Tropical Vacation Essentials: What to Pack to Beat the Summer Heat



The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout. E! makes a commission on purchases.
If you've got a tropical vacation coming up, first of all, I'm jealous. And second of all, it's time to start doing some vacation prep.
After you've fake-tanned and removed unwanted body hair, it's time to start thinking about packing your suitcase. As someone from Florida, I know a thing or two about the heat and humidity, and I can tell you that tropical climates call for a very specific packing list, especially if you want any chance at beating the heat.
Luckily, I did you the favor of rounding up all of my warm-weather must-packs that will help you keep cool on your upcoming tropical getaway, from the beach to the rainforest.
Whether you're heading out on a road trip for a family beach vacation or hopping on a flight to relax in a tropical destination, consider this your ultimate guide to packing for your next tropical vacation.
Sun protection is a must-have for any beach day, so obviously, we included plenty of sunscreen options, including a handy face stick with SPF that makes reapplying a breeze. Another beach vacation essential? A cover-up to throw on top of your swimsuit and a good sun hat to keep your face out of the sun.
If your tropical vacation includes a road trip, we recommend bringing a cooler, like the backpack one included from Corkcicle, as well as a good beach chair. The one we found even reclines—talk about luxury!
Ready for your tropical getaway? Don't forget to pack these must-have essentials to help you fully enjoy your vacation.
Have sweaty hair from laying out in the sun but aren't ready to hop in the shower and wash it just yet? This showerless shampoo is the answer.
Evenly spray this product through your roots, towel dry, and your hair will be free of any build-up.
Unlike a dry shampoo, this formula actually removes sweat and dirt as opposed to just absorbing oil.
No beach or pool day is complete without some cold beverages, which is why you need to have this handy cooler on deck.
Available in several pretty colors, this easy-to-tote backpack can fit up to 12 cans (or two wine bottles) and will keep your beverages cold for hours.
A good beach chair is worth the investment and this pick from SUNNYLIFE proves it.
This one has all of the features you need for a relaxing day in the sun, including a padded headrest, two cup holders, and a zippered cooler pocket.
Most importantly, it reclines!
Struggle with oil control? This setting spray will help keep your makeup in tact, no matter how humid.
Featuring an ultra-fine mist, it mattifies the skin and controls oil so you can remain shine-free for hours.
No one wants a sunburn, so be sure to pack on the SPF.
This face and body option has SPF 30 and provides soothing hydration thanks to ingredients including prickly pear extract and baobab oil.
Boasting SPF 50, this face stick makes reapplying sunscreen easy and mess-free. Plus, it won't take up much room in your purse or beach bag.
The formula includes shea butter and vitamin E for added skincare benefits.
If you want any chance of sweat-proofing your makeup, you're going to need this mattifying primer.
Not only does the fast-absorbing formula control oil and shine, it blurs fine lines and texture.
If you're going somewhere hot and tropical, your'e going to need a stylish hat to shield your face from the sun.
This stunning straw cowboy hat is just the thing. Featuring a woven rose pattern, it has a wide brim ideal for blocking out sun.
Whether you're getting in your hotel room or chilling by the beach, nothing sets the mood quite like the perfect playlist, which is why you need this portable speaker.
Cute and compact, it won't take up valuable space in your suitcase.
Packing this aluminum-free deodorant if a no brainer if you want to prevent BO.
It contains deodorizing ingredients and prebiotics to stop smells before they happen. The coconut water and sandalwood scent is pretty scrumptious, too.
This beach bag is what happens when two iconic brands collab.
It's the beloved Lands' End canvas tote that you know and love with an Andie twistadorable beach—themed patches.
Senior editor Lily Rose owns one and says it's perfect. "I use it for everything from groceries to an overnight bag. It's massive and includes so many pockets!"
Nothing ruins a beautiful day outside quite like bug bites.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes and other creepy crawlies, be sure to stash this bug spray in your bag. It smells like cedarwood, peppermint, and rosemary, in addition to preventing bug bites.
If you're taking a lunch break by the pool, you'll want this cover-up to throw on top of your bathing suit.
Its silky fabric has UPF 50+, which means it will block out nearly all of the sun's harmful rays. Plus, its collar and pleating gives it an elegant flair.
Chilling on lounge chairs by the beach or pool will be way more comfortable when you have this cylindrical striped pillow with you.
Because the pillow is inflatable, it won't take up any precious room in your suitcase.
eonline