The Summer Vacation Packing List You Need: Editor-Approved Skin Care, Makeup, Accessories & More

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With warm weather, talks of your summer vacation packing list fast approach. The season of booking flights with friends, day-long beach trips, and poolside naps is well on its way. Though even when you decide where to travel and stay, the question of what to pack remains — often up to the last minute. Are you going to shove everything and anything that can fit into your suitcase the night before? Or have you meticulously planned out all of your getaway outfits after triple-checking the weather forecast for the weekend?
Whether you consider yourself a chronic over-packer or a bare-bones traveler, deciding what to bring along for the journey and leave behind takes some time figuring out. Yes, a catch-all handbag and suitcase are must-haves, but beyond that, having versatile pieces, comfortable footwear, swimsuits, and TSA-approved skincare for an array of activities are all items that come along with a trip itinerary.
Below, we’ve compiled all the travel essentials (plus some essential non-essentials, of course) to get you through summer vacation. From beach-ready claw clips and statement beach towels, to vintage carry-on bags and every travel-size beauty product imaginable, Teen Vogue’s got you covered, so you no longer need to pull an all-nighter to prep for your big trip. Here's our vacation packing list for a suitcase that's just as beautiful as the destination.
For the Traveler Who Packs an Outfit for Every OccasionAirport loungewear, coordinating bikinis, and all, they know what they are wearing and where they are wearing it. It’s impressive — inspiring almost — how they manage to fit a dozen outfits in their carry-on and still have space to shop. They’ve got packing and jet-set style down to a science.
Away
The Bigger Carry-OnAway
The WeekenderCeremonia
Perfume De La TierraCeremonia
Dry ShampooA vacation is all about curation to this traveler. Sunrise or golden hour, they know the best time of day to visit a destination and are thinking of how to most-compellingly sequence the Instagram photo dump. They’re probably already working on the playlist for the trip now.
Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs Silver & Off-White The Nano Tote Bag Charm KeychainMarc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs Silver The Sticker Charm NecklaceIt is already the fifth souvenir shop you’ve visited on the trip, and this traveler says they will just buy one or two more but leave with bags full of trinkets. At least you'll never lose them on vacation because you can hear their keychains jangle from a mile away.
Swarovski
Swarovski Cat-eye Shape Silver Tone SunglassesNotte
Notte x Squigs Daydream Pearly Claw ClipYour day may be packed with activities and outings, but for them, the pool is their one and only plan — and they want it to stay that way. They’re on a steady rotation of reading, suntanning, napping, and listening to music from early morning to sunset.
For the Traveler Who Says “Let's Take the Scenic Route”No walk, trek, or run is too far for them. Even when the rest of the friend group is trailing far behind and out of breath, this traveler takes a light jog and revels in the challenge. They know all the hiking spots within a 15-mile radius, and you best bet they’ll drag you to every one of them.
Apple
AirPods Max (Lightning - Green)MERIT
The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer StickSalomon
XT-WhisperLacoste
Aura Runway SneakersSTAUD
Christos Large Mesh Tote Jade GinghamThe Traveler Who Loves the Beach but Refuses to Touch the Sand wears Marc Jacobs The Tote and the Anya Hindmarch pouch.
They think the beach is “cute” and the native plants “so unique,” but really only from afar. They’d rather go glamping or stay indoors all day, and it is likely they have an airport Clear-complex.
For the Traveler Who Makes the Itinerary Down to the Minuteteenvogue