Insights from a recent Travelport survey said 75% of Americans would stop buying new clothes to travel. And, according to data compiled by AAA, Memorial Day travel bookings are up 122%.

We are all bound and determined to hit the road and the maskless skies, this summer. We had a ball finding some items you really must pack in that bag for some great summer daze!

The Jaunt XL Expandable from ROAM Luggage

The very best carry-on suitcase is possibly the most important item you can have for your summer airline travel. Forget checked bags anymore; get an expandable carry-on that is customized just for you. Turn heads with this perfectly perfect suitcase. Online, you make the following selections: type of bag, color of first side (bermuda pink, ladies?), color of second side (glasgow gray for style), color of handles and accessories (Marrakech tan sends you on your way), monogram (free), and they create the most aesthetically pleasing  suitcase for your tripping pleasure. From $600. 

STM Goods PowerKick

Everyone needs a mobile charger when they’re out and about. But sometimes you forget the cord. Not a problem with this wireless PowerKick! With a suction cup backing that sticks to your phone, the PowerKick is the ideal portable charger for your summer travels. Indicator lights for charging status and a kickstand to hold up your phone make this an easy way to keep your battery from dying right before you want that perfect Insta pic! $69.95

Ultra-Fast Power Bank from Einova

To keep all your devices charged up, this compact power bank is your friend! When you get to where you’re going and you need to power up multiple devices, this power bank has 3 ports- get your computer, phone and airpods all ready to go, quickly. Water-repellant and with an LCD display showing you how much power is left,  this power bank is going to be an important addition to your backpack. $69.99

Vasco Translator M3

Vasco Translator M3 is a fast and effective device dedicated to speech, text, and image translation. It dosen’t stop with the limitations of internet or wifi, it has a built in SIM card making translation easier everywhere. Give this gift to your world traveler to make communicating and understanding the language and culture around them easier. $289

Coalatree sun shirt

This Coalatree sun shirt features zinc-powered fabric to prevent odors and guard against UV rays while out in the summer sun. It has zippered side pockets, with plenty of room for your phone, keys, and snacks, as well as long sleeves and a hood to protect you. It’s another level of protection against the sun, packs easily and is easy to match with shorts, a skirt or pants. $69

SEAAV Athleticwear

Woman-owned, SEAAV, offers sustainable activewear that’s buttery soft and eco-friendly. All pieces are made from recycled plastic that are durable and versatile. The thoughtful production and SEAAV never compromising on style makes you want to buy some for yourself and then gift it to the people you care about. Every purchase goes to removing plastics from the ocean, so the more you buy, the more you save. $35

Kizik Men’s Vegas Shoe

Here’s the perfect slip-on shoes to make the security line in the airport an easier process, these are shoes you can walk around town all day in and they can pass for dinner attire, too. Their patented heel design allows you to just slip your toes into the shoe, the heel will compress so your foot can slide all the way in and then once your foot is in, it will spring back into place securing your foot in the shoe. When you have to choose that one shoe that’s applicable for all your activities, comfortable and dressy enough- the Vegas is a winner. $129

Michael Van Clarke No. 1 Brush

Named “Best Brush Overall 2022” by Britain’s The Independent, Micheal Van Clarke No. 1 Brush is a must have for your travel bag. This brush comes in a mini and a large version, perfect to stash in a carry-on. With super smooth and flexible bristles made from Japanese nylon, it glides through the hair releasing knots without snagging or pulling. $39 (for small brush)

Birdy Lashes

The Vacation Collection by Birdy Lashes is the perfect addition to your make-up bag for travel. The Bare Lashes are a great natural lash style with a dolly like effect. Use their Birdy Liner as both an adhesive and eyeliner to simplify the process of putting on lashes. We love popping these lookers on for a fun new look during travel or for that special evening out on your vacation, or the perfect Insta pic! $12

3’’’More Inches Cashmere Protein UV Protective Shampoo & Conditioner

Don’t let the summer sun ruin your hair. This Cashmere Protein UV Protective Shampoo & Conditioner is rich in cashmere proteins and UV filters to repair and strengthen your hair. They are available in 2.5 oz travel tubes you can pack in a carry-on; great to combat color fading and air pollution. $13 each for 75ml travel-size tubes (larger sizes also sold)

Le Prunier Plumscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 31

The Le Prunier Plumscreen Broad Sunscreen harnesses the power of the plum to shelter and protect skin collagen from pollution and UV damage. Their formula has non-nano zinc oxide to protect the coral reefs and yourself. This sunscreen is a great choice for your skin and the environment around you while doing your summer activities. $78.00

Daily Dew SPF35 Water-Resistant Sunscreen

Melanoma is the most common of cancers and can largely be prevented. The Kinfield Daily Dew Water-Resistant Sunscreen blends into your skin to keep your skin safe from the rays while keeping it hydrated with its moisturizing sea kelp and soothing aloe vera. Water resistant up to 40 minutes, this sunscreen is sulfate-free, vegan and cruelty-free. For a more sun glowed look, try the Sunglow SPF30 Luminizing Sunscreen that will give you a sun-kissed tint (rosy gold finish) that is never glittery and just as protective. $28.00

Ice Cream Sunscreen

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Made for all of your summer activities, Ice Cream Sunscreen is water-resistant, reef-friendly, cruelty-free, sulfate-free and paraben-free. Whether you are going to the beach or just enjoying your time in the sun, don’t forget to put on your sunscreen to protect your skin and stay cool this summer. Apply 15 minutes before leaving to prevent sunburns and skin problems, and reapply every two hours. This SPF 30 comes in vanilla, tropical and chocolate “flavors.” $20

 Sheer Perfection Mineral Body Sunscreen SPF 30

Protect your skin with Sheer Perfection Mineral Body Sunscreen, an ultra lightweight, easy rub-in, and no white-cast formula that is reef-safe and made with zero synthetic ingredients. It comes in the perfect TSA-friendly 3oz. Tubes, so you can be protected anywhere and everywhere. This sunscreen comes with a scent making you smell fresh and sweet while also being protective. $28

 Kintsugi Moisture Bond Conditioning Spray

Nurture dry, damaged hair with this two-in-one conditioning spray that will both combat frizz and protect against heat. Kintsugi moisture bond helps “seal” the cuticles surrounding your hair to give your strands a glossy, more lustrous look. The perfect addition to any bag to make your hair look nicer for longer. $40.00

Badger Sunscreen

Layer it on thick with Badger Sunscreens which provide the highest level of zinc oxide to keep you protected during any summer activity. From hiking mountains, floating rivers or a long day at the beach, Badger Sunscreen will keep your skin protected with its mineral sunscreen, which comes in many solutions: water resistant 30 SPF stick (great for your face), lip balm, 30-40 SPF sport, and even broad spectrum 50 SPF adventure sport with clear zinc (no more bright neon zinc colors!) $3.99 – $17.99

Spa Technologies ECO DEFENSE DAILY MOISTURIZER SPF 25

This daily moisturizer from Spa technologies is an antioxidant-rich, lightweight formula to protect the skin from environmental damage and stressors. Spa Technologies makes it simple and soothing. This brand delivers essential items made of seaweed to revitalize the body, mind, and soul. Gift this moisturizer to anyone for them to add to their perfect travel kit to keep them protected and moisturized. $57.80

Herbalife Hemp Relief Balm and Enrichual Hemp Facial Serum

Formulated with hemp-cannabinoids, the Hemp Relief Balm and Facial Serum is here to nurture your skin and soothe your mind after a long day of walking around your vacay town. The Hemp Facial Serum enables a calming and skin-rejuvenating experience after a busy day. For some travelers, a soothing cream like this can make or break a trip with lots of walking. Balm- $69.10 Serum- $64.10

Drenchbar

Drenchbar is the first-ever in-shower lotion bar, perfect for travel as you don’t need to bring liquid through security at the airport. A great addition to your bag when going to those dry, arid climates. Stay moisturized with unisex drenchbars, like leave-in-conditioner for the skin. $15

The Harmonist Travel Parfum Set

Everyone wants a great fragrance in a small package to take along for the journey. The Harmonist is a luxury fragrance brand guided by the principles of feng shui. Their Discovery Parfum Gift Set- focusing on yin and yang- comes in small .05 oz bottles and allows you to explore ten fragrances by blending and layering scents to find the perfect summer fragrance for you. In addition, The Harmonist sells quarter ounce travel perfume with a separate holding case that allows you to take your favorite fragrance with you anywhere. Prices vary. 

 

Robert Piguet Discovery Set

This Robert Piguet Discovery set includes five enticing scents in perfect 2.5 ml travel samplers. Mix-and-match different scents through the discovery set to find the perfect fragrance for wherever you go. With scents like: Oud Délice, a bright, irresistible combination of caramelized amber, Miel de Provence and fig, or  ‘V’, a celebration of travel and combines bergamot and pear with rose, white peach and cinnamon, carry a few along for different trips. $60

Ranger Ready Repellents

If your travels are taking you outdoors, keep the pests away with fragrance-free Ranger Ready Repellents. With two options of body-worn repellent and clothing-worn repellent, it offers dual-action repellent from ticks and mosquitos utilizing 20% picaridin instead of deet. They have a range of proven protection from ticks, mosquitos and other bugs. Spray skin or clothing, lasting up to 12 hours. Don’t let a nice day outside be ruined by annoying and itchy bites. $27.00 (8oz bottles) or $57.00 (24oz bottles)

Heywell Sparkling Drinks

 

Made with adaptogens, antioxidants and organic caffeine, Heywell Sparkling Drinks are the perfect drink to pack in your cooler. Their high-quality, plant-based ingredients means hydrating with a purpose. With flavors like Calm + Hydrate Sparkling Lime, Calm + Restore Blackberry Ginger, and Energy + Immunity Sparkling Grapefruit you are fueling your body with goodness to get you through the day. $45/12 pack or $4.49 for a single can

B.T.R. Bar

This protein bar is a healthy snack during a busy travel day. B.T.R. bars are plant-powered, keto-approved, paleo-friendly, vegan and free of gluten/dairy/junk. With an assortment of flavors like Cherry Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Dark Chocolate Brownie, they are made with cordyceps + reishi mushrooms and MCT oil. $2.49 a bar/ $34.99 build your own box.

CVS Health Battery Powered Travel Sonic Toothbrush

This travel toothbrush is small, compact and easy to use, perfect when you’re on the go.  Sonic action cleans with extra soft bristles, which are gentle on teeth and gums, while effectively removing plaque. Keep your smile perfect for all of your summertime travel pictures. These are even small enough to throw in a purse for after restaurant meals throughout the day. $14.99

Here are some of our packing tips, from a 20-year travel writer:

• Get a reliable carry-on suitcase that will suffice for all your trips, along with a sturdy backpack. Checking a bag is expensive and sometimes unreliable. 
• Limit yourself to 4 pairs of shoes for any trip since they take up a lot of space. Typically, I’ll pack: tennis shoes for workouts, flip flops, slip-on comfortable day shoes, wedges for evening dinners. 
• Mix & match your outfits. One pair of jeans can be used with various tops/blouses to create many different outfits. 
• Limit yourself when possible: 1 set of PJs, 1 swimsuit, 1 hat, 1 jacket, etc. 
• Remember, worst case scenario, you need to purchase something you forgot, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, undies, etc. 
• Create a snack pack in a large Ziploc bag that you’ll put in your backpack. I like to make a healthy combo with jerky, nuts, protein bars, and dark chocolate, none of which needs to be refrigerated.