Goin’ Out: 6 Summer Travel Must Haves

THE MONTH OF MAY could be your last chance to plan a last-minute vacation. The first things you’ll probably prepare are your work (vacation) leave, plane tickets or a car to use, hotel bookings, and pocket money. Once those are in hand, you’ll toss in whatever you “think” you need into your travel bag, and off you go.

You might have some really good summer picks hidden in your closet, or you might plan to shop for new ones. Either way, ask yourself: “Are these essential?,” “Do I really need them there?,” “What am I lacking?,” or “Are these really useful?” Don’t worry, you don’t have to answer those questions alone. We’ve prepared a goodie list to give you a hint on what to bring on that special trip. And if you want your gear new without breaking the bank, we’re also sharing some hacks we found recently that saved us a lot of money.

Here are six summer travel essentials that shouldn’t be missing from your backpack or “That Thing Called Tadhana” suitcase.

1. Swimsuit

It doesn’t matter if it’s two-piece, one-piece, high-waisted, or a rash guard. Whatever makes you feel comfortable and at least slightly fashionable is great. You wouldn’t want to wear something trendy that you have to keep adjusting instead of enjoying the beach, right? Just be yourself; it’ll show anyway. Trying hard won’t make you look good. Feeling good and enjoying the moment will. You may want to check out Lazada for such items.

2. A Pair of Sunnies

Bring something that really protects your eyes from the sun. There are plenty of styles to choose from, and you can bring as many pairs as you like to match your outfits. Sunnies don’t only protect your eyes; they also hide the puffy eyes that come from a long trip or an all-nighter summer party the night before. Plus, don’t you think selfies are cooler when you strike a pose in sunnies with the wide, blue sea as your backdrop?

3. UV-Protected Sunscreen Lotion

You may or may not care how tanned your skin gets after long hours under the sun, but you should still protect it from harmful rays, especially now, when the heat is doubled and the ozone layer is being thinned by chemicals we humans have produced. Protection is everything. You may not notice the damage right away, but skin cancer is real.

4. First Aid Kit

Always be safe. Scrapes and cuts are very likely during outdoor activities, which is why a first aid kit should always be handy. Disinfect or treat wounds and minor injuries immediately so they don’t get worse. It’s better to be prepared than not, and safety should always be at the top of your list when traveling.

5. Complete Hygiene Set

Double- or triple-check your hygiene set before leaving the house. Nothing is more comforting than knowing you have everything you need in your travel bag to keep your body clean. Mini bottles are very useful here: fill them with your shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, or liquid soap so everything fits in your bag.

6. Party Outfit

Summer Garden Party Outfit

Make sure you have a variety of OOTDs (outfits of the day) with you. A sudden party plan with your group is unavoidable, so be ready to rock your outfit. It will save you not only from a fashion fail but also from panic-buying clothes that aren’t in your budget.

Summer Party Cocktail

There’s a lot to bring when you plan a trip out of town. In your eagerness, you may feel the urge to pack your whole closet, but you can’t. So at least make sure these essentials are on hand during your vacation.

Where to Buy Them at a Discount

You may ask. This post wouldn’t be complete without sharing our recent find, www.shopback.ph, which gives us extra savings plus cashback on every purchase at their partner brands online.

These include our favorite online stores plus the sites every traveler goes to: Agoda, Hotels.com, and Booking.com, among others. The good thing about maximizing discount sites like Shopback is you could actually save enough for another dream destination. How’s that?