52 Expertly curated essentials for every summer escape

Every getaway deserves a lineup of reliable, ready-for-anything essentials. These expertly curated picks take the guesswork out of packing, so you can focus on the fun. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or anywhere in between, these finds make every summer escape feel effortless.

A must-have large travel backpack for easy adventures

Amazon

This reliable travel backpack is designed for practicality. Opt for the white model to keep your load as light as possible, but keep in mind that it’s best used in dry conditions. Whether you’re exploring trails or setting up camp, this pack will keep your essentials organized and easily accessible.

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Rest easy with a travel pillow

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Catch real sleep in-flight with an ergonomic neck support pillow. Designed to cradle your neck and keep your head in place, it makes those cramped airline seats feel just a bit more like home—so you land rested and ready.

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These compression packing cubes flatten to a super tiny size

Amazon

Waking up in a new destination and finding our suitcase a mess used to be the norm. What can we say? We like to pack options. With these compression packing cubes, however, staying organized and saving space has never been easier. Plus, we love its g-hook hanging system, which allows you to hang your cubes and never unpack again.

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Stow all their essentials in a pet travel organizer set

Amazon

If your pet is part of the family, there’s no doubt you’ll be taking him or her with you on your trip. The only difference is that this year, you’ll be prepared with a pet travel organizer set. Loaded with compartments and pockets, as well as included folding food and water bowls, there’s room to load up these bags with anything from food and medicine to toys and blankets.

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Snag these comfy earplugs if you’re a light sleeper

Amazon

Not quite ready to invest in noise-canceling headphones? Try these Amazon’s Choice earplugs instead. Their design makes them fit securely in your ear, blocking out everything from cabin noise to loud chatter. “These are for noise reduction. I’ve even slept in them. I travel a lot, and the ability to sleep soundly when hotel walls are thin is important,” wrote Susan.

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This glow recipe cleanser hydrates and exfoliates

Amazon

This Blueberry Bounce cleanser contains hyaluronic acid to gently cleanse, hydrate, and exfoliate your skin with every use. One customer writes, “My skin looks great. No breakouts or redness.”

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Use these body wipes when there’s no time for a shower

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For those longer flights where you step off the plane feeling less than fresh, body wipes can be a game changer. These no-rinse wipes are large enough to clean big areas and come in a compact pack that fits any toiletry kit. The formula is gentle and refreshing, doesn’t leave residue behind, and doesn’t have a powerful smell, either.

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This insulated wine cooler bag makes for more enjoyable picnics

Amazon

Wine is fine in a restaurant, but if you want your holiday to include some of the good stuff under the sun, an insulated wine cooler bag is the answer. Inside, there are four compartments with enough space for a wide variety of bottle shapes and sizes, each of which can be filled with ice to chill bottles for drinking later on.

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Charge your adventures without limits with this portable charger

Amazon

For a portable charger that will power up all your devices fast, look no further than this 50,000mAh option. With a weight of only 4.15 pounds, it is easy to carry in your carry-on or backpack, whether you’re powering up your phone at the airport or giving your laptop a boost mid-flight. You can even use it to charge up to three laptops at the same time.

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These waterproof phone pouches are useful no matter what’s on your itinerary

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Shoppers attest that after trying out these phone pouches for themselves, “they’re never heading to the beach without them.” These waterproof pouches keep your phone safe from splashes, sand, and accidental drops, and the fact that they float gives you extra peace of mind when you’re out on the water.

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Stay cool anywhere with this portable handheld turbo fan

Amazon

Beat the heat anywhere with the portable handheld turbo fan. Its advanced six-blade design paired with a high-speed motor ensures a powerful airflow, making your travel more comfortable. Compact yet mighty, this fan spins three times faster than most, cooling you down with ease. ||||| auto added

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Capture your best angle using an adjustable tripod and selfie stick

Amazon

Say what you will about selfie sticks, but they sure make for better photos and videos while you’re out and about. So next vacation, an adjustable tripod and selfie stick will be a big upgrade to your content game, enabling you to take wide-panning pictures or set your phone on the tripod while you take videos or pics in front of a beautiful vista.

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A renewed JBL FLIP 5 Bluetooth speaker is as powerful as new

Amazon

Though the renewed JBL FLIP 5 Bluetooth speaker may be gently used, you wouldn’t be able to tell from the reviews. Much like brand new versions — except for less money — this speaker can belt out music at high volume and quality. Plus, it’s waterproof, able to withstand even temporary submersion in water.

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A set of two TSA-approved cosmetic bags

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TSA-anxiety is a real thing, people. These quart-sized travel bags ensure that you’ll be taking only the approved amounts of your favorite cosmetics and personal care items on the plane. The set of two makes it easy to divide your hair items and cosmetics.

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This brush set features an LED-lit mirror

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This travel makeup kit comes with fourteen brushes, designed to be compact for easy packing, a handy traveling case, and a mirror lit with powerful LED lights that run on a long-lasting battery.

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This spray stops nausea in its tracks

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Relieve travel nausea in seconds with this nasal inhaler. These tiny tubes are packed with a non-drowsy, drug-free nausea solution that helps to stop motion sickness in a matter of moments.

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This Samsonite carry-on suitcase helps you travel lighter

Amazon

Traveling light is the new overpacking, so your carry-on needs to be both functional and hardwearing. The Samsonite Freeform fits way more than it looks, meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically, and is backed by a 10-year warranty.

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Reduce dark circles with this under-eye stick

Amazon

Avoid tired eyes and give your skin a burst of energy with this under eye stick from grace & stella. The formula contains caffeine to tackle dark circles, plus niacinamide, which can reduce fine lines and pigmentation. One customer described it as a ‘must-have for refreshed eyes’.

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A body sponge that travels with them for their glowiest skin yet

Amazon

It sometimes feels as though travelers can’t possibly bring every toiletry in their bathroom to feel and look their best. That’s not true if you treat them to the Spongeables Body Wash in a Sponge! Instead of just washing their body with this sponge’s acai berry scent, they can really scrub the grime off to have healthy, glowing skin even when they’re traveling for multiple weeks.

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A sleek travel wallet that offers RFID-blocking protection

Amazon

There are so many options out there for travel wallets, but this faux-leather trifold design ticks all the boxes — offering RFID-blocking protection, a passport slot, room for multiple cards, an ID, a SIM card, cash, and even your boarding pass.

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This camera lens clips on your phone

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There’s no need to bring a bulky camera on your next trip when you can use this camera lens for your phone instead. Simply clip this gadget on the back of your phone to instantly enjoy a wide-angle lens and other features.

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Tech meets style with Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses

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Wayfarer tech specs combine timeless style with cutting-edge technology. The Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses let your tech-lover capture photos, take calls, and enjoy music through open-ear speakers. Equipped with a 12MP camera and five-mic system.

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The wide-brim straw Panama hat is the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe

Amazon

Made with a blend of breathable paper straw and polyester, this Panama hat is not just lightweight and flexible but also designed to handle the rigors of travel without losing its shape. Its tight braiding means it’s durable enough for any sunny day adventure, from a casual stroll on the beach to an outdoor brunch with friends.

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A handy notepad that reminds you of all the things you need to pack

Amazon

Always forgetting to pack certain items? Not a problem when you have this notepad. It’s filled with all sorts of items you’ll likely want to take with you when traveling, including umbrellas, underwear, headphones, and everything in between. “This is a very thorough packing list!!” raved one reviewer. “I like that it comes with a lot of pages so that I can use it for plenty of trips. I also like that it even has some sections that you can write in the quantity that you want to bring.”

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Find your perfect summer chill outfit with this two-piece shorts lounge set

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If you’re after something comfortable and easy for summer, check out this two-piece shorts lounge set. This breathable waffle knit outfit is a mix of polyester and cotton, giving it a blend of softness and stretch, perfect for those warm days when you just want to relax or keep things light and breezy. The shorts and top combination in a fresh green is versatile enough for a workout or a beach day with friends, all while keeping you cozy in its skin-friendly and lightweight fabric.

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A toiletry bag with a hook that shoppers can’t get enough of

Amazon

This five-star rated toiletry bag hooks to the back of any bathroom door and keeps your products perfectly organized while traveling. It’s a total game-changer when it comes to keeping counters clutter-free and making everything easy to see at a glance.

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Travel friendly and skincare ready: meet the mini skincare kit from e.l.f.

Amazon

It’s hard to keep up with self-care when you’re on the road. It’s a good thing you can make your skincare routine travel-ready with this mini skincare kit. Hyaluronic acid-powered products cleanse, hydrate, and refresh wherever you are. Plus, they’re vegan and airplane-approved.

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These silicone covers prevent leaks

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Made from highly elastic silicone, these covers were designed to fit most travel-size bottles in your toiletries bag. The covers work to prevent product leaks from turning into spills.

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These Turkish beach towels are beautiful

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You’re going to love the fast drying and sand resistance of these stylish Turkish Beach towels. These oversized beach towels have the charm and elegance of your favorite Turkish towel styles while also boasting a fade-resistant, durable, and long-lasting towel life.

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You’re going to want to go everywhere with this beach bag

Amazon

This beach bag looks so good, you’re going to want to take it everywhere else, too. This large tote bag is waterproof and sandproof. Its huge body is big enough to carry all of your beach and pool essentials and more. You’re going to look great going to the beach and feel great at how organized everything is inside your giant beach bag.

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Top off your style with a floppy hat

Amazon

Wear this black floppy straw hat for summer festivals, sunny beach days, and springtime farmers’ markets. The UPF 50+ material blocks the sun to keep you cool and safe from harmful rays. The rich black color is a modern boho look, but you can also get the hat in natural brown colors.

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A Beach Canopy That Provides Advanced Sun Protection

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The sun shelter listed here is made of water-resistant fabric that offers UPF 50+ sun coverage to block harmful UV rays. The canopy comes with a hand shovel to fill the corner pockets with sand to anchor the tent at the beach. The all-purpose tent comes with grass pegs for easy setup on other surfaces.

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Add a splash of floral fun to your beach days with these floral belted shorts

Amazon

For a fun and easygoing addition to your summer wardrobe, these floral belted shorts have a cute ruffled hem and a playful floral pattern. They feature an elastic high waist and a decorative drawstring that gives them a comfy and relaxed fit, while the two side pockets are perfect for carrying small essentials. Made from a soft and lightweight fabric, they’re perfect for a casual beach day or just lounging around.

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Bring treats to the beach in style with an insulated cooler bag

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This insulated cooler bag has a beachy straw appearance, but features a thick inner lining that keeps food and drinks chilled for up to 16 hours. It looks like a boho bag, but it acts like a high-tech cooler, ideal for grocery shopping, beach days, and camping.

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This crochet top is more than just a beach coverup

Amazon

Though adorable over a bathing suit, reviewers are also pairing this crochet top with tank tops and bandeaus underneath for a cute, casual look. It has a slightly oversized fit, giving it that fashionable drape we all love.

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Fight eczema and UV rays with this natural sunscreen

Amazon

For anyone with eczema, this SPF 30 sunscreen is the perfect protection. It’s formulated with aloe vera, cucumber extract, pomegranate juice, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, and green tea extract to offer an incredible soothing sensation that eases eczema irritation.

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A versatile blanket full of vibrant colors to add joy

Amazon

Eat s’mores under the stars or sip tea by the fire with this handmade blanket that’s perfect for cool outdoor evenings. Reviewers say it’s soft, warm, and just the right weight, whether you’re draping it over your outdoor chairs or keeping a few folded in a basket nearby. We love its colorful Mexican design.

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These citronella candles naturally keep pests away all night

Amazon

You don’t know true outdoor ambiance until you’ve lit one of these citronella candles, an Amazon’s Choice product. With notes of rosemary, peppermint, cedarwood, and lemongrass, they smell delightful. Plus, they’re designed to withstand the elements while keeping bugs at bay.

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Look flawless in this SPF 40 tinted sunscreen

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Even out skin tone with this tinted facial sunscreen, formulated with cupuacu seed butter to deeply moisturize and lilac extract to mattify and reduce redness. The bronze finish gives you a sun-kissed look while stopping sun damage, for the best of both worlds.

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This tanning oil will help you get what you’re looking for

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Enjoy the dip of the sun’s rays on your skin with this tanning oil. Get a lovely tan faster and stay in the sun for shorter periods with the help of this tanning oil. Made to both hydrate your skin and help you get your perfect glow, you’re going to love this tanning oil.

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Rethink sunscreen with the hypoallergenic sunscreen with puff sponge

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This SPF 50+ sunscreen looks more like setting powder, with a puff sponge applicator that makes reapplication effortless. It also features a proprietary plant extract complex using Korean skincare ingredients, lowering skin temperature for a cooling sensation.

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Add some retro flair to your look with these small round vintage polarized sunglasses in tortoise and grey

Amazon

They come with high-definition polarized lenses that filter out glare and protect your eyes from the sun by blocking 99% of UV rays. Perfect for updating your wardrobe with a touch of vintage style without overthinking it.

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Your blonde hair will love this hair lightener spray.

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Keep your blonde hair vibrant and shiny this summer with this hair lightener spray. Easy to apply and even easier to enjoy, this spray is enriched with Costa Rican pineapple and Meyer lemon. Keep your blonde hair sharp and beautiful in the sun with the help of this great spray.

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A waterproof beach bag for all the essentials

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The beach is one of the most relaxing places, but if you’re not prepared, you can leave feeling less-than-great. That’s why a sturdy, waterproof beach bag is essential. This one is large enough to store everything you need for a day in the sun, and its waterproof design ensures that your library books and devices stay free from water damage.

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Keep your feet free in strappy sandals

Amazon

Nothing says summer like these strappy, braided sandals. The rubber footbeds offer sole support and shock absorption, so you can skip through the season in total comfort. Find boho colors like soft tan, cranberry red, and ocean turquoise.

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Hone your glow with this brightening mineral face sunscreen

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This complex mineral sunscreen formula is made with saffron, squalane, and an adaptogenic shield complex to give your skin a vibrant glow. It creates a luminous appearance with long-lasting moisture and SPF 50+ that stops all UV rays.

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Relax outdoors this summer in this outdoor rocking chair

Amazon

This outdoor rocking chair will have you lounging and recharging in no time this summer. It’s a strong steel frame that offers great support and comfort, while its mesh back makes for a breathable and cool chill session. The shock absorbers and spring action rocking tech are what allow you to gently rock back and forth in any outdoor setting.

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A Comfort Pro Rocker That’s Ideal for the Ball Field

Amazon

‘Love this chair! I needed a new summer chair for the ball field. Easy to carry, open & use. Love that it rocks, has a cupholder & a pocket for my phone. I get so many compliments every time I use it & the color is beautiful!’ That was a helpful review, but one feature the customer didn’t mention is the mesh backrest, which makes this chair an excellent choice for summer.

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You can never have enough maxi dresses

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This on-trend maxi dress is equal parts practical and pretty. The adjustable shoulder straps and loose, flowy fit make it a comfy throw-on for dinner after a sunny day out.

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This leave-in conditioner spray is great for kids

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You’re going to absolutely love this leave-in conditioner spray for your kids on a beach or pool day. This spray is easily applied to any kid’s hair, stays in for hours in the water, and protects against drying UV damage.

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The SPF mineral sunscreen made for sensitive skin

Amazon

This SPF 50+ sunscreen has a non-greasy, weightless texture that blends into skin easily. It’s made with niacinamide to control breakouts, tocopherol to support skin health, and rosemary extract to soothe irritation. The simple but effective formula is gentle on all skin types.

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This salad container that keeps all your ingredients separated until it’s time to eat

Amazon

Letting all your salad ingredients mix together before it’s time to eat can leave everything tasting soggy. Luckily, this container is an easy fix. Multiple compartments let you keep cheese, tomatoes, and more separated until you’re ready to eat. Plus, all pieces are completely BPA-free.

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