Everything You Need On Your Packing List This Summer
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Travelling can be an exhilarating experience, full of adventure and discovery. However, it can quickly become a stressful ordeal without proper planning and organization. One of the most valuable tools a traveller can have is a well-prepared packing list. Whether going on a short weekend getaway or an extended international trip, a packing list offers numerous benefits to help you prepare.
For backpackers, packing the essentials is usually all our bag has space for. It is important to consider quality items that will last for both practical and sustainable reasons.
This article will highlight the must-have summer travel essentials that will make your tropical island adventure unforgettable.
LUGGAGE
Before you set out on an adventure for the summer, you might want to prepare some of your luggage essentials for the different seasons. Even without a storm, waterproof gear can protect your luggage during transit and as you island hop on boats. I will never travel without a rain jacket, backpack cover (especially for my laptop bag) and a good selection of quality packing cubes.
A good backpack is more than just a bag to carry your belongings; it's a versatile and essential tool that offers numerous benefits for travel and everyday use.
Investing in a high-quality backpack means it's built to last. Think about it; you will be carrying everything you need for your travels in this one purchase, and it will likely be put to the test. Comfort is a significant factor when all your belongings are on your shoulders.
My backpack of choice!
I have been backpacking with my Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack for the last few years, and I could not recommend it enough! Amazing value for money, and even after island hopping for the last few years, it still looks new. Best of all, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is sized to meet most domestic carry-on requirements, making it the perfect one-pack-does-all for streamlined travel.
By far, the easiest way to maximise the space in your backpack is to purchase a set of compression packing cubes. A quality set of packing cubes are practical, versatile and honestly a backpacker’s best friend. You can use the smallest cube to pack an outfit you will wear on arrival to the hostel - place this at the top of your backpack so it’s easy to find, and you won’t have to rummage around your entire bag when you are jetlagged.
Packing cubes will keep your clean and dirty laundry separate, protect your clothing when moving around and keep everything organised in your bag. Nothing is worse than being at a TSA checkpoint and trying to keep your clothing from falling everywhere. By keeping everything in one place, you are less likely to have items go missing, which will keep the inside of your backpack clean and in good condition.
I won’t travel without them!
I have a set of packing cubes for my clothing, swimwear, gym clothes and another cube for my shoes. I travel around knowing that my items are organised, clean, and secure in my backpack. The compression packing cubes are next level because they also help you to save space allowing you to add more along the way.
Osprey has made a range of waterproof backpack covers with various convenient features. Most covers are lightweight and can be packed into their own carry case. Reflective light strips make them ideal for travelling at night and ensure your gear is completely protected.
Keep your gear dry and safe on the road!
An Osprey backpack cover is an essential travel item no matter if you are exploring in the dry season or not. They also keep your backpack clean and secure and pack down into a small carry case when not in use. There are a range of sizes and colour available to suit all style of bags.
If you plan on travelling with a backpack and checking your bag on a flight, you will want to invest in an Osprey Airporter! Place your backpack into the Airporter and zip it up securely to keep your backpack safe in transit. Add a padlock to the zip, and you can rest easy on your flight, knowing your backpack has an extra layer of protection.
Perfect for any backpacker!
The Airporter is useful for backpacks that have many small pockets and zips which are difficult to secure. Place your backpack inside the Airporter and use the optional carry strap. Place your bag safely in the checked baggage.
TRAVEL ACCESSORIES
5. SAMSONITE ELECTRONIC LUGGAGE SCALE
Now that you have your items secured and your packing cubes organised in your backpack, you might wonder how much everything weighs. A portable luggage scale can help, especially if you are on the road and can’t repack everything last moment. Airlines charge expensive luggage fees for baggage that is even slightly overweight, especially cabin baggage, so be sure you are within your limit by packing the Samsonite Electronic Luggage Scale.
6. SAMSONITE COMBINATION PADLOCK
It may seem like a basic essential, but you would be surprised how many travellers don’t invest in a good quality padlock for their backpacks. The TSA-approved Samsonite Travel Sentry 3 Dial Combination Padlock allows you to travel without worrying if you have lost the keys. Secure and durable, the stainless steel cable loops are ideal for locking your checked and carry-on bags.
Did you know that vegan leather passport covers are a thing?
The Fintie Passport Holder is one of the top-selling items on Amazon and is made with premium synthetic leather. It is also RFID blocking (radio frequency identification), meaning your personal details, including your credit cards, are always protected.
Ideal for keeping your passport safe, a purpose-made cover will keep your passport from sun and water damage and helps you to keep essential documents in one place.
The number one item to protect!
Available in a range of colours and patterns, the Fintie Passport Holder also makes a lovely gift idea for any adventure lover.
SHOES
Highly versatile, quick drying, and non-slip; these are going to be your go-to shoes for all of your island adventures. Washable polyester upper, durable rubber outsole and an EVA insole for all-day support.
Comfortable & Waterproof!
If you are travelling to a tropical destination, you are very likely going to need a pair of shoes that can handle the monsoon rains.
KEEN make a range of travel-friendly shoes that are designed for harsh conditions and are light enough to pack in any backpacker’s bag.
CLOTHING
9. KATHMANDU POCKET-IT RAIN JACKET
Reach for your rain jacket anytime on the road by keeping this pocket-sized carry-on wherever you go. The Kathmandu Pocket-It Rain Jacket folds out of its own carry pouch and turns into a jacket in seconds. Weatherproof, waterproof, windproof, and breathable made with NGX two-layer fabric with a durable water-repellent finish encouraging water to bead off its surface.
Ideal for any outdoor adventure!
Even during the summer months, the rain can be unpredictable. A waterproof jacket is also ideal for exploring waterfalls, caves and long days on the boat. Available in a range of colours and sizes for men and women.
SUN PROTECTION
10. AVOCADO ZINC
Some sunscreens may contain chemical ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, associated with potential environmental and health risks. Oxybenzone, particularly, can contribute to coral bleaching, affecting marine life. As a result, some regions have banned using certain chemical sunscreens to protect their coral reefs.
The good news is that Avocado Zinc is safe for our health and the oceans. Made in Perth, Western Australia, and designed for the harsh Australian sun, this sunscreen is water-resistant and protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Avocado Zinc is Vegan, Cruelty-Free, 100% Natural, Paraben Free, Chemical Free, Fragrance-Free and leaves No White Cast!
Use my promo code CHERIETRAVELS for a 15% discount!
ACCOMMODATION
11. HOSTELWORLD
Hostelworld takes the guesswork out of finding a budget-friendly place to stay no matter where you are. Book hostels, find social groups and chat with other travellers, and book local tours, all from the Hostelworld app.
With over 16,500 hostels in 180 countries, there’s always room for a new adventure!
12. BOOKING.COM
Available in 43 languages with more than 28 million total reported accommodation listings, if it’s accommodation you are searching for - you can find it at Booking.Com!
Travellers can book hotels, flights, car rentals, and airport taxis and get tickets to local attractions.
13. AGODA
Agoda is one of the fastest-growing online platforms for booking hotels and accommodations, where you can search over 2 million properties worldwide. Find everything from the best luxury hotels to charming bed & breakfasts or the perfect apartment for the weekend.
Targeted especially in the Southeast Asian market, Agoda is beneficial for travellers exploring major cities in this region such as Bangkok and Singapore.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
14. SAFETY WING TRAVEL INSURANCE
Let’s face it; travel insurance is no joke. Purchasing reliable travel and medical insurance should be at the top of your list if you travel abroad. Please don’t risk it. Backpacking is unpredictable, especially when you are adventuring to remote locations, destinations without adequate healthcare and carrying your most valuable possessions in your bag.
With SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, you can access coverage if you are in an accident or fall sick and need medical assistance outside your home country. You can also access coverage for travel delays, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters and personal liability.
I won’t leave home without it!
SafetyWing offers Nomad Insurance designed for remote workers like me. It is affordable and well-recognised. Be sure to check it out and decide if it is the right travel insurance provider for you.
MEMBERSHIPS
If a little luxury is what you are after at the airport, but you don’t have a business class seat, you have to check out Priority Pass! A membership gives the everyday traveller access to independent airport lounges worldwide, meaning you can relax, enjoy a meal, or connect to the wifi and work whilst you wait for your next flight.
Select from Standard, Standard Plus and Prestige annual memberships to gain access to up to 1300 lounges in cities around the world. Once you start, you won’t want to go back to waiting at the gate ever again.
Don’t forget to check out GET YOUR GUIDE to find travel experiences, jump the cue at theme parks, book food tours, take cooking or art classes or any number of niche activities.