Summer is one of the most anticipated seasons of the year, and one of the busiest for travel. It comes as no surprise the Traveler out of office calendar has been full, with editors setting off on vacations near and far: babymoons in Iceland, destination weddings in Italy, and road trips through Maine included. Along the way, we've picked up some stellar travel gear—including a few quality summer staples to help beat the sometimes unbearable heat. Below, our editors share the tried-and-true products they've used the most this season, from waterproof sandals and skincare to lightweight linens and holy grail hair products. Some items are best suited to warm-weather vacations, while others will find a home in your suitcase year-round; all, though, come highly recommended by our team. Whether you’re planning a beach trip and looking for a new swimsuit or are in need of a new weekender bag, we’ve got you covered.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
On a recent trip to Europe, I knew long days spent sightseeing would be on the agenda. The weather was a little too warm for sneakers some days, so I opted for a water-friendly sandal from Reef with adjustable straps around the ankle. These sandals were a lifesaver: stylish and comfortable, they paired well with almost everything I packed—including the viral Lululemon belt bag. It was the perfect crossbody to keep my phone, wallet, and small essentials organized while exploring London for the first time.
Another favorite bag of mine this summer is Calpak’s new large Luka duffel. I’ve raved about the brand’s original Luka duffel for overnight stays and as my personal item on flights, but now this new size is ideal for extended weekends. It holds several outfits, a few pairs of shoes, and even fits my bulkier hair tools. And last but not least, I’ve been loving the Sol de Janiero Bum Bum cream—it smells like summer and keeps my skin hydrated all day long. —Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor
Maybe it’s because I’m a Cancer, but I come alive in summer—I have barely stopped moving. The good news is that I’ve found a few things that can keep up. For a couple of weeks bopping around Europe in June, my Ganni bike shorts, Sabah El Paso slides, and a linen dress from Free People’s vacation edit were perfect for hot days with lots of walking (or pool days with none at all). Now that I’m home in New York City, I’ve been surfing in the Rockaways most weekends, and loving my Seea bodysuit-style wetsuit. It’s perfect for protecting against chafing on a waxed-up board but is thin enough for hot summer temps and warm water. If I’m sticking around after surfing for a full beach day, my Vanessa Mooney bikini is the go-to—all
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You can’t escape the orange. That’s what travelers this summer have been reckoning with — swaths of tangerine, traffic cone and burnt sienna on maps indicating record high temperatures around the globe. Four concurrent heat domes from the southern United States to East Asia descended on millions — Phoenix residents enduring 31 days of 110-degree-plus temperatures. Italians in more than a dozen cities under extreme weather warnings. And in South Korea, at least 125 people were hospitalized for heat-related conditions at the World Scout Jamboree.
Among the many wonderful things about Greece is that everyone has a favorite island—and everyone is right. For veteran Forbes travel contributor Jim Dobson, that magical isle is Sifnos. Reachable by ferry from Athens in a little over two hours, Sifnos has beautiful beaches, numerous hiking trails along the Aegean Sea and a remarkable 237 churches. Here’s where to eat, stay and play on Sifnos.
Royal Caribbean already operates the world’s largest cruise ship—Wonder of the Seas—but next January it will break that record with Icon of the Seas, which boasts 2,805 staterooms (including more than 1,800 with balconies) and 179 suites. Nearly 1,200 feet long, Icon of the Seas has 20 decks and features a 55-foot-waterfall, multiple pools and waterparks and a “chill island” and a “thrill island”—depending on a passenger’s vibe.
Carefree days lounging on the sand are a hallmark of an idyllic vacation for many travelers. But beaches themselves are a commodity, vulnerable to retreat that’s exacerbated by climate change. In fact, nearly half of the Earth’s sandy beaches could be extinct by 2100, according to a study published in Nature Climate Change.
North American travelers looking for bargain transatlantic fares will have lots more options this summer, as European-based low-fare lines expand their reach. Three lines have announced aggressive moves:
A recent report released from travel marketing engine Sojern, analyzed travel trends from January 2015 to April 2016 and found the top international destinations for U.S. travelers as well as the top emerging and declining international spots.
Last year when Italy’s Cinque Terre decided to limit the amount of tourists that visit each year, overtourism once again came to the forefront of many people’s travel plans. While other popular landmarks and cities also had tourist caps or were exploring crowd-limiting options, iconic Cinque Terre’s cap has gained a lot of attention, and is part of a rising trend.
Every year, summertime brings new experiences and trends worth getting excited about. Whether it’s an ephemeral fidget spinner or the latest summer blockbuster, keeping up with fads is a fun way to remember the summer, especially when it comes to delicious and photogenic food trends.
Here’s a secret: If you want to visit Europe during peak season without the crowds, take to the ocean. A small-ship sailing tour lets you explore the hidden gems of Croatia, Italy, or Greece, without having to fight traffic or cram yourself on a crowded train.