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Friends, it is HOT out there. These temperatures are oppressive.

I want to share a friendly reminder to you all.- please be careful out there. This heat is dangerous and I want everyone to be smart and stay safe. Hydrate, hydrate hydrate, and step inside before you get too warm. Thanks for coming to my Ted talk.

As we’re in the midst of summer, and of course, summer vacations, I thought I might share some of my favorite summer travel essentials. I’ve shared some of these before, but it was two years ago, and maybe some of you could use a refresher. These could totally be useful for everyday summer activities, but they’re things that I just don’t travel without - mostly for my own health and sanity.

summer travel essentials

sun shirts.

A couple summers ago, we picked up some sun shirts on vacation and they are great for a sunny vacation. I have decided I’m over getting roasted and being uncomfortable on vacation, so when I’ve had enough sun, I throw one of these on. I have one that’s oversized and perfect for the beach and a few others that are just slightly loose and I wear them all the time when it’s hot and buggy or I’ve already been out for a while and don’t want to burn. I just picked up this one on sale for Prime Day.

Liquid I.V.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. You will never, ever, say to yourself on vacation “Man, I really wish I wasn’t so hydrated! I couldn’t possibly be more hydrated than I am right now!”

Every time I travel, I pack a handful of Liquid I.V. packets with me to help rehydrate and boost electrolytes. Because when I’m hydrated, I feel better. When I feel better, I like traveling more. I even have little packets of Pedialyte to carry now for Will.

Hydrate or die-drate, friends.

water bottle.

I love water, okay? I have a half-gallon jug (this one) that I carry around with me every single day and sometimes I think I wouldn’t survive without it. Find a bottle that you love and fill it up often. I love my Hydrojug so much (the straw spout is revolutionary and I swear it makes water taste better), that I got this shaker bottle, too. I took this bottle on the cruise a few months ago and I’m so glad I did. It was easy to bring on the plane, and we were able to refill all day instead of using the ship’s dinky plastic cups.

If you’re interested in trying a Hydrojug, here’s $10 off!

curl cream.

I have wavy/curly hair that absolutely will not behave when it’s humid out. While I love to blow dry and curl my hair in the cooler months, in the summer, it’s a lost cause. I found this curl cream and because of it, I leave my hair tools at home when I go on a summer vacay. I can shower after a day at the beach, coat my hair with a dot of cream, scrunch, and head out to dinner. Easy breezy.

flex discs.

LADIES. Not men, but hey, if you’re interested in feminine products, be my guest. They’re good for up to 12 hours, there’s little to no leakage, and you don’t feel them at all. Much easier than tampons. 10/10 recommend giving them a try.

catch-all bag.

I’ve found that a large catch-all bag is completely necessary when traveling (or going anywhere, really) with a toddler. I have a large, framed utility tote like this one, and it is a total lifesaver. I throw his diaper kit, sunscreen, a change of clothes, snacks, bug spray, a book or two, water bottle, maybe a towel - whatever, and there is room for everything. They’re perfect to double as a beach or pool bag.

travel pill case.

Look, you don’t need to bring a whole pharmacy on a week-long vacation, but you never know when you’re going to need, say, an Excedrin Migraine to make it possible to live your life. Or an Immodium. I’m just saying - When you eat new food....stuff happens sometimes....

MOVING ON.

Ever since I was a flight attendant, I’ve carried this little pill case. It’s got multiple compartments - enough for Motrin, Melatonin, Excedrin, Immodium and some Tums. It’s a no-brainer, and since it comes in a pack of 4, I have one in my work bag, too!

ziplock bags.

You never know when you’ll need them, and they’re really handy for wet items, or if you need to pack some snacks that you picked up on vacation. I can’t think of a reason to not pack a few, so there you go.

Have a safe and healthy summer - and drink your water!

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2

“Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’” John 4:10