It’s officially summer next week which means people have vacation on the mind! I always have my go-to things I bring on every trip, however, these items are tailored towards more beachy and tropical destinations!

REEF-FRIENDLY SUNCARE

I always go for vegan and cruelty-free options! Make sure to pack these in your checked luggage if they are over 3.4 oz!

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 4.58.35 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 5.05.28 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 4.47.56 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 4.53.12 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 4.56.34 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 5.03.18 PM.png

A CUTE & PACKABLE TOWEL (OR TWO)

You never know when you’ll want a cute towel, background, or beachy prop for a photo. Sometimes hotels and Airbnbs don’t have these, so I always come prepared and bring my own. I try to coordinate the colors ahead of time with my swimwear and outfits. The thinner and more packable the better!

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 5.27.09 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 5.34.21 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 5.38.14 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 5.41.57 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 5.43.31 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 5.46.04 PM.png

STRAW HATS

As cute as straw hats are, they aren’t the best for a windy beach. I try to go for ones that have elastic inside or that have ties. These match so well with pretty much any beachy outfit you could wear. Just be careful when packing these. I arrange them in my bag first and then pack and stuff clothing around them to help them keep the shape. If you only have one hat, just wear it on the plane (but don’t forget it!).

Screen Shot 2021-06-10 at 10.48.00 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-10 at 10.59.58 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-10 at 10.37.26 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-10 at 11.05.07 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-10 at 10.26.47 PM.png

NEUTRAL SANDALS

Let’s be real, most of the time you are vacationing in a tropical area you are barefoot — beaches, water activities, etc.! I try to save space in my suitcase by limiting my shoe options and bring options that are versatile, thin, and light! A chunky sole or small wedge is cute for nighttime or the dinners out (just make sure they go with multiple looks to maximize their use!). I like to bring a pair or two that are water-resistant as well for pool and beach activities!

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 10.15.06 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 10.37.53 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-06 at 10.37.01 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 10.18.28 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 10.35.20 PM.png

VERSATILE BAGS

I normally bring 3 bags per trip — 1. a small cute backpack that can double as a purse, 2. a small crossbody, and 3. a beach bag (I normally bring a large one, but a smaller more fashiony beach purse is cute too, it depends on what you’re using it for!). I like to have the bags that I bring all be neutral colors, but each is a different color, for example: a tan backpack, black crossbody, and a brown beach bag.

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 10.45.41 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 11.00.41 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 10.53.49 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 11.05.43 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 11.13.43 PM.png

GROCERY / MARKET TOTES

No matter where I travel I bring a couple of these with me! There will always be a time where you are either stocking up on some food or buying something at a grocery store, farmers’/artisan market, or street fair and it’s a great way to reduce your plastic consumption! They also double as an extra beach bag if needed.

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 11.42.58 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 11.20.05 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-11 at 12.00.14 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 11.48.50 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-15 at 11.33.34 PM.png

REUSABLE CUTLERY

I bring a set of cutlery with me everywhere that includes a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks, tiny cocktail straw, normal-sized straw, silicone smoothie straw, and a straw cleaner brush. Bringing reusable cutlery isn’t travel-specific for me, but of course, I had to include it in this post! I prefer metal, but make sure to put your fork and knife in your checked bag (I have had way too many confiscated at TSA). If you do bamboo or plastic, you are fine to keep it in your carry-on.

Screen Shot 2021-06-16 at 12.09.52 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-16 at 12.22.13 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-16 at 12.15.39 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-16 at 12.27.59 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-16 at 12.17.13 AM.png

REUSABLE COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINERS

Similar to reusable cutlery, this is not travel-specific, but more of an everyday item that I bring with me places! It’s great for left-overs after dinner, bringing a snack on the go, or refilling a drink/coffee!

Screen Shot 2021-06-16 at 12.35.06 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-16 at 12.33.11 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-16 at 12.54.23 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-16 at 12.42.04 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-06-16 at 12.50.38 AM.png

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

I bring one with me everywhere and just keep it in my purse, but especially while traveling I like to have a water bottle handy to fill up whenever I can! Depending on where you’re going, tap and filtered water may be safer than others. Metal insulates best and keeps water cold or hot for a long time. P.S. the first Sunnylife water bottle below doubles as a speaker!