Do you have any summer travel plans scheduled? We have one trip on the calendar, so far – perfect motivation to look for new summer travel necessities. Obviously, what you pack and need depends on where you are traveling to. Once you know where you’re going, the fun begins!
I’m all about packing smart and being prepared. The items below will definitely help do the trick!
LUGGAGE
Whether you’re planning an overnight trip or a 10-day getaway, below are some luggage recommendations!
Away
I’ve seen Away advertised all over the place – online, TV, and magazines – so I had to see what all of the hype was about.
If you’re looking down at your dying phone and broken bag, you can’t see up, out, and ahead to the world in front of you.
I am all about hard-case suitcases and Away offers both a carry-on version and full-size (as well as other types). I love that they have 360-degree spinner wheels and a built-in charger. Did I mention they come in a variety of colors and you can monogram them too? Score!
Packing Cubes
I just jumped on the packing cube bandwagon, but remember my aunt using them years ago. The idea behind packing cubes is the epitome of luggage organization. Use one cube for your t-shirts, one for shorts, one for your unmentionables; or one for one kid, and one for the other.
The options for organizing your luggage are endless. Here are some of my favorites:
Duffel Bags
Duffel bags are perfect for overnight trips or as a carry-on. There are a lot of different styles, even ones with wheels making it super easy to walk with.
If we know there’s going to be some shopping during our summer travel (99% of the time there is), we pack a folded duffel in our luggage. Proper preparation! You can also use it as a catch-all for laundry.
Scroll through some of my favorites below. If one catches your eye, simply click on it for more info/to purchase!
Toiletry Bags
I am very particular when it comes to toiletry bags. I sometimes travel with more than one, compartmentalizing my makeup and cleansing/moisturizing products for finding everything easily.
Scroll through some of my favorites below. If one catches your eye, simply click on it for more info/to purchase!
ACCESSORIES
Travel Products
Compression socks are worn to prevent swelling and aid in blood circulation. They are especially helpful when flying, especially long flights.
Gone are the days of having to wear solid nude or black colored compression socks. Now they come in such cute patterns, I grabbed a few pairs for myself and my hubby.
Scroll through some of my favorites below. If one catches your eye, simply click on it for more info/to purchase!
Electronics
Last time I flew up north, I boarded the plane super excited to watch a movie or catch up on HGTV to find out that I didn’t back my noise-canceling headphones. Total buzzkill.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left for a trip and forgotten:
- Headphones/earbuds
- Charging wires
- Battery back-ups
Now, I collect all of them in one of my old toiletry bags and pop the bag in my carry-on. You just have to remember to put everything you used on vacation back in that bag for the next time.
SUMMER TRAVEL APPS
You know the saying, “There’s an app for that!” There truly is, and especially helpful travel-related ones at that. Here are some that have been helpful for us in the past.
Hotel Tonight
Winging the road trip and don’t actually know when you’re going to stop driving for the night? Check out Hotel Tonight for last-minute room booking – you’ll find some amazing deals! (FREE)
Google Trips
Google Trips is a one-stop-shop for organizing all of your reservations – flight, hotel, restaurant. It imports the info from confirmations sent to your Gmail account. May sound a bit “Big Brother-ish” but very helpful. (FREE)
Hotels.com
When we have an idea ahead of time as to where we’re laying our heads, we head over to Hotels.com – either their website or app. After you book and stay 10 nights at any of their participating hotels, you earn a free night’s stay – at any of their participating hotels. (FREE)
Waze
We’ve used Waze as our guide on so many different vacations. Waze alerts you when there is an accident ahead, a police officer on the horizon, and traffic. This community-based app is spot on when it comes to navigating you around congestion.
NOTE: Sometimes it may bring you through some interesting areas, yet will save you driving time. Other times you may be directed off the highway to then be guided right back on. I haven’t figured out why that happens, I just go with it.
Roadside America
If you are road tripping, you should download Roadside America. It does cost $2.99 but it will help you discover off-the-beaten
path attractions. I’m talking about touring the Aluminum Tree and Ornament Museum in North Carolina.
What are some of your summer travel necessities? Comment below – I’d love to know!
Adriana says
These are some amazing travel necessities. I swear by the traveling cubes. Makes packing so much easier.
minimalistmiri says
Love these packing essentials! I’ve heard so much about packing cubes — it sounds like they help a lot — I’m definitely going to have to order a set!
Dana says
They are super helpful. I hope you love them as much as I do!
Gervin Khan says
You have a nice lists of travel necessities. I love the idea of having a traveling cubes because it will really help me to make my packing more organize.
Dana says
Thank you, Gervin! Organization is key when it comes to packing!
sudipa says
We are off to the beach in two weeks and need to gran few of the items you suggested
Dana says
I hope you have a great beach vacation!
Steph Social says
I’ve heard of Away luggage as well and see what the hype is all about! Good luggage (and apps) make traveling easier:)
Dana says
Agreed, Steph! Check out the Away luggage…it’s really cool!
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh says
I need to get me some packing cubes. I keep forgetting when I go to the stores but i am surely reminded when I start packing. Pretty cool list of travel necessities.
Dana says
Thank you Sue-Tanya!
Jennifer says
These are some really awesome traveling necessities and I really like that you also included some things people may not think to pack. For example the compression socks, they would not be on my list of things to bring. However, the next time I travel and it’s a long flight I’m going to make sure I pack some.
Dana says
I’m glad you enjoyed the list! Those compression socks are a game changer!
Elizabeth O says
Talking about convenience while travelling. I love these packing cubes. They are so genius and very useful. There is no need to dig in the luggage everytime I need to find something. Cool!!
Djebe Laws says
Awesome travel tips, I love the cubes, i have never heard of them before but what an awesome idea
Dana says
Thanks Djebe! The cubes are amazing!
Amy says
Packing cubes are something that I would really need whenever I ahve a trip. Adn these travel essentials are so important.
Akriti says
I am an avid traveler and I enjoyed reading your article. I absolutely love using packing cubes for organizing my stuff.
Erik the Hungry Traveller says
I actually guessed the items youd be discussing before i read the post and I got it right on a lot of items especially the Luggage. I agree that a good luggage can make your travel a lot lot easier.
Dana says
We’re on the same page, Erik!
Tammie Reinhart says
I love using duffle bags and back packs whenever possible. It saves on baggage fees at the airport.
lifedreamers.blog says
oh – I love everything from Vera Bradley – so colourful and useful!
Dana says
Great brand!
Priyanka says
Awesome post! Thanks for sharing.
Dana says
Thanks, Priyanka!
Britney says
I love all these. Especially those packing cubes. They look so helpful.
Owen G. says
Speaking of convenience, these packing cubes are so perfect and useful. It would really make my things more organized.
Monidipa Dutta says
All these r very much equally important things to remember while packing things. A good reminder.
nelly says
All these especially the socks are things I must start stocking up on especially as I plan for a 6 month travel trip. Thanks
Dana says
6 months of traveling? Have fun – and yes, those socks will definitely come in handy!
Ellie Plummer says
This is so useful. I always feel like I’ve forgotten something so I really appreciate this list.
Wren says
Those packing cubes look very convenient! These are all great necessities for traveling!
Dana says
Packing cubes are the BEST!
Chad says
This is an amazing list! I love it and will be very useful especially that I travel a lot. Thanks a lot.
Taryn says
These are great product ideas! I love packing cubes and hanging toiletry bags, and I always take compression socks when traveliung.
Dana says
Thank you, Taryn!
Bethanny Sudibyo says
I love your list. I use packing cubes as well and they help so much.
Dana says
Thank you, Bethanny! Packing cubes are a game changer!
mhyn says
i love this travel necessities tips… I don’t really travel much during summer because I cant handle the heat.. But I travel during rainy season.. I could still use this.. And of course WAZE.. my savior hahaha.. I travel light and alone most of the time..
Miriam says
I never travel without my packing cubes and travel apps! This is such a helpful post, thank you!
From,
https://themimiodyssey.com/
Alexandra Cook says
I’ve been already using a few of those apps and would love to dig out more about Hotel Toninght. Sounds like a very useful travel app.
Alyssa Dawson says
I have been loving packing cutes! That have been a game changer with organization! Thank you for all these reminders and ideas!
Bree says
This is such a great list of travel essentials! I need to snag a few of these items for myself!
Sarah says
I am a big fan of packing cubes and suitcases that have 360 wheels! This is a great travel packing list!
Dana says
Packing cubes are a game changer, right?!
Ana says
Some wonderful list for Summer travel necessities! I love packing cubes. They are a game changer when it comes to packing!
twinspirationalparties says
I agree with these travel necessities, especially the apps. I find it important to have apps that can help us with our trip.
Owen G says
I love the idea of packing cubes. The luggage could be so messy without it. Especially for men like me..
Nina Cochingco says
I agree with all these tips, especially those apps. It makes traveling more convenient. Especially Waze.. Such a useful app..