Summer Trip Essentials
Quick Getaway? These Are the Summer Travel Essentials Every Empty Nester Needs
A last-minute weekend escape? Yes, please! Whether you’re heading to the coast, the mountains, or a quiet lakeside inn, packing should feel like part of the fun—not the stress. Here are top-rated, internet-favorite travel pieces perfect for your midsummer getaway. These are pieces that work, wear well, and travel beautifully.
Plus, the last block includes a collection of travel must haves to help make getting ready for the trip easier.
🌞 Best Sunscreen for Face & Body
Sun protection that works without feeling sticky, chalky, or heavy.
- Face: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 — Dermatologist-loved, perfect under makeup, non-greasy.
- Body: Supergoop! Play SPF 50 Lotion — Lightweight, water-resistant, and rubs in like a dream.
Pro Tip: Apply your facial SPF before your serum so it fully absorbs. For body, apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours—especially after water. Let’s PAUSE here for just a quick minute. Schedule your all over skin check if you haven’t done that recently. If you are putting off any testing, do it. Just do it.
🌺 Best Sun Hats for Women
Wide-brimmed, travel-ready, and stylish. I recently had to add this accessory to my “sun” wardrobe.
- Budget Favorite: Furtalk Wide Brim Straw Hat — Under $30, crushable, and Amazon’s best-seller.
- Elevated Classic: Janessa Leone Packable Hat — More of an investment, but elegant and durable.
- UPF Protection: Wallaroo Hat Company Victoria Sun Hat — Lightweight with UPF 50+, great coverage without bulk.
- Bucket of Pearls: Perla Crochet Rafia Pearl Bucket Hat – From San Diego Hat Company, this hat features bucket style with all over pearl clusters, 4″ brim.
🌴 Bathing Suit Cover-Ups for Midsize Women
Flowy, flattering, and easy to throw on. Some of these are so good, they are part of my wardrobe and not just a bathing suit cover!
- Amazon Best-Seller: Bsubseach Kimono Cover Up — One-size fits most, drapey and forgiving.
- Chic Tunic Style: La Blanca Cotton Cover-Up — Soft, breathable, with sleeves that provide extra coverage.
- Wrap Style: CUPSHE Wrap Cover Up — Adjustable tie waist, comes in solids and print.
🌿 Affordable Straw Totes
Roomy, cute, and under budget (mostly)
- Target Find: Universal Thread Straw Tote — Under $40, structured, and holds everything.
- Amazon Favorite: YXILEE Straw Beach Bag — Lightweight with woven detail and tassel.
- Uniquely You: Aqua Straw Tote — Unique, artisan-made, and exclusive.
- Highly Rated: Large Hand Knotted Packable Tote – J. Crew Style, interior pocket, Two Colors
🌺 Maxi Dresses for Midlife & Midsize Women
Resort-ready and easy to wear.
- Best Overall: Quince Organic Cotton Maxi — Soft, affordable, and flattering A-line cut.
- Sun Dress: Sunchaser Knit Tie Shoulder Maxi — Stretchy, forgiving, and perfect for travel.
- Sleeveless Tank Dress: Chico’s Midi Tank Dress — Inspired by the tank top with an A-line Maxi skirt
- Top Rated Ramie Shirt Dress: J. Crew Cerise Shirtdress — Multiple Colors, Perfect for Summer
- **Amazon Steal (Bonus!): Casual Summer Midi Dress — So many colors! flattering on curves, under $40. I loved it so much, I had to include even though it isn’t technically a Maxi!
✈️ Travel Must Haves: The Best Travel Accessories for Any Trip
- Universal Travel Adapter: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter — European Travel Plug Adapter, International Power Adapter Worldwide Charger with USB-C & 4 USB-A Ports, Travel Essentials for Italy, Japan, Europe, UK (TA-105)
- Best Packing Space Saver: BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes — Organize and save space in your luggage, Comes in multiple colors and multiple set sizes
- Portable Charger: ANKER Portable Charger — 20,000mAh Power Bank, Battery Pack with 1 USB-A and 1 USB-C Ports, 15W Max Charging for iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series, Samsung Galaxy, and More
- Best Personal Care Item: YUNI Beauty Large Body Wipes — On-the-Go Shower alternative
- Travel Sound Machine: SNOOZ Go Portable Travel Sound Machine — 6 Sounds, Fan, Pink & White Noise, Rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker, Sleep Aid for Adults, Kids
- Best Sleep Mask: AUSTRA Silk Eye Pillow — Filled w/Lavender Buds & Flax Seeds, Weighted Eye Mask, Meditation & Light Blocking Blindfold, Cooling Gel Mask Included
- Best Emergency Kit: General Medi Mini First Aid Kit — Small first aid kit, great for travel
- Hand Sanitizer: Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer — Multiple scents and travel size perfection
Wherever you go, go lightly—but stylishly. Save this post for your next quick escape, and tag a friend who needs a weekend away MADE EASY!
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