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Because “I’ll just wing it” shouldn't be the vibe — especially when the UV index is at a 10.

Heading somewhere sunny and already stressing about what to pack? This post has your back with smart warm-weather travel essentials that make beach days, pool hangs, and tropical excursions way less chaotic. Ahead, we found everything from waterproof phone cases and sunscreen sticks to sand-free beach mats, handheld fans, and genius wet bags.

Promising review: "Bought it for an overseas trip, and it worked great. We used it both in a hotel room when the room safe was out of order and on the beach. I look forward to using it on outings this summer, and I think it will be a very useful addition to my travel staples. I packed in my luggage full of toiletries and sunscreen, so it didn't feel like it took up a ton of space and I could carry it in my purse/tote without it feeling too bulky. That said, you can fit a lot into it." —laurel

Get it from Amazon for $44.95+ (available in four colors). 

The Ring Thing comes from BringThings, Inc., a woman-owned company dedicated to making "stylish, functional products." They donate a portion of each sale to anti-human trafficking non-profits.

Promising review: "I take my wedding ring off at night when I go to bed. When I’m at home, I put it in a ring dish. But whenever I am traveling, I’m always afraid that I might forget it or it might get knocked onto the floor, and I won’t be able to find it. So this works perfectly for me. Since it has a clip on it, I attach it inside my bathroom bag, and the problem is solved. My rings are safe and secure and won’t be forgotten." —CG

Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in 11 colors).

It fits any phone up to 100mm x 170mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It's also a great fix for keeping out sand and dirt (and a great option for runners if you're caught in the rain but still want to be able to toggle through your music options). 

See why BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly loves it here!

Promising review: "I took this on a cruise with me to Honduras, Mexico, and Belize, and it held up perfectly! I was so scared to put this in the water for the first time (after testing it, of course), but it proved to work very well! In fact, I ended up just using it as a carrying case for my room key and phone throughout the cruise! I took it with me snorkeling along the barrier reef in Belize, and I got so many wonderful pictures and videos underwater!" —GWinSD

Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in 14 colors).

The formula is also fragrance- and oxybenzone-free. 

Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! 

Promising review: "I've gone through several sunscreens to wear with makeup, and this has been the best for me. I'm a simple girl. I apply this with vitamin C cream, let it absorb, then apply my It Cosmetics CC cream. It acts like a primer for me, and my CC glides nicely over it, no pilling, no heavy or cakey feeling. It's def lightweight but provides great protection." —Emily Haynes 

Check out a TikTok of the Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar in action. 

Promising review: "NO WHITE CAST! I've been looking for a stick sunscreen and this was just exactly what was needed!! I'm a medium-toned Black woman and looking for something without a white cast is always a challenge. I have applied it on my bare skin and there isn't a white cast at all! It's a 'soft matte' finish, for sure, and looks like natural skin. Like you're not wearing anything at all." —Martina

Get it from Amazon for $17 (also available in a pack of two).

Reviewers recommend that if you're between sizes, size up!

Promising review: "This suit is so pretty! I was nervous that, for the price, it would be poor quality, but it looks just like the photos. The material is nice and thick, and I love that it’s padded. I’m between a small and medium, so I sized up based on other reviews." —Morgan Meldrum

Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in women's sizes 2–14 and eight styles). 

Check out a TikTok of the portable fan in action. 

Here's what BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly has to say:

"I own this and use it ALL the time. It comes in handy in a variety of situations at home *and* while traveling — especially when you're sitting in a stuffy plane in Miami in July with the doors open, waiting for the pilot to board and take off. I def got some jealous side-eyes from other passengers as I kept myself cool with this."

Promising reviews: "I ordered several to take on a cruise and give as gifts. Waiting in line on a 92-degree August afternoon to board a huge cruise ship, I was glad I had charged my device ahead of time! Got lots of envious looks and referred folks to Amazon for these treasures." 😎 —SK @ the beach

"Not only are they great for cooling down, but if you suddenly find yourself with a dead battery on your phone, they become a mini charger. You just have to have a cord. And they have a flashlight! These were super handy on our cruise. Easy to store in my crossbody bag and we were all thankful for them during the heat of the day." —Blu Kerry 

Get it from Amazon for $15.29+ (available in three colors). 

Promising review: "Perfect hat for Disney World! I wore it every day for 2 weeks and it held up beautifully! It also helped drastically in the Florida heat! Kept me shaded and was very lightweight, so that my head didn’t feel all sweaty like normal hats. Highly recommend!!" —DS Hensen

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in women's sizes M–XL and in eight colors).

Promising review: "I purchased this based on other positive reviews. We just got back from vacation and it worked great! It has a strong magnet and was easy to use. I attached the clip to my beach bag and attached my hat whenever I wasn’t wearing it. I highly recommend this product. I’m thinking of purchasing one for a gift." —travel girl

Get it from Amazon for $22.49 (available in two colors).

Check out a TikTok of the Case-Mate beach bag in action.

Promising review: "I’ve been wanting a sturdy and cute beach bag that was not mesh and or a basic tote. This is it! It comes with a dry bag for a phone. The handles are thick. The iridescent color looks so cool in the sun, and it’s the perfect size. I fit two towels, a sunscreen bag, two changes of clothes, a speaker, goggles, and snacks. With extra room too. I love the new silver black color, but this purple was on sale, so I went for it. Matches perfectly with my black swimsuit." —Daniela G

Get it from Amazon for $70+ (available in eight designs).

Promising review: "This was the BEST purchase I've ever made for a beach trip. We took this to Hawaii, and it fit perfectly in my bag. We used this every single day of our trip and there was more than enough space for all 4 adults + all of our things, we sat out in the rain in it and it was dry within 30 mins of laying in the sun. This will for sure be coming with me on all of my future travels!" —Hannah

Get it from Amazon for $34.95 (available in two colors).

Bumkins is a small business that has been designing responsibly made baby products for over 30 years.

Here's what BuzzFeeder Heather Braga has to say:  

"I absolutely love these Bumkins wet bags! I first used them when my son was in swim class and we needed somewhere to dump his bathing suit and towel; his too-cute Super Mario bag did the trick! I was able to toss it right into the diaper bag without concern of anything else getting wet. I also always bring it whenever we go to the beach, of course, to stow away all the wet and sandy items so they don't make a mess in my car. Now that both of my kids are in daycare, I ordered a second one for my daughter and use it to send their bedding and plush friends for nap time. The strap loop makes it so easy to clip it onto their backpacks."

Promising review: "I bought this to hold wet bathing suits and towels while traveling. It really got tested when I had a mishap getting on a catamaran from a beach, and I had to swim back to shore with my bag of stuff. The clothing and phone that were inside this wet bag stayed dry! I just wish I'd had my towel packed inside it, too." —PCreative

Get it from Amazon for $11.85 (available in dozens of designs). 

Promising reviews: "These sandals are incredibly comfortable. I purchased them for a trip where we’ll be doing a lot of walking and these are perfect. Very secure on my feet, no sliding, the straps do not rub or irritate my skin." —Jordan Lombardi

"My partner and I bought a pair for a 7-day cruise to the Caribbean. They were perfect for daily walking, excursions, and the beach. They were comfortable, easy to dry off/clean, and matched well with outfits. We did size down as the reviews suggested, and they fit perfectly." —Amazon Customer

Get them from Amazon for $36.25+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and in eight colors).

Promising review: "I cannot tell you how much I LOVE these things. I had been using a cheaper pair of pasties, and these are a world apart from those. They cover everything really well and are super comfortable. I literally forget that they are on. I have worn them under really thin white shirts, and you can’t see anything! I LOVE THESE SO MUCH. So much that I just bought another pair so that I’ll never be without." —Sara Reiland

Get them from Amazon for $28.50+ (available in five colors and two sizes). 

The waterproof patches last 12 hours or through six applications of sunscreen — whichever comes first. When purple, it's time to reapply, and when clear, you're good to go! 

Promising review: "I am very sensitive to UV rays and I burn very easily. Discovering these UV stickers was the best thing that ever happened to my vacations. They take the guesswork out of knowing when to reapply your sunblock, helping you stay burn-free without watching the clock and doing math. These work with both lotion and spray-on sunscreen. One sticker works all day long and doesn't come off while you are out having fun." —Rachel W. 

BTW, Shakalo is a small business based in San Diego.

Promising review: "We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there. This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use), smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and is super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1–2 times a week. And I even use it on my dog's paws and bellies to make sure they're taken care of too. I will definitely be buying the refill and another baggie to have exclusively in the car." —Gabbs Uresti

Check out a TikTok of the insect spray. 

Stay Away is a small business that specializes in pest-removing and repelling products. 

Promising review: "Deet doesn’t work for me, but this does! I’m the person who gets bitten while everyone else is fine. They follow me, and most repellent isn’t very helpful. This worked great! They came near but didn’t bite. The smell isn’t bad either! I didn’t mind it, and my sister has requested some also (she gets bitten even more than I do). I would have preferred a continuous spray nozzle, but I’m very impressed with how well it kept those dang mosquitoes away in Texas! I did sweat a little, and it didn’t change how well it worked." —eve

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $26.99 (also available in a bottle). 

The pouch comes in two different sizes. The medium fits iPhone minis 10–15, 11–15 Pro, and the Galaxy22, while the large fits iPhone Plus/+/Max/11 and Galaxy Plus/Ultra. 

Promising review: "Works like a charm. Put your phone in the case and leave it in your car on a hot day, and it works great. Large size fits my phone, and its charging case. A little pricey but a good product." —AllyBe

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in two sizes and six styles). 

Promising review: "I have very fair skin, four children, and love my two-week beach vacation every summer, so we go through a LOT of sunscreen. Having a stick for faces is essential to avoid burning eyes while on the beach or in the pool. This is the best sunblock stick I have ever used. It goes on and blends so easily and doesn’t leave any white marks like some other brands. This will be my go-to stick from here on out!" —Heather Rink

Megababe is a woman-owned small business from entrepreneur, body acceptance advocate, and influencer Katie Sturino. 

Promising review: "A must-have for summer. Any thicc thigh folks will know that the summer can be tough. I saw this on TikTok and gave it a shot. It's perfect with shorts or a dress on the inner thighs. I've heard of people with other bodily chafing issues using it on those parts of their body with success." —Faith

Get it from Megababe on Amazon for $13.97. 

Promising review: "I have had these for a while before writing my review. I wanted to use them several times first. So far, I've used them for my travels both summer and winter — they pack easily and are super comfy. Every time I've worn them, I receive compliments on how cute they are. I was REALLY pleased with them when I visited Chico Hot Springs in Montana last year. It was so NICE to slip into these water shoes and NOT have to walk all the way across the COLD tiles and metal stairs to the motel building! I've laundered them when I've returned home — always allowing them to air dry — and placed them back in my suitcase so they're ready for my next trip!" —Rick Abbott

Get them from Amazon for $7.59+ (available in women's sizes 4/5–13.5, men's sizes 3/4–12, and in 44 colors/designs).

Promising review: "Absolutely love these bands. Whether on a cruise ship or relaxing on a beach, they keep your towel in place regardless of the wind. I also like that they are lightweight and small, so easy to travel/fly with, and no worries about them breaking. I now make them a go-to gift idea for family and friends!" —Always Needing Retail Therapy!

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $10.97+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "These are great for travel. Throw them in your purse or travel bag, or pack them with your toiletries. Lots of great uses. Don’t take up space, don’t count as a liquid, and WORK. Like them a lot." —Lloyd

Get a box of 15 from Amazon for $8.97+ (available in four scents or a variety pack).

Check out a TikTok of the drink holder in action. 

Promising review: "I bought this to use on a cruise. I had such an easy time carrying my drinks around. So many people asked where I purchased it from." —Jasmine

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in four colors). 

Promising review: "I was so super skeptical about this product. I am not a frequent user of this brand either. I read some good reviews, so I went ahead and bought it ahead of a family cruise. I am so glad I did. I burnt my own shoulders and forehead on day one. When I made it back to my room, I could feel the pain setting in. I immediately applied this. Within a few hours, I could feel relief. I did apply it several times over the course of my vacation. I would recommend this product to anyone, and I will keep it in stock. Better than aloe gel." —Laura

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* Things Reviewers Have Used On Long-Haul Flights

* Travel Is Expensive, But These 31 Things Are Here To Save You A Little Money At Every Step Of Your Journey

Plus, pet carriers, tips for traveling with a carry-on, a guide to the best luggage brands, road trip essentials, packing cubes, finds for frequent travelers and travel-friendly strollers, bathing suits, bags, pants, and perfumes.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Chelsea Stuart is a seasoned Shopping Editor with more than 10 years of experience covering travel (her favorite), home decor, fashion, and pet products under her belt. 

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.