Bring This, Not That for Your Next Summer Destination

As summer draws near, many of us are getting ready to venture out on a well-deserved vacation. Whether you're traveling locally or abroad, it's important to pack smart so you've got everything you need on hand without having to stuff your suitcases and incur hefty luggage fees. To help make it easier, we've created this handy guide on what to pack and what to pass on for your next summer travel destination.

A passport pouch is one of the smartest ways to keep your passport safe and immediately available while traveling abroad. Worn around your neck and under your shirt, these easy-to-hide pockets can also store cellphones and cash, keeping you safe from potential pick-pockets. Plus, they don't create a tourist target on your back for criminals the way fanny packs do. Just remember to lock up your passport in a hotel safe once you've arrived.

Unless you're traveling to a place without ATMs (or one that doesn't accept credit cards), it's better to limit the amount of cash you're carrying. Not only does a fat stack increase your likelihood of being targeted by thieves, it also puts you at risk for losing your entire vacation bounty. If you're concerned about having foreign currency for a trip, check with your bank to see if you can use your cards abroad at ATMs, which are often cheaper than using a currency exchange service.

Everyone knows to pack their chargers (including wall outlets), but many of us forget to also bring a fully juiced portable charger. These handy devices are lifesaving during long trips or while out and about. Just remember that when flying, portable chargers with lithium ion batteries need to be packed in your carry-on, not your checked luggage. If you're traveling abroad, don't forget to check the country's voltage and grab some universal power adapters.

A vacation means you don't need to bring every single electronic device with you to have a good time. Cell phones can often substitute for cameras, media players, iPads and laptops in most cases, and can help you avoid carrying bulky devices to satisfy every possible work or entertainment need. Remember, less time on electronics also means you're more present and available during your trip, which is a good thing.

Don't assume that having emergency numbers saved on your phone is enough to save you during an actual travel emergency. Not only can phones die in the least opportune moments, but they can also be lost or stolen, leaving travelers trapped without access to someone who can help. Print out a list of important names and numbers, as well as the address and phone number of the nearest embassy, if you're traveling abroad.

Don't bring every credit card you own on your summer vacation "just in case." If lost or stolen, you're at risk for losing every financial option you have available. A smarter choice is to bring one or two cards and have access to others online. That way, in case of an emergency, you can transfer funds if necessary. Also, it helps to keep a copy of card numbers and phone numbers for credit companies in case they are misplaced.

One great way to lighten your luggage and stay trendy is to pack staple items that can rotate into different looks. For a week-long summer trip, think of separates (like jeans, skirts, shorts and blouses) that can be matched with different pieces throughout the week, giving you different styles with only minimal packing required.

It's easy to get sucked into the "what if" mindset while packing for a trip. In reality, you only need one outfit per day, plus swim- and sleepwear. Over-packing clothing so you have "options" uses up precious suitcase space (and weight) that could be used for souvenirs and fun purchases made while on vacation.

Travel, especially during the summer, usually means lots of outdoor activities. While we all love cute shoes, it's important to pack footwear that actually supports your feet while you're out and about. A good pair of tennis shoes can save your feet and back while having fun, and a sturdy pair of rubber flip-flops can keep your feet free of fungus while showering or swimming at public pools. Add in a simple pair of comfy sandals to keep it fashionable, and you're all set!

Not only will seven different pairs of shoes take up an entire suitcase, it's also highly unlikely you're actually going to wear them all. Unless you're an especially rich housewife with a TV crew following you, you probably don't need those sparkly stilettos or foot-pinching pumps to match every outfit. Keeping your footwear simple will save room and keep your feet and back happy.

Even if you're headed out on a business trip this summer, avoid packing clunky hangers in your suitcase. Most hotels and even vacation rentals have hangers available and, if not, they're incredibly cheap to buy. To help stave off wrinkled clothing during your trip, use the roll method to keep clothes compact and looking fresh right out of the suitcase.

TSA-approved luggage locks are one of the smartest accessories for any traveler. Not only do they keep your suitcases secure during transit (except for authorized agents who can unlock them for searches), they can also keep your valuables safe while in your hotel room. We recommend having a luggage lock for every suitcase as well as every backpack and laptop case for extra security and peace of mind.

Wanting to look your best is normal, but maybe skip bringing your most cherished jewels. If you can't imagine living without your great-grandmother's gold ring or the earrings your spouse gave you on your first anniversary, then definitely don't bring them along. Being in a new place makes it more likely you'll accidentally misplace your jewelry, and wearing lots of bling might encourage thieves to target you. Costume jewelry is safer and won't be as painful to lose.

No one anticipates getting hurt, but it happens and it's important (and more cost effective) to be prepared. A good first-aid kit includes different-sized bandages, antibiotic cream, tweezers, sterile wipes, cotton balls, a thermometer, antihistamine cream and athletic tape, as well as over-the-counter pain medication. Buying all these items separately can be costly, but since most of us have these things at home already, it's easy to pack them in a small case for emergencies.

Along with a good first-aid kit, bring every medication you might need to make your trip comfortable (and safe). You don't need to bring every bottle (unless you have certain prescription medications that need to be in your name for international travel). Pills can be counted out and placed in pill carriers to minimize packing space. Liquid medicines can safely go in your carry-on as-is. You'll just need to declare them if they're over 3.4 ounces.

While your choice of feminine hygiene is 100 percent up to you, it's also important to take into consideration the kind of activities you'll be doing while menstruating. Since summer trips almost always include swimming, pads probably aren't a good idea. But even if you're not sure your period will make a visit during your trip, it's important to pack for it just in case, as travel can interrupt your monthly cycle and some destinations, especially abroad, might not have what you need.

A neutral, wide-brimmed hat and loose, flowing clothing (like scarves and long-sleeved shirts), sunglasses and SPF are all really important for any summer traveler. Getting a tan is great, but developing skin cancer or lifelong sun damage just isn't worth it. Heads up if you're going to Hawaii this summer: They've recently banned sunblock containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, as they're known to kill precious coral reef systems.

If you're staying at a hotel this summer, go ahead and give yourself permission to leave your exhaustive hygiene routine at home and use the free products provided for you. This will help you save room in your suitcase, prevent leaks and give you a break from lengthy hygiene rituals. If you're not staying at a hotel, then opt for bringing mini bottles of only the most important products to save space.

It's really hard for some of us to part with our makeup, but carrying our entire Caboodle full of all our cosmetics is unnecessary. Instead of lugging around a hefty makeup case, bringing our most important items in a small pouch will keep us looking our best without having to sacrifice luggage space. Also, how much of our makeup do we actually wear each day? Most of us have a set beauty routine of just a few key products and don't need 12 different lipsticks for a great summer vacay.

Better yet, bring disinfectant wipes. We hate to break it to you, but hotels are germ magnets. Even the most luxurious accommodations are likely harboring a lot of yucky bacteria on the light switches, remote controls and other solid surfaces. A quick wipe-down of your room can help stave off sickness, and those wipes will come in handy while you're traveling and have limited access to fresh water to wash your hands.