Summer Travel Essentials
I was chatting with Jordan last week about the fun of summer traveling… planned road trips, camping, weekend getaways, and upcoming flights. She’s currently on the east coast celebrating her birthday on the Cape, which admittedly has me fighting the urge to book a flight for myself. Something about this time of year and season puts me in the mood to get away, unplug, and explore. Albeit outside my regular home interior realm, I pull so much inspiration and creativity from traveling. It’s something I’ve always been really passionate about. I thought it may be fun and helpful to share some of my favorite summer travel essentials with you. From my go-to noise cancelling headphones for flights to car organizers for hours spent road tripping, click through to peruse some seriously handy things that make getting to your destination a bit easier and more enjoyable…
Emmett and I are both really into traveling- we always have been. I think our adventurous kindred spirits are one of the things I love most about our relationship. Our goal is to see and enjoy as much of the world as we can during our lifetime, and I’m happy to report- we’ve been fortunate to travel to many amazing places thus far. Along the way, we’ve definitely picked up some good travel hacks, favorite items, and have learned to pack quite efficiently. First up, here are some tried & true flight essentials for time spent in the air on the way to & from your destination…
FLIGHT ESSENTIALS
You can peruse my picks by clicking directly on the thumbnails- or use the links below each collage.
jewelry organizer // tiny hair dryer // travel curling iron // noise cancelling headphones // packing cubes // airfly bluetooth device // weekender bag // compression socks // leakproof toiletry containers // leather RFID passport wallet // luggage tags // world travel adapter // quart size clear travel bags // portable USB chargers // travel cosmetic brush container // 3-piece luggage set // neck pillow
I’m convinced noise cancelling headphones, my bluetooth AirFly, and my small neck pillow are the key to relaxing long, international flights. I’m not one who can fall asleep easily anywhere- especially when traveling, and these are the trifecta for me. I also live for packing cubes, tiny hair styling tools (like my itsy bitsy hairdryer and curling iron), and leakproof toiletry containers. They haven’t failed me yet!
Another thing I always have on hand, but failed to link… sanitizing wipes. They’re always tucked in my bag. You could probably guess I’m that person who wipes everything down from floor to ceiling on a flight.
SUMMER & BEACH VACATIONS
navy ball cap // quick dry beach towel // sunnies // monogrammed beach bag // bonine // waterproof beach blanket // dry bags // mini fan // sunscreen // insulated cooler tote // yeti can insulator // crushable sun hat // striped beach chair // texturizing beach hair mist // beach umbrella tent // stanley tumbler // teva flip flops
I never go to the beach, lake, or pool without my sun hat, trusted sunscreen, sunglasses, beach bag, and a water bottle of some sort. Everything else is handy, but optional! I’ve been wearing those flip flops for decades and I’m probably on my fourth pair… I love them that much. They’re comfy, boat friendly, waterproof (and they float, if dropped in the water), and are easy to clean. While I don’t typically get seasick, I always keep Bonine in my bag. We’ve stayed on small boats at sea for up to a week on scuba trips, and if there is even a remote chance you’ll get sick- skip the dramamine and take this (thank me later). It’s non drowsy and it actually works. I do get car sick and this solves that problem, too.
I like to keep it simple if I’m planning a day on the water… easy salty & textural hair tied back, a hat, an oversized coverup, and usually denim shorts of some kind. Beach & boating days are my favorite kind of days.
ROAD TRIPS
universal seat organizer // car tissue holder // mesh bag set // culti car freshener // tiny travel umbrella // car bag hooks // seat protector // handheld car vac // car power inverter // hand sanitizer // dog bed seat cover // cup holder grips // stanley tumbler // collapsible car totes // collapsible grocery tote // car trash bin with liner // sleek car trash bin
Who knew there were so many handy vehicle organization hacks? I recently discovered a lot of these products earlier this year on winter ski roadtrips- with four people in my car (and gear), I snagged some of these to make packing & riding easier. They really are game changers for spending hours in the car. From sleek waste bins to dog seat covers, organization totes, vehicle vacuums, sanitizer, and tissues, these things make car travel better. And- not linked, but super handy… a Tuesday Made tote!
The interior of my car is lighter- a cream color, so I like to stick to the tan and beige colored items for a monochromatic look, but the majority of these come in all different colors and are universally sized.
SUMMER CAMPING
hammock // water bottle // waterproof blanket // solar string lights // camping pillow // travel clothesline // flashlight // folding camp table // folding camp grill // solar charger // yeti roadie // fire starters // yeti can insulator // laundry bag // travel white noise machine // double camp chair // trasharoo // lightweight griddle
After decades of backpacking and tent camping, I do feel like we have a very cushy glamping setup with our newly renovated camper, but these essential items can be used for tent camping, RVs, or travel trailers. Many of these things I take on road trips and flights as well- like the clothesline (we pack light and wash our clothing), white noise machine, and laundry bag. For camping specifically, my two must-have items are our double camp chair and trasharoo!
Camping is one of our favorite hobbies, and I feel so lucky to live in a state (Utah) that is super gorgeous and accommodating for that. We never camp at campsites- we prefer to go off the grid to find quiet, secluded areas, so it’s important to be self sufficient and pack everything we need for ourselves and the dogs.
If you’re looking for more summer travel related posts… definitely check out the following- I think you’ll enjoy them:
- My Best Travel Tips for Good Deals & Upgrades (a must read!)
- Diving & Jungle Adventures in Indonesia
- Italian Adventures in: Venice, Florence, and Along the Amalfi Coast
- Sailing & Exploring French Polynesia
- A Joshua Tree Desert Getaway
- The Camper Reveal and Camper & RV Organization Essentials (if you’re into camping & glamping)
- Exploring Seal Cove Inn at Moss Beach
- A Dominican Wedding
- Summer Vacation Scenes from the Oregon Coast
You can see all of my travel & adventure archived posts here! I’m going to leave you with some curated Amazon lists that may also prove helpful this season:
- Travel
- Road Trip Essentials
- Beach & Lake Favorites
- Camping & Adventure Gear
- Summer Finds
- Camper & RV Items
Do you have any fun travel plans this summer season? We’ve rebooked our flights home to see family in Kentucky, we’ll be doing lots more camping, and I’ve got a quick trip to California on the books. Aside from that, we’re headed to Thailand later on, and I’ve love to sneak away for a quick weekend getaway to celebrate our anniversary this fall. Regardless of what you have on the calendar, save or pin this post for later- I hope it’s helpful whenever the time comes for you to travel! Happy summer adventuring and exploring, friends. If you have questions about a specific thing or have a travel question, let me know and I’d be happy to share more!