Summer Vacation Must-Haves for 2024

We're officially in the thick of summer, and even if it feels like you've barely caught up on sleep after your last alarm of the school year went off, the time is ticking until you'll have to worry about waking up on time for class all over again.

We wait all year for summer vacation, so why not make the most of it? Whether you're already prepping for a warm-weather getaway or thinking about booking the last-minute trip of a lifetime, you'll need a few key things to have the best possible time. To set you up for success, we've put together this list of the top summer vacation must-haves for 2024, starting with:

This Travel-Inspired Swim Set: $89+

You've probably already seen Australian swimwear brand Bydee all over your feed, but if you've been waiting for a sign to invest in one of their sustainably crafted suits for yourself, let this be it. With ultra-flattering cuts, unique beaded details and eye-catching patterns that could make the whole beach jealous, Bydee really has styles to make everyone swoon. Their Prague styles are best-selling for a reason, so you'd be smart to scoop a set from their new Casa Del Sol collection before they sell out. We're loving the Hermosa print for its tan-enhancing color palette, but there are plenty of other styles and colors to fall for on their site.

(via Bydee)

 

Also read about: How a High School Passion Project Became Dessy Hairis's Booming Swimwear Brand, Bydee

 

These Affordable, Summer-Ready Polarized Sunglasses: $17

If there's one thing you can't forget to pack with you no matter where you go this summer, it's a solid pair of sunglasses. The right sunnies can not only save you from some serious squinting, but save you from spending your savings on an overpriced pair, too. That's where TIJN comes in, offering super affordable, super stylish sunglasses that are unbelievably high-quality for the price. At just $17, this pair of polarized sunglasses (available on Amazon) will protect your peepers and pack easily into your purse, beach bag or flight-ready carry-on to get you through all your summer vacation plans.

(via Amazon)

 

This Chic Carry-on That'll Make Packing a Breeze: $275

Take your summer travels to the next level with this must-have rolling case from Nex, the brand-new brand that's already making waves with their destination-inspired pieces. You won't need to worry about checking a bag with their chic, smart designs, as these carry-ons make it ultra-easy to pack all your essentials (and even some extras for the over-packers out there). This Hawaii one features a bright blue hue that will be easy to spot when grabbing your bag from the overhead bin, and it's airline compatible so you can forget about troubles when boarding. From long-haul flights to short weekend trips, you'll be set for all sorts of fun in the sun when you pack in your new favorite piece of luggage.

(via Meet Nex)

 

This Fits-Everything Fanny Pack: $45

For lighter trips, a fanny pack is an unforgettable essential. Whether you wear it around your waist or across your chest, these bags are a total game-changer when it comes to convenience. However, the standard-sized options often seem to run out of space all too quickly, making it difficult to carry everything you need when you're heading to your local hiking trail, theme park or even just the mall. That's what makes this Todo 2L Hip Pack from Cotopaxi the perfect alternative to your standard fanny pack of choice, as it's designed to fit all your must-haves in organized compartments that fit more than meets the eye. Trust us when we say it'll be your new go-to for all your hot girl walks this summer and beyond.

(via Cotopaxi)

 

This Trip-Ready Fitted Flare Jumpsuit: $20

From running through the airport to make your connecting flight to hopping in your bestie's car for a weekend getaway with the girls, getting wherever you're going is always better with the right outfit in play. That's exactly what makes this simple-yet-stylish fitted flare jumpsuit from Forever 21 a must-have for your summer vacation, as it's the one 'fit you'll want to have ready for all your heaviest travel days. The clothes you pack for your destination may get all the love when it comes to the pictures you post after the trip is over, but this elevated basic will keep you comfy and cute on your way there (whether it's a 10-hour flight or a 20-minute walk).

(via Forever 21)

 

Also read about: The Top Travel Must-Haves for Spring Break 2024

 

This Essential Sunscreen That Protects and Moisturizes Your Skin: $51

Another unforgettable item you'll want at the ready this summer? A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen. If you've struggled to find one you like (or at least one that doesn't make you feel like you're stickier than a melted popsicle) in the past, Bioelements has just the product for you. The brand's iconic RayDefense SPF 30 moisturizer makes protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays easy and, dare we say, enjoyable. This sun-smart technology packs heavyweight protection into a lightweight cream, and your skin will be thanking you twofold thanks to the hydrating power of the ultra-smooth formula.

(via Amazon)

 

This Makeup-Meets-Skincare SPF Concealer: $44

Speaking of SPF, it's time we all start giving a little extra love to our under-eyes. There's no need to weigh your delicate skin down by overdoing it with all sorts of products, as you can enjoy the benefits of both an SPF and a concealer with DRMTLGY's Luminous Eye Corrector SPF 41. It's a makeup bag must-have that hydrates skin, blurs imperfections and protects against sun damage without getting cakey. Our favorite part is the cooling applicator that makes putting it on feel like a spa treatment, and what could be a better vacay vibe than that this summer?

(via DRMTLGY)

 

These Tasty, Travel-Friendly Banana Bread Bites: $36

Forget about underwhelming gas station grabs and fast food that leaves you feeling far from full, as a superior snack has officially entered the chat. Love + Chew has crafted something truly magical with their superfood-packed cookies, which come in travel-friendly packaging for an easy way to delight your tastebuds on the go. We'd liken these soft-baked bites more to banana bread than your average cookie, so you'll be pleasantly surprised and satiated when you sink your teeth into one during your summer vacation.

(via Love + Chew)

 

This Petite Perfume That Will Have You Smelling Like a Sunset: $14.95

Achieving the perfect summer glow goes past your skincare routine, as you can also smell as good as a sunny day with this perfume from Bath & Body Works. As the newest addition to the Gingham scent collection, Gingham Glow is every bit as joyous as the rest, only with an extra dose of radiance thanks to fragrance notes like golden nectar, marigold petals and sun-soaked sandalwood. The travel-friendly size makes this one ideal for all your vacation ventures, but you may also want to pick up a full-size bottle while you're at it to keep enjoying your new favorite scent even when summer is long gone.

(via Bath & Body Works)

 

These Easy, Breezy Platform Espadrille Sandals: $50

With heat waves happening everywhere, summer equals sandal season. If your shoe collection is slacking in summer-ready styles, it's time to invest in a pair of modern espadrilles like this set from Journee Collection. They slip right on to make completing your outfit as easy as possible, and the petite platform gives you just enough of a boost to elevate your style and your height during all your vacay adventures. Plus, they'll pair just as well with a breezy sundress as they will your favorite shorts-and-tee combo, making them the only shoes you'll need to pack for all your getaways this season.

(via Journee Collection)

 

This Natural Bug-Repelling (& Bite-Soothing) Kit: $118.50

Nothing soils a summer's day outdoors like dealing with bugs that won't stop biting, but now you can easily keep those pesky pests at bay thanks to Adirondack's Bug Relief Kit. Packed with all-natural products designed to repel bugs and soothe skin in the event that you've already been bit, this kit has everything you need to make the most of your time outside this summer. With formulas that feature invigorating scents inspired by nature, you'll love these products as much as bugs hate them.

(via ADK Fragrance Farm)

 

These Influencer-Approved Coverup Pants: $10.69

If there's one person who knows how to do summer properly, it's social media star Lele Pons. Thankfully for us, she teamed up with SHEIN to drop her own collection of beach-ready looks that range from bold to brilliant. These hollow patterned coverup pants are an essential item you'll want to have ready for all your summer vacation plans, especially if there's any kind of pool or beach party involved. They're super easy to throw into any kind of tote, backpack or purse in a pinch, and the stretchy fabric makes them as comfortable as they are cool for an all-around ideal coverup.

(via SHEIN)

 

This Petite-but-Powerful Hair Removal Device: $129

Nothing says "summer" quite like smooth skin, but shaving-related problems like razor burn, ingrown hairs and the occasional nick in the shower can easily put a damper on your vacay. If you've been dreaming of a way to say goodbye to all the effort and issues of shaving, this small-but-mighty hair removal device is about to be our new best friend. The SmoothSkin Pure Mini Lite is as powerful as it is portable, and the selection of gorgeous colors it comes in is only a plus. With just 10 minutes of pain-free treatment once a week for 12 weeks, this handheld cutie can help you achieve smooth skin the shave-free way.

(via Amazon)

 

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These Water-Resistant Everyday Gold Hoop Earrings: $12

If you're the type that doesn't think twice about jumping in the pool or ocean without removing all your jewelry first, you've probably already seen the damage that doing so can do to your favorite fashion metals. We have some good news for you, though, as Flaire & Co. has created water-resistant pieces that are as cute as they are affordable. We know, gold jewelry that doesn't tarnish after getting wet and that costs less than a meal at your favorite fast casual restaurant sounds too good to be true, but trust us when we say it's for real. From these must-have everyday huggies to bold pieces that help you show off your style, Flaire & Co. has all the options you could ever need to adorn your summer vacation outfits.

(via Flaire & Co.)

 

Trying to keep cool this summer? Click HERE to discover our favorite protective and stylish hats.