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1. A waterproof cellphone case if you'll be stepping foot anywhere near a river/ocean/waterfall/infinity pool with a swim-up bar and you don't want your phone to fall victim to splashes and/or accidental submersion.
It fits any phone up to 100mm x 170mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It's also a great fix for keeping out sand and dirt (and a great option for runners if you're caught in the rain but still want to be able to toggle through your music options).
Promising review: "This waterproof case is AMAZING!!! I purchased it in July 2016 as a cheaper alternative to an underwater digital camera. My family and I went on a seven-day cruise, and I gambled with this purchase and hit the jackpot. It not only amazingly and easily waterproofed my big iPhone 6 Plus with a slim protective case, but it had some wiggle room to put my credit card, room key, and some cash, too. It ALSO took amazingly clear and crisp pictures and video through the plastic, AND not only that, but the videos had pretty clear sound too!!! This case surprised me and my family, and it gave us an opportunity to capture memories of a lifetime. I have been using it this whole summer as well. I will forever praise this waterproof case!!!" —M. Lopez
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 14 colors).
2. Croc platforms. Full stop. They're ultra-comfortable, waterproof, and can take a serious beating if you need to shove them in the exterior water bottle pouch of your backpack because you bought more souvenirs than anticipated.
If 2023 me told pre-2019 me that I would ever wear Crocs, I'd laugh in her face. That said, these may just be my favorite sandals ever. I am a big platform person, so that's what initially sold me, but better yet, they're just so freaking comfortable. They have a slight bounce, and the straps do. not. rub. so I can wear them for hours on end. Since they're plastic, they can also get wet without issue and dry off super fast. If you're on the fence because you're a Never Croc-er™, try 'em. (You can always return them on Amazon if you're not sold!)
Promising review: "I bought my first two pairs (in black and white) at a great sale price and wore them almost daily, all through the summer. I decided to get whatever other color was on sale to wear the last few weeks of summer and then the following summer. These Croc sandals are EXTREMELY well-structured for safety and comfort. The footbed is AMAZING, which allows long hours on my feet. They go with the full range of clothes — a great help when traveling! At 77-years-old with foot and knee issues, I am VERY FUSSY about shoe comfort and safety, but I'm also style conscious and want fun and stylish shoes. These check ALL THE BOXES. These are my FIRST PAIR of Crocs, and I've become a big Crocs fan." —Quality-Conscious in Austin
Get them from Amazon for $59.95 (available in women's sizes 4–11 and in 14 colors/designs).
PS: If you're a Prime member, you can try before you buy!
3. A Neutrogena water-resistant sunscreen stick so you can slather on SPF 50+ protection without having to touch your face with sweaty germ- or sand-covered fingers (depending on the type of vacay you're on).
Promising review: "I have very fair skin, four children, and love my two-week beach vacation every summer, so we go through a LOT of sunscreen. Having a stick for faces is essential to avoid burning eyes while on the beach or in the pool. This is the best sunblock stick I have ever used. It goes on and blends so easily and doesn’t leave any white marks like some other brands. This will be my go-to stick from here on out!" —Heather Rink
Get it from Amazon for $9.58.
4. A Tushbaby carrier that's sure to come in handy whenever you're out and about somewhere without a stroller. The as-seen-on-Shark Tank product gives your kiddo four comfy ways to sit and can be used from newborn up to 3-years-old (or 44 pounds).
Promising review: "On our summer trip to visit family, my 17-month-old son was unusually clingy due to the unfamiliar environment. He wanted to be held A LOT. My arms were constantly sore and I looked for a solution on Amazon — and the Tushbaby came to my rescue!! It is 20x easier to hold him using this 'saddle.' It was a lifesaver around the house — I can very easily hold him with less than one hand while making a bottle, etc — and awesome at the zoo because it’s like using a baby carrier except he just sits on the saddle without the need to be strapped in and you can pick him up and put him down effortlessly. And finally, it was an unexpected bonus at the airport where it turned out to be easier to just carry him in the TB instead of pushing the stroller around. So it turned out to be a super star baby product and I’m so glad I got it." —BethesdaMD
Get it from Amazon for $84.99 (available in four colors/designs).
5. A portable safe you can wrap around an umbrella, picnic table leg, or chair so you can stow away your phone, keys, wallet, and other small valuables without worrying about them being lost or stolen. Reviewers use this guy at water parks, the beach, all-inclusive resorts, and even in Airbnbs.
Promising review: "Bought it for an overseas trip and it worked great. We used it both in a hotel room when the room safe was out of order and on the beach. I look forward to using it on outings this summer and I think it will be a very useful addition to my travel staples. I packed in my luggage full of toiletries and sunscreen so it didn't feel like it took up a ton of space and I could carry it in my purse/tote without it feeling too bulky. That said, you can fit a lot into it." —laurel
Get it from Amazon for $44.95+ (available in five colors).
6. A set of three collapsible beach pails if your kiddos insist on bringing their own sand castle supplies no matter how far you are from home.
Promising review: "Bought these for a trip to the Bahamas and was well worth it! Will be folding them up to keep in the cars all summer. Very sturdy and easy for kids to push open and play." —Morgan Ohara
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three sizes).
7. A sand-free beach mat because despite that fact that you're literally laying on ~billions~ of tiny crystals, you *will* lose your mind if any of said sand gets tracked back to your blanket.
8. Some quick-dry water shoes that'll protect your toes from hot sand, sharp rocks, and whatever other terrain you're dealing with. And when you're done, they fold down to basically nothing so you can slip them in your pack without playing tote bag Tetris.
Promising review: "I have had these for a while before writing my review. I wanted to use them several times first. So far, I've used them for my travels both summer and winter — they pack easily and are super comfy. Every time I've worn them, I receive compliments on how cute they are. I was REALLY pleased with them when I visited Chico Hot Springs in Montana last year. It was so NICE to slip into these water shoes and NOT have to walk all the way across the COLD tiles and metal stairs to the motel building! I've laundered them when I've returned home — always allowing them to air dry — and placed them back in my suitcase so they're ready for my next trip!" —Rick Abbott
Get them from Amazon for $9.88+ (available in women's sizes 4/5–13.5, men's sizes 3/4–12, and in 44 colors/designs).
9. A combination beach bag/cooler so you can pack your own drinks and snacks and not have to worry about dropping serious dollars on a single Coke or water bottle from the beach bar.
Promising review: "I love this bag! I took it on my very first cruise this summer and it was perfect. The front zipper pocket kept my cruise card and phone from getting sandy. The little padding on the strap helped my shoulder a lot when everyone decided to put their stuff in my bag. Lol. The first time I used the bottom part for my wet towel and swimsuit. The next time I added Dr. Peppers and some snacks with a cooling pack. Zipper is easy to open and my stuff stayed cold on the beach. It really does hold a lot. I had two microfiber towels, two large goggles, flippers, a camera and extra batteries, chips, Dr. Peppers, fruit, tennis balls, umbrella, two phones, four pairs of flip-flops, sunscreen, and misc. other stuff in there with room to spare. I will recommend this bag to every one of my outdoors-loving friends!" —bailey verrett
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in five colors).
10. An inflatable lounger because the only thing missing at the beach is your sofa, amirite? Well, that and your AC.
Promising review: "Girlfriend and I bought these for traveling, and used them at the Newark Airport to sleep for several hours on a layover! Getting them inflated took some time, but overall we loved these! Packed easily in our carry-on packs, super comfortable, and saved us the cost of a hotel in NYC on St. Patrick's weekend! Will be using them again this summer on our trip to Europe! They have already paid for themselves five or six times over!" —Jesse Flegal
Get it from Amazon for $38.98 (available in 16 colors/prints).
11. A handheld fan so the SPF you so liberally applied doesn't melt off your face the second the sun hits it. Add it to your mental check list before you head out the door — you know, phone, keys, wallet...handheld fan — and you'll be good to go.
The fan has two speeds and can be recharged by any USB cable.
Promising review: "I got this portable mini fan for when I travel outdoors and for work. It is powerful little thing and so handy. I could put it in my purse or in my back pocket. Perfect to gift family and friends for summer. I love it!" —Marilou Bonilla
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in nine colors).
12. A pair of ultra-stretchy, sheer, and cooling Thigh Society shorts you can slip on under skirts, dresses, and anything else you'd usually chafe in. These babies don't roll, ride up, or give you dreaded swamp bum — they're basically just like a second skin.
Thigh Society is a woman-founded, size-inclusive small biz from Marnie Consky.
I bought two pairs of these — in black and nude — last year and I am simply in love. Chub rub has always been a part of my life and until now, I didn't have a great way of preventing it. I've tried various sport shorts and slathering my thighs in deodorant, but those methods just weren't cutting it. These shorts are unbelievably lightweight and breathable, superrrrrr stretchy (but not in a way that bags out after extended wear), and they do. not. roll. or. fall. down. I wear them under all of my skirts and dresses (because I also have an irrational fear that everything I wear is see-through when the sun hits it), and I will definitely be buying more!
Promising review: "Cannot say enough good things. I got these for a trip to San Antonio for work. It was 106 out and wore under a dress. Couldn't even tell they were there and I was sweating on that riverwalk. Saved my legs. Definitely getting more!" —Kalie Herron
Get a pair from Thigh Society for $39 (available in women's sizes XS/S–5X/6X, in four lengths, and six colors).
13. A four-pack of static-clinging window shades that'll give your AC a helping hand when it comes to keeping your car a bearable temperature. Ofc they're also great for keeping the sun out of your kids' and fur babies' eyes!
Promising review: "I needed something to protect my grandson from the hot summer sun when we travel in Washington state. I decided to purchase this product and it came in three days. I have been using two of them ever since. It protects us from the direct rays of the sun and we can still look out at passing vehicles and see the picturesque view on the outside. Good product. Easy to install and remove. So far I am happy with the product." —Blondie
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
14. A bug bite suction tool because it's this or scratching at it until it bleeds and that is not the way, my friends. Don't let the lil' suckers get in the way of your summer travels — you've waited three seasons for this!
The Bug Bite Thing (of Shark Tank fame) works on bites from mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, no-see-ums, and more. Basically, the gadget sucks out insect venom and saliva — two things that lead to itchiness and irritation. With that out, your skin should stop swelling and be back to normal in no time!
Promising review: "I was super skeptical about this device, but after my first use I am loving it! I woke up today with a bite on my ankle and started itching it like crazy. After I used the Bug Bite Thing for about 20 seconds I no longer felt the need to itch! This will definitely be a keeper for the spring/summer time and it is so small that it is perfect for traveling." —Jay
Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in three colors).
15. A cooling towel that'll be your best buddy whenever hiking, fishing, tanning, or doing your outdoor activity of choice. Soak it in some cold water, wring it out, and toss it around your neck so you *don't* end up looking like a freshly boiled lobster.
Promising review: "We LOVE this thing. We vacationed in Egypt for scuba diving in June. After the diving part, we toured Cairo and surrounding places, mostly on foot. Yes, it was freaking HOT. Being used to a humid climate, the well-intentioned 'yeah, but it's a DRY heat' didn't lessen the discomfort we felt. This was a lifesaver. It will always be in my travel pack, and I can use it for gardening and any other activity outside during the summer. I highly recommend!" —Native Texan
Get it from Amazon for $13.97.
16. A packable floppy hat so your scalp doesn't suffer any third-degree burns while you're hanging out by your resort's pool. The wide brim will also keep your schnoz in the safe zone because, if you're anything like me, your nose *will* burn after just 0.01 seconds of sun exposure.
17. A pressure-activated cooling pad so your pupper can safely join you outside on particularly balmy evenings. It requires no refrigeration whatsoever and it'll keep them 5–10 degrees cooler!
Promising review: "My dog loves this thing and when we travel she uses it as her home base or safe space. This is the only thing she's been a little selfish about. I bought the medium and well she's a small dog — just a little CKCS Spaniel. So it's a bit oversized for her but she can really sprawl out on the pad and reposition herself when a part stops being cool. In the summer you can see the relief it brings. I find this pad really eased worries about her overheating during heat waves. This is probably the best dog product I've ever bought. The material does stain if introduced to blueberries or cranberries. Oops! On the upside, though, it doesn't hang on to unpleasant smells too much." —Shyuehwa
Get it from Amazon for $18.50+ (available in seven colors).
18. And a tube of anti-blister balm because look, those sandals you packed are super cute but the jury is still out on whether or not they'll rub so bad your feet end up looking like raw meat.
Promising review: "This product is great to have on hand when you wear sandals in the summer. As I frequently travel for work and when one flies, your feet can swell, this keeps my feet from getting irritated." —Phyllis Frazer
Get it from Amazon for $9.
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.