Whether you’re planning to escape to the coast or the mountains, get a taste of urban culture or head out on the open road, having the right gear can make a vacation. If you’re flying, start by considering your carry-on. Seasoned travelers recommend including a change of clothes and other essentials such as a TSA-compliant skincare set in case of checked-luggage mishaps.
Inspired by the golden age of rail travel, the Canadian Pacific Heritage collection offers several stylish, surprisingly capacious alternatives to the ubiquitous wheelie bag. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, unbreakable water bottle to fill after passing through security so you can stay hydrated if turbulence delays the beverage service.
Coastal Necessities
To avoid relying on beachfront sundries shops, put high-quality sunscreen at the top of your packing list. Hampton Sun is the crème de la crème, combining exceptionally effective protection with skin-pampering ingredients like antioxidants. The Travel Trio, which includes two 1-ounce bottles of SPF 30 Continuous Mist plus a soothing aloe vera after-sun spray, is a clever way to provide ample product in a carry-on-friendly format.
Choose multifunctional pieces for effortless resort dressing. You can tie a lightweight shawl sarong-style over a swimsuit for a casual lunch or drape it over your shoulders on a cool evening. For men, a linen shirt does double duty as a beach cover-up and bar attire. Don’t underestimate the value of a lightweight robe, whether you’re lounging in your hotel room or need to warm up quickly after a dip in the pool.
Bring a chic beach bag that won’t look out of place on your sightseeing excursions. Cofounded by a flight attendant, ALOHA Collection offers a range of coastal-inspired, water-resistant totes and pouches that are perfect for keeping your Kindle dry or stashing wet swimsuits after one last morning in the waves.
Comfort in the Wild
Whether you want to hike to waterfalls in Whistler or paddle beneath the majestic Victoria Glacier on Lake Louise, a good hat is crucial to keep your cool on an outdoor adventure. The Ultra Adventure Hat by Sunday Afternoons gets top marks for packability and sun protection. Unlike a baseball cap, it shades your ears and the back of your neck.
If you’re hitting the trails, you’ll need a lightweight day pack that fits easily into your luggage. The deceptively compact, foldable Bellroy Lite Daypack weighs less than a pound and has pockets for all your essentials, from your water bottle to your map. Plus, it’s made from recycled plastic bottles to keep your carbon footprint light while you’re connecting with nature. Planning to explore by land and water? Consider an all-terrain sandal like the Bedrock Cairn Pro II, which can take you from rugged tracks to a stand-up paddleboard.
Summer in the City
Everyone wants to look their best in a style capital like New York City or Los Angeles, but how can you pull it off without a steamer trunk? The trick is to keep it simple. Build a foundation of elevated basics in suitcase-friendly fabrics like cotton jersey, and stick to a neutral color palette so you can mix and match.
Luckily, current trends are on your side. Bodycon tank dresses or leggings for women and track pants for men are perfect for air travel and sightseeing when paired with a stylish sneaker. You can dress up the look with heels or a linen blazer. Once derided as the telltale sign of an out-of-towner, the fanny pack is not only a useful travel accessory, it’s now the height of fashion. Keep your valuables safe and your hands free in versions designed by a host of labels from rag & bone to Balenciaga.
Easy Rider
“Be prepared” is the mantra for any great road trip. A breakdown may be the last thing on your mind as you embark on an unforgettable adventure, but if you do run into trouble, you’ll thank yourself for packing the necessary tools. Always Prepared offers preassembled Roadside Emergency Kits that include items like battery booster cables and first-aid supplies.
Having a cooler in the car means you don’t have to resort to rest-stop junk food. The sturdy Yeti Roadie, available in three sizes, has plenty of space for picnic supplies and enough height to store wine bottles upright. If you have small road trippers in tow, passenger window shades are crucial to protect them from strong summer rays. Britax makes versions that are easy to install and remove. A durable blanket has a variety of uses, from picnicking to back-seat naps. Despite its softness, this cable-knit throw is stain-resistant and washable, making it ideal for the outdoors.