Quick dry, breathable, packable, comfy! Think sportswear-type fabrics.
Travel goodies are just plain fun. I have become obsessed with anything that can make travel easier, lighter weight, or happier. I've gone through a lot of trial and error to find useful items, and I'd love to share my "finds" with you here!
My gear is not always the least expensive. I try to balance cost with quality. It's all about value and I (usually) want my stuff to last!
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You can get a 2-pack of these at Costco for $16! They're not quite cooling as the Columbia shirts, but for the price they are fitted and cute and have done well in the heat keeping me dry and smell-free. They are light and thin but not too thin, dry fast and are great for an inexpensive travel tee.
clothing, top, short-sleeve shirt, t-shirt
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Lightweight, breathable, moisture wicking, and quick drying. HydroFreeze fabric cools your body through controlled evaporation. This shirt really does do well in hot environments! UPF 50+
clothing, top, short-sleeve shirt, t-shirt
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Lightweight, breathable, moisture wicking, and quick drying. HydroFreeze fabric cools your body through controlled evaporation. This shirt really does do well in hot environments!
clothing, top, short-sleeve shirt, t-shirt
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OMG finally it exists! A lightweight performance fabric cardigan cover shrug. This is so cool and lightweight that I could live in it. I ordered quite few colors, also in long sleeve . Great for covering up from the sun, being modest to go into temples, or fending off mosquitoes in the evening. This one has buttons and is not nearly as frumpy as the photos!
clothing, top, cardigan / cover
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OMG finally it exists! A lightweight performance fabric cardigan cover shrug. This is so cool and lightweight that I could live in it. I ordered quite few colors also in 3/4 sleeve . Great for covering up from the sun, being modest to go into temples, or fending off mosquitoes in the evening. Goes over a dress or a swimsuit. Love these! They are cuter in person than the photos.
clothing, top, cardigan / cover
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I really like these. They hold their shape and look like real slacks rather than travel pants. The fabric is a bit shiny and the waist is pretty tight but they fit my curves well. They are an ankle pant on me at 5'6"
clothing, bottoms, long pants
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This is the next "comfy pull over wear all day" bra I'm going to try. Great on price and reviews this seems similar to the ones I already love (also listed on my site). Moisture wicking, it should dry in a flash. Bali bras are a good brand so I think these are safe bet. These bras are not big on support and only last so long since they are glued, not sewn.
clothing, undergarment, bra
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Great stretchy adjustable flat buckle belt! More form over fashion but it packs small and doesn't bulge or put holes in your shirts. I love this belt! I've had mine for over 7 years now and it's still in great shape. Note they sell different widths depending on your belt loop size.
clothing, Accessories
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This is a 6 pack of compression socks with great selection of fun patterns and a really good price. It's amazing how much they help with long haul flights! My feet are no longer swollen after a long flight.
clothing, socks, compression socks
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My absolute favorite hot weather t-shirt. It's slightly fitted, comfortable, and keeps you cool.
clothing, top, short-sleeve shirt, t-shirt
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A rubber sandal? Yep, these are surprisingly comfortable! Only buy them on sale - not worth the full price, but I have used these as my main shoe if I'm not doing any hiking, and they do the trick nicely!
clothing, shoes, every day shoe
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This line of clothing has permethrin built into the clothing and lasts for something like 90 washes, keeping you safe from the mozzies and other bugs without having to spray!
clothing
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A great solid flip-flop. These have taken me around the world in many a color. They have a nice thick base and hold up really well.
clothing, shoes, flip flops
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A little bit lighter of a graduated compression of 15-20 mmHg, these are still good socks to use for travel and long flights. A 3 pack in a huge variety of colors and a really low price. You really can't go wrong!
clothing, socks, compression socks
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Lightweight, quality, you'll love them! If you plan on doing a lot of walking and want something that weighs next to nothing, get the shoes that all my physical therapists wear. Not cheap, but worth it. They even come in waterproof!
clothing, shoes, hiking / closed shoes
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Lightweight, quality, you'll love them! If you plan on doing a lot of walking and want something that weighs next to nothing, get the shoes that all my physical therapists wear. Not cheap, but worth it. Many colors to choose from. :)
clothing, shoes, hiking / closed shoes
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Stretchy adjustable flat buckle belt. Packs small and doesn't bulge or put holes in your shirts. 1 1/2" width so only fits larger belt loops, fits up to 50".
clothing, Accessories
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You may not always want the full compression of a knee sock. For walking around town or hiking, shorter flights, or even for the gym, these ankle compression socks help keep aching feet away. I bought them for a friend and they use them all the time!
clothing, socks, compression socks
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These are a great rugged flip-flop. This is the only shoe I bring on some trips. The bottle opener on the bottom has actually come in handy! UPDATE: Manufacturing has changed and now these rub the foot raw. :(
clothing, shoes, flip flops
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The lightweight quick-dry fabric is great, and with the velcro closure, you have some leeway in how much ice cream you eat. I don't like that they put the rough side of the velcro facing out so that it might snag my shirt, but all in all, if you can get one on sale, it's an okay travel skirt with a flirty pleat on the back. I like the short skirt, but the long skirt made me sweat a lot. They come in 4 different lengths.
clothing, bottoms, skirt
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The lightweight quick-dry fabric is great, and with the velcro closure, you have some leeway in how much ice cream you eat. I don't like that they put the rough side of the velcro facing out so that it might snag my shirt, but all in all, if you can get one on sale, it's an okay travel skirt with a flirty pleat on the back. I like the short skirt, but the long skirt made me sweat a lot. They come in 4 different lengths.
clothing, bottoms, skirt
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The lightweight quick-dry fabric is great, and with the velcro closure, you have some leeway in how much ice cream you eat. I don't like that they put the rough side of the velcro facing out so that it might snag my shirt, but all in all, if you can get one on sale, it's an okay travel skirt with a flirty pleat on the back. I like the short skirt, but the long skirt made me sweat a lot. They come in 4 different lengths.
clothing, bottoms, skirt
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The lightweight quick-dry fabric is great, and with the velcro closure, you have some leeway in how much ice cream you eat. I don't like that they put the rough side of the velcro facing out so that it might snag my shirt, but all in all, if you can get one on sale, it's an okay travel skirt with a flirty pleat on the back. I like the short skirt, but the long skirt made me sweat a lot. They come in 4 different lengths.
clothing, bottoms, skirt
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I have found that my long ripskirt doesn't breathe very well, but I'm including these items because other travelers love their ripskirts so much!
clothing, bottoms, dress
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I did a lot of research before buying these. First of all it's a good brand, it is 31% Merino Wool, has 4 of graduated compression (20-30 mmHg), and is recommended for travel. I think it's a pretty badass pair of men's compression socks.
clothing, socks, compression socks
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I can't stand wearing hats when I travel to hot climates. My head gets all sweaty and uncomfortable. I have tried everything from a standard baseball cap to a more stylish brimmed hat. I end up sacrificing coolness for keeping the sun off my face which I pretty much don't see the point. Enter the SunDay Afternoons Sun Tripper Cap. OMG my head doesn't get hot! And to top it off, it packs flat and dries quickly. I'm in love.
clothing, hat
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I love this hat! You can smush it, reshape it, curl it, flatten it, and it keeps looking cute. So far it hasn't made my head hot either. Comes in many cute colors!
clothing, hat
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A good solid rugged sandal, these will take you through a stream, up a mountain, and all around town. If you have one shoe to take traveling, this would be it. And I have indeed taken only this shoe!
clothing, shoes, rugged sandals
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For so long Uniqlo Airism bras were the only truly comfortable quick-dry lightweight bra I could find. Now many companies are following suit and (hopefully) at least slightly better quality. These bras are easily slipped on and worn all day in comfort even in hot climates, and they dry in not time at all. P.S. They're also available at Target. These bras are not big on support and only last so long since they are glued, not sewn.
clothing, undergarment, bra
#affiliatelinkThe Airism line has been amazing for travel. It's not very good quality and does not seem to hold up very well. But if you can get them on sale, it's pretty much disposable clothing (did I just say that?). Lightweight, quick drying, great in the heat. The fabrics can be a bit thin and shiny.
clothing
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This is a wonderfully light jacket that I use in hot climates to cover up from the sun, when I need a modest cover-up, or in the evenings to avoid mosquitos. Packs small and dries fast.
clothing, outerwear, top, cardigan / cover, light jacket
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A nice easy base layer that can also be worn on its own. Thin and packs small, great for layering!
clothing, top, base layer, long-sleeve top
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Stretchy and comfy and very quick dry. They are not technically technical ;), but they do the trick.
clothing, undergarment, undies
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Stretchy and comfy and very quick dry. They are not technically technical ;), but they do the trick.
clothing, undergarment, undies
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Get discounts on fun travel-related stuff during Amazon Prime Days July 8-11!
My favorite airline pillow is compact and inflatable and believe it or not is still comfortable!
Not all sleeping bag liners are created equal. If you can't stand the thought of being trapped in a narrow fabric sleeve, read on to find the best travel sheet out there.