11 Summer Travel Essentials


Happy Fourth of July! It's Friday! It's summer! You're probably getting ready for your summer vacation, right? Before you zip up the suitcase, make sure you've got some of these handy travel must-haves in your bag!

GOVulc Strand Sneaker - Skechers ($49.95)
If you (like me) are going on a vacation where you'll probably be doing some walking, then you'll want to wear comfortable walking shoes. Normally, I don't mind wearing athletic shoes when we're on vacation, but this year, our vacation is taking us across the pond and I don't really want to look like a tourist (especially in Paris). Because no shoe store had the boat shoe Keds I wanted with the comfy insole and regular Keds are (to me) like walking on cardboard, I went for these Skechers that look like regular Keds but have GOga Mat Technology and an Ortholite-cushioned insole. Very comfy and cute!



Venus Snap Razor with Embrace - Gillette ($12.99)
If you're not already using a Venus Embrace razor, then I just don't know what is wrong with you. It's seriously the BEST women's razor I've ever tried. But taking razors with you when you travel can be kind of awkward. I've actually cut my finger on a razor blade that didn't have a cover and was just hanging out in my toiletries bag. Not good. But I don't have to worry about that anymore with the Venus Snap. This little razor may be a mini size, but it's still got five blades, it fits any Venus cartridge for easy refills, and it comes with a handy travel case! Sometimes Proctor & Gample has coupons for this razor. (That's how I got mine.) So check out Coupons.com or your Sunday circular.








SmallHands/TwoHands - Felix ($14.99/$24.99)
If you're traveling by plane, you might be taking your phone or tablet with you to watch movies during the flight. Bring along Felix's SmallHands (pictured) or TwoHands, super cute and portable smart device stands. SmallHands holds iPhones, iPods, and most other smart phones, while TwoHands is for iPads and other tablets. You can also use these once you're at your destination if you plan on Skyping with a loved one back home. I just love the little hands on these, and they come in a variety of colors, so you can pick your favorite!





Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Lip Balm & Coppertone Sport AccuSpray ($2.99/$9.99) - Coppertone
Whether your destination is the beach or a city, sunscreen any time you're outside is a MUST! I'm loving the new Coppertone Sport line of SPF products, including the sunscreen lip balm (don't forget your lips!) and the AccuSpray, which is an easier-to-spray sunscreen to help reduce waste and mess. You can also use the spray on your hairline to help prevent sunburn on your head if wearing a hat just isn't the fashion look for you. (Hat hair - ugh!) Coppertone also makes travel-size products so you can stash them in your carry-on!








Yankee Candle Travel Tin Air Freshener - Yankee Candle ($5.99)
This is probably something that you didn't even think you'd need, but it could come in handy. You can use it at home, but what about when you get into a stuffy-smelling hotel room? Just whip out the Yankee Candle Travel Tin Air Freshener, slide it open, and enjoy the scent! This air freshener neutralizes odors and freshens the air in small spaces, so it's also great for bathrooms, lockers, kitchens, and campers. Yankee Candle makes these in a lot of different styles and scents, so pick the one you like best!







Six Piece Day-to-Night Set - EcoTools ($16.99)
To make sure you look your best on the go, check out this set that includes five super soft makeup brushes in a metallic bronze clutch. I love the bamboo handles and the two-tone chocolate bristles. Plus, the clutch is nice enough to carry out on its own. If you're looking for something a little more compact, check out EcoTools' Mini Essentials Set ($5.99) that comes with three mini brushes, each with a bamboo handle and chocolate two-tone bristles.






TripIt/TripIt Pro - Concur (free/$49 per year)
The last few vacations I've taken have involved lugging around a travel binder with our itinerary, tickets, passes, reservations, etc. But all that can go away with TripIt! This is especially ideal if you're a frequent traveler, but it can also be useful for family vacationers. You forward your confirmation emails and this all-in-one travel organizing app automatically creates a master itinerary for every trip so you can access all travel plans in one place on your iOS and Android phone/tablet, Google Glass, Blackberry, and Windows phone. The app itself is free, but if you want even more features, such as real-time alerts for delays, cancellations, and gate changes, reward point and mileage program tracking, and seat upgrade availability, then you'll want TripIt Pro for $49/year.



Clipper Flat Iron Case - Lug ($17)
For the ladies who always want to look their best, even when on vacation, don't leave home without the Clipper Flat Iron Case. It makes traveling with your flat iron easier because it keeps the cord under wraps. And if you have to do your hair and then quickly pack up and get out the door, this case will make sure your still-hot flat iron won't burn up everything in your suitcase. It's available in a variety of colors, too.





Carousel Mini Cross-Body Bad - Lug ($53)
You probably have a lot of stuff that you want to take with you while you're out sightseeing, but you don't want to wear a backpack or carry a heavy purse on one shoulder. Check out this mini cross-body bag that is 9.25 inches wide, six inches tall, and two inches in diameter. It has a soft-lined accessory pocket and three zip compartments. The adjustable shoulder strap can be removed so you can strap the bag onto your belt like a fanny pack (if you feel so inclined). It comes in a lot of pretty colors, too.


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Moon Handbooks - Avalon Travel ($16.99-$21.99)
No matter where you're going this summer, be it domestic or international, there's a Moon Handbook for you. This year, these travel guides are getting a new cover design, so if you're familiar with Moon, don't be surprised by the change in look. It's still the same great guide with seasoned advice, honest recommendations, and trip planning suggestions from authors who really know the places they're writing about. For something a little lighter in your suitcase, try Moon Spotlights. For hikers, bikers, campers, and outdoor lovers, try Moon Outdoors. And if you plan on moving to your vacation spot because you just love it so much, check out the Moon Living Abroad series.





Pistachio Chewy Bites - Setton Farms ($5.99/6-pack or $14.99/16-pack)
It's always important to have snacks on hand while traveling just in case you get hungry before it's time to eat or there aren't any restaurants near you. And if you're gluten-free, then it becomes even more important to always have snacks with you. The super delicious and healthy Pistachio Chewy Bites are a gluten- and dairy-free snack made from pistachios, dried cranberries, agave syrup, brown rice syrup, sunflower oil, natural cranberry flavor, and sea salt. They're a good source of fiber, and because they come individually wrapped, they are easy to take with you on the go!

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