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1. A set of sunscreen reminder stickers to pair with your body sunscreen so there's someone besides you and your pal who're wading in the waves to remind you that, uh, yes, you do need to reapply! Oh and they last for 12 hours. Once a sticker turns colors, it's time to reapply.
Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action.
Promising review: "Just used this product on a recent trip to Florida. I made sure to wash my skin before application and it lasted about two days on my skin without coming off. When out of the sun or behind UV glass, like in a car, the spot turns clear. As soon as you step into the sun it turns purple. If you use a sunblock it starts to become clear or semi clear. After being on the beach and having gone into the water a few times the spot started seeing purple and I applied sunblock again. In a minute the spot was clear again. So this is very effective In alerting me when to reapply." —RGTorque
Get two 16-counts from Amazon for $25.99+ (also available as a 48-count).
2. A portable handheld fan for those moments when the breeze takes a break. Oh, and it's also a power bank *and* flashlight. So you'll be sure to find all sorts of other uses for it.
Check out a TikTok of the portable fan in action.
Promising review: "This fan works so well, keeps me cool when I’m on the beach or sitting outside in the sun. The battery life is amazing but it takes a while to charge up." —Amanda Clerk
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four colors).
3. Plus a hands-free portable neck fan for those sweltering days on the beach when you just seem to be pouring sweat — even in the shade of the umbrella. Just be sure to charge it with the USB before you pack your beach bag!
It has three speeds to choose from and also lights up, making you more visible at night. Reviewers note that you should definitely put your hair in a ponytail (but that it's easy to unsnag if it gets caught).
Promising review: "Took this to an all day, HOT day to a theme park. Charged it fully the night before and lasted through the whole day. Felt so cool. Plus at night you got the cool colors." —Paula
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two colors).
4. An I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo to tackle greasy roots without the aerosol formula. Cheers to skipping a morning wash for an early flight...and still being able to carry on some dry shampoo without making room for it in your toiletries bag.
Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." —Teresa
Get it from Amazon for $16.
5. A racerback tank top you can throw on with basically any bottom that you own. And reviewers say it's compressive enough that you can skip the bra with it — which is especially welcome when it's THIS hot outside.
Promising review: "I have bought this top in seven different colors because I am that obsessed with it. I have gifted it to all of my friends for their birthdays because it is that great. It is spandex-like material and super comfy, but the fit and style of it are what I am obsessed with. It is super cute. I wear this to work out in or even just wear to go out in without a bra underneath, and it keeps everything in check. My number one clothing item for the last couple of months!!" —Midwestern Girl
Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 23 colors).
6. A stick of Gold Bond Friction Defense can stop chafing caused by sweat before it even starts. It's sooo good and better than any other competitor in the thigh-saving category. Toss this in your bag and apply before you go on that long, lovely beach stroll.
My former colleague Ciera Velarde is a huge fan! Here's what she has to say:
"I've used it for about 12 years now and it's the only thing that I can trust to prevent that dreaded chafing after a sweaty day of walking around. It glides on perfectly, it's unscented, and it doesn't melt away when you start to sweat. If it's a particularly hot day out, it can start to fade after a few hours, so just make sure to bring it with you to reapply. In addition to preventing chafing between my thighs, I've also applied it on my arms where my sports bra rubs against them when I run and it works like a charm!"
Promising review: "Whoooo sometimes I feel as if a fire is going to start between my fat thighs, but with this stuff they just glide right on by each other, it has been a summer life saver. Only thing is you have to pack it on and reapply maybe 4 hours in, so bring it along for the ride. I will be buying again." —Ash
Get it from Amazon for $6.
7. A Burt's Bees sunburn soother because sometimes the family WILL get burnt from some fun in the sun — even if you've been on VERY strict sunscreen patrol. Its aloe vera and coconut oil formula is super gentle on skin while helping relieve pain, redness, and swelling.
8. A *solid* Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen that really sticks to your skin on your tropical (or just plain sweaty) vacation. Oh, and because it's a solid, it's carry-on–friendly!
I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation two years ago when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too. Since then, I've packed this for any trip I've been on, including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared with friends. I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it's so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning...I am about the palest lady you've ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen. But when on a beach trip, I'm constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So yeah, this stuff works.
And if you're a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination.
Get it from Amazon for $10.17.
9. A set of Sea Bands with a little nub that targets the acupuncture point on your wrists meant to help reduce nausea. This'll be great in case your vacation entails a boat day (or three).
Promising review: "My car sickness has been getting worse for years. I drive often with my family back to my hometown about five hours away. I put these on and was finally able to ride without constantly fighting nausea. They fit comfortably and I quickly forgot they were on. This feels like a simple, cost efficient fix." —Breya Porter
Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.53 (available in adult and children's sizes).
10. A set of Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier packets, an electrolyte drink mix infused with potassium and vitamin C you can stir into a bottle of water to help speed up your hydration. After all, on beach days you aren't so good at drinking water. So this is a great preventative measure. (I also personally love these for travel and hangovers, and hangovers while you're traveling.)
Psst — it's also gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free!
Promising review: "I love this stuff!!! In Florida, where the sun can take the moisture out of you between the heat and the humidity, you can tend to get a little dehydrated, no matter how much water you drink. I put one of these packets ion my large water bottle and drink. I start to feel better soon after I drink one. I don't do more than one a day, unless I am working extra hard outside in the summer heat. It reminds me of lemon/lime sports drinks without that awful sugary after taste." —N. Abdallah
Get a pack of 16 for $23.45 (also available in sugar-free flavors).
11. A portable safe for securing to a beach or pool chair to keep your valuables safe or to keep your passport in your hotel room in case there's no safe or the safe isn't working. (Raise your hand if you've stayed in a small hotel without a safe. ::raises hand::)
After putting this in MANY travel stories, I bought one for myself for a summer European vacation where I found myself at several beach clubs. It was perfect for keeping mine and my friend's belongings safe while we dozed in our beach chairs or swam in the sea. Plus, it's the perfect size to hold phones or wallets, and easily carry in your beach or tote bag.
Promising review: "This safe has become a MUST-HAVE on all our vacations. We no longer travel without it. We put two iPhones, cash, and car keys in this little safe, locked it to a beach cabana, threw a towel over it and took off for a hour of snorkeling. Never once worried about our belongings. We now use several of these as room safes AND as 'hide a key' lockboxes outside our vacation condo for teens who come and go throughout the day. They are invaluable!" —KeepIT Reel
Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in three colors).
12. Tide sink packets with the perfect amount of detergent for a sink wash to help lighten your clothing load and help you rewear swimsuits. Plus! These'll easily slide into the toiletries bag that you thought had no. more. room. Seriously, it's time to get over packing an outfit for every freaking day of your trip. No one cares.
Each pack comes with three packets. And, because they *are* liquid, they'll easily slide into the side of your toiletries bag. I've packed these on international trips to much success!
Promising review: "I have taken these packets on travels throughout the world. They are small and fit in my bag. They are good for a wash in a sink or wash bag. I use tide at home donut is my wash if choose. Glad to have them. They don’t leak either." —Barbara Jefferson
Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.75.
13. Or a pack of laundry soap sheets you won't have to slip into your toiletries bag if you're flying. This way you can save more room for souvenirs than three changes of underwear for every day of your trip.
I travel just about any chance that I get and found a WHOLE lot of success with these little laundry sheets on an almost–three weeks European vacation last summer where I carried on–only and rewore outfits several times.
Promising review: "This came SO in handy during my vacation to Europe! I was making lots of different stops to places with different types of weather. With these laundry soap sheets I was able to wash my clothes in the sink — letting me pack just the right amount of clothes for all the different places I went." —Katie Fujarski
Get it from Amazon for $5.39 (available in four other styles, including hand soap and shampoo).
14. A pack of collapsible pails that'll take up way less space in your beach bag for the very important task of building sand castles. Have you ever bought a sand bucket at a tourist shop? Yikes.
15. A waterproof pouch that I buy for every water-adjacent vacation (so mostly warm-weather trips like Croatia and Greece). But! As soon as I booked my flight for Iceland, I bought one of these to take along to The Blue Lagoon. It survived rain, hail, and all kinds of steam rising off the water.
It fits any phone up to 100 mm x 170 mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It also keeps out sand, dirt, and rain.
With these, I find that they're good for about a day due to condensation. So for a trip I'll buy 2–3, except for this one where I just knew I'd be in the water at The Blue Lagoon. And while I'm on the subject, check out a TikTok I made using the phone case! On the day I went, we had to duck and run inside because of rain. And it was hailing on us when I was in the water, so I head to face a certain way to keep from getting pelted in the face. But, when in Rome! Then we went inside and at lunch at the Lava Restaurant and it was GORGEOUS and clear outside post-lunch. So this case worked well taking pics in both bad and good conditions (as you can see from the two pics for comparison). I've used this case to take underwater pics, on boat rides, and have worn it with the lanyard jumping off a boat into water. So I really trust these!
Promising review: "I bought this because I do a lot of water sports when I travel and it was amazing!!! I had no problems with it the actual pouch detaching from the lanyard when I went snorkeling and my phone stayed completely dry. The touch capability is also great." —TJ
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in 14 colors).
16. A Hairbrella that'll easily fold up and be ready for those days when you look like you have GREAT weather. Then, all of a sudden the sky opens up and starts pouring, ruining your perfect hair day.
Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business that has been creating fashionable hats that protect hair from all kinds of weather since 2016.
Promising review: "If you have natural hair that you wear in a silk press… you need the Hairbrella! If you have natural hair that you wear curly… you need the hairbrella! If you have relaxed hair… you need the hairbrella! Basically after losing my umbrella and resorting to the dreaded grocery bag over my head… I found Hairbrella on Amazon and I bought one for myself and two other relatives. We chose not to chemically straighten our hair, so humid or rainy days can be a choice to return to our beautiful curls if an umbrella is not handy. So imagine our excitement to find a stylish, lined waterproof rainbonnet that won’t have me looking crazy with a grocery bag on my head as I enter buildings.
Buy this…. You won’t be disappointed!" —Sherry
"Would definitely buy again. It worked wonderfully." —Latrice B.
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in nine colors).
17. A waterproof Kindle to let you bring a TON of reading material (without a stack of books hogging space in your carry-on) so you can work through that digital TBR pile.
Promising review: "I held out for years on getting a Kindle and finally gave in this prime day as I am traveling more for work these days. The user interface is super easy to use and the settings are simple to change. From what I can tell it has plenty of storage and was easy to set up with Libby as well to rent e-books from the library. I've already read three books and I can't wait for the countless more.
The size is perfect, not too small like reading on a phone but still fits easily in my purse or carry on bag without taking up too much space. Fits comfortably in my hand when reading as well. As for the battery, I've read on it at least 30 minutes every day since receiving it and still have 60% battery left on my first charge, and its been weeks." —Emily S
Get it from Amazon for $129.99 (available in 8GB and 32GB and in four colors).
18. A set of affordable, highly popular *waterproof* wireless Bluetooth earbuds some reviewers compare to AirPods for significantly cheaper. Cheers to listening to your backlog of podcasts while staring at the ocean.
These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for four-plus hours with each full charge).
I also use these on the reg in my everyday life to listen to Spotify and podcasts, and even talk on the phone. I have to charge them about once a week and always keep them in my coat pocket.
Promising review: "Best decision! These are the greatest headphones ever! I saw them on TikTok months ago and added them to my wishlist. I got a new phone that doesn't have the headphone port so I decided it was time to finally buy them. They are amazing and I probably won't ever take them out of my ears! 😂" —Katlyn D Arnold
Get it from Amazon $22.09+ (clip the "15% off coupon" on the product page for this price; available in five colors).
19. An on-the-go Gillette razor can spare you some precious space in your bag without sacrificing quality.
It comes with one handle and one blade refill!
Promising review: "I bought this for a four-week backpacking trip to Europe and was so glad I did. You can absolutely get this through TSA, and the case that comes with it is excellent for protecting the blade. I shaved probably once every few days, and the blade held up the whole time I was gone, and I'm still using it after I got back. Great for travel." —Angela
Get it from Amazon for $12.59.
20. A pair of quick-dry water shoes to help you traverse nearly every kind of ground you may come upon.
Promising review: "So glad I got these for my trip to Hawaii. These shoes saved my feet getting into the coral-covered beaches of Kaua'i. Great on the hot sand, too. Much more comfortable than the ones I got for my daughter at Target." —jaspy106
Get it from Amazon for $8.68+ (available in seven sizes and 44 colors).
21. Or some Seastar neoprene slingback sandals that are *actually* water and boat shoes, though they look like regular espadrilles. These babies have TRACTION on them but are still comfy and won't rub. I own them and have worn them in the sea and on rocky beaches of France, Croatia, and Italy without slipping and hurting myself. (I'm the clumsiest person ever.)
Promising review: "I loved my first pair so much that I bought two more pairs! I have always loved classic espadrilles but can’t wear them in rainy weather. These you can wear no matter what. And they are soooo comfortable! That makes them perfect for traveling — especially as they are lightweight — but I want to wear them all the time so bought more. They look great with skirts, pants, jeans or beachwear. The stretchy fabric and stretchy sling back heel make for comfort no matter how much feet may swell in hot weather. I just love these and am thinking about a fourth pair!" —Merlyn Greenwood
Get them from Amazon for $124.95 (available in sizes 6–12 and three colors) or from Sea Star Beachwear for $125 (available in sizes 6–12 and eight colors).
22. A pack of insect-repellent wipes that'll be easier to keep on you at all times than a bottle of liquid. And, you guessed it, can be tucked in your luggage anywhere because it's not a liquid that has to fit in with your toiletries! I keep mine in a side packet on my backpack.
When I was a kid, someone told me that mosquitoes love me because I'm so sweet. And I FULLY believe that as an adult because I still get eaten alive if I'm out for long periods of time without wearing some kind of repellent. I've used these wipes on several park days here in NYC (sitting on a picnic blanket drinking wine with friends is more or less screaming "COME GET ME" to skeeters). But I've really found success with them on a recent hot weekend trip to Savannah, Georgia. I don't notice any smell when using them and have found one wipe to have enough repellent for my arms and legs. So basically, a one and done. I don't think that I've gotten *any* bug bites on days I've used these wipes. Plus, I have extremely sensitive skin but haven't had any irritation from these seemingly powerful wipes!
Get three packs of 12 wipes from Amazon for $25.47.
23. Or a set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets in case the thought of putting something else on your skin (like smelly bug repellent) sounds like a total nightmare.
Check out a TikTok of the mosquito-repelling bracelets in action.
Promising review: "I moved last year from Southern California to North Carolina. Bugs of all types have always been attracted to me but the amount of bites I got last summer was WILD. Someone gave me one of these types of bracelets to use one day and it seemed to work SOOOOOO I decided to buy myself an arsenal to prepare for this summer. I read the reviews and about 99% of them had great results. I've only used this bracelet twice but both times I was outside and un-touched. Delivery was very quick so that was a plus. I'm not fond of the smell, I'm hyper sensitive to smells, but I'd rather have the odor than being chewed alive." —Tracey Agopian
Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $8.49.
24. A clinical-strength antiperspirant if you've tried just about everything to stop sweating but you haven't found your holy grail yet. It has 12% aluminum chloride, which blocks sweat for up to 72(!!) dry hours.
Promising review: "Just got inside from 80-degree weather. I CANNOT believe I have no sweat marks. To be dramatic, this is life-changing. To be modest, this is life changing. Haha. I was always so embarrassed going anywhere! No matter the weather I was always dripping sweat from under my arms. I was always so self-conscious, leaving parties early, known as the sweater! No more! I’m seriously so excited about this." —Liz
Get it from Amazon for $5.67.
25. A pack of clinical-strength SweatBlock wipes could come in handy for hyperhidrosis, nervous sweating, and hormonal sweating any time of the year. But if summer really makes all that rear its ugly head, it's worth a try. You can apply it to your pits for bed and it's made to work for up to seven days.
This stuff is STRONG so make sure you do a spot test first — especially if you have sensitive skin.
Promising review: "For anyone who might be skeptical, please allow me to put you at ease. If you have hyperhidrosis, meaning it can be 9 degrees outside and you're still sweating under your arms, this product has the potential to change your life. I would sweat THROUGH a sport coat before noon. Enter the Sweat Block product. I've had it for three weeks and it is life changing. I DO NOT sweat under my arms anymore. I'm still on the original box that I bought three weeks ago. I had to write a review after I was cleaning the garage today in 85-degree heat. I was sweating through my shirt on my back — BUT NOT MY UNDERARMS. It is amazing!" —Frosty McGee
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $19.99.
26. A Revlon volcanic stone face roller to remove oil and shine from your face. And unlike oil-blotting sheets, the ball can be popped out and washed so you can use this over and over and over again.
Promising review: "First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. I was so tired of getting blotting powder/wipes. It felt wasteful and always left residue on my face. I saw this on TikTok and NEEDED it. Not only is it affordable, but it's also washable, which helps you save money and be less wasteful. It felt like the holy grail had been delivered to my front doorstep. After my first use, I was in love. Now, it doesn't pick up everything but it does make it more matte and gives you a natural look. I am so excited this product exists and I already feel more confident." —Kelsey B.
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
27. A chic tank and wide-leg pants set that'll make you look like a fancy jetsetter, even if you're just making a Target run midday to drink up the DELICIOUS frigid air down the ice cream aisle.
28. A sand removal bag will be SO handy for sweaty beach days. It's filled with talc-free, reef-friendly powder that'll help you brush off the scratchy stuff that you don't mind on the beach but would *like* to leave on the beach where you found it.
Shakalo is a San Diego-based small business started to figure out a way to help people, especially parents remove sand before leaving the beach. The soft fabric pouch allows the powder to remove the sand without scattering everywhere.
Promising review: "We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there. This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use it), it smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and it's super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1x–2x a week. I even use it on my dogs paws and bellies to make sure they're taken care of. I will definitely be buying the refill and another bag to have exclusively in the car." —Gabbs Uresti
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two sizes).
29. Some “bust dust” anti-boob-sweat powder with soothing lavender and chamomile in a sprayable, talc-free formula to fight dampness and discomfort.
30. A set of towel clips you'll be grateful you packed once the wind kicks up as you're 20 feet away tossing a football with your pals. (And you can use it to hang up your wet swimsuit after.)
Check out a TikTok of the towel clips in action.
Promising review: "I purchased these for a family of eight going on a cruise and they loved them! So easy to use, just put your towel on the beach chair and clip down with these. They said they were especially awesome on windy days when others towels were blowing away if they were not sitting on the chair. The family was able to go to lunch or take a walk and not worry that their towels had been blown away and someone had then snagged their seats. Very inexpensive and functional clips." —TypeA
Get a set of 16 from Amazon for $9.99.
31. A packable floppy hat with a wide brim that'll provide some extra shade from those harsh beachy rays.
Promising review: "Honey, this hat was giving me everything I needed it to give! I felt Gone With The Wind fabulous in this hat for my cruise vacation. It provided the adequate shade for my face and shoulders while allowing me to shade myself from people I didn’t want to talk to! Bay-bay! It was EVERYTHING I needed it to be AND the size XL fit over my braids. So my girls with protective styles or just big hair, this is the hat for you! 🎉" —1922blue
Get it from Amazon for $24.69+ (available in sizes M–XL and in eight colors).
32. Double-buckle slides (that totally resemble Birks) you can slip in and out of pool- or beachside. And yup, they're waterproof.
The seller recommends checking the size chart, which details the best size for your foot length. The back strap is also adjustable!
Promising review: "Comfy and trendy enough. I like 'em! I prefer not to wear shoes that don't have a back. It's my paranoia that I'll have to break out in a run at some point. But these work very well. I walk miles in them without discomfort. Plus they're cute. Trends up any casual outfit. They are not Croc- or Birkenstock-level comfort because the sole is not cushioned, but it is carved out just right for the naked foot. Update: Just came back from a month in Costa Rica during rainy season and I'm so glad I brought these! They held up so well getting through muddy pebble streets. The soles were thick enough to not feel the rocks beneath me and keep my toes from getting in the dirt. When I got in, I just washed them off. The white color held up in all that and they never felt uncomfortable or as if they would come of my feet (a concern I have about sandals without ankle straps). They are excellent value. Get 'em!" —MelRay
Get them from Amazon for $17.99 (available in sizes 6–10 and two colors).
33. A CarryAround foldable cup holder you'll think you're a dang genius for buying (and you'd be right) after you easily carry back four beers from the snack bar in one hand. It'd also be smart to pack this for your next all-inclusive vacation.
Check out a TikTok of the drink holder in action.
Promising review: "I am obsessed with these! I bought one for myself and immediately turned around and got a four-pack so I can keep extras in my desk at work and my car and give a few to friends. The cardboard carriers that you usually get from restaurants are wasteful and still need to be supported with two hands. With this, I can carry two to four beverages and a bag of take out food all in one hand with a hand free to open doors and such! There is no support underneath so you cannot leave them sitting in the carrier once you're in a car, but I wouldn't trust a cardboard carrier on the seat of my car full of drinks anyway. It is incredibly sturdy and everywhere I go I get constant compliments when I use it! I have run into very few cups that are too large, overall this is a total win! Can't recommend enough." —Allison
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in multipacks).
34. A sturdy beach umbrella that reviewers say withstands the wind.
It comes with sandbag anchors and steaks for reinforcement, an adjustable pole that can be tilted, and its own carrying bag.
Promising review: "We live in Maui, Hawaii, and wind gusts on the beach can exceed 50 mph some days. The wind also changes direction constantly and never comes from just one direction. We have spent over $500 trying to find various combinations of anchors, umbrellas, and tie downs, and NOTHING has worked until these bad boys. We bought one initially and tested it out on a VERY windy day and were super impressed. It never once became inverted or blew over. Meanwhile, the other umbrella we were using that day broke. Needless to say, I have since bought two more so we can have ample shade for my husband, my dog, and myself." —Beth
Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in blue or orange).
35. Waterproof Uno cards to stand up to some tense games at the beach, pool, lake, boat, wherever! What a great option for when everyone gets tired out from beach games and come under the umbrella for some respite from the sun.
Promising review: "These are great to use at the pool, lakeside, or the beach. They can get wet!!!!! My kids love these! I actually want to buy a set for the house because the cards don't bend easily and they stay in mint condition. Would purchase again and again!" —LuluLoves
Get them from Amazon for $7.90.
36. Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 beloved by reviewers with melanated skin for good reason. It rubs in (like, actually rubs in) and doesn't leave any ashy white effect.
Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned business whose sunscreen is designed not to leave a white cast on melanated skin. It's ultra sheer, water-resistant, and super nourishing thanks to its all-natural ingredients. Plus, it's cruelty-free! They also make sunscreen for kids with SPF 50.
Promising review: "I’ve tried many, many sunscreens that claim to blend and not leave a white cast when applied. This was so much better than I expected. A nickel-size amount goes a long way and blends into a smooth, dewy finish. I also didn’t notice a scent so there was no worries of walking around smelling like sunscreen." —Target Customer
Get it from Target for $15.99 or from Black Girl Sunscreen for $18.99 (cruelty-, fragrance-, oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, silicone- and aluminum-free, and vegan).
37. A reversible bucket hat because, well, EVERYONE looks great in a bucket hat. You just haven't found one that suits you yet. WELP, I just found it for you. Keeping the sun outta your face has never looked so cute.
38. A two-pack of beach wraps to help you style your beloved bikini you bought who-knows-when in between dips in the ocean.
39. A three-pack of Vacation Strawberry Jello Salad SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm that'll put a stop to your excuses of skipping SPF for your lips because all of the options out there *taste* like sunscreen. This one's made to taste like a fun dessert.
It's water-resistant for 80 minutes and is made from coconut oil, cocoa butter, aloe vera, and Vitamin E. It complies with the Hawaii Reef Compliant Act 104, is PEG- and paraben-free, dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and vegan (made without beeswax).
Promising review: "It’s hard to find a lip balm that’s moisturizing and also tastes nice — yeah you’re not supposed to eat it, but it gets in your mouth anyway. We all know it. This stuff leaves my lips very soft. Smells and tastes great!" —cxr
Get them from Amazon for $12.
40. A universal phone shade will help shade your face plus help you better see your phone screen so you can show your friends a backlog of TikToks.
Shadey Attachments is a UK-based small business that came up with this idea after seeing people struggle to view their phone while lounging in the sun. The shades attaches to most mobile devices by suction and fans out to protect your face from UV rays.
Promising review: "I ordered this last-minute for Christmas holiday, and I can honestly say, I now can’t use my phone in the sun without it! It took a second to get going and to realize you have to point it at the sun to put your face in the shade (also better for the wrinkles). It's literally the best thing ever for the sun." —Hayley Place
Get it from Shadey Attachments on Etsy for $17.73 (available in six colors).
41. A pair of sunglasses that said "I'll raise the stakes" when they heard about those bottle-opener flip-flops you used to pull out as a party trick.
Promising review: "Maaaannnnnn, I bought these for Cancun, and they’ve been used and abused here in the saltwater pool and beaches, but they are worth the money in my opinion! Yes they feel a tad bit cheap, but hey, they’ve opened so many bottled beer and sodas, and I like how they look. I’m happy with my purchase! Will be buying more to keep in my car and in my work truck." —Erik Perez
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in two colors).
42. A CurlCap backless adjustable cap with plenty of room for your natural hair or updos while giving your face some extra shade when you walk to the water every hour or so to dip your toes in it and confirm that, yep, the ocean is still there.
CurlCap is a Black-owned apparel company founded by Britney Sade that specializes in caps designed for natural hair with an open back and flexible scrunchie design.
Promising review: "This hat is comfortable, well made, and cute! It is now my go-to hat for casual days when I put my hair in a ponytail. I have also worn it playing tennis and found that it's more comfortable than wearing a visor. The back elastic really keeps the hat secure without feeling too tight. I have the black twill, and would love to see it in other colors in this fabric for walking, running, and tennis. Love." —Me
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in 11 styles).
43. A set of mesh "sea shell collecting" bags with adjustable straps so everyone can go on a very efficient seashell-collecting mission with minimal sand carted back home. And because it's mesh, you can hose down the bag and what's inside before taking home.
Promising review: "I bought these for my kids to use on vacation where we'd be camping and doing lots of outdoor activities. They used them to collect rocks and other interesting finds. They held up well and several months later with use at home there are no rips or tears. The mesh was convenient when collecting rocks on the beach, and we wanted to hose everything down before bringing them inside. They have an adjustable strap and very easily fit all of my kids ranging from ages 2–10 (could fit older kids, too). I highly recommend!" —a_bennet
Get a set of three from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two sizes and four color combinations).
44. A sunglasses organizer with five slots so you can coordinate your eye wear with all your little ensembles you have planned on your journeys.
See it in action on TikTok here.
Promising review: "This organizer is even better quality than expected. It's really sturdy and solid. Great craftsmanship. It's super cool looking. Definitely looks more expensive than what you pay. The material where the glasses are held is extremely soft like suede, so this should prevent scratches and protect them while transporting. I really like that it has a way of keeping the glasses in place. I noticed other similar items don't have this feature, which is why I chose this above the others." —Namiko Minakata
Get it from Amazon for $29.49+ (available in four styles).
45. A pair of Thigh Society cooling shorts can save your inner thighs during that sunset walk on the beach.
Promising review: "I bought these to wear under dresses for a trip to Europe because it was supposed to be really hot, and they worked great. They were light, stretchy, and there was no chafing. Maybe not the most moisture wicking, but they were very comfortable, and I wore them several times." —Meghan O'Leary
Get it from Thigh Society for $39+ (available in women's sizes XS–2XL, four lengths, and in nine colors).
46. A mesh beach bag with a cooler zip-off portion at the bottom so you can feed two birds with one scone whether you're making your way to the park or trudging onto the beach with kids in tow and could use a free hand.
Promising review: "This is a great tote! The cooler on the bottom is unexpected each time someone sees it and is a great little bonus. We had more than enough room to pack four Gatorades and squeezable applesauce packs — you probably can’t pack a lunch and drinks for more than two or three people, but we only had two so it served us great!" —MasonDixon
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in five colors).
47. A 100% organic cotton coverup you'll find all kinds of excuses to wear, even if you're not heading to the beach. I can picture Dr. Nicole from RHOM wearing this on a girl's trip and that is the HIGHEST of praise from me.
Get it from Quince for $39.90 (available in sizes XS–XL and three colors). Psst, there's also a long dress and shirt version.
48. Some flowy shorts could be the minimum (but adequate) amount of fabric to wear when it feels like summer has hit its peak, only for you to be unpleasantly surprised the next week when the heat index is about 10 degrees hotter.
Promising review: "These shorts are so light and airy! They are so comfortable. The only downside is that they do run small, I would size up by one size. I wore them to the beach and they were perfect for hanging out when I didn’t plan on getting in the water!" —Reese Elder
Get them from Amazon for $13.50+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 29 colors).
49. A fanny pack with a ton of storage room inside that has a long enough strap to wear crossbody *or* comfortably fit over outerwear for some hands-free adventures. And in case it looks familiar, TikTokers compare it to the Lulu waist bag. Plus, it's cute enough to wear for fashion and you can pack one fewer bag as a result.
I wear a size L/XL in clothing and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fit around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. This was the only purse I brought for the whole trip and it performed its job flawlessly. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents. Having my hands free was wildly convenient for a number of reasons, including crawling around inside of an ice cave and putting out my hands for some extra balance while walking on sheets of ice along cliffs. Oh, and it comes in so so SO many colors.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this little purse. So versatile. I love the self contained adjustable strap. (No straps flopping around or hanging) Heavy duty clip. I used this on a cruise. I could fit a plus-size phone, sunglasses, money, lip balm, cards, etc. I used it as a sling bag and a fanny pack. Love it!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $18.98 (available in 31 styles).
50. An anti-blister balm that's carry-on friendly *and* old dogs friendly. No more blisters from walking around all day seeing sites and getting in line for your favorite theme park rides.
Promising review: "I LOVED THIS!! We always vacation in the summertime and every time i walk in sandals my feet always blister. Just got back from a six-day cruise and no blisters!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $8.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.