Phone charger, extra camera battery, underwear… there are some items that we ALL highlight and circle 5 times on our “Don’t Forget to Pack” travel to-do lists. But what about those items that are your must-haves, and yours only? We asked some of our favorite jetsetting digital friends where they’re heading this summer, and for their #1 travel essential. (Some gave us #2 too.) Check out these unique picks – whether you’re traveling with 4 kids or flying solo, something here will surely help make your trip more convenient or glamorous.
WHO: As the community manager at Daily Grommet, which features daily useful items that have yet to hit the big time, we wondered what quirky grommet Tori Tait packs for her summer trips.
SUMMER DESTINATION: Every summer, my family and I set sail on a houseboat for a week-long (technology free!) vacation. Our trip involves endless days of boating, swimming and soaking up the sun.
CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT IT: One of my #1 travel must-haves is the water bobble. Staying hydrated is a must when traveling (and especially for those sun-soaked trips). The bobble is great because it allows you to ditch using those disposable plastic bottles, you just refill this one wherever you happen to be. The built in filter cleans the water as you drink — it’s so convenient and great for the environment which is a plus in my book!
WHO: Formerly known as “have kid will travel,” we wondered what makes Family Rambling editor Jody Halsted‘s family vacations the easiest they can possibly be.
SUMMER DESTINATION: We are looking forward to a trip to Eureka Springs this year. This beautiful town in the Ozarks of northern Arkansas became a resort for ”taking the waters” in the late 19th century. The town is filled with historic hot springs spas and hotels and is also famous for its Passion Play. Nearby a castle is being constructed using a 13th century design, tools and techniques. It will take about 20 years to build.
CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT IT: My #1 travel essential is a pair of cute but comfortable shoes. Or two. I turn to Crocs for this, as the shoes are cute, water resistant and very comfortable. I have walked one end of Walt Disney World to the other in a pair of Crocs wedge heels and never had sore feet!
WHO: Traveling to wellness should be everyone’s travel goal this summer, so we asked Anne Dimon of Travel to Wellness what she can’t live without on her journey.
SUMMER DESTINATION: I’m planning an extended road trip to the province of Quebec to check out spas, fitness adventures, culinary tours and festivals, and beautiful, scenic places to just “be.”
CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT IT: I always pack my running gear, laptop, camera, plus sunscreen – my fav is ColoreScience‘s mineral powder sunscreen.
WHO: Founder and CEO of AHAlife Shauna Mei spends her days curating WOW-products for her website, but how does she curate her suitcase contents for her many getaways?
SUMMER DESTINATION: I’m going to Rio Fashion Week the 1st week of June to kick off summer, pretty excited for that.
CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT: This Card Speaker couldn’t be tinier for traveling; those iPod docs in hotels never work with the iPhone. Also, instead of my three step beauty regime, when I travel, I just bring this Argan Oil set - for face, body and hair. And psst, I always bring my leather notebook to write poetry when I fly… my secret hobby. I never share my poems.
WHO: We were curious as to what’s in Erika Johnson‘s suitcase, who blogs her inspirations from interiors to her favorite destinations on Radiant Republic.
SUMMER DESTINATION: This summer, I plan to spend a lot of time on the beach in Cape Cod.
CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT IT: Because I love the smell of salt water and sun tan lotion, I can’t get enough of the Bobbi Brown Beach scent, which seems to capture both. I especially love the oil, which gives my skin an extra glow during summer nights.
WHO: What about someone who’s LIFE is a vacation? We asked Hawaiian Sarah Burns, The Ohana Mama, what she needs on vacations… although why would she ever leave!?
SUMMER DESTINATION: San Diego and and Laguna Beach at the end of July
CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT: This is a must-use for those traveling with kids…the Trunki holds a ton of clothes, locks for safety, and best of all acts as a ride on toy for those long walks in the airport. My three year old sat on it while my 6 year old pulled her. It rocks! ALSO – when staying at a hotel we all want to reuse our towel, but with them all being white, it’s hard to make sure you aren’t sharing cooties with your family. I’ve created Tag a Towels just for that purpose! You simply choose your tag color, clip it to your towel, then reuse your towel with confidence, not cooties! I’m launching in July! Everyone can sign up at to receive 10% off once we launch :)
Spa Week has joined forces with two health and wellness powerhouses: The Today Show’s nutritional expert, Joy Bauer and America’s favorite kick-butt getaway, The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge in Malibu, CA (where they actually film the hit TV show!). From now until Sunday, September 11, you can enter to win a complete lifestyle makeover package to get you on the Fast Track to Health. 
Hopefully by now Joy has helped you kick that soda drinking habit… now get ready to transform your health like a real VIP with the chance for this life-changing experience. Good luck!
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