that easily hides luggage wrinkles. Plus, the top boasts stretchy smocking that will keep you comfortable all day. And, of course, any dress with pockets is a must-buy in my opinion.
Fast Facts
- Size range: XXS to XXL
- Material: cotton
- Promising review: “Perfect spring dress. The color is gorgeous and the cut is very flattering. I love the smocking. Comfortable and functional, [I] can easily wear [it] all day.”
3. Eyebuydirect Safari Sunglasses
Because my summer vacations tend to go to bright areas, I’m constantly in need of a nice pair of sunglasses to keep my eyes safe on long days of exploration. This affordable pair has a versatile, timeless design that can go with any outfit—not to mention lenses that are totally changeable (even with a prescription). Shoppers also report the sunglasses last a long time—one says they’ve had theirs for over two years and they’re still in wonderful shape—so I’m ready to buy a pair for myself, especially at this price.
Fast Facts
- Size range: one size
- Material: acetate
- Promising review: “These are very stylish and will go with any outfit casual or dressy! It was SO worth it to pay extra for prescription lenses and I also got the polarized kind. Love these! My new forever sunglasses!!”
4. Petal & Pup Val Knit Shirt
A decent cover-up is also essential for warm weather trips, and this knit set from Petal & Pup is what I’m carrying this year. I already purchased the shirt, which is composed of a durable yet breathable cotton and acrylic blend, and I was so thrilled with its soft feel that I am currently adding the matching shorts ($49) to my shopping basket. I’m not the only one who likes it—one reviewer wrote, “I love this set! Excellent quality and color scheme. “Can’t wait to wear this in Hawaii next month.” Consider booking your next flight.
Fast Facts
- Size range: XS to XL
- Material: cotton and acrylic
- Promising review: “Bought these for my daughter with the matching top. Quality is lovely and looks great on.”
5. Reef Lofty Lux X Sandals
I’m always on the quest for creative, environmentally friendly items. I feel good about investing my money, which is why these bio-based mushroom leather slides piqued my interest. Reef is one of my go-to brands for sandals with arch support, so it’s no surprise that this pair has the same support I’ve come to expect from the brand, with added cushioning at the heel and forefoot for extra comfort—which I can confirm makes all the difference when compared to standard slides. I recently wore them to the beach for a long day, and my feet were not sore afterwards.
Fast Facts
- Size range: 5 to 11
- Material: bio-based mushroom leather, EVA, recycled rubber
- Promising review: “These are the perfect shoes. So comfortable and so cute. I was able to walk a lot in them and they were so versatile.”
6. Sunnylife Luxe Beach Chair
I’ve been looking for a comfortable beach chair to set in the sand and use for outdoor movie evenings at the park, and I believe I’ve finally found it with the Sunnylife luxurious chair. Yes, it is a little costly, but the linked insulated cooler, backpack straps, six adjustable recliner settings, double drink holder, and safety clip make it completely worthwhile. Reviewers agree. According to one customer, this chair is not only visually appealing but also comfortable, functional, and equipped with numerous capabilities.It’s also a comfortable, wide seat. It’s little more expensive than my last chair, but they endure so long that I believed it was worthwhile!”
Fast Facts
- Size range: one size
- Material: polyester, aluminum, oak wood
- Promising review: “I bought this as a gift and was told it is ‘the best ever’. The ultimate in comfort and easy to carry.”
7. Kora Organics Silky Sun Drops
After a few close calls with the dermatologist, I never go outside without sunscreen on my face (especially when traveling and spending a lot of time outside), and this newly launched mineral blend from Kora Organics will be the next one I add to my collection, most notably for its unique serum formula that almost never includes SPF.
Here’s why you should pack it, too: The Silky Sun Drops sunscreen serum has SPF 30, which is the ideal amount of coverage for everyday use, and the ingredients are all natural, with the majority derived from organic farming, so you won’t be exposed to nasties like oxybenzone, which is a common ingredient in many other sunscreens. It is also designed to protect your skin from pollution and blue light, ensuring complete coverage.
Fast Facts
- Size range: one size
- Active ingredients: zinc oxide
- Promising review: “It’s such a great, glowy mineral sunscreen…I love that there isn’t a white cast and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes. It looks so nice on its own and under makeup too. It layers well with my other skincare products too. This will be a summer staple in my routine!”
8. Twelve South AirFly Duo
Anyone who has traveled by airline knows how difficult it is to connect your headphones to in-flight movies to keep you occupied during the ride. Yes, some airlines have disposable choices (which always feels wasteful to me), and you might be able to dig out your wired headphones that came with your first iPhone, but if you’re a frequent AirPod user, this pocket-sized device will be a game changer. The AirFly adaptor plugs into any seat-back screen’s headphone socket and connects your AirPods via Bluetooth. Plus, this pair option can link up to two sets, so if you’re traveling with someone and want to watch a movie together, you won’t have to worry about pressing play at the *exact* same time.
Fast Facts
- Size range: single or duo
- Promising review: “Throughout my flights, the connection…remained flawless, with no noticeable lag or dropout. The audio quality transmitted was clear and crisp…thus greatly enhancing my in-flight entertainment experience.”
9. Everlane The Linen Easy Pants
Linen pants are another wardrobe staple for me when it comes to pulling together travel ensembles, and this pair from Everlane has earned a place in my bag. The trousers are quite light and hit at full length on my short legs, so I believe I could wear them anyplace, from sightseeing to a museum to a patio supper. They also contain front and back pockets, which create a pleasing form, and the elastic waistband is comfortable enough to wear for hours on end. Furthermore, according to reviews, the white hue isn’t see-through, so I might need to add another pair to my collection.
Fast Facts
- Size range: XXS to XXL
- Material: linen
- Promising review: “They are so comfortable, not too baggy, and the white is not see-through! I am getting another color.”
10. Women’s Everyday Compression Socks Pack
Linen pants are another wardrobe staple for me when it comes to pulling together travel ensembles, and this pair from Everlane has earned a place in my bag. The trousers are quite light and hit at full length on my short legs, so I believe I could wear them anyplace, from sightseeing to a museum to a patio supper. They also contain front and back pockets, which create a pleasing form, and the elastic waistband is comfortable enough to wear for hours on end. Furthermore, according to reviews, the white hue isn’t see-through, so I might need to add another pair to my collection.
Until now, I’ve always bought the cheapest pair I could find, and while they were functional, they were never really comfortable. So, after recently switching from standard socks to Bombas’ quarter-length versions and being blown away by how they made my feet feel, I purchased this pack, which has arch support, strategic cushioning, and stay-up technology in addition to medium compression. Sayonara, swelling feet!
Fast Facts
- Size range: S to L
- Material: cotton, polyester, elastane
- Promising review: “These socks are much more comfortable and easy to put on than my previous compression socks. They made it a much more enjoyable trip and allowed me to walk and take in the sights of Italy despite my peripheral neuropathy.”
11. LSPACE Jess Bikini Top
LSPACE has been on my radar for a long because of their stylish swimsuit designs and sustainable fabrics, and this year I’m eyeing the sporty Jess bikini top and matching bottoms ($106). I adore the textured ribbed fabric and the modest strappy cutout at the back. Plus, the bottoms provide modest coverage, so I won’t feel too exposed if I wear them to a crowded beach or to a pool party with my family. Some reviewers have mentioned that the top runs small, so you may want to consider sizing up.
Fast Facts
- Size range: XS to XL
- Material: recycled polyester, recycled nylon, spandex, lycra
- Promising review: “This swimsuit was definitely good quality. It felt well-made and like it would hold up while still being comfortable to wear.”
12. Monos Metro Weekender
Earlier this year, I tried the Monos Carry-On Backpack ($230), Metro Tote ($230), and Carry-On Pro Plus ($315) and was so impressed with the quality and thoughtful design of each piece (with details like tons of organizational pockets, laptop sleeves, and more) that I’m on a mission to switch over all of my travel bags to the brand—beginning with this sleek weekender. It’s constructed of the same wonderfully soft, yet robust, water-resistant vegan leather as the previous pieces I tried, so I’m confident it’ll withstand repeated use. It also has a trolley sleeve that can be transformed into an extra pocket, as well as numerous inside pockets and—the true standout, in my opinion—a separate shoe compartment at the bottom.
Fast Facts
- Size range: one size
- Material: vegan leather or nylon
- Promising review: “As I walked through the airport, I was literally stopped and asked ‘where did you get that bag? It’s beautiful!’ While the bag is definitely beautiful, it is also practical. There are lots of useful, easily accessible interior/exterior pockets for wallet, phone, eyeglasses, laptop, so everything was organized inside the bag.”
13. Alo Seamless Ribbed Shorts
Yes, I am one of those persons who likes to fit in a workout or two when traveling, especially after a long journey or several hours confined in the car when my muscles need stretching, which is why these ribbed shorts are on my packing list. They feature a seamless style and a 5-inch inseam that feels long but not too long, and I appreciate that the style can be worn with the Muse sweatshirt ($108) on a hiking trail or with the Wellness tank ($48) for some early morning beach yoga.
Fast Facts
- Size range: XS to L
- Material: seamless ribbed performance fabric
- Promising review: “Fit so much better than my other biker shorts!! Comfy, don’t dig into my thighs [and] don’t roll up when I walk.”
14. Case-Mate Waterproof Phone Pouch
After one too many near-misses while storing my phone at the edge of the pool, I decided it was time to get a waterproof pouch. I chose this amusing soap bubble motif from Case-Mate. The certified waterproof pouch protects your phone from water up to 3.3 feet deep and features a clear front that is touch-responsive, allowing you to scroll TikTok while it is encased. Not to mention the transparent window in the back, which enables for underwater photography—just make sure it’s firmly sealed before submerging.
Fast Facts
- Size range: one size
- Material: thermoplastic polyurethane
- Promising review: “I’m a swim instructor and this gem has held up through underwater filming, texting families while in the water and much more!”
15. Vuori Performance Joggers
When it comes to travel, comfort is essential, and since donning these Vuori performance joggers, they’ve been my go-to airport outfit. They have a wonderfully soft feel, but the fabric is so light that it won’t make me sweat whether I’m hurrying to my gate or waiting on the packed boarding bridge. There’s also a matching lightweight crewneck ($96) that I’ll absolutely pack to layer over when the air conditioning kicks in mid-flight.
Fast Facts
- Size range: XXS to XXL
- Material: recycled polyester, elastane
16. Fable Pets Magic Link Leash
As I previously stated, I almost always travel with my dog, and I’ve been looking for a simple, lightweight leash that can be quickly cleaned off after trudging through an airport or seeing a new city all day (because, germs)—and this one from Fable Pets completely fills the bill. The magic link design may be used as a traditional leash, either around your waist or across your body—which is very useful when juggling other luggage or souvenir buying bags.
Fast Facts
- Size range: XS/S to M/L
- Material: industrial strength brushed cord and premium aluminum hardware
- Promising review: “Very well-made and I love the sleek design. Being able to use it multiple ways makes it perfect for any situation. I will be using this leash a TON!”
17. Conair 3-in-1 SteamStylist
My clothes usually tend to become wrinkled in my bag, no matter how I pack, so I’m going to bring this 3-in-1 steamer on my next vacation to get them back to looking smooth. The compact device functions as a steamer, iron, and press, so it should work well with a wide range of materials. According to the brand, it can be used horizontally or vertically to conveniently reach every region. It also includes a turbo steam mode for treating extremely deep wrinkles, which sounds like a lifesaver to me.
Fast Facts
- Size range: one size
- Promising review: “Small but powerful. So easy to use and [being] able to iron right on my bed is a game changer…I have used it on jeans, slacks and blouses and it does a very good job.”
18. Chillhouse Chill Tips Press On Nail Kit
Inevitably, by the time I arrive to my destination, my perfectly polished manicure (that I likely spent upwards of $50 on the day before) gets chipped, so this year I’m sticking to press-on nails. This affordable set from Chillhouse nails the beachy vibe I’m looking for. I’ve found the key to getting them to stay on securely is by applying a couple of coats of glue (I like this one, $7, because the applicator makes it super easy to put on) and holding them down firmly for at least 30 seconds. Plus, the kit comes with extras, so if you do happen to lose one while you’re swimming in the ocean, you don’t have to try to track down a salon—just pop on a new nail and you’re good to go.
Fast Facts
- Size range: one size
- Material: plastic
- Promising review: “Love Chillhouse and these did not disappoint! Good quality nails, cute designs. [I] couldn’t ask for more.
19. Stoney Clover Lane Getaway Tote
A capacious tote that can hold everything from a large towel to my water bottle and current beach read is another item I never leave home without, and how adorable is this embroidered one from Stoney Clover Lane? It includes both top handles and an adjustable, removable longer strap, allowing it to be worn in a variety of ways, and the nylon material should be easy to clean if it becomes sandy. Customers have noted that there are no internal pockets, so I’ll be grabbing some of the brand’s lovely bags for added organizing.
Fast Facts
- Size range: one size
- Material: nylon
- Promising review: “Great travel bag, but would be better with some internal pockets.”
20. Kintion Travel Makeup Mirror
Hotel lighting can be unpredictable, but this slim, portable mirror will ensure I have the brightness I need to apply my makeup perfectly. The touch screen mirror has three different light settings including natural, warm and white, and each setting has three different brightness levels. Shoppers confirm it’s easy to travel with, and one buyer calls out its long battery life: “This is a great travel mirror. It is a decent size. The variety of lighting options is helpful. The battery life lasted eight days in Tampa—granted I don’t use a ton of makeup—but it was still going strong when I had to pack it away.”
Fast Facts
- Size range: one size
- Material: rubber, glass
- Promising review: “I love this mirror! Its ring light is very bright, plus you can hold the button to dim it as well. Switches between warm or cool lighting shades. One of the other neat features is that it swivels, so you can use it vertically or swivel it sideways for a wider view.”
