Whether you're headed to the coast or flying to an exotic destination, summer holidays provide the perfect opportunity to relax, soak up some sun and cast away your worries and stresses.
You can laze on the beach catching some vitamin sea, go away for a jungle adventure, explore ancient cities, visit some beautiful tropical islands or even go for a trek through the mountains.
However you choose to spend your days during your long anticipated vacation, you will need to know what to take on holiday this summer! So, we have compiled a holiday list full of all the essential things to take on holiday with you.
1. A Good Book or Magazine
Try to escape the screen of your smartphone by flipping through the pages of a book or magazine. Delve into a creative world or learn something new as waves lap against the sandy shore. More often than not, you'll typically feel more refreshed and in touch with nature by disconnecting from the internet and your smart devices.
By taking along some reading material, you are guaranteeing yourself a moment of complete relaxation as you enjoy your holiday. Reading melts the hours away like butter and allows us some quality time spent rejuvenating.
So after the campfire is extinguished and everyone is ready for bed, whip out a book and read by torchlight instead of scrolling through Facebook.
Click here to choose one of the best award winning books for this summer!2. Snorkeling Goggles
Another one of our summer travel essentials is snorkeling goggles! With so many amazing destinations having oceans full to the brim with colorful and exciting marine life, you will want to be prepared to enjoy it.
Although popular beaches have places for you to hire out this gear, it's always better to have your own, as goggles are one of the most important summer beach essentials.
Bringing along your own snorkeling goggles provides you with the opportunity to gaze at the underwater world, even when you're chilling out on a secluded island.
To purchase a wonderful set of snorkeling goggles, click here!3. The Right Bag
If you are going on a beach vacation, it would only make sense to take along a beach bag so that you can throw all your items in it. It just makes life so much easier (and you look so much more stylish with a lovely beach bag).
If you're hiking, make sure you use a bag that offers proper lumbar support and evenly distributes the weight of your belongings across your back and shoulders.
For a weekend getaway, don't be weighed down by a huge suitcase! It's also important that wherever you go, you'll know your belongings will make it with you on the trip back home.
To ensure you've got the smartest and most durable travel solutions on your summer adventure, click here to check out the Bags To Go range of Pacsafe luggage or click here to browse through popular options on Amazon.
4. The Right Swimsuit
If you're heading to the beach or relaxing poolside, there are different swimsuits suitable for different occasions. To help protect your skin from sunburn, try packing a sun shirt.
If you're surfing, be sure to don a sturdy top or a one-piece swimsuit to avoid showing off more than your sporting prowess. This is also true for the guys; a pair of elasticised board shorts works wonders in keeping everything in place.
All in all, be sure to choose something that makes you feel comfortable so you can get the most out of you holiday.
You will also want to bring the perfect kids costumes along! Pack something that will protect your littlies from the sun, is durable, and easy to take on and off.
5. A Polaroid Camera
Digital or smartphone cameras are great inventions, but there's something special about watching your photos develop right before your eyes.
Packing a Polaroid camera is the perfect way to commemorate your summer getaway. You can snap a shot during those perfect moments, and enjoy the colors of the sunset for the rest of your life! That's why this is an essential on every single packing list for holiday memories.
When you get home, you can instantly remind yourself of your time in the sun by sticking pictures on your car's dashboard, around your office computer or on the refrigerator.
To find yourself a convenient and easy to use polaroid camera, click here!6. Microfiber Travel Towels
Towels can quickly become a packer's nightmare. They take up an immense amount of suitcase space and quite often one won't cut it for your entire trip.
Microfiber towels quickly increase luggage space and dry much faster than standard bath or beach towels. Some microfiber towels are even woven with antibacterial properties to reduce the occurrence of odour.
These will add a level of comfort and joy to your summer holiday! You don't have to worry about using damp towels, or packing a suitcase just for all of your towels either.
Click here to browse through the best-selling microfibre beach towels on Amazon.7. An Emergency Kit
Avoid standing in line at a pharmacy by keeping a small emergency kit handy in your luggage. These are some essentials if you're wanting to know what to pack for holiday first aid kits:
These are some of the items that could come in handy while you're on holiday. It's always better to be prepared!
Blue bottle and jelly fish stings are something you'll want to have peace of mind knowing you came prepared for. Pack what you feel will be most necessary for the type of summer holiday you are going on, and the location!
For a fully equipped professional first aid kit, click here!8. A Reliable Travel Flashlight
This may seem like an odd item to add onto your holiday essentials list, but you will thank yourself for bringing it along for the ride!
Flashlights provide an amazing way for you to see during nightfall, especially if you are planning on doing some midnight jungle exploring or need to find you way back to the campsite.
To find a sturdy, and high-quality flashlight for your vacation, click here!9. The Right Travel Sunglasses
It goes without saying, that when you're going to be spending hours in the sun, you need to bring some stylish eyewear! Choose the perfect pair of shades for your holiday, and look good whilst you catch those warm rays.
You will want to pack sunglasses that are both trendy and easy to pack. Sunglasses not only protect your eyes, they also give you a chance to show off your style and express yourself. You can't go for your summer holiday without packing a pair or two!
To find the perfect pair of travel shades, click here!10. Flip Flops or Sandals
A comfortable pair of good walking shoes is a massive must-have! Even if you plan on spending your days lazing on the beach all day, and not day tripping or exploring, you will want to have the right shoes with you. This applies to both men and women!
Having sandals, flip flops or comfortable flats with you gives you the freedom to dress down or dress up whatever you decide to wear, so you don't need to make an extra trip back to your hotel.
You can also go for long walks and day trips with the surety that your feet will be well protected the whole way.
To treat yourself to the best pair of flip flops, click here!11. A Sunhat
As much as we all enjoy soaking in the sunshine, we also have to be aware that it can be dangerous to overexpose yourself! One of the essentials on your summer holiday packing list is a good, lightweight sun hat.
Protect your face and scalp, and look good while you do it! Sun Hats come in all shapes and sizes, so you can really go wild and choose something that will be perfect for your long days spent relaxing.
To pick the best sunhat for you, click here!12. Earphones
There's nothing better than sitting back and jamming to your own personal summer holiday playlist! Be sure to pack your earphones, so that you can listen to your favorite tunes while you enjoy your perfect vacation.
Music will only make your summer holiday that much more fun. This is a true essential on any beach holiday packing list!
To find yourself the most durable set of earphones, click here!13. Multi-Nation Travel Adaptor
If you're wondering what to pack for summer that will be useful and easy to bring, then we suggest you bring your power adaptor! You won't want your camera or phone suddenly dying, with no way for you to change it because none of the forign plug points can fit your adaptor. Most summer holiday destinations are exotic, and therefore you want to be certain that you can recharge your phone and camera.
This is a must for on the checklist for holiday makers who want to stay in contact during their vacation! Most people forget this when packing for summer holiday, but we have your back.
To purchase an affordable and high-quality multi-nation power adaptor, click here!
14. An Umbrella
One of the top items when packing for holiday seasons is an umbrella. You will want to have one on hand, especially during the summer, as this is when most places experience a fair amount of rain.
If you're like us and love Thailand, you will especially want to be prepared for the summer rainfall!
If you're wanting to choose a less rainy season to experience the bliss of Thailand, then be sure to plan around the best time to visit Phuket.
Not only will you be prepared for the rainfall, but you will also have a way to protect yourself from the sun on long walks through town!
15. Insect Repellant
If you're staying somewhere that doesn't have mosquito nets, or in an exotic destination, you will want to make sure that you have repellant with you! Bug bites are not something you want to endure during your time enjoying fun in the sun.
To make sure you have covered the whole scope, check out these other essentials you'll need to help you get the most out of your well-deserved getaway! Grab your free printable summer packing list and start packing.
So, to keep yourself guarded, be sure to bring along your trusted repellant.
Conclusion of our Summer Holiday Checklist
Summer holidays will never lose their charm, and are the perfect way to enjoy the sunshine with family. Whether you are traveling solo for some fun in the sun, bringing along your friends or the whole family, these are the essentials that must be on your holiday packing checklist this summer!
We have been to so many beautiful countries, and experienced their summers, so we know from experience just what will help you make the best of your trip and which summer holiday essentials to bring along.
With each of these holiday essentials checked off your travel checklist, you are good to go for an unforgettable time of sunbathing and melting the stress away!
If you love being organized, here is a handy beach packing list for when you are travelling with kids! Where do you plan on going for your summer holiday? What would be your top essential?