1. A handy as heck Burt's Bees sunburn soother you'll want to stock up on if you're a "just in case" kinda human — it's made with aloe and coconut oil to hydrate skin and gently relieve pain from the sun's unforgiving rays within just a few hours.

www.amazon.com

Psst — a lot of reviewers mentioned this also helped prevent peeling and itching!

Promising review: "I bought this product to take on our vacation. I am so glad I did. I got burnt on my lower legs and tops of my feet. I thought I had put enough sunscreen on. I didn't. That night, I woke with my legs and feet both burning and itching. The instant I put this on, I had relief. OMG, I cannot say enough about this stuff. Buy it. Keep it on hand. Great product. Thank you, Burt's Bees!" —D.S. 

Get it from Amazon for $9.03. 

2. A three-pack of vintage-inspired polarized sunglasses for anyone who needs a few "these look like Ray-Bans, but I won't weep if I leave them on a sand dune" pairs this year. These are especially handy because you can match the subtle prints to whatever 'fit you're wearing! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’ve been buying these for years. They replaced my Ray-Bans that look identical! Fit great and with the price point I don’t have to worry too much with my kids and being on the go!" —Jessica M

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $15.19+ (clip the 20% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in 16 sets, as well as two-packs and individual pairs). 

3. Reef Water platform sandals, aka the ultimate in cute, comfortable, and water-friendly sandals that will be the "go-to" shoe of your summer. These don't have a break-in period, can be dressed up or down, and have a cheeky little platform to them so you can cosplay as someone an inch taller than you usually are. Reviewers ESPECIALLY love these for traveling because of how versatile they are! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "BEST SANDALS EVER. I wore these sandals every single day on a 16-day European vacation. I was in the water, streets, sand, and even hiking in these shoes and felt nothing but comfort. Being able to wear something transitional between the water and land was perfect for this trip. The adjustable velcro band stayed fully functional and is still as strong as new. These are by far the best sandals I've ever had." —Jackie Beauvaise

Get it from Amazon for $64.95 (available in women's sizes 4.5–11.5 and 30 styles). 

4. A set of Tide Sink Packsyou can use to do laundry right in the sink when the heat has you sweating through all your clothes on your trip like a human geyser. Now the WHOLE WORLD is your laundry machine!! 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are perfect for the one-item sink cleaning that occurs when traveling. I highly recommend it for those travel excursions where you want to clean one or two clothing items." —LIFE_COMPOSED 

Get a pack of three (with three mini loads each) for$6.39. 

5. A set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets for the ultimate in genius summer investments — these use essential oils, including citronella, to help stop those teensy vampires in their tracks. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Cliganic is a small business that specializes in all-natural personal care products. 

Check out a TikTok of the mosquito-repelling bracelets in action. 

Promising review: "I moved last year from Southern California to North Carolina. Bugs of all types have always been attracted to me but the amount of bites I got last summer was WILD. Someone gave me one of these types of bracelets to use one day and it seemed to work SOOOOOO I decided to buy myself an arsenal to prepare for this summer. I read the reviews and about 99% of them had great results. I've only used this bracelet twice but both times I was outside and un-touched. Delivery was very quick so that was a plus. I'm not fond of the smell, I'm hyper sensitive to smells, but I'd rather have the odor than being chewed alive." —Tracey Agopian

Get a ten-pack from Amazon for$8.99. 

6. And if it's entirely too late for that, a delightful little tool called the "Bug Bite Thing" — it suctions on all kinds of bug bites to reduce swelling, itchiness, and redness, so you don't spend half your trip itching your appendages. 

Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed

Bug Bite Thing is a family-owned small business established in 2017 that specializes in bug bite relief products. 

This works on mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, sea lice, and more (although TBH, if this list of bugs gets any longer I may just stay indoors forever!!).

Promising review: "I cannot stress to you enough how much better this simple little tool has made my quality of life during summer in Ohio. It rains a lot. There are a lot of mosquitoes. I have horrific allergic reactions to mosquito bites. We're talking bumps swelling to the width of softballs within minutes of the bite. This tool doesn't make those bumps go away, but it stops the itch IMMEDIATELY. I was a huge skeptic; how could a little suction cure this agonizingly itchy allergic reaction? I'll be honest. I still really don't know how it does, but it provides instant relief that no pill, cream, or injection ever has ever achieved for me. If you live anywhere where insect bites are common, you need to own one of these." —Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.95.

7. A truly miraculous sand-free beach blanket that repels sand and dirt so easily that you'll wonder if someone cast a spell on it. Parents especially love this because babies and toddlers can lay on it without getting sand in their mouths, and it's ridiculously easy to repack without worrying about taking half the sand in the beach from with you. Oh, and it's also GINORMOUS. (And packs up super small!) 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This was a great addition to our tent. It kept sand off our bags, cooler, and chairs. It’s lightweight and comes in its own bag that is easy to carry and put away. It’s worth the cost — the only thing I am going to get for our next beach trip is a little brush to wipe away the sand that gets on it when someone comes back from the beach with sand on their feet." —J. Crouch 

Get it from Amazon for$27.96 (clip the 20% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in two colors). 

8. And a reusable, family-friendly sand eraser to *instantly* remove sand from your skin with a quick swipe so you don't accidentally turn your unsuspecting car interiors into "Beach, Part Two." 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is a great product and gift for a beach lover. Works great and is a decent size for brushing away the sand after an amazing day at the beach! Going to buy it as a gift!! Easy to use and affordable!" —Sue Krauser 

Get it from Amazon for$13.99. 

9. And an adorable clear waterproof sunscreen bag to keep your various SPFs for easy access when you need to protect yourself from the sun's shenanigans, and to keep the rest of your stuff safe if one of your sunscreen bottles decides to go ~kaboom~. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Awesome bag! Roomy enough to fit your phone, sunscreen, and lip gloss. It's the perfect size to keep your essentials together in whatever larger bag you're using. Super cute "sun' design/label and extra bonus that it is waterproof." —LAF616

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in 34 styles). 

10. A roll-up wide brim UPF 50 sun hat to protect your cheeks from the sun's rays *and* keep you looking effortlessly chic no matter how many days it's been since your last hair wash. This one is a real winner because of how absurdly packable it is, making it perfect for shoving into a tote bag on long days and a suitcase on vacation — and how affordable it is compared to $87+ versions from brands like Bloomingdale's, Wallaroo, and Cuyana. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I wasn’t sure what to expect with buying a hat that’s half the price of my usual Wallaroo hats. The hat arrived pretty compressed, and I was worried that it might not regain its shape, but it did! It’s very good quality, comfortable, and looks attractive. I actually like it better than my Wallaroos because it’s a tad smaller and just feels more proportional. I’m going to buy more colors and back-ups. Good hat at a good price." —LPF

Get it from Amazon for$25.99 (available in three sizes and 21 colors). 

11. A bag of FIRECRACKER! POPSICLE! FLAVORED!!! Liquid I.V. electrolyte drink mix, so you have extra incentive to hit your hydration goals on blazing hot trips *and* you can relive the glory of chasing down the ice cream truck as a kid. Reviewers are genuinely stunned by how much this tastes like the ~real thing~. 

www.amazon.com

FYI, depending on your situation, water may be enough to rehydrate you! Read more about electrolyte-enhanced drinks and hydration at Cleveland Clinic. 

Promising review: "Love them. Tastes exactly like melted Firecracker Popsicle. My boyfriend and I have tried my Liquid IV flavors and this is one of our favorites. It is definitely sweet, so if that's not your thing you might not like it." —Samantha McClain

Get a 16-pack from Amazon for $23.62(available 16 flavors).  

12. Plus a leakproofcollapsible water bottle to make you feel a little bit like a witch when you roll it back up and it just ~disappears~ conveniently in your carry-on or beach bag. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this product! I work out on the go so I’m always in need of water bottle, but I hate carrying a big one around all the time. This bottle is a nice size to use while running/walking (lightweight and easy to carry), it doesn’t leak like most plastic bottles, and it’s easy to roll/fold up and store in a bag after you’re done. Overall great design and functionality. 10/10." —LaMonica

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in five colors). 

13. A truly gargantuan but lightweight striped beach bag that holds so many of your shenanigans that you'll feel like you opened a hole in the time-space-tote-bag continuum. Truly a lot of audacity for it to be so boho chic and affordable on TOP of all that!! 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought this to use as a beach bag on a trip to the lake. It is very lightweight but durable. The straps are thick and held up even when I had it stuffed with my husband's things and mine. The design is super cute, and I love the color. It has a nice smaller pocket on the inside to keep lady products or credit cards, lip balm, etc. There is a pocket on the side that you can put a water bottle in or slide your phone in for ease of access. Great choice for a quick getaway or beach day." —Haley

Get it from Amazon for $12.59+ (available in 16 styles). 

14. And Case-Mate's iconic waterproof beach totes, which are, of course, ridiculously roomy and useful, but more importantly, RIDICULOUSLY cute. This is an "It" accessory of the beach if there ever were one. Get ready to be swimming in the ocean AND in compliments from strangers. Bonus — it even comes with a separate dry bag for your phone! 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

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 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$79.99+ (available in four styles). 

15. Sol de Janeiro's Jet Setfor anyone who wants to try all the most iconic products that come in the brand's cult-favorite "sunshine" scents without paying a pretty penny for all three — now you can snag a Bum Bum Cream, body and hair mist, *and* body wash in one convenient set, and even take them traveling with you. 

www.amazon.com

Psst — you can get this in the original Cheirosa 62 scents, *plus* three others! 

Promising review: "Lately, I've been wanting to find a signature fragrance versus just smelling clean. I tried several perfumes, including high-end, and they just didn't seem to be a good fit with my body chemistry, or the smells just seemed to disappear. About a month ago, several ladies mentioned this brand on a group page and I decided to give it a shot. I've been testing it for a couple of weeks now and I am shook! It smells soooo good and EVERY TIME I wear it (especially if I layer the products in this set), I get complimented. EVERY SINGLE TIME! And my husband, who never notices when I wear fragrances, immediately came up to me, hugged me, buried his nose into my neck and told me I smelled amazing!" —LvrofAllThingsArt

Get it from Amazon for $32 (available in four scents). 

16. A pair of traveler-beloved waterproof wireless earbudswith AirPods Pro energy — except these feature a charging case that, bless its technologically savvy heart, has an LED display letting you know exactly how much charge is left. Reviewers also love how delightfully comfortable and sweatproof these are, making them a solid, affordable option for traveling. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I thought I was buying another cheap pair of earbuds to get me through vacation. I was so wrong. First, these earbuds have WIRELESS CHARGING! No more worrying about where that charging cord is! Second, these things are WATERPROOF!! I lost the left one in the pool and shook it out, and it started playing again like normal (it also floated on the top of the water)! Third, they charge so fast and the battery last so long! FOURTH, the little squeegy ear protectors are soooo nice! A few different ones for you to choose a size that works for you. BEST FIND ALL YEAR!" —tom burton 

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in eight colors). 

17. A beach towel clip you can attach to a beach chair to stop it from blowing away while you're off gallivanting in the ocean trying to make friends with a mermaid. Reviewers also love this for building blanket forts, holding down tablecloths, and hanging wet items like suits and towels at the end of a long beach day.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I used these all summer at the pool to hold towels on the chairs. Towels stayed put, even on very windy days. They seem very strong as all them held up, even after everyday use. Great price, and they look very cute." —TB

Get a 16-pack from Amazon for$9.99. 

18. A travel-friendly SPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar, a K-beauty staple with a curved balm stick style that makes it super easy to apply, and a nonsticky, white cast–free formula that plays ABSURDLY well with makeup. If you're looking for a lightweight "soft matte" sunscreen to protect your skin, this is your new BFF. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

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

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: "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 $17.45. 

19. And a set of sunscreen reminder stickers — these UV stickers have SPF recognition and will change colors to let you know both when your SPF is working, and then again when it's time to slather more sunscreen on. Each sticker is water-resistant and works for up to twelve hours. NOT TODAY, SUN!!! 

www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action. 

Promising review: "After yet another bad sunburn even though I'm trying VERY HARD to keep sunscreen on, I bought these. First use was at Disneyland on a 90-degree zero clouds day. This helped so much! I kept an eye (as did my friends) on the dot so we all knew when to reapply sunscreen and not one of us got burned. I also used these on a weeklong hiking adventure in Utah where it was also in the 90s with an extreme UV index. None of us got burned, so all in all this is one of the best inventions!" —Catherine Shock

Get a 16-count from Amazon for$13.49 (available in larger packs). 

20. A truly multi-talented set of colorful cooling towels you can use to prevent yourself from overheating — all you have to do is wet these, and they get chilly to drape on your head or neck. Once the chill runs out, you can wet them again to get it back!  

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These have been brilliant to use, draped around my neck on the long walk back to my car after gym workouts. They are lightweight and perform exactly as described. I’ve even been able to work in my yard in the Florida summer heat for the first time in years. Affordable and well worth the money." —Kim Pinson

Get a set of four for $16.99+(available in 12 color combos). 

21. Alleyoop's portable travel razor, a TSA-approved travel GODSEND that comes equipped with two triple-blade razors, a moisturizing balm, and a water spray bottle all tucked into one ergonomic, compact case. Forget the whole shower routine — the world is now your quick-shaving oyster! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that specializes in functional makeup products. 

Promising review: "I absolutely love this portable razor! It’s so convenient, especially when you forget to shave and need a quick touch-up. The kit comes with two razor heads, a spray bottle, and a shaving bar to help keep your skin smooth. It's TSA-approved, so you can even bring it on airplanes without worry! Plus, you can purchase replacement razor heads and the shaving bar when needed." —Life As Cerena

Get it from Amazon for $15 (available in two colors).

Psst — check out all of Alleyoop's other travel-friendly productsfor more clever options! 

22. A blister-preventing foot balm that basically magics an extra layer between your skin and your shoe, so you can get a zillion touristing steps in at the peak of summer without blistering like nobody's business. 

Amazon

BodyGlide is a small business that specializes in chafe-preventing personal care products. 

Promising review: "I was so excited to get a new pair of my favorite brand of summer sandals but the first time I wore them they ripped up my heels. Since they were not returnable and I wasn't about to trash them, I was desperate and gave this balm a try. It worked beautifully! I applied the balm liberally to each of my heels when I put my shoes on and the back of my foot/heels were protected all day long! I can't say enough positive things about this product." —Guerra-Diaz 

Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

23. A Lululemon-esque adjustable mini belted pack(aka ~fanny pack~) you can wear around your waist or shoulder for a lightweight bag alternative that you won't lose, since it is literally attached to you. A lot of reviewers mention how genuinely *stunned* they are by how much this little bag can secretly carry. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "TikTok told me this compared to Lululemon, and it’s true, it is. Love this little bag! And the price — you can’t beat it." —Jolie

BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly also owns this — she packed it as her only bag for a trip to busy trip to Iceland in 2023, and not only did it hold a ton and keep her hands free, it easily fit around her waist over her outerwear. It's still holding up two years later — she also used it for a Panama trip, where it fared well from airports to hanging bridges to a sunrise hiking trip to the top of Panama's only volcano! 

Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 45 colors). 

24. A wildly popular floral print sheer cover up for the perfect hack for elevating a travel outfit if you end up going to a nice dinner or want to feel ~dressy~ — this won't break the bank, won't take up space, and most importantly, won't make you swelter in the heat. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "It’s lovely. They call it a cover-up, but I wore it with dress pants and a white shell top. I received several compliments. I have purchased a few more in different colors. Nice and long. Comfortable. Seems durable so far. Don’t wear it for warmth though, — it might protect from sun or a slight breeze, but it is more for looks than warmth." —MAC

Get it from Amazon for$14.99+ (available in women's sizes S–5X and 48 styles). 

25. A fast-drying, super lightweight microfiber towel designed with fast-paced lifestyles in mind. Reviewers love this for traveling and camping, since it doesn't weigh them down or get the rest of their backpacks soggy, but also use it for the gym and the beach because it's so darn convenient! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Perfect towel for the gym, travel, and more! I have two of these towels, a large one and a small one. I live on a boat, where space is limited, and the fact that these towels fold up incredibly small is my favorite thing! My second favorite thing is how fast they dry when hung up, so that I can store them away without having to wait hours and hours for them to dry in my compartment. I use the small towel at the gym, and it is super absorbent and super lightweight, I usually forget it is on me. Fantastic towel, definitely recommend." —Sam the Man

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 11 colors and seven sizes). 

26. A benzene-free, travel-friendly applicator of I Dew Care's dry shampoo powder so easy to use that you can just dab it on your hairline and rub it in for an instant, oil-absorbing refresh. Now your "no wash" days on vacations are a secret that you and your roots will never tell.  👀

www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the dry shampoo in action. 

Promising review: "Will be buying again!! This is a fantastic product. I have incredibly thin hair that gets very oily very easily. This is the first product that I’ve tried that actually works! I am so very happy!" —Katie_0_Baker

Get it from Amazon for $17 (available brown, dark brown, blonde, and in multipacks and bundles). 

27. A sleeveless tennis sundress reviewers swear by for travel, since it features a full built-in compressive romper on the inside for support while you're moving and grooving. Also, we love ourselves a "one and done" outfit (no offense, skirts and pants). 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Psst — reviewers warn to size down! 

Promising review: "Perfect for chasing a toddler around all day! LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. So comfortable and easy to wear, I have four different colors now." —Ashley N Ballard

Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 24 colors). 

28. A chic coffee cup holder so you can carry your iced beverage but keep your hands free to text and take Instagram-worthy travel pics with your phone. Reviewers also love this for keeping the cold condensation off their hands.

Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

VIS Paradise Goods is a Florida-based Etsy stop established in 2021 that specializes in personalized and sustainable goods. 

Promising review: "This is perfect! I constantly have my hands full and now I can comfortably carry my coffee with me everywhere I go. I will be purchasing more!" —Erin

Psst — I own one of these myself and love it for the convenience of texting on the go! These even have a holder for a straw if you happen to get iced coffee or bubble tea and don't want to stick the straw into the drink just yet. I've found this to be very sturdy and easy to use, plus they're a fun conversation starter — people always want to know where I got it! 

Get it from VIS Paradise Goods on Etsy for $20.04+ (originally $26.02+; available in five colors and dozens of designs). 

29. A lightweight, super breathable pair of UPF 50 hiking pants for anyone who wants REI or Patagonia-quality gear without the big ole price tag. These wrinkle-free, quick-dry, MANY-POCKETED pants are a must-have for busy travelers and outdoorsy humans. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love these pants. Wore them to a theme park in the summer. They were nice and cool and breezy and all the zipper pockets were perfect for storing personal items while riding rides without worrying about them falling out of the pockets. I plan on buying another pair." —Karina

Get them from Amazon for $36.49 (available in women's regular sizes XS–XL and petite sizes XS–XXL).

30. A 360-degree rotatable electric car fan for the backseat that's handy whether or not your car has a functional AC — if you live in an area where your car scorches in the summer, you know full well that you'll take ANY KIND OF AIR YOU CAN GET. Parents especially swear by this to keep kiddos in rear-facing car seats cool! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "After enduring the Texas heat and realizing my car lacked backseat vents, I decided to invest in this. This purchase has been nothing short of a game changer. The fan's 360-degree rotatable design ensures that my four-year-old receives ample airflow, eliminating any discomfort from the heat. The speed regulation allows me to adjust the fan's intensity according to the day's temperature, and the ease of setup means it's perfectly tailored for any vehicle. No more sweaty backseat rides; my child can now enjoy a cool and comfortable journey, even on the hottest days." —Ruth

Get it from Amazon for$29.99(available in nine styles). 

31. A pair of popular quick-dry water shoes to keep your feet from burning or getting beaten up all summer — reviewers love these for everything from walking on rockier beaches to kayaking to washing their cars. They're flexible and comfy like a sock, but protective against nefarious objects like sharp rocks and stray Legos.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought these shoes a couple of years ago before a river hike. UM THESE ARE AWESOME. These shoes feel like socks but with enough of a sole that you can walk on gravel with no problem. It really is like walking barefoot. Also, these are the only water shoes that I have worn that do NOT let a bunch of debris into the shoe making you constantly have to take it off to empty it or just deal with the irritant. You can play on the beach with minimal sand stuck between your toes. Thoroughly impressed by that. So with that, I do recommend if you are a half size to size down so they are snug, otherwise the sock like ability to keep stuff out might not work so well." —Samantha Lindsay

Get it from Amazon for $8.09+ (available in seven sizes and 44 colors).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.