10 Essential Items for Warm-Weather Travel
The official start of summer is just a few short weeks away, and the fierce Texan heat is in full swing. Before venturing away from the cooling breeze of your AC, consider packing these ten essential items for warm-weather travel.
Battery or Solar-Powered Fan
When travelling during warm months, the threat of overheating is constant. Small, portable travel fans are a great addition to any day bag, providing cooling air that can even be fueled by renewable sources like sunlight. Neck-hanging fans are particularly useful, providing a hands-free option.
Collapsible Water Bottle
Hydration is crucial during travel, especially during the summer. When you’re out and about, it can be easy to forget to pause for a drink now and then. Collapsible water bottles allow you to fill up on the go, shrinking down to a compact size when not in use. Many public spaces offer water fountains specifically for filling reusable bottles—an amenity that has become even more popular in the germ-conscious era of COVID. Bringing along a collapsible bottle will help you stay refreshed, cut down on plastic waste and avoid the risk of drinking from a public fountain.
Lightweight Day Bag
To stay equipped on the go, you’ll need something to carry all your essentials. A lightweight, moisture-wicking day bag will keep your items safe, dry and easily accessible.
Laundry Bag
Whether you’re the outdoorsy type or prefer indoor recreation, summertime travel will inevitably mean getting a bit sweaty. Even in the confines of indoor venues and public transportation, humid temperatures are often too much for AC to handle. Particularly on longer trips, it may be necessary to wash your clothing, and laundry bags are the perfect tool. There are many types of laundry bags available, with many tailored to keep your more delicate items safe in the washing machine. Some even include flexible built-in washboards, for those emergency on-the-go tasks.
Moisture-Wicking Clothing
Moisture-wicking sportswear is well known to most athletes and gym buffs, but it’s an excellent addition to your vacation wardrobe as well. Moisture-wicking fabric helps to keep you dry when sweating, allowing sweat to flow out through the fabric and fresh air to flow in. This is especially convenient in areas with high humidity.
Umbrella/Light Rain Poncho
In the summer our number one concern is usually how to beat the heat. Often we forget that summer is normally storm season, as well. The weather can change on a dime, so having a lightweight poncho or collapsible umbrella on hand will come in handy should you be caught outside in a downpour.
Cooling Mist
Cooling mists are a refreshing little luxury that can be purchased or made at home from ingredients such as aloe or peppermint oil. The effects can help ease respiratory issues from allergies, as well as provide a cooling sensation on particularly muggy days.
Dry Shampoo
Hot weather is the harbinger of a bad hair day, and on a busy itinerary, it can be hard to find the time for a midday shower. Dry shampoo can be purchased in full or travel sizes, and provides a quick way to fluff and revitalize your hair in-between washes.
Body Wipes
Similarly, body wipes infused with refreshing ingredients such as aloe and cucumber are a great go-to for freshening up on the go. While they’re certainly no substitute for a shower, they can help you feel (and smell) much better on a long, hot day abroad.
Insect Repellent
Perhaps the most common-sense item on today’s list, but still often overlooked. Mosquitoes in particular flock to humid climates or areas near a body of water. Many insect repellents double as sunscreen, keeping you safe from nasty bites and burns alike.
What items are on your summer packing list? Let us know in the comments!
