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This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Summer Travel Week, a weeklong focus on how to travel smarter and save money during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
Memorial Day might be behind us, but the summer travel season is just beginning, so it’s time to get your summer vacation packing list ready. Whether you’re heading to Europe or embarking on a spontaneous road trip, it’s important to make sure you have all the travel gear you need for a comfortable summer vacation.
From the best sunscreens and a pair of Apple AirPods Pro for days spent exploring to an effortless bathing suit and quick-dry towel for those sunny beach days, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 46 essential items to accompany you on your summer escapades.
Luggage, bags and packing cubes for summer travel
Shrradoo Anti-Theft Laptop Travel Backpack
If you don’t want to break the bank on a travel backpack, we get it! (The trip itself is usually expensive enough.) But don’t worry, Amazon’s got you covered with this anti-theft option. It comes with a fixed lock, can fit a laptop and has pockets galore. In addition to its luggage strap, the backpack also has a top handle, a USB port and adjustable straps.
Read our review
Cotopaxi Allpa 35-Liter Travel Pack
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel backpack is a great pick for travelers who want to skip the carry-on bag entirely; one CNN Underscored contributor even used it to pack everything she needed for a three-week trek through Europe. We like this backpack because of its various organization compartments and stylish exterior that can be customized to your liking.
Read our review
Editor Favorite
Away The Carry-On
Away’s The Carry-On is one of our favorite carry-on bags, thanks to its chic design, durable polycarbonate construction and reasonable price. It’ll comfortably hold enough clothes for a four- or five-day trip to a new city or the beach and is considered a carry-on bag on virtually all US airlines. One of our favorite features is the internal compression strap system that makes it easy to maximize your packing space.
Read our review
Best Tested
Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner
Going on a longer trip and need to check a bag? It’s hard to go wrong with the Freeform Medium Spinner from Samsonite. It’s our pick for the best budget-friendly checked bag, thanks to its four smooth-rolling wheels, wide-open packing space and expandability. The price is right, too, as it’s often marked down to well under $200.
Away The Insider Packing Cubes, 4-Pack
We’ve regretted using packing cubes to organize our suitcase. This set from luggage brand Away is available in seven colors, and the cubes are made of water-resistant nylon that can protect your clothes, with breathable mesh toppers that allow you to easily see what’s inside.
Best Tested
Iniu Portable Charger
Don’t worry about your phone dying on your next trip. This budget-friendly power bank has a 10,000mAh capacity — more than enough to charge most modern smartphones — and USB-A and USB-C outputs for maximum compatibility. Plus, it complies with TSA battery rules, so you shouldn’t have any issues bringing it in your carry-on bag.
Editor Favorite
Apple AirPods Pro 2 With USB-C
The second-generation Apple AirPods Pro offer immersive sound with active noise cancellation and personalized spatial audio. A customizable fit and touch controls provide comfort and easy playback management, and they’re dust-, sweat- and water-resistant with long battery life and a feature-rich case for convenience. Plus, they offer seamless device connectivity and features like Conversation Awareness and Siri integration for a better experience.
Editor Favorite
Perilogics Universal Airplane Flight Phone Mount
This simple yet effective device will help any travel journey go by faster. Simply insert your phone and use the adjustable clasp to mount the tool onto any steady surface — from airline tray tables to car headrests. It can be customized to fit just about anywhere and from any viewing angle.
Read our review
Sony XB13 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
The Sony XB13 churns out rich, 360-degree sound in a waterproof, dustproof cylinder that weighs less than 1 pound and boasts 16 hours of battery. Our favorite detail? The attached strap is for carrying or attaching to your gear (or beach umbrella).
Editor Favorite
Foval European Travel Plug Adapter
This editor-approved European power adapter is a must-have for your next trip abroad. It features a standard European plug and comes with both US and UK adapters. With three US-style outlets, four USB-A ports and one USB-C port, it lets you charge all your devices from a single socket. Just be sure your devices are compatible with 220V outlets before plugging them into the Foval adapter.
Read our review
Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle
Having a good e-reader can make reading on the beach a whole lot more convenient. Reading on a smartphone or tablet means you’re subject to glare from the sun, and traditional books are a heavy addition to your beach bag. Instead, bring a Kindle Paperwhite loaded with your reading list. It’s waterproof, a single charge can last for weeks and its e-ink screen means you can read in direct sunlight. Plus, the Essentials Bundle includes a protective fabric case and a 9W USB power adapter.
Twelve South AirFly SE
If you’re flying to your summer vacation destination and you use wireless Bluetooth headphones, you need one of these simple transmitters. After pairing the AirFly SE with your headphones, you can seamlessly stream the in-flight entertainment directly to your ears. Say goodbye to poor-quality airline-supplied wired headphones forever.
Read our review
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch, 2-Pack
Protect your phone at the beach, by the pool or even just in stormy weather with these clever waterproof pouches. They’re also great for shielding your phone from sand and dust, and you can still use your touchscreen through the plastic.
Read our review
Toiletries and sunscreen for summer travel
Best Tested
Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active Sunscreen SPF 30
CNN Underscored’s pick for the best sunscreen, Hawaiian Tropic’s Everyday Active Sunscreen is spray-on and provides 30 SPF protection from the sun. It’s great for the beach, as it’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has a pleasant coconut scent. Just note that you’ll have to put this in your checked luggage since it comes in a 6-ounce container.
Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion
This sunscreen from Coppertone is great for those who prefer mineral sunscreen. It provides 50 SPF protection and is hypoallergenic, with zinc oxide as its only active ingredient. Our testers found it applies smoothly and more easily than other mineral sunscreens. You might consider this option if you have sensitive skin or want to avoid chemicals.
Edition Le Labo Travel Set
Exclusive to Edition Hotels, these amenities feature a signature black tea scent by Le Labo and are infused with vitamin E and aloe vera for luxurious hair care and shea butter body lotion for revitalizing moisture. Paraben-free and cruelty-free, this set includes 3-ounce bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion, all packaged in a beige canvas zip pouch perfect for travel.
Dagne Dover Hunter Small Neoprene Toiletry Bag
This versatile toiletry bag holds a surprisingly large number of items. With three elastic loops, a mesh slip pocket and even an additional mesh zip pouch included, this bag is a fantastic — and stylish — way to organize your travel-size essentials.
Sandals and shoes for summer travel
Allbirds Women’s Tree Runner Go
Available in 20 colors, these Allbirds shoes are a versatile — and comfy — addition to your packing list when you have limited space in your luggage. Made with sustainable and breathable material, these shoes are fantastic for walking around in all types of weather.
Read our review
Allbirds Men’s Tree Runner Go
If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking and exploring on your next trip, these Allbirds sneakers are comfortable and required zero breaking in when we tested them. The comfy fit and flexible material are perfect for long days walking around a new city.
Read our review
Crocs Adult Classic Clogs
Crocs have long been some of our favorite travel shoes despite their controversial styling. They’re super comfortable both at the airport and on the airplane, thanks to being lightweight and breathable, and they can be easily taken off at airport security. Even better, they’re usually on sale for under $50 on Amazon.
Teva Men’s Original Universal Sandals
Teva is known for providing quality sandals at affordable prices, and these are no exception. The brand’s Original Universal sandals offer traditional webbing and durable rubber soles, and there’s even a zinc-based antimicrobial treatment applied to control unwanted scents.
Suokeni Men’s Quick-Drying Water Shoes
These water shoes are light enough to pack in your luggage on your next trip, and the anti-slip design is fantastic for water sports. The mesh material is also perfect for those days you just want to walk around the beach — without worrying about stepping on rocks.
Andie The Malibu One-Piece
This one-piece swimsuit from Andie Swim is designed with comfort in mind, thanks to its adjustable straps, underbust elastic and sculpting fabric. It’s available in a slew of sizes from XS to XXXL.
Carve Designs SPF Sustainable Swimwear
This collection includes a wide range of swimsuits for women made with UPF fabric technology, combining practicality with effortlessly chic styles. Whether in the market for bikini sets, one-pieces or sun shirts, Carve Design’s Sustainable Swimwear collection has what you need to elevate your beach look this summer.
Nuna TRVL Lightweight Stroller
This we know: Traveling with babies is not easy. Nuna is making the journey a bit easier, though, with its travel stroller that weighs just under 14 pounds and can accommodate passengers from infants to kids up to 50 pounds. Super sleek in design, the stroller can self-fold into a freestanding position with the simple push of a button on the handlebar. We love that the buckle is a self-guiding magnet — no more buckle frustration! — and that it comes with a handy carrying case.
Read our review
Humangear GoToob+ Small Squeeze Bottles
Available in three travel-friendly sizes, these colorful squeeze bottles are essential for a family vacation. The different colors are helpful for organizing your shampoo, conditioner and other necessities without worrying about whose is whose.
Stokke JetKids BedBox
As the world’s only premium ride-on suitcase for kids, this is a no-brainer for keeping your little traveler happy on long travel days. Better yet, once on board your flight and at a cruising altitude, the suitcase can be brought out to act like an in-flight bed for your kid or as a leg rest. So, not only can you store things in it, but it’ll make for a more comfortable in-flight experience too.
Dagne Dover Indi Neoprene Diaper Backpack
This stylish diaper bag is perfect for parents traveling with little ones. It’s large enough to fit bottles, clothes and other daily essentials, while still having a separate sleeve for your laptop and a zippered shoe bag. It also includes a mini changing mat and even clips to your stroller.
Melsbrinna RFID Passport Holder
Shelbi Okumura, travel photographer, creator and founder of @bucketlistbums, recommends using this RFID passport holder while traveling. Not only is it stylish and available in over 25 colors but it’s a great way to ensure your information is safe and secure while at the airport.
East Water Straw Sun Visor
“This adjustable visor is very stylish, comfortable and really affordable,” Okumura said. Bonus: The foldable design makes this cute sun hat easy to pack.
Niveaya Magnetic Hat Clip
Okumura also recommends a hat clip to easily attach your hat to your bag and make space for more items while packing. “I simply attach it to my luggage and then clip my sun hat to the super-strong magnet. This prevents my hats from getting smashed inside my luggage,” she said.
Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder
Make navigating summer travel crowds a little less hectic with Riemot’s lightweight drink holder, which keeps water bottles, coffee or even your phone handy while strolling with a suitcase in tow.
Read our review
Shibumi Mini Shibumi Shade
Unlike a beach umbrella, the Mini Shibumi Shade works with the wind, not against it. While it only weighs 2 pounds and sets up in minutes, it offers enough UPF 50+ sun protection to provide shade for up to four people. It’s also carry-on compatible, making it incredibly easy to take on your next beach vacation. Get 15% off your order of $100 or more when you use the code SHIBUMICNN at checkout.
T&I Home 100% Cotton Turkish Towel
Be prepared for any seaside adventure with this lightweight Turkish beach towel that’s compact enough to pack in your carry-on bag. This towel is budget-friendly while still being chic and durable. “They also come in several fun, stylish prints for a beach holiday (you can use them as a towel, blanket, wrap, etc.),” Okumura said.
Away The Small Toiletry Bag
The Small Toiletry Bag offers a compact solution for travelers and light packers. Made with water-resistant nylon and a coated, wipeable interior, it has multiple compartments, including transparent and mesh pockets for efficient organization. With an exterior zip pocket for quick-access items, it’s designed for convenience on short trips.
Sea to Summit Big River 20-Liter Dry Bag
The Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. Made from durable, recycled nylon, it’s waterproof, with double-stitched, taped seams, while a reflective interior, oval base and D-ring attachment point enhance functionality. It’s perfect for backpacking and paddling adventures and backed by Sea to Summit guarantee.
Bug Bite Thing
Do you know what can ruin a vacation fast? A lingering, itchy bug bite, that’s what. Enter: Bug Bite Thing. First seen on “Shark Tank,” the suction tool quickly and easily extracts insect saliva and venom from a bug bite, alleviating all itching, stinging and swelling symptoms. Amazon’s top seller for bug bite relief, the “Thing” has more than 92,000 reviews and, given its efficacy, is well worth the under-$10 price tag.
Read our review
Hilife Steamer
You want to be Instagram-ready on vacation, and wrinkled clothes will ruin that vibe. We recommend this handy travel steamer that weighs less than 2 pounds and can de-wrinkle your clothes in seconds. It also has more than 120,000 reviews on Amazon and is currently on sale for under $30.
Jisulife Handheld 3-in-1 Mini Fan
If you’re packing for summer, chances are you’re packing for hot weather. And whether you’re standing in line for a ride at Disney World or lounging poolside at a resort, staying cool is key. This battery-powered, rechargeable handheld mini cooling fan, which comes in five different color options, offers up to 21 hours of cooling time on one charge. It also happens to be our pick for best portable fan.
Read our review
Best Tested
Outerknown The Beach Towel
Gone are the cumbersome terry towels of yore and replacing them are lightweight, thinner options that are equally absorbent and way easier to travel with. We like Outerknown’s The Beach Towel because it’s comfortable, absorbent and durable.
The following FAQs have been answered by travel expert Shelbi Okumura.
For an international trip, the number-one item Okumura recommends bringing is an outlet converter or adapter for all your gadgets, especially one that has multiple plugs, USB-C ports and USB slots all in one.
For this article, we consulted the following expert to gain their professional insights.
Shelbi Okumura, travel photographer, creator and founder of @bucketlistbums, a luxury lifestyle and travel brand
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Travel products editor Kyle Olsen, former senior travel and money editor Andrew Kunesh and editorial coordinator Stephanie Luna have years of combined experience testing and writing product reviews across a variety of categories, including travel accessories and essentials.
Kyle Olsen is the credit cards and travel products editor, where he draws on over a decade of experience with travel rewards to help readers maximize points, miles and perks. A globetrotter fluent in five languages, he’s all about packing light — except for his growing collection of amenity kits.
Andrew Kunesh is a former senior editor for CNN Underscored’s travel and money sections. He was previously the senior points and miles editor at The Points Guy. His work has also appeared on Upgraded Points, Credit Karma, Brad’s Deals, AwardWallet and other travel and personal finance publications.
Stephanie Luna is an editorial coordinator at CNN Underscored based in NYC. She produces articles across Underscored to maintain formatting and style consistency and optimizes stories to ensure best SEO practices. In her free time, she loves to read, crochet and go on walks with her dog, Stitch.