One of the questions I get asked most often is what travel gear I actually use myself. The truth is that I tend to be super picky. If something is bulky, uncomfortable, difficult to pack, or doesn’t perform well on the road, it doesn’t last long in my travel rotation.
As we get closer to summer, I’ve been trying out a few new products that I’m excited about. Some are brand-new discoveries, while others are updated versions of products from brands I’ve trusted for years. What they all have in common is that they’re lightweight, practical, versatile, and travel-friendly. And as a bonus, they’re cute too!
From easy-to-pack clothing and supportive footwear to travel accessories that make life on the road a little easier, here are a few of my favorite summer travel finds for 2026.
Toad&Co
I got obsessed with Toad&Co years ago for all their organic cotton offerings (which I’m still wearing years and years later). They have other wonderful eco friendly fabrics that also belong in your suitcase. The Sunkissed Tank Midi Dress is PERFECT for summer travel.
It’s feather light, figure flattering and feels so good against your skin for hot days. You seriously won’t believe how lightweight the material is until you have it in your hands and on your body. It’s like wearing air, but not in a way that makes you feel exposed at all. The cut is so feminine, it’s appropriate for when you want something modest, and it’s just one of those pieces of clothing that you feel good about yourself in as soon as you put it on.
The Chaka Wide Leg Crop Pants are a blend of organic cotton and tencel that are soft and comfortable, almost like wearing pajamas. At the same time, they’re polished enough to wear out to dinner at a nice restaurant. They’re wonderful for travel days, exploring a new city, or simply everyday life.
I love the fun prints, which add so much personality and cheerfulness, and the wide-leg silhouette feels breezy and effortless on warm summer days. If you’re looking for a pair of travel pants that are comfortable enough for long flights or road trips but stylish enough for sightseeing and casual dinners, these are definitely worth a look.
Chaco Sandals
Chacos are a summer footwear essential–you can wear them in the water, hiking, in the city and out to dinner. When luggage space is limited, I love bringing items that can serve multiple purposes, and Chacos fit that role perfectly. They’re one of the few shoes that can go from a trail to a restaurant patio without feeling out of place.
I’ve been having some issues with my feet lately and my Chacos are one of the shoe brands I can still wear with no issues because they are so adjustable.
Did you know they come in wide widths too? I didn’t realize that until recently when I’ve been preferring the extra space and even though my regular Chacos still fit great, there are days when that little bit of extra space is really nice.
These classic Z1 Sandals come in fun colors and patterns and you can enjoy that same Chaco reliability and travel friendliness in a wide width. They’re perfect for the Toad&Co clothes above and the shorts below.
Klean Kanteen
I’ve carried a Klean Kanteen for years, and their TKWide bottles are wonderful for both travel and everyday use. The double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold for hours, which is especially appreciated during summer travel, long sightseeing days, and road trips.
The 20-ounce size strikes a nice balance between capacity and portability. It’s large enough to keep you hydrated without feeling bulky in a daypack or tote bag. I also love the leakproof twist cap, which makes it easy to toss into a bag without worrying about spills.
And can we talk about these gorgeous water patterns? The TKWide in Bass has a teal hue and Nautical is a lighter blue. It’s a fun departure from the usual solid colors and adds a little personality and summer vibes to a practical travel essential. It fits nicely in a daypack side pocket and has become my go-to water bottle for hikes, road trips, and everyday errands.
Royal Robbins
Royal Robbins is one of my go-to brands for travel because their stuff is just so functional, it looks great, and they use a lot of organic and eco friendly materials. If you are looking for the perfect pair of travel shorts, check out the Royal Robbins Discovery III Bermudas. Perfect for the trail, the beach, urban environments–they are my all-time favorite shorts. They fit the surfer vibe, the PNW vibe and the city vibe and they travel extremely well. You can wash them in a hotel sink or camp shower and they dry very quickly.
I like that they are modest and keep you warm when the summer sun sets. I think they are nice enough to wear out to dinner but tough enough to withstand camping, gardening, paddling, etc. They come in different colors and I wish they would add more because I want multiple pairs.
A good sweatshirt is one of those travel staples that’s easy to overlook in the summer until you need it. Whether you’re dealing with an over-air-conditioned airport, a chilly morning walk, or a cool evening by the water, it’s always nice to have an extra layer close at hand.
One of the things I appreciate most about the Avonelle Sweatshirt is its organic cotton construction. The kangaroo pockets are also a nice travel-friendly feature, giving you an easy place to warm your hands or stash a phone, room key, or other small essentials while you’re on the go.
It’s the kind of layer that’s easy to toss in a carry-on, daypack, or road trip bag when you want to be prepared for changing temperatures.
Chargers
I got these portable chargers as a last-minute purchase before a trip and I’ve been surprised at how much I use them in daily life. The built-in plug makes them incredibly convenient to keep charged, and the integrated Lightning and USB-C cables are pretty much all we need when we travel. I also love being able to quickly check the remaining battery level with the indicator lights.
