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These 8 Travel Essentials Are Officially ‘In' This Summer—Plus, What's Getting Cut From Our Packing Lists
Now that Memorial Day is in the rearview mirror, the official start of summer is right around the corner. Between warm-weather vacations and weekend getaways, the sunny season is always packed with plenty of travel opportunities. While I have no plans to travel abroad this summer (though I'll never pass up an impromptu trip), my calendar is packed with several short domestic vacations. With that said, I aim to have seamless travel experiences, so I can focus on making the most of my summer instead of stressing about minor details like whether I can fit everything into my carry-on luggage and what comfortable shoes to pack.
To help me navigate which travel essentials I actually need, I've compiled a list of products I'm dubbing 'in' for summer 2025. From space-saving packing cubes to breathable walking shoes, here's everything I believe deserves a spot on any summer packing list, along with what's getting the boot, from just $8 at Amazon.
I have to admit, I cringed at the rise of mini fans and neck coolers last summer, but I'm fully embracing portable cooling devices this year. In the spirit of having full, active days, any relief from sweltering temperatures is more than welcome if it keeps me on my feet longer. I already have this top-rated rechargeable handheld fan in my shopping cart, which also serves as a flashlight and a portable charger. The foldable design conceals and protects the fan's blades. One charge provides 19 hours of cooling time, which should last through a few days of use.
With over 50,000 purchases this month alone, Amazon shoppers agree: A mini fan is a must-have accessory this summer. Plus, with color options like rosy pink and light green, the fan is too cute to pass up.
Linen pants are one of my summer staples, and this year I'm incorporating them into my travel wardrobe by swapping out my go-to leggings for the breezy bottoms. The breathable fabric and loose-fitting silhouette give the pants a non-constricting feel that's perfect for a long-haul flight or any type of travel day, and they look much more elevated and summer-appropriate than a pair of black leggings or sweatpants.
These best-selling Anrabess wide-leg linen pants have a flattering smocked waist and deep side pockets. One Amazon shopper called the bottoms 'the comfiest pants' they own, adding that they are 'not see-through' and that the fabric 'doesn't wrinkle.'
I love my Away Everywhere Duffel Bag for a short weekend away, but my shoulders get tired from lugging it around, especially if I'm hopping on a jam-packed train or trudging through the airport. That's why I'm investing in an ultra-small mini roller bag.
While I have plenty of carry-on luggage pieces, I usually try to stick to a weekender bag for a two-day getaway. However, this 16-inch suitcase can fit under a seat, and its compact size stores perfectly in my small apartment, so I can whip it out in a pinch without having to open my other luggage. Plus, if I need a bit more space, I can slip my Away duffel on the handles, so I don't have to worry about carrying it around.
Packing comfortable walking shoes on vacation is a no-brainer, but I'm rethinking chunky sneakers for my summer travels. These lightweight sneakers from Kizik are easy to pack, and the breathable knit fabric will keep feet feeling fresh and cool even after a long day of walking. The laceless shoes also have a TSA-friendly, on-the-go design, with a bendable heel that pops up after you step into them.
The sneakers have garnered rave reviews from Amazon shoppers, who praise their comfort and easy-to-wear design. One Amazon shopper wrote that they 'provide a level of comfort that is unmatched,' adding that they've worn the shoes 'nearly every day for over six months.'
As hard as I try, I will always be an overpacker, which means my suitcase is a scary place when I open it up. While I don't see my packing habits changing anytime soon, this summer I plan to stay organized and maximize my luggage space with packing cubes. Not only will it make unpacking easier, but it will also allow me to utilize all the space in my carry-on luggage, which I typically fill to the brim. Plus, I imagine repacking my clothes in organized cubes will make unpacking all the easier when I return home.
This set of eight includes four different-sized packing cubes, a pouch for socks or other miscellaneous items, a drawstring laundry bag, a cosmetics bag, and a shoe bag. The complete set has been purchased over 20,000 times in the last month, and it's 42 percent off, bringing the price to $14 for a limited time.
I'm heading to the Hamptons for the Fourth of July, and a beach towel is already on my packing list. Typically, I pack a thick, cotton towel that takes up way too much luggage space, but this year I'm ditching that for a lightweight alternative. This Turkish beach towel is made with a quick-drying material that absorbs moisture and repels sand. The extra-large towel folds up tightly and slips into a carrying case that takes up minimal space in both my suitcase and my beach bag.
An Amazon shopper who calls the top-rated towel a 'vacation must-have' confirms the compact design by writing that it 'takes up way less space in a suitcase or beach bag compared to a traditional towel.' Meanwhile, another reviewer wrote, 'They're so soft and dry quickly, and no messy sand stuck to them.' I already have the aqua blue shade in my shopping cart, and for $8 each, I might pick up a few for my friends, too.
Few things irritate me more than reaching for my phone charger only to find it tangled in a ball of cords. This summer, I'm challenging myself to keep all my cords neat and tangle-free with a travel-friendly cable organizer—specifically this top-rated option from Amazon. The double-layer carry case has mesh pockets that can accommodate my phone charger, computer charger, Kindle charger, portable charger, and wired headphones, with room to spare.
It's available in 23 color options, and I'm eyeing the bright pink shade for a splash of color that will be easy to spot in my carry-on bag. The cord organizer has over 3,000 perfect ratings, and one shopper dubbed it a 'total game-changer' for travelers. It's on sale for just $10 right now, so it's the perfect time to pick one up before my next trip.
In the summer, there's nothing better than sipping ice-cold water in the sweltering heat, but believe it or not, I don't have a go-to insulated water bottle that I travel with. I would bring my Stanley cup, but the straw isn't conducive for traveling, and my gigantic Hydro Flask is just too big to pack in my carry-on. Although I try my hardest, sometimes I end up resorting to a plastic water bottle when I'm on the go, but I'm changing that with this Owala stainless steel water bottle.
The 24-ounce bottle is the ideal size for travel, with a covered, leak-proof sip top. What truly sold me is the double-wall insulated interior, which keeps drinks cold up to 24 hours.
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