What I’m Packing: Summer Travel Essentials I Never Leave Home Without
As I zip up my suitcase for my trip to Portugal next week, I thought it’d be the perfect time to share a few of my tried-and-true summer travel essentials—the things I never leave home without when heading off on a warm-weather adventure.
Whether you’re exploring cobblestone streets in Europe, strolling through a national park, or just soaking up the sun in a new city, these essentials make all the difference in keeping things easy, breezy, and cool (in more ways than one).
🌬 The MVP: A Personal Fan
Let’s be real—summer travel can be hot. A small, rechargeable handheld fan is one of my favorite travel hacks. Whether I’m walking through Lisbon’s Alfama district or standing in line for a museum or waiting in line for a Disney ride, having a personal breeze makes everything feel more manageable. It fits in my bag and saves me from overheating mid-wander. Honestly, I keep a personal fan in my bag at all times, summer or not!
💊 Mini Med Kit
I always toss a small pouch of essential meds in my bag—think pain reliever, motion sickness tablets, allergy meds, and some band-aids. It saves me from running to a pharmacy in a foreign country when all I want to do is keep exploring. (Note: Pharmacies are also much different abroad… keep that in mind when packing for an overseas trip!)
🩴 Flip-Flops: The Unsung Hero
They’re light, they take up no space, and they’re a lifesaver. I keep a trusty pair tucked in my bag at all times, which means that when I travel, I have a bag always big enough to hold a pair of flip-flops. Perfect for hotel rooms, beach stops, or even just giving your feet a break after a day in sneakers.
👜 The Right Bag
I swear by a lightweight, functional crossbody or backpack that can hold my fan, water bottle, guidebook, sunglasses (never forget your sunglasses!), snacks—all the things—without breaking my back. Bonus points if it has anti-theft features for peace of mind while exploring.
💧 Reusable Water Bottle
Hydration is key, especially when you’re walking around in the heat all day. I pack a collapsible water bottle that I can refill as needed—it’s eco-friendly and keeps me from spending a fortune on bottled water. This will save you every single time on a hot day of exploring.
🔋 Portable Charger
There’s nothing worse than your phone dying right as you need directions, want to snap a photo, or pull up your digital boarding pass. A good-quality portable charger (also called an external battery pack) is always in my bag, fully charged and ready to go. Most of the time I travel with multiple ones of these that are already pre-charged so I can grab one and head out for my day without feeling worried that my phone battery is going to die.
📸 A Good Camera
Sure, phones are great, but sometimes I want a little more. I bring a high-quality camera to capture those postcard-perfect moments. Especially on a trip like Portugal, where every corner is photo-worthy, this is a must for me! Your vacation time will come to an end, but memories through photos last a lifetime.
🩳 Anti-Chafe Shorts
Let’s talk real travel comfort: I never wear a dress or skirt in the heat without packing my favorite pair of bike shorts or anti-chafe shorts. They make long days of walking so much more comfortable and help me avoid that dreaded summer discomfort.
Whether you’re prepping for your own summer trip or just dreaming of one, these are the small but mighty items that keep me comfortable and ready for anything. Portugal, here I come!
What’s your must-have summer travel essential? Drop it in the comments—I love discovering new travel hacks!