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27 Must-Have Essentials for Your Next Warm Weather Destination Holiday

Are you heading for a hot-weather destination? Here are 27 sunny-day must-haves — including perfumes with cherry — you must bring on your vacation to ensure a smart, stylish, and unfettered adventure. Cheers to vacationing in style!

Perfume with Cherry Notes

Here is the thing: a delicious and refreshing scent can make the perfect travel companion. Dossier’s Amber Cherry – inspired by Tom Ford’s Lost Cherry – is one such scent. This fruity-floral scent is both lively and elegant, cool yet warm—and everything you need to smell good on your sunny vacation.

UV Polarized Sunglasses

UV-polarized sunglasses offer protection and help keep the sun out of your eyes on the beach or during outdoor excursions. A cute frame will keep you looking fashionable when you pair them with the rest of your summer vacation outfits.

Fashionable Summer Sarong

A summer sarong in a beachy print worn as a cover-up, wrap skirt, or even lightweight scarf is the ultimate multitasker. Grab a lightweight, colorful fabric in a design you love that you can also roll up and stuff in your beach bag easily. This comfortable, effortless accessory is a beach day-to-dinner go-to powerhouse.

Reusable Bottle with Infuser

The math here is simple. Spending time in that beach sun will have your body drying up and crying out for a sip of water. So, you should keep up with water intake while out and about. Why not add to the appeal of drinking water by infusing it with some lemon or cucumber for that extra cooling, rejuvenating effect?

Cute Press-On Nails

Press-on nails are the new contender in the holiday beauty guide. They are low maintenance, have a lot of options for design and color, and can be an instant beauty boost. The best part? You would not even have to set foot in a salon. Bring several sets to match your outfits, ensuring you look the best throughout the holiday.

Fragranced Body Lotion

A fragranced body lotion isn’t just great nourishing skin care – it will leave a trail of scent that will add another dimension to your holiday. For the ultimate effect, purchase a summer-scented body lotion in the same fragrance family as your perfume so you can look and smell fabulous all day in the sun without losing your fragrant appeal.

Colorful Flip Flops

Your packing cannot be complete without colorful rubber flippies. Invest in a pair (or two) that not only look great, but feel amazing and fare well with a life lived constantly by the beach or the pool, and are equally comfortable as you explore the city and shops.

High UV Protection Sunscreen

Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays this summer. Sunscreens with high SPF water-resistant properties help you fend off damage with broad-spectrum protection that decimates UVA and UVB rays. Whether you are hitting the pool or the track, the water-resistant formulas keep your skin safe during swimming and sweating.

Portable Fan

Say goodbye to sweat that may result in smeared makeup and instead enjoy round-the-clock ventilation while relaxing on an evening out or chilling by the poolside.

Holiday Beach Bag

When you know you will be spending most of your time around a body of water, a beach bag is a necessity. It should be big enough to fit all your gear and have plenty of pockets for toting your smaller items. Finally, it should be able to last through your holidays in the sun without showing signs of wear.

Statement-Making Espadrilles

While spending all day and night in flip-flops sounds lovely, it is not exactly something society looks too fondly on. But we get it: you are looking for comfort. Here is the good news: you can get the same comfort from espadrilles!

You will barely miss your flip-flops because these shoes, while not as open, still have a fabric cushioning that is pretty airy. And the best part is they are just as comfortable as your flip flops while being appropriate for wearing to, say, a dinner or a jazz club.

First Aid Kit and Emergency Medication

Unexpected events may sometimes happen, so travel with care. Bring along a small-sized first aid box with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and painkillers. Also, bring your personal medication – having that sense of security can make your vacation much more fun.

Stylish Cotton Dresses

Cool and casual, a cotton dress will help you get through the hotter days. Bright summer hues or printed and lightweight cotton dresses are ideal to bring along on vacations. They are also a good selection for a day trip. Wear sandals with them at night for a stroll and you are all set to holiday in style.

Light Sweaters or Cardigans

Mother nature can be unpredictable, so even though you think you are in a sunny place that cannot possibly get cold, it is probably prudent to be prepared. Nights in generally warm places by the water can get pretty chilly so carrying a light sweater or cardigan will serve you well in these moments! Also if you know you easily get chilly if even a slight breeze wafts your way, then carry a light sweater!

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is your best friend if you get bad sunburn, as it will help heal and keep your skin hydrated. It creates a lovely cooling effect that your skin will thank you after a holiday in the sun. If you want the best results, make sure the aloe vera level is high.

Bronzing and Illuminating Oils

Give your skin a healthy-looking glow by using bronzing oils and highlighter. Although it is not the same as fake tan, it still gives you fantastic results. It will make your face and body brighten and even shimmer. Find a good product that will also help to moisturize your skin, too.

Portable Speakers

What is a holiday without banging tunes? You can now take your summer soundtrack on the go as you take along your portable speakers wherever you go. The best portable speakers are small, waterproof, and hard-wearing. They are perfect for beach days and pool parties. Why not make your playlist of holiday tunes and have your music on the go with you?

Waterproof Bag

Don’t risk getting your summer essentials destroyed by water. Grab a waterproof bag for the beach or pool and throw in your phone, camera, and other important items. Find the right size for everything you want to take with you and enjoy your day without worrying about your valuables.

Neutral Colored Wide Brimmed Hat

Go for a wide-brimmed hat for sunlight protection. Neutral sun hats are the best. They are the best as they are easy to match with all the outfit pieces you have packed. Of course, your face will thank you for it after you saved it from unwanted sun exposure.

Summer Shorts

Keep a pair of shorts on hand. If you are traveling to a hot destination, they will be essential clothing when the weather is too hot. We suggest comfortable fabric and colorful design. Everything pairs well with shorts, but T-shirts or relaxed tops make a cozy outfit.

Bathing Suit

Your hot weather getaway isn’t complete without a fancy swimsuit. Choose supportive and well-fitted items that you feel comfortable in. Whether you prefer a bikini, one-piece, or tankini, take at least two options to mix and match during your trip.

Stylish Beach Cover-Up

A beach cover-up is necessary for traveling from the water to the nearby beach café or shopping stripes. Look for breathable designs and materials that are perfect for the heat of the sun. You may even double your cover-up as a simple casual linen dress – two items in one.

High-Quality Beach Towel

Good quality beach towels are a packing essential for hot weather vacations. Choose towels made of quick-drying and sand-resistant material for the ultimate functionality. The bonus of choosing a fun, bright-colored, or printed towel is it showcases your style during your beach day.

Cooling Towel

Keep cool on your trip with a cooling towel in the summer. They hold water and provide a cooling effect on your neck or shoulders. Perfect for outdoor adventure, a hike, or by the pool — stay cool from the sun.

Travel-Friendly Makeup Kit

Get a portable makeup kit to get ready without packing your whole bathroom in your suitcase. An all-in-one set of your foundation, mascara, lip balm, and a couple of neutral eye colors will be sufficient for you to be able to look your best. Only bring waterproof makeup that won’t melt away in the sun to look fresh during your stay.

Eco-Friendly Wet Wipes

To clean up or wash your hands during your day, there should be clean wet wipes on your list. Get biodegradable and unscented packs to treat the environment well while taking care of yourself.

Waterproof Camera

To take all those memories home with you, a waterproof camera is the best outdoor and underwater travel essential for your summer vacation. For snorkeling, diving, or your time at the beach, get a waterproof camera. Check the picture quality of the camera as you would want to find the best one to capture all of the summer travels.

Wrap Up Your Packing

From your summer scent to stylish summer travel essentials, you are ready for the vacation and to overcome all the adventures you meet along the way. Each of the items on the list is carefully selected so you can get the most out of your trip.

  • Stefania Guglielmi

    Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.