If you’re a traveler who becomes overwhelmed with the thought of preparing a packing list for summer vacation, we’ve got you covered. With all things considered, including different sanitizer options, space savers, and items that can be used for several purposes, here’s a thorough list of what will take your packing list to the next level, compared to items best left at home.
Bring tissues and sanitizing spray — not disinfectant wipes
Instead of bringing along wipes pre-soaked in disinfectant, have multi-use US Food and Drug Administration-approved sanitizer spray on hand this summer, along with travel tissues. Unlike US Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectants, which are technically categorized as pesticides, FDA-approved sanitizers are topically safe. Bringing along a spray and tissues also allows for both wet and dry cleanup while traveling, a variation that comes in handy.
Bring soap sheets — not bar soap
Even more efficient at killing disease-causing germs than sanitizers, travel-sized soap is always an excellent item to put on your summer vacation packing list. Rather than choosing a clunky bar to bring along, or liquid soap, which will only pass through TSA security checkpoints in small bottles, grab some soap sheets. Soap sheets are usually packaged in tiny, pocket-sized dispensers suitable for travel and can be activated immediately by adding water and lathering between hands. Created with campers in mind, soap sheets were made for self-sufficient wanderers.
Bring a reusable water bottle — not disposable plastic
Summer vacation prep is the perfect opportunity to purchase a reusable water bottle. Not only is a reusable water bottle better for the environment than disposable plastic bottles, but you’ll also save on cash in the long run. If you’re flying, you’ll need to make sure your reusable container is empty before going through TSA security checkpoints, since only a few ounces of liquid are allowed, but you’ll be able to refill your water bottle before you get on the plane. Pick a bottle that includes a filter for crystal-clear refills at drinking fountains.
Bring a headphone splitter — not speakers
Bluetooth speakers are wonderful for projecting dynamic sound in enclosed spaces, but summer getaways are occasions for enjoying public spaces and the outdoors — less than ideal places to turn up personal tunes. If you’re planning on soaking up the shoreline sunshine this summer, consider privately sharing music and streamed content using a headphone splitter in place of external speakers. For the ultra tech-savvy traveler, try a Bluetooth splitter for wireless sharing capabilities.
Bring resealable bags — not dry bags or totes
There’s nothing like the multifunctionality of good ol' resealable plastic storage bags. From keeping electronics dry to protecting packed goods from liquid spills, all the way to organizing snacks, games, and cords, reusable bags of various sizes are invaluable for summer vacays — unlike the bulkiness and limited uses of dry bags and collapsible totes. Bonus bag hack: When flying on a plane without screens, put your phone into a small resealable bag, and poke a hole at the bottom to attach wired headphones. Hang and secure the baggie using the tray latch, and enjoy your offline entertainment en route to summer fun!
Bring mini bottles — not full size
Forget full-sized containers, and toss miniature bottles and tubes into your luggage instead. Whether you’re driving, flying, or floating to your summer destination, there’s little need to include entire bottles of precious products, some of which may be too expensive to risk losing or ruining. Instead, use travel-sized bottles, along with improvised items, such as contact lens cases and pill organizers, to safely store creams and liquids. This trick is sure to save space inside your packed bags, reduce the risk of major spills, and guarantee you have the toiletries you need.
Bring a rubbish container, as opposed to being empty-handed
Why wait for road trip rest stops and occasional trash collections during flights when you can tidy up anytime? Whether you choose to use a collapsible container, small tote, or another packable contraption, bringing along reliable storage for trash, rather than having nothing at all, goes a long way while in transit to your temporary summer home. Ensure the container you choose is able to be sealed or closed tightly so that messes are minimized, controlling the rubbish as the good times roll.
Bring ponchos — not umbrellas
Though umbrellas are useful and collapsible, they often add an unnecessary amount of weight and bulk to the bags full of other summer vacation essentials. In lieu of an umbrella, include foldable ponchos in your luggage. Ponchos are easy to carry, lightweight, and provide adequate protection from summer showers. Keep these useful waterproof cloaks with items you plan to carry daily so that you’re never left out in the rain.
Bring an e-reader — not physical books
Close your eyes and picture yourself poolside this summer, with a frosty drink next to your lounge chair, an extra-large brimmed hat protecting your face and eyes from bright sun rays, and a glare-free e-reader — not a traditional book. While there is something sacred and special about holding and reading a physical book, for practical purposes, an e-reader is the optimal replacement for heavy tomes. With a tablet or e-reader in your hand this summer, you can access downloaded novels, guidebooks, and magazines in one device without sacrificing any space.
Bring a pashmina — not a travel blanket
Forget about stowing a travel blanket to combat chilly moments during summertime trips. Substitute that blanket for a pashmina, a large shawl-like covering that can be converted into a blanket, or even worn through security checkpoints as a scarf, instead of being packed. Pashminas are also great beach accessories, able to be used as a beach blanket, a coverup for bathing suits, or as a wrap to hang on your shoulders when the sun fades below the horizon and the warm summer breeze turns cool.
Bring a tablet — not a laptop
Don’t make the mistake of packing your most valuable electronics this summer. There’s always a heightened possibility of devices getting lost, stolen, or damaged while away from home, so steer clear of overpacking costly electronics. Unless you absolutely need your laptop for work (although, that’s a vacation no-no), leave it behind and bring a lightweight tablet instead. Be sure to preload plenty of offline content for the trip, including TV shows, films, games, and reading material.
Bring inexpensive accessories — not valuable jewelry
Show off your summertime finery with accessories and jewelry that complement your style, but be careful not to bring your most precious pieces to the beach. Sunscreen application and sweaty palms make it easy for rings to fall off in the sand, leaving unlucky travelers (literally) empty-handed, while treasure-hunting beachgoers scan the sands for golden goodies. Stick to cheap and colorful charms, and leave the best of your jewelry collection at home.
