
Since You're Doing A Lot Of Traveling This Summer, Go Ahead And Pack These 36 Useful Things
A stylish, vegan leather Cincha travel belt so you don't have to bother with carrying your cumbersome personal bag while pulling your carry-on. Just put the bag atop your suitcase and keep it secure with this adjustable strap that has a quick-release buckle.
A pack of foldable hangers since the very few hangers that come with your hotel room simply won't hang all the fabulous dresses you brought with you. These compact hangers have a textured surface to help prevent clothes from slipping off them. They even open up to two sizes (child and adult).
A sleek 3-in-1 handheld fan that's also a portable charger and flashlight, so if you're caught in the dark and it's hot and your phone is on 1%, you'll be glad to have this gadget in your back pocket.
Some noise-reduction earplugs to help prevent any in-flight discomfort. Don't let painful air pressure changes start your journey off on the wrong foot. Reviewers also say these are great for altitude changes that occur while driving.
An inflatable travel pillow for the perfect in-flight nap. It might even help with neck pain! It has space for your head to rest leaning forward as well as two holes on either side to slide your arms through.
A doorstop alarm if you wanna be on the safe side while sleeping away from home. This doorstop can prevent people from fully opening the door, and if the door is opened, a loud alarm will sound. Said alarm has three adjustable levels of sensitivity.
A wireless transmitter because now you can use your wireless Bluetooth headphones anywhere there's a headphone jack. Easily watch movies while you're on the plane!
An inflatable beach pillow that won't get blown away by the wind! This soft and durable pillow wicks away water and sheds sand, so you can lie comfortably by the shore.
Tide sink packs so you can do your laundry in a sink if you're traveling to a place with no washing machine.
A durable and super-accurate digital luggage scale because you bought a lot of new clothes on your journeys, and you need to make sure your suitcase doesn't exceed your airline's weight maximum.
A roll-up sun visor — this easy-to-pack, wide-brim visor is as cute as it is handy. Let it help you block the sunlight while you traipse through the Caribbean.
A pair of travel "flossing" toothbrushes with dual-layered flossing bristles that are designed to get deep into the grooves of your teeth and gums so your teeth can look and feel sparklingly clean, even if your sugar tooth calls for a lottttt of gelato. If your hostel doesn't provide any complimentary toothbrushes for you (oops), these foldable toothbrushes have got your back (and your plaque)!
A waterproof phone pouch so you can go to the beach or pool without worrying about water damage to your phone. Wanna take a picture or send a text? No worries! You can still use your phone's touchscreen through the pouch. And it'll even allow you to take underwater photos!
An anti-nausea acupressure bracelet that may help prevent any day-ruining queasiness caused by road trips and boat rides.
A super useful (and portable) AI-powered smartphone stabilizer so you can finally take some halfway decent, non-blurry shots of the Eiffel Tower. That photo album from 2007 is low-key tragic...
An Energizer clip-on light because the overhead lighting on the plane is honestly way too cruel (for you and your seatmates). Now you can see what you're reading without being a menace to your neighbor in seat 21J.
A cute lil' portable safe for keeping your phone, wallet, passport, and more secure while you enjoy your time on the Amalfi coast. You don't wanna think about your stuff getting stolen while you tour the Mediterranean.
A memory foam airplane footrest if you need your legs to be slightly elevated to feel any level of comfort while you fly from Point A to Point B. Just hang it from the tray table arms and get cozy!
A travel shawl with UPF 50+ protection that'll block 98% of the sun's rays when traveling through hotter climes AND keep you warm as you check out the city's nightlife on a chilly evening. It's also pretty multi-talented since it can be used as a scarf, a poncho, or a blanket!
A luggage-mounted cup caddy so you can keep your hands free to deal with finding your boarding pass. No more uncomfortably juggling your water bottle or cup of coffee and your passport!
An airplane window organization station for storing your beverages, phone, and other travel essentials. By moving things over to the window, you can use your tray for eating or, more importantly, napping.
A pair of portable USB-C cordless phone chargers if your device is chronically under 10% when you're out and about. You don't want your phone creeping to 0% while you're using Google Maps to figure out exactly where you are. This little guy gives you at least one full charge, shows you how much battery it has left, AND can even prop your phone up for watching videos or shows.
Alka-Seltzer hangover relief tablets because maybe you tend to drink more on vacation than you normally do. You don't want to have to deal with a hangover while you're on your feet all day, touring a new city.
An Apple AirTag so you can be prepared in the event that you lose your luggage. You can set up the AirTag with your iPhone or iPad so that it can be found via the Find My app.
A pack of Neutrogena makeup remover towelettes in case you couldn't bring your jug of micellar cleansing water with you, but you need to take off your winged eyeliner for the night so you don't wake up looking like a raccoon.
A Lay-n-Go cosmetic bag if you don't have too many beauty products but do want to keep them all in one easy-to-access place when traveling. Just lay this bag out, put your products on top, then pull the drawstring closed.
Low-top Blowfish sneakers because they don't have shoelaces, which means you can easily kick these babies off when you're about to go through airport security and then easily put them back on once you're done.
Or a pair of ballet flats that are super comfortable to walk in and are easy to take off and on.
A TSA-approved Alleyoop portable razor for giving yourself a little touch-up in the hotel bathroom before you head out for a night of dancing in that amazing mini dress.
An eight-compartment pill organizer because you'll still need your multivitamins when you're in Greece. Six of the compartments are small, and two are big, just in case you have large capsules you need to pack.
A shoe bag if you don't want your dirty hiking boots touching the white pants you packed. This durable and water-resistant bag has three layers that can hold up to size 13 shoes and two more compartments for holding flip-flops or sandals.
A pack of Dr. Frederick's Original blister bandages in case all your walking around a new city has caused a little pain. These help protect and prevent blisters!
Flushable toilet seat covers because rest stops and airport bathrooms simply cannot be trusted to be clean or free of germs. These biodegradable paper seat covers will help give you a little peace of mind.
A portable white-noise machine that'll help you when you're missing the sounds of a bustling city while you vacation in the countryside. Designed for travel, this compact machine has three soothing sound settings that'll help usher you to sleep.
And if you don't have a carry-on to pack all of these things into, check out this wheeled carry-on bag so you can avoid clamoring for a spot in the overhead storage bins. It can easily fit under the seat in front of you. No need to fight with shoulder straps when you can just wheel this lil' guy around the airport. Plus, it's got a side USB port for charging devices.

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The Hero of My First Family Trip Was This Luggage Travel Stroller
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Forbes
a day ago
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The Best Beach Tents To Enjoy The Surf And Sand, Without The Sun
A great day at the beach starts long before your toes hit the sand. Essentials like sunscreen, a stocked cooler, comfy beach chairs and a Bluetooth speaker are always a given. But one item that tends to get overlooked is shade. Whether you're settling in for a full day by the water or an afternoon once the crowds die down, having one of the best sun shades is key to comfort and protection. Our top pick, the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent, offers easy setup and reliable protection for less than $100. The best beach tents let you enjoy the surf and sand without the sun. Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers Obviously, any beach tent you have your eye on should be large enough to comfortably provide shade for a few people, but it should also offer extras like UV protection and stash pockets for your valuables. To learn more about beach tents, we spoke with Christos Spatharakis, co-founder and CEO of Ferryhopper. Based on his insights and our expertise, these are the best beach tents of 2025. Dimensions: 87 x 47 x 49 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Waterproof: No, but water-resistant | UPF Sun Protection: Yes Pros: UPF 50+ protection Pop-up design for easy setup and breakdown Extendable floor Cons: Design isn't suitable for standing This beach tent from Pacific Breeze is water-resistant, protects those inside from the sun's harmful rays, pops up into a ready-to-go tent in just seconds and is light and easy to carry. At over seven feet wide, it's suitable for a few people who'd like to sit or lay underneath it, and it has an extendable floor for more space, although it isn't roomy enough for standing. There are pockets to keep your phone, sunglasses and extra sunscreen out of the sand, and it has a tough and durable flooring that eliminates the need for excess towels and blankets. It weighs a shade over six pounds when packed up, so it's not burdensome to bring with you either. 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Plus, it's water-repellent, so light showers or ocean spray won't send you running from the spot you expertly scoped from the parking lot. The tent is available in multiple sizes and can accommodate anywhere from three to ten people. Dimensions: 82 x 80 x 66 inches | Weight: 3.9 pounds | Waterproof: No, but water-resistant | UPF Sun Protection: Yes Pros: Lightweight Simple design Lab-tested sun protection Cons: Only suitable for up to two people Filling sandbags by hand takes several minutes This beach canopy's blend of four-way stretch nylon and lycra material helps it cover an area large enough for two people. It comes with attached sandbags to fill while at the beach that achor it down, and two poles in the middle to prop it up to over six feet tall. Those poles are made out of rust-proof aluminum and collapse for easy packing and storing. Reviews say it holds up against strong winds and that it's extremely lightweight and portable—one reviewer even fit it in their luggage. The canopy is also available in two bigger sizes, the 7-foot Grande and the 9-foot Gigante. Shibumi Shibumi Shade Classic With Wind Assist Dimensions: 180 x 120 x 78 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Waterproof: No, but water-resistant | UPF Sun Protection: Yes Pros: Weighs less than 4 pounds Includes Wind Assist kit Fits up to eight people Cons: The Shibumi Shade has been a popular beach fixture since it was released in 2016, and the brand has since made some tweaks, including quieter fabric. Shade is provided via the canopy which covers 150 square feet and is made from soft, stretchy fabric that works to reduce loud flapping when blowing in the wind. The canopy relies on wind to function, and included with the shade is a Wind Assist kit to help the fabric blow, keeping you covered even on less breezy days. Reviewers note that setting up and taking down the Shibumi Shade requires minimal time and effort, and the aluminum poles keep the structure secure, even during stronger gusts. At Forbes Vetted, our gear team has written dozens of reliable gear guides, including many that cover beach-related topics. We've researched, tested and reviewed everything from the best beach coolers to the best beach chairs. This article was originally written by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who has more than seven years of experience reviewing and testing outdoor equipment. He grew up vacationing along the East Coast, from Maine to the Florida Keys. We consulted with travel industry expert Christos Spatharakis, co-founder and CEO of Ferryhopper, to gain insights on what to look for in a beach tent. This story was updated by editorial assistant Lee Cutlip in July 2025 to ensure accuracy and maintain freshness. Cutlip refreshed our recommendations to include the Shibumi Shade and expanded on buying advice and answered common questions about beach tents. To be sure we recommend the best beach tents, we focused on several variables, including size and features. We considered important factors like size, weight, UV protection and water resistance. All of the tents included on this list offer UPF sun protection and nearly all of them are made with water-resistant fabrics. We pored over consumer reviews to learn how these beach tents performed over time in the real world. We only included tents with a rating of 4 stars or higher. We routinely revisit our content to ensure that it remains accurate and relevant. This article was last updated in July 2025. If you're seeking shade and protection while beachside, here are the main things to consider when shopping for a beach tent. Material Beach tents are typically made from nylon or polyester, both of which are lightweight. ' I always recommend looking for UPF 50+ rated silver-coated nylon or polyester—this provides maximum UV protection without bulk,' says Spatharakis. He recommends avoiding tents made from materials like cotton because they get heavy when wet and offer minimal UV protection. It's also important to look for materials that are waterproof or water-resistant (like nylon and polyester) and capable of keeping you and your belongings dry during an unexpected rain shower. Size Whether you're hitting the beach solo or accompanied by friends, you'll need to determine how small or big of a beach tent is necessary. Brands will often list how many people a tent can accommodate, although you'll also want to consider any belongings you plan on keeping inside the tent. Larger parties might find the open structure of the Neso 1 Sunshade or Shibumi Shade more comfortable and accommodating than traditional tent designs. UPF Protection Every tent included on this list has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+. UPF rating indicates the amount of UV radiation that can pass through fabric to the skin; the higher the rating, the greater the protection. A UPF of 50 blocks 98% of the sun's rays to greatly reduce the risk of sun damage. Weight Trekking to the beach with all the necessary equipment can prove burdensome, but a beach tent on the lighter side makes the task a little easier. None of the beach tents we included weigh more than 10 pounds, and many of them come with carrying bags or cases for seamless transportation. Is A Beach Tent Or Canopy Better? Whether a beach tent or canopy is better largely depends on your preferences. 'While canopies are useful for large groups of people and outdoor eating, beach tents give privacy and full cover that most beach users require for prolonged stay,' says Spatharakis. What Is The Best Material For A Beach Tent? The best material for a beach tent is polyester or nylon that has been treated to be ensure it's waterproof or water-resistant and provides UPF protection. Are Beach Tents Worth It? Spatharakis says beach tents are 'absolutely worth the investment' for the comfort and protection they provide, especially for children and those with fair skin. 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Business Insider
2 days ago
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I spent a week in the Caribbean. There are 5 items I'm glad I brought, and 3 I wish I'd packed.
When I traveled to Aruba, there were some items I'm glad I brought and others I wish I'd packed. I'm glad I took my sandbag anchors, which prevented my pool float from drifting in the ocean. After a painful sea urchin sting, I wish I had packed a pair of water shoes. When preparing to travel to Aruba for the first time this year, packing quickly became overwhelming. I wanted to bring the essentials, avoid overpacking, and steer clear of paying inflated tourist prices for items I may have forgotten. Some items in my suitcase made my life easier, and I ended up using them every day. However, there were also some things I quickly regretted not packing. After spending seven days on the island, I have a better idea of what was really useful. Here are five items I'm glad I packed in my suitcase, and three things I wish I had brought with me. Nothing beats relaxing on a pool float. Whenever I go on a beach vacation, my main goal is to relax. For me, there's nothing better than floating in the water while listening to the crashing waves and the singing seagulls. The simple pool floats I brought with me made that possible. Since I packed them deflated, they were easy to fit in my suitcase. Luckily, my hotel had an inflator, so I didn't have to waste my breath. Sandbag anchors are a game changer. Sandbag anchors are empty bags that can be filled with sand on the beach. They're perfect for securing tents and beach umbrellas, especially in places with strong winds. They were especially helpful for anchoring our pool floats in the ocean. We filled the bags with sand, tied them to the floats, and dropped them down to the ocean floor. This kept us from drifting while we soaked up the sun. Even better, we could leave the floats in the water unattended without worrying they'd float away. A waterproof phone pouch made it easy to capture photos and videos. I don't care how silly I looked walking around with my phone in this waterproof pouch — it was so worth it. I had my phone out on our snorkeling excursion, captured some awesome kayaking shots, and even snapped some beautiful photos during a sunset swim. The pouch kept my phone safe from water and sand while letting me capture some of my favorite memories from the trip. A Bluetooth speaker can change the vibe of any environment. Sitting on the beach is relaxing, but whenever I've forgotten to bring a speaker, boredom tends to creep in. A Bluetooth speaker can instantly elevate the mood during those quiet lulls. We used ours while sunbathing, floating in the ocean, paddling around in kayaks, and even while getting ready at the hotel for a post-beach dinner. However, one lesson we learned the hard way is that there's a difference between water-resistant and waterproof. Although our speaker was water-resistant, it ended up submerged in the water at the end of our trip and unfortunately broke. My reusable water bottle kept me hydrated. Staying hydrated is important, and I didn't want to have to juggle an open plastic cup every time I needed a drink. That's why I highly recommend bringing a reusable water bottle on any beach vacation. It doesn't have to be fancy — just something that holds a good amount of water. However, I wish I had brought water shoes to protect myself from ocean creatures. I didn't think water shoes were necessary for my trip, especially because I planned to do most of my swimming right in front of the resort. To save a few bucks, I decided to skip them. However, I quickly regretted my packing decision when I stepped on a sea urchin. The sting was sharp, and the soreness lasted for two days. After some ice and a dose of pain reliever, I made a mental note to never travel without water shoes again. Towel clips would've made our beach time more enjoyable. As we set ourselves up on the beach each morning, we draped our towels over the lounge chairs. Every time we got up, though, the wind sent the towels flying. After a few frustrating chases, we placed rocks on them to keep them in place. Towel clips would've been the perfect solution to hold everything in place, saving us the time and hassle. Next time, I'll be sure to pack a shirt to wear in the water. The sun in the Caribbean can be intense, so I packed plenty of sunscreen. Still, by the end of the trip, I got a nasty sunburn, and sunscreen was no longer cutting it. It was the kind of burn where you really need to stay covered, but I didn't want to hide under an umbrella and miss out on the fun. So, I bought a water shirt at the resort's convenience store.