The best summer travel products to pack this season

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Summer travel season is officially here, bringing with it everything from beach vacations and family road trips to long-haul flights abroad. While choosing the destination is often the fun part, packing smart can make all the difference once your trip begins.

The right gear can help you stay organized, avoid stress, keep your devices powered up, and make long journeys far more comfortable. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an international adventure, these are some of the best travel products worth adding to your packing list this summer.

Apple AirTags have multiple purposes and are a must-have for summer travel.

At slightly bigger than a quarter, an AirTag can easily attach to all your travel essentials — including your checked or carry-on bags. Then, if something gets lost, misplaced, or even stolen, tracking it down becomes much easier.

Or, if you're traveling to an amusement park or a large city this summer, attaching the AirTag to an AirTag bracelet can be helpful to keep track of your kids.

Get the Apple AirTag 4-Pack at Amazon

The Twelve South AirFly SE is a must-have if you're flying with Bluetooth headphones. Just plug this Bluetooth transmitter into the audio jack of your plane's in-flight TV system, and you can connect your Bluetooth headphones in no time, without any wires dangling around. My family brings this on any flight we take with an in-flight TV system.

And if you're looking to connect two headphones at a time, you'll want to instead consider the Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 and Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 Deluxe.

Get the Twelve South AirFly SE at Amazon

There are plenty of power banks that can keep your electronics charged while you're out and about this summer, but the INIU Mini Portable Charger is especially perfect for travel.

This palm-sized charger is incredibly compact, and in just 25 minutes, it can charge your phone to 63%, which is perfect for those on the go. It also features a built-in USB-C cable and a digital display on the front so you'll always know how much battery life you have left.

Get the INIU Mini Portable Charger at Amazon

With a mid-tier price point, the Osprey Sportlite 20L is a great backpack for full days of exploring. Whether you're sightseeing in a new city, going for a hike, or carrying beach essentials, its ergonomic design helps keep you comfortable while carrying everything you need.

Get the Osprey Sportlite 20L at Amazon

The Owala FreeSip Sway is one of my personal favorite water bottles thanks to its leakproof design and insulated construction, which keeps drinks cold for hours. Just throw it in your bag and you're good to go for the day.

Get the Owala FreeSip Sway Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle at Amazon

Earn travel rewards without a credit card!

One of the best ways to travel for free is by earning points and miles. And while you might think you need a credit card to earn rewards, we have a secret for you — you don't, thanks to this program. This company offers plenty of ways to earn its points just by going about your daily life. (And spoiler alert: their points are incredibly valuable!) So take a look and see how you can start earning travel rewards right now with no credit card required.

Start collecting points without plastic!

With this Portable Indoor/Outdoor Lock Box Safe, you can store away your important possessions — such as your phone, car keys, and wallet — while hanging out at the pool or the beach.

Lock it to your beach chair and you're good to go, or use it in your hotel room if there's no safety box. You can even loop your entire beach bag around the cable to mitigate anyone walking away with your items.

Get the SAFEGO Portable Indoor/Outdoor Lock Box Safe at Amazon

The Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch ensures your phone doesn't get water-logged — and stays truly water-free — so you can keep it with you at all times while traveling. Perfect for the beach, a rainy day in a new city, or even a water park adventure.

Get the Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch at Amazon

Heading somewhere you’ll need a towel? Skip the bulky ones and go with a packable travel option instead. The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is super compact, quick-drying, and comes with its own carrying bag.

We used these exact towels on our family trip to Croatia a few summers ago, where we spent most of our time on a catamaran. They were super absorbent and dried fast.

Get the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel at Amazon

Protect your electronics and clothes from getting wet with the Sea to Summit Dry Bag. We've owned the same one for over a decade and it comes on most trips with us. We most commonly use it during water activities such as whitewater rafting or kayaking, but it has also come in handy when packing wet bathing suits or clothes at the end of a trip.

Get the Sea to Summit Dry Bag at Amazon

The Kaxich Foldable Reusable Grocery Shopping Tote doesn't take up much space, but it's incredibly useful whether you're carrying snacks through the airport, tossing an extra set of clothes in a backpack, or collecting seashells on the beach.

Get the Kaxich Foldable Reusable Grocery Shopping Tote at Amazon

Stay dry during the summer storms or protect yourself from the sun with an umbrella. You'll want one that's incredibly compact and durable, which is why we suggest the BAODINI Travel Essentials Mini Umbrella. Folding to the size of a small water bottle, it'll take up hardly any space in your backpack or even fit into your back pocket.

Get the BAODINI Travel Essentials Mini Umbrella at Amazon

In case you missed it...

​My bag came back — my reimbursement didn't

With the hot summer heat, the JISULIFE Handheld Fan can be a lifesaver. Not only will the fan cool you, but it also serves as a power bank allowing you to charge your phone, and it doubles as a flashlight.

Get the JISULIFE Handheld Fan at Amazon

Whether you're lying on the beach or exploring a new city, don't let a bad sunburn ruin your vacation. With these UV detection stickers, you'll always know when it's time to re-apply sunscreen.

With each sticker good for up to 12 hours, an entire pack should last throughout your whole family vacation.

Get the SPOTMYUV UV Detection Stickers at Amazon

Prevent blisters before they start with the Body Glide Foot Glide Anti Blister Balm. Just apply to your feet to create an invisible barrier so you don't have to worry about painful blisters ever again. This balm came in incredibly handy during my 20,000-plus daily steps in Japan.

Get the Body Glide Foot Glide Anti Blister Balm at Amazon