There’s just something about summer travel: long days, warm nights, and that sense of freedom whether your travel style is beach-bound, city-hopping, or road-tripping with the windows down. But before you zip up that suitcase, let’s make sure you’re fully prepped. This summer vacation packing list is here to help you stay organized, stylish, and sun-protected from takeoff to touchdown.
Summer Packing List
Winter travel might be all about bundling up, but summer? It’s a whole different vibe. Think breathable fabrics, effortless outfits, and smart, sun-savvy essentials that let you enjoy every sun-soaked moment. This guide will help you avoid the dreaded “did I forget to pack that?” moment, especially if you’re flying with carry on luggage only. From mixing and matching wardrobe staples to smart tools like adapters, packing cubes, and the perfect carry on bag, I’ve got you covered.
Don’t forget to pack the little things: sun protection, a reusable water bottle, your credit card, and a basic aid kit to help you stay healthy on the go. Before you zip your suitcase, run through this checklist and head into your summer trip with confidence.
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Summer Vacation Packing List Essentials
Summer packing isn’t just about cute outfits and sandals, it’s about striking the right balance. You want to be ready for anything, from beach lounging to surprise rain showers to spontaneous dinners out. The key? Mixing and matching your wardrobe, planning around the forecast, and packing travel sized versions of your go-to items to save space without sacrificing comfort or style. Here’s what to keep at the top of your packing checklist:
Lightweight Clothing
Pack breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or gauzy blends that let your skin breathe and dry quickly in the heat. Flowy sundresses, soft tees, loose shorts, and airy button-downs are all great options. Bonus points if you can mix and match pieces to stretch your outfit combos, especially if you’re traveling with just a carry on.
Shop lightweight summer sets:
Swimwear
Whether you’re heading to a beach resort, lakeside cabin, or hotel with a rooftop pool, swimsuits are non-negotiable. Bring at least two so you always have a dry option on hand. Think about the activities too, a sporty one-piece is great for kayaking or paddleboarding, while a cute two-piece works for sunbathing or poolside lounging.
Shop my top swimwear picks:
Some of my other favorite places to shop online for swimsuits are Abercrombie, Hollister, and Dippin’ Daisies.
Swimsuit Cover-Up
A lightweight cover-up is a summer MVP. It’s perfect for tossing on between the beach and brunch, offering just enough coverage without weighing you down. Look for something that folds flat and doubles as an easy outfit for casual exploring or resort breakfasts. Bonus points for when you need extra sun protection.
Shop my cover up picks:
Rash Guard or Swim Shirt
These are game changers if you’re planning water sports, snorkeling, or long beach days. Not only do they protect your skin from harsh UV rays, but they also reduce the need to constantly reapply sunscreen. Quick-drying and lightweight, they’re a practical pick for sun protection with style.
Shop rash guards and swim shirts:
Light Jacket or Sweatshirt
Check the weather before you go because cool nights or indoor A/C can surprise you. A light layer goes a long way. A packable layer, like a sweatshirt or light jacket, takes up minimal space and keeps you cozy when the temps drop. Wear it on the plane to save packing space.
Comfortable Footwear
Summer travel usually means walking, potentially through cobblestone streets, sandy trails, airport terminals, or theme parks. Invest in comfortable footwear like a supportive, broken-in pair of sandals, sneakers, or walking shoes that can handle long days without blisters or sore feet.
Shop my comfy footwear picks for travel:
My pro tip: If you have your heart set on that cute pair of sandals that completes your outfit, but you’ll be doing a lot of walking, pack a spare pair of shoes and change when you arrive at your destination. This always works wonders for me!



Flip Flops
Toss a pair of flip flops in your carry-on bag and you’re covered for beach days, poolside lounging, or even communal showers if you’re staying somewhere more rustic. They’re lightweight, take up almost no space, and are easy to slip on and go.
Water Shoes
If your plans include rocky beaches, hiking through streams, waterfalls, or boating, water shoes are essential. They protect your feet from sharp rocks or hot sand and offer solid traction on slippery surfaces. Bonus: most dry quickly and can double as lightweight walking shoes in wet conditions.
Shop my flip-flop, sandals, and water shoes picks:



Summer Health & Safety Must-Haves
Hot weather, long days outdoors, and new environments mean your summer vacation can take a toll if you’re not prepared. These essentials will help you stay healthy, protected, and feeling your best, so you can actually enjoy that dreamy beach or city stroll without dealing with sunburn, dehydration, or unexpected blisters.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
This duo is a must for every carry-on bag, especially if you’re heading anywhere tropical, humid, or buggy. Pack a travel-sized sunscreen with high SPF (I always look for broad-spectrum and water-resistant formulas), and don’t forget to reapply throughout the day. As for insect repellent, you’ll be glad you have it when you’re enjoying a sunset dinner outside and not swatting mosquitoes the whole time, especially if you’re someone like me who mosquitoes just love.
Lip Balm with SPF
Lips are easy to forget, but they’re super sensitive to sun exposure, and no one wants dry, cracked, or burnt lips ruining their selfies. Toss in a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher and keep it handy at all times.
Aloe Vera
Whether you underestimated the sun or got a bug bite while hiking, aloe vera is your go-to fix. It’s cooling, soothing, and helps speed up recovery from sunburn, skin irritation, or even razor burn if you’ve got a pool day planned. Bonus: it takes up hardly any space in your toiletry bag.
Shop my favorite sunscreens, bug sprays, and aloe vera:
Sun Hat & Sunglasses
The ultimate combo for sun protection and style (or if you just don’t want to do your hair). A wide-brimmed hat shades your face, scalp, and neck, which is especially helpful during beach walks or city tours. UV-protective sunglasses reduce eye strain and protect your vision.
Shop my favorite sun hats and sunglasses:
Reusable Water Bottle
You’ve probably heard it a million times, but staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the heat. A refillable water bottle saves you from spending a fortune on plastic bottles and keeps you from hitting that midday travel slump. Some even come with built-in filters which are great for hiking or unfamiliar tap water.
Hydration Salts or Electrolytes
When you’ve been out in the sun all day, especially if you’re sweating (hello, summer hikes and beach strolls), water alone might not cut it. Toss a few hydration packets in your bag to help replenish lost electrolytes fast. They’re tiny, take up no room, and come in surprisingly tasty flavors.
Small First Aid Kit
You don’t need a full-blown pharmacy, but a compact first aid kit with the basics will absolutely come in handy. Think: band-aids or blister guards for blisters, ibuprofen for headaches or sore feet, antiseptic wipes, allergy meds, and anything else you use regularly. It’s one of those things you’ll thank yourself for packing if something comes up.
Shop my top picks for reusable water bottles, electrolyte packs and my go-to first aid kit:



Summer Toiletries & Travel Tools
A smooth trip starts with the right tools, and not just the cute outfits. These essentials are all about convenience, space-saving, and being ready for anything. Whether you’re zipping through airport security or heading straight to the beach, this part of your summer travel packing list has you covered.
Travel-Sized Toiletries
Don’t let TSA rules catch you off guard at the security checkpoint. Pack your go-to products like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and skincare staples in travel sized containers that fit in your quart-sized bag. Pro tip: invest in refillable bottles to cut down on waste and keep your skin happy with products you actually trust. If you’re checking a bag make sure to double bag these in case of leaks, and keep the essentials in your carry-on luggage just in case.
Packing Cubes
Once you start using packing cubes, you’ll never go back. These little zippered lifesavers keep your clothes neatly sorted (think: one for tops, one for swimwear, one for undies), make it easy to separate clean from dirty, and compress your clothes to maximize space. They also make hotel unpacking feel super organized and efficient—especially if you’re changing locations a lot.
Related: How to Pack Shoes for Travel
Shop my top picks for packing cubes (been using the first one for YEARS) and toiletries:
Dry Bag
Heading out on a boat, kayaking trip, or beach day? A dry bag is the hero you didn’t know you needed. It keeps your phone, camera, credit card, and other valuables safe from splashes, spills, or unexpected rain. Even better, it doubles as a day bag for sandy or damp gear you don’t want mixing with your clean clothes.
Microfiber Towel
A microfiber towel is one of those genius travel items you’ll be glad you packed. It folds down small, dries fast, and works for everything from beach days to unexpected swims to wiping off after a sweaty hike. It’s also great for backpacking or hostel stays where towels aren’t always provided.
Foldable Tote
This one’s for the over-packers and spontaneous shoppers alike. A lightweight, foldable tote barely takes up space in your luggage, but comes in clutch as a beach bag, picnic carrier, or market tote. It’s also perfect for those last-minute souvenirs that mysteriously appear before your return flight.
Shop my favorite dry bag, microfiber towel, and tote bags:



Luggage & Electronics
This part of your summer vacation packing list is all about keeping things powered, protected, and easy to carry. Whether you’re navigating a cobblestone alley in Europe or breezing through a beach town, the right luggage and tech tools make all the difference.
Carry On Luggage
Your carry on bag is prime real estate, so choose wisely. Look for something lightweight yet durable, with smooth wheels and plenty of pockets for quick-access items like your headphones or snacks. Bonus points for a padded laptop sleeve and an exterior water bottle holder. This bag should be versatile enough to act as your home base during flights or train rides. I also love taking along my weekender bag as my carry-on when I am checking larger luggage.
Shop my top picks for carry-on bags and luggage sets on a budget:
Crossbody Bag or Backpack
For everyday exploring (or even just as your airport personal item) a small crossbody bag or daypack is a must. Go for something that sits close to your body, preferably with anti-theft features like hidden zippers or RFID-blocking pockets. It should fit your essentials, think wallet, water bottle, sunscreen, and phone, without weighing you down. Perfect for sightseeing, hiking, or hitting up local markets.
Shop my favorite crossbody bags and backpacks for travel:
Luggage Locks
TSA-approved luggage locks are a small but mighty addition to your bag. They give you peace of mind, especially when train hopping, in shared Airbnbs, or on long-haul flights with multiple stops.
AirTags
One of my favorite travel hacks! I always drop an AirTag into each of my bags, checked suitcase, carry-on, backpack, you name it. I love being able to instantly check where my luggage is while waiting at the airport, and honestly, I usually know it made it to my destination way before the airline apps update. It’s the best peace of mind, especially if you’ve ever had bags go missing or delayed.
Adapters and Converters
Don’t forget these if you’re heading abroad! Outlets vary widely between countries, and not every hotel provides extras. A universal adapter works for most destinations, while a voltage converter is essential if you’re packing electronics like a curling iron or straightener that aren’t dual voltage. Better to pack it now than risk frying your favorite device.
Portable Luggage Scale
Nobody wants to be that person frantically reshuffling weight at the check-in counter (trust me, I’ve been there, and one pair of shoes doesn’t weigh as much as you think). A portable luggage scale helps you weigh your bags in advance, making it easier to avoid surprise baggage fees, especially helpful if you’ll be bringing home souvenirs or shopping while you travel.
Shop my favorite luggage locks, AirTags, and adapters:
Waterproof Phone Case
If your trip involves water (beaches, boats, pools, or even surprise summer storms) a waterproof phone case is worth its weight in gold. It lets you snap pics, check maps, and scroll socials without worrying about splashes or soggy pockets.
Portable Charger
Your phone is your camera, GPS, translator, and trip planner. A dead battery mid-adventure is the ultimate travel buzzkill. Toss a reliable portable charger in your day bag so you’re never stuck without power when you need it most.
Camera
Sure, your phone is great and all, but a compact travel camera can elevate your trip photos and give you a backup if your phone runs out of space or battery. Whether you’re shooting dreamy beach sunsets or detailed food shots for the memories (or the ‘gram), having a dedicated camera ensures you never miss a moment.
Shop my favorite phone and camera travel essentials:



Whether you’re jetting off to one of those sun-soaked honeymoon beach destinations or ticking off your next bucket list stop from my dream vacation destinations, this summer packing list is here to help you travel lighter, smarter, and more confidently. Packing doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when you check the weather and have a checklist (and a few packing cubes!) on your side.
If you found this list helpful, be sure to check out my other destination-specific and seasonal packing guides:
For more travel tips, packing hacks, and destination guides, check out my other blog posts, or come hang out with me on Instagram at @sierrainthecity where I share real-time adventures, hotel recs, and all the behind-the-scenes travel moments.
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