The Summer 2023 Travel Essentials Guide

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With warm weather and long sunny days, the summer season simply begs to be spent outside. Whether you’re planning a beach vacation, a mountain getaway, or an easy staycation, these are the essentials you’ll want to bring with you to make your summer travels better.

Chubbies’ Everywear Shorts

No matter where you’re headed this summer, you’ll want to pack Chubbies’ Everywear Shorts. These versatile, quick-drying shorts can be worn from the beach to the boardwalk, without changing in between. A zippered back pocket keeps your wallet secure (just remember to take it out before you get in the water) and wrinkle-resistant fabric means the shorts will look good no matter how poorly you pack. 

Unbound Merino Wool V-Neck T-Shirt

Wool might not sound like the best material for summer, but it is when it’s merino wool. This amazing fabric is temperature regulating, fast-drying, and odor-resistant: all properties you want in your summer travel clothes. This Merino Wool V-Neck T-Shirt from Unbound Merino can be worn on a hike or to dinner (and can go the whole trip without needing to be washed.) For even hotter days, try their loose yet flattering tank top or more fitted active tank top.

SideTrak Solo Touch Monitor

Planning on working from a beach house this summer? SideTrak’s Solo Touch Monitor will help keep you productive—so you can finish your work quickly and actually get out and enjoy the beach. This thin freestanding monitor has a folding stand and can be packed down into your laptop bag, so you can have a second screen anywhere you go.

LIVSN Design Trail Tights

With insects, ticks, and chilly summits to contend with, sometimes tights are a better summer hiking choice than shorts. LIVSN Design’s Trail Tights are made from a recycled nylon/spandex fabric blend that’s more rugged than regular tights. Four pockets make these tights just as functional (but more comfortable and stylish) than regular hiking pants.

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Takeya Cold Brew Maker

Love cold brew but hate paying $5 a cup? Takeya’s compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker lets you make delicious cold coffee anywhere you go this summer. A leakproof lid makes the coffee maker travel-friendly and even allows it to be stored on its side (which is great for using in a hotel minifridge). Simply fill the fine-mesh coffee filter with grounds and the shatterproof container with water and let it steep. You’ll have fresh cold brew coffee in 12-24 hours. 

Coleman Rolling Cooler

Beach days are better when accompanied by cold beverages, and Coleman’s Rolling Cooler makes it easy to bring chilled drinks and food with you anywhere. The cooler features heavy-duty wheels that will roll over any terrain, making it easy to haul (even when it’s full.) The cooler even doubles as a seat, with a lid that can support up to 250 lbs. Ice will stay cold for up to five days, so the Coleman is great for camping as well. 

Supergoop Every Single Face Sunscreen

Sunscreen is probably the most important item to pack this summer. Hate the greasy feel and white cast of regular sunscreen? Give Supergoop’s new Every Single Face sunscreen a try. Billed as a “watery lotion,” this sunscreen has SPF 50 but is so lightweight it feels like nothing on your face. 

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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