Packing for the best Disney trip, however, might feel a little overwhelming, leaving you not knowing where to begin. But never fear, we’re here to help you make magic with this thorough Disney packing guide. We’ve found plenty of travel necessities to help you keep packing low on stress so your trip can be high on fun.

The Best Luggage for Disney

The Disney parks have a lot to offer—the variety of things you can do at any of them is nearly endless. While it’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality, by packing smartly you’ll increase your odds of being ready for just about anything.

A good bag is crucial to start with. Travelers will love the versatility of the eBags Mother Lode Large Rolling Duffel, with its spacious capacity and many convenient pockets. Those who prefer hard-shell luggage will appreciate the smooth wheeling action and durable polycarbonate body of the Samsonite Omni. 

If you’re traveling with small children, the Trunki Ride-On Suitcase can help you keep kids moving along without tiring them out with too much walking. Alternatively, you can attach a Lugabug Travel Seat For Kids to your hard-shell suitcase, if you’d like to have a little more control over their movements. 

No matter what bag you choose, you’re going to want help to keep your belongings organized. The well-rated OlarHike 10 Piece Packing Cube Set will keep your clothing neatly contained, while the BeeGreen 6 Piece Shoe Bag Set protects your suitcase contents from your shoes. You’ll almost certainly want a wet bag for damp swimsuits and towels—this Little & Lourdes 2 Piece Laundry Bag Set is ideal, since it’s waterproof, odor-locking, and easily attaches to a backpack or diaper bag for carrying.

Before you go, don’t forget to attach a colorful tag with your contact info to each of your bags, like this Mifflin USA Luggage Tag that comes in a handy multipack.

The Best Day Bags for Disney

Pick a bag that can double as a personal item on the plane and also function as your day bag at Disney, carrying snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and various other necessities. 

The lightweight, iconic Fjällräven Kånken Classic works well for Disney since it features a deep main pocket and water-resistant body (in case of sudden rain). The backpack is designed to help you keep your posture good through the longest days, and it even comes in a mini-size, so kids can have one too.

If you’re more of a belt bag lover, the Everest Extra Large Fanny Pack has a surprisingly large capacity and pockets galore. Fun printed options for kids include the Choco Mocha Kids Fanny Pack In Outer Space and the Choco Mocha Kids Fanny Pack In Unicorn.

Of course, you should always have a folding tote on hand for any little extras you pick up during your Disney day. The ChicoBag Vita Reusable Tote folds up so small, it takes up almost no space, and it has a carabiner attachment so that you can hang it from just about anything.

The Best Clothing to Pack for Disney

Whether you’ll be at a park with water features or you just want to splash around in your hotel pool, you need a swimsuit, and Old Navy has a great variety. For parents, suits like this attractive Square-Ring Halter One-Piece or these fun Flex Board Shorts are good-looking and practical. Kids will like this cute Lattice-Back One-Piece, or these cool Dolphin-Hem Board Shorts.

For casual park exploration, consider picking up some of these simple and comfortable t-shirts and flat-front chino shorts for men and these high-rise linen shorts with a relaxed fit v-neck tee for women.

Children love anything from fun dressy clothing to casual and comfy options when they go to Disney. For the fancier kids, you can go simple yet cute from H&M with this sleeveless tiered sundress that’s perfect for twirling in, or full princess in this Little Mermaid dress with tulle skirt. Littles who prefer a more casual look can have fun with official Disney shirts like this Turn to the Dark Side top or a vintage-look Mickey ringer tee, paired with cotton four-pocket shorts from Benetton.

The Best Shoes for Disney

If you’re a really enthusiastic Disney fan, you’ll probably be at the parks from open to close. But even if you’re not quite that intense, you’re still likely to spend a lot of time at the park and on your feet. The shoes you choose will be a critical factor in how much fun you have during your park time, and how much energy you have left at the end of the day.

It’s tempting to wear sandals or flip-flops at Disney, but if you really want to be kind to your feet, you’ll go with a good sneaker to keep them protected and supported for hours of park walking. HOKA’s supportive Clifton 9 range comes in women’s, men’s, and kid’s models, allowing the whole family to enjoy their Disney adventure comfortably.

Good sneakers need good socks, and Hanes is a great brand for socks that keep your feet comfortable and dry. Some excellent options for families include Hanes Girls’ Cool Comfort Ankle Socks, Hanes Women’s Lightweight Breathable No Show Socks, Hanes Ultimate Men’s Socks and Hanes Boys Performance Ankle Socks.

Don’t forget to pack a pair of comfortable slip-ons for the hotel (and hotel pool) at the end of the day, like the Alegria Violette slides for Moms, the Teva Langdon for Dads, and the Children’s Place Unisex Buckle Slides for the kids.

What Toiletries to Pack for Disney

When arranging a trip for a family, the toiletries list can get long—everyone has different preferences and needs.

Start with this BagSmart Large Capacity Travel Toiletry Organizer, so that you can keep everyone’s cosmetics, sprays, lotions and soaps in one handy place. There are plenty of pockets for just about any toiletry you can think of, and a hanging hook so that you can keep your hotel bathroom counter space open.

Before you head to the parks, make sure everyone is protected from the sun. For adults, Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 on the body and Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70 on the face will keep your sunburn risk low. Then tackle the kids with Neutrogena Beach Defense Kids Sunscreen Spray SPF 70.

While you go about your day, keep some Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer With Aloe available to keep sticky little hands clean, and make sure you have some Band-Aid Flexible Fabric Bandages to put on any cuts and scrapes. Blisters can happen, so a pack of Compeed Advanced Blister Care Bandages can be useful as well, and they come in a variety of shades and sizes.

If you’re combining a trip to Disney with one to the beach, Johnson’s Baby Powder is great for removing sand after your fun in the waves. And don’t forget OFF Insect Repellant for Kids and OFF Family Care Insect Repellant to help keep mosquitos at bay.

A day of fun in the sunshine and water can leave you feeling sticky and sweaty once all is said and done. Once you get back to your hotel room, wash away the grime of the day with a moisturizing body wash and don’t forget to pack baby shampoo for tear-free clean-up. Aquaphor Healing Ointment can be good to have on hand for any skin irritations. 

What Electronics to Pack for Disney

Families that travel together more than likely don’t want to listen to everyone’s music together, which makes a few pairs of JBL Tune 760NC Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones or JBL Tune 230NC True Wireless Noise Cancelling In-Ear Earbuds essential for sweet traveling harmony.

Use short cables like this USB-A to Lightning or a USB-A to USB-C for fuss-free on-the-go charging with a high-capacity Anker Portable Charger, and make sure your devices are protected with screen protectors.

If you’re bringing a digital camera along, don’t forget to pack an extra SanDisk 128 GB SD Card, to ensure you can capture all the magical Mouse House memories you want.

Lastly, don’t forget a BagSmart Electronics Organizer Case to keep it all in.

Essentials to Pack for Disney

It’s the little things that keep you comfortable and happy during a long day at Disney. Here are a few essentials you shouldn’t leave behind.

Disney parks have water bottle stations everywhere, making it easy to stay hydrated if you have a refillable water bottle, like the Simple Modern Insulated Water Flask (also available in a kid’s version).. Simple Modern also offers a carrier sling in two sizes, so you don’t have to worry about how you’ll tote your bottle around.

A good way to stay cool is to have a rechargeable neck fan along with a four-pack of TowelTouch cooling towels in your park bag. And it’s always smart to keep one or two Totes Micro-Mini Umbrellas on hand in case of surprise rain, too.

It’s not a Disney trip if you’re not journaling your hidden Mickey sightings or getting autographs, so make sure you pack this Letterfolk Magical Day Passport Journal and a fun Mickey-themed autograph book and pen set.

Keep your vision safe in the sun with sunglasses—these Knockaround Fast Lanes are a great polarized option, or if you prefer a wraparound style, Suncloud’s Zephyrs might be more your thing. For kids, Knockaround’s Premiums will be a perfect fit (and even come in a fun shark-themed style). Don’t forget to add on a hat as well (because sunscreen alone shouldn’t be your only protection from the heat and UV rays) like this basic bucket hat, cute straw hat, or a fun kids’ Boonie Hat.

And of course, MagicBands help enhance your Disney experience—they can act as a roomkey (in Disney resorts), park pass, and food/souvenir purchase mechanism all in one. If you like planning ahead, you can grab one online at the official Disney store and get yourself set up ahead of time, so you can start using it as soon as you arrive.

The post The Ultimate Disney Packing List appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Here are our picks for the best backpacks for travel. 

Best Travel Backpack Made with Recycled Material – Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Made from 100% recycled polyester, this bag from Everlane is not only environmentally-friendly but functional too. 

Features include:

• 15-inch exterior laptop pocket
• Two water bottle pockets
• Luggage handle pass-through strap
• 17.5 x 12 inches

Most Durable Travel Backpack – YETI Crossroads 35L Backpack 

If you’ve ever owned one of their water bottles, you know YETI does not mess around when it comes to durability. Their Crossroads backpack is made with TuffSkin nylon- water and abrasion-resistant material. 

Features include: 

• Luggage pass-thru sleeve
• Shoulder straps padded with EVA Foam 
• Side zip for easy access to inside

Best Everyday Travel Backpack – Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0

It’s in the name – the Everyday Backpack from Lululemon is not just great for travel, but for your everyday use as well. 

Features include: 

• Water-repellant fabric
• Luggage loop
• Laptop sleeve

Best Convertible Travel Backpack – Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole 27L Tote Pack

Easily switch from backpack to tote with the Ultralight Black Hole backpack from Patagonia. 

Features include:

• It stuffs into its own pocket for easy storage
• Fairtrade certified sewn
• Double stretch-mesh water-bottle pockets
• Made from weather-resistant nylon

Best Suitcase Style Zipper Backpack – Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

This backpack from Cotopaxi has a zipper that goes all the way around the bag – like a suitcase – making it incredibly easy to pack and unpack. 

Features include: 

• Low-profile harness system
• Rain cover
• Security YKK zippers
• Tuck away straps

Sleekest Design Travel Backpack – Monos Metro Backpack

This sleek, compact backpack will hold everything you need for a short trip or that you want to take with you on an airplane for a longer trip. 

Features include: 

• 11.5 by 16.5 inches
• Available in nylon or vegan leather
• Privacy compartment made with waterproof fabric 
• Includes a Metro Classic Kit that easily attaches to the front and is perfect for toiletries and other accessories

Best Alternative to Carry-on Suitcase – Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L 

You may never use a rolling carry-on suitcase again when you get the 40L Tortuga Travel Backpack. It combines the convenience of a backpack with the space and organization of a suitcase. 

Features include:

• Hip belt
• Organizer panel
• Laptop sleeve 
• Made with durable, waterproof fabric

Best Backpack With Matching Luggage – Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack

For anyone who likes to have a matching luggage set, The Everywhere Zip Backpack coordinates with all of Away’s collections. It’s the perfect personal item to go along with their carry-ons and checked suitcases. 

Features include:

• Made with water-resistant material
• Padded straps
• Interior organization pockets

Best Mini Backpack for Travel – Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

The iconic Longchamp has created this insanely cute backpack to hold your basic essentials for your next trip. 

Features include: 

• Made from recycled polyamide canvas with an inside coating
• Zipped and snap closure
• Foldable for easy storage and transport

Best Backpack for Adventurers – Osprey Farpoint 40 ($185)

No matter if you are headed to an adventure in the wilderness or to a big city, the Osprey Farpoint 40 has you covered. Roomy, durable and convenient, this backpack is perfect for whatever comes your way. 

Features include:

• Dual front compression straps
• Internal compression straps that will keep your items secure
• AirScape® back panel that will keep you cool 
• Adjustable torso fit 

Best Budget Backpack – L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack

Nothing says durability like LL Bean, and you can count on that and more with their Stoaway Pack. 

Features include:

• Padded foam shoulder straps
• Folds into its own pocket
• Made from recycled water/soda bottles
• Adjustable waistbelt and sternum strap

Best Leather Backpack for Travel – Madewell The Lorimer Backpack

Made from rich Italian leather, the Lorimer backpack is fashionable and functional for all of your travel needs. 

Features include: 

• Interior pockets for organization
• Fringed pulls for easy opening and closing
• Compact style

Best Quilted Travel Backpack – MZ Wallace Metro Convertible Backpack

The unique style of this backpack will make you a standout while jet-setting. Easily carry it as a tote when you don’t want it on your back. 

Features include:

• Double top handle for easy conversion to use bag as tote
• Zip and drawstring closure
• Detachable pouch included
• Laptop sleeve

Best Travel Backpack for Men – Thule Aion Travel Pack 

The Thule Aion Travel Pack is practical and efficient, and will hold everything you need for a short trip or to use as your personal item for a longer trip. 

Features include: 

• Removable bag for toiletries, wet/dirty clothes
• Exterior padded laptop sleeve
• Water-resistant

Best Expandable Travel Backpack – BÉIS The Expandable Backpack

This compact backpack expands for times you need a little extra room for your essentials. 

Features include: 

• Water bottle pocket that can be stored away when not in use 
• 2-inch expandable gusset
• Trolley sleeve on back 
• Several interior pockets 

Best Compact Travel Backpack – Athleta Excursion Backpack

This compact yet functional backpack is perfect for long days of travel as well as taking with you while out and about on vacation.
Features indclude:

• Several pockets for easily storing items
• Water bottle holder
• Adjustable straps

Best Travel Backpack for Cities – Troubadour Ki Backpack

Stay fashionable and organized with the Ki Backpack from Troubadour. 

Features include: 

• Made with waterproof fabric
• Hidden pockets for quick access to phone and accessories
• Laptop sleeve 
• Ergonomic straps

Best Travel Backpack for Festivals – Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack

The removable foam cushion-come-seat pad in this backpack will become your best friend while on the road. While you’re walking around with a full backpack, it offers extra padding, and when you need to sit, pull it out and put it down for extra comfort. 

Features include: 

• Adjustable straps
• Snap together carry handles
• Water-resistant

Best Travel Backpack for Hiking – Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack

This lightweight backpack is perfect for whatever adventure comes your way. Fitted with the AirSpeed® ventilated suspension system, the weight of the backpack will melt off and keep it manageable.

Features include: 

• Internal hydration reservoir sleeve with back panel hose port
• Compression straps
• Hipbelt 
• Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment

Best Basic Travel Backpack Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack 

This no-fuss backpack will provide everything you need for a basic travel bag. With plenty of pockets and comfort features, this may be all you need! 

Features include: 

• Compression straps
• ID pocket
• Padded shoulder straps
• Expandable 

Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpack – Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 

You will relax knowing your items are safe in the Pacsafe Venturesafe backpack. The securable and puncture-resistant zippers can be locked with a padlock using a stainless steel cable,, and the fabric is cut-resistant, making it extra secure. 

Features include: 

• Shoulder and hip straps
• 6 pockets for easy organization
• 2 lockable main compartments
• 5-year warranty

Most Versatile Travel Backpack – Peak Design Travel Backpack 

This backpack will fit the needs of whatever trip comes your way. It meets international carry-on guidelines and has compartments for all of your essentials. 

Features include: 

• Expandable side pockets
• Quick access pockets
• Made with weatherproof fabric
• Compatible with Peak’s travel cubes

Most Colorful Travel Backpack – Topo Designs Rover 20L Backpack

This backpack from Topo Designs is available in your typical black or grey, but also bright yellows, greens and blues, making it a fun statement piece. 

Features include: 

• Padded laptop sleeve for laptop up to 13-inches
• Side compression straps
• Adjustable side pocket

Best Oversized Travel Backpack – REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+ 

The roominess of the main 60L REI Co-Op Ruckpack one will probably be all you need, but it comes with an extra 20L daypack that can be attached to the larger bag, or simply packed to be used as a smaller bag while sightseeing. 

Features include: 

• Access port that can hold hydration port
• Raincover
• Hipbelt
• Lockable zippers

The post The Best Travel Backpacks appeared first on SmarterTravel.

These hot travel gadgets can help you do just that—and more. Pack these travel tech toys on your next trip for an even smoother journey.

Ray-Ban Stories Sunglasses

Smart glasses have frequently been portrayed in movies as a futuristic technology, but the real-world innovation hasn’t quite caught up yet—until Ray-Ban and Meta launched their new Stories Sunglasses.

The Ray-Ban Stories look like the brand’s normal iconic sunglasses (available in classic frame shapes including the Wayfarer, Round, and Meteor styles) but hide dual 5 MP cameras in the corners of the frames. Equipped with voice control, these sunglasses let you snap a photo or record a video hands-free. 

Hidden speakers let you listen to music or take calls, all without pulling out your phone. The Ray-Ban Stories’ battery lasts up to six hours, and when you need to top up the battery, the glasses case doubles as a charger. 

Smartish Crown Joule Charging Cable

Tired of packing separate chargers for your phone, tablet, and headphones? Smartish’s Crown Joule Charging Cable helps you streamline things with three built-in chargers that will fit Micro-USB, USB-C, and Lightning ports. 

The cable is a lengthy 6 feet long, which comes in handy for hotels that don’t have outlets near the bed or airports where you have to sit far from a charging port.

Google Pixel Fold

Want to work, read, scroll, and stream all on one device when you travel? You might want to upgrade to Google’s new Pixel Fold, a new gadget that can be used as a phone with a 5.8” screen when folded, or unfolded to be used as a tablet with a huge 7.6” display. 

The 10.8 MP ultrawide rear lens is great for snapping travel photos without a tripod—simply fold the phone to act as its own stand, pose, and say, “Hey Google, take a picture.”

Apple Air Tag

This summer has been a record-breaking season for air travel, and there are plenty of nightmare stories about lost luggage. Keep an eye on your bag from afar with an Apple Air Tag. Slip it in your suitcase, and you can see where it is at all times using Apple’s Find My app.

GoPro Hero 11 Mini

When you’re on an extreme adventure, you don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy camera, pack the new GoPro Hero 11 Mini. This tiny camera takes the powerful technology found in the Hero 11 and makes it smaller, lighter, and easier to use. 

Although the downsized Hero 11 Mini weighs just 5.4 ounces, it’s still extremely durable. It’s waterproof and even features a battery designed to hold up in below-freezing temperatures. 

Portable Apple Watch Charger / Power Bank

The batteries in Apple Watches die notoriously quickly, so if you’re relying on yours for a long travel day, keep it charged with this portable watch charger and power bank combination.

This multi-functional charger can power up a watch or phone and has a built-in iPhone charging cable to keep things easy. The powerful battery can charge an Apple Watch up to 20 times and a phone up to two times so you never have to scramble for an outlet again. 

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post The Hottest Travel Tech for Summer 2023 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

With a timeless, understated style, these quiet luxury travel items will look classy no matter what country you’re in.

Randolph Aviator Sunglasses

American-made eye wear brand Randolph’s sunglasses are designed to last for a lifetime—and look stylish no matter the decade—thanks to the timeless styles. It takes over 6 weeks and 200 individual steps for every Randolph frame to be handcrafted, and then they’re topped off with durable lenses that have been used by military pilots for decades. 

The brand’s Aviators are particularly iconic and can be customized with a range of sizes, polarization, or even a hidden engraving. 

Unbound Merino Men’s Polo

A polo shirt that will hold its shape and not become threadbare after washing can be hard to find, but Unbound Merino’s Polo will last through years of wearing. Made from a durable Merino wool and Polyester blend, the polo features just the right amount of stretch while still delivering the benefits of Merino wool—anti-odor, anti-wrinkle, and temperature-controlling.

Pack this polo and wear it for days on end—you’ll still look pulled together.

Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend Bag

Spotted on the shows that sparked the quiet luxury trend, Succession and The White Lotus, Carl Friedrik’s Palissy Weekend Bag is the most elegant way to pack for a short trip. The surprisingly spacious main compartment can fit enough outfits for a weekend getaway, and three open fabric pockets help keep everything organized.

A unique curved design and upright construction helps the bag keep its shape through numerous trips (and makes it easy to pack).

Made from Vachetta leather, the Palissy is painstakingly assembled by hand in Italy, where no detail is too small to be overlooked. Every tooth in the zip, for example, is individually polished before added to the bag. 

Gobi Cashmere Dress

A classic black dress never goes out of style, and a 100 percent cashmere fabric elevates Gobi’s V-Neck Tunic Dress to quiet luxury status. This dress can be styled a number of different ways so you can wear it multiple times on a trip—with tights, cinched in by a belt, or with sleeves rolled up.

Made from the finest cashmere, Gobi’s clothing will resist the pilling and fading that can be a common problem with cheaper fabrics. 

Urbanista Phoenix Earphones

Even first-class flyers aren’t always near a power outlet. Fortunately, you can still drown out loud passengers around you with Urbanista’s Phoenix Earphones. These solar-powered earphones come with a streamlined charging case that continually recharges when exposed to light (even artificial light).

Available in a sleek black or pretty rose color, the earphones feature active noise-canceling technology that will help you block out any sounds you don’t want to hear.

Unbound Merino Travel Dress

We’ve finally found the perfect travel outfit. Unbound Merino’s Travel Dress is made from an ultra-soft and stretchy Merino wool/nylon/spandex blend that’s comfortable, anti-wrinkle, odor-resistant, temperature regulating, and fast-drying.

Available in classic quiet luxury colors like camel and black, this dress features a high scoop neckline and midi-length that’s appropriate for practically any occasion.

The post The 6 Best Quiet Luxury Pieces for Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Prime Day, Amazon’s biggest sale of the year will run July 11th through July 12th for 2023. To help you make the most of this mega savings event, I’ve put together a few tips and tricks to help you get the best deals.

If you’re not already a Prime member, now is a great time to sign up. If you haven’t been a Prime member in a while, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial and cancel after Amazon Prime Day with no charge.

Now you’re ready to shop. Here are a few Amazon Prime Day secrets to consider:

1. Download the app to see the “sneak peek deals” and add your must-haves to your list to get notified when they go on sale during Prime Day. (Here’s how to do it.)
2. Monitor Amazon’s deals page for the latest discounts.
3. Enter the daily giveaways leading up to Prime Day through the Amazon app.
4. Shop early deals from small businesses leading up to Prime Day.
5. Clip digital coupons to save even more on purchases.
6. Split the cost of a Prime membership by adding multiple people to your “Amazon household,” which allows you to share the benefits of your membership.
7. Check out new Just for Prime deals that are exclusively available to Prime members.
8. Easily find the best Prime Day deals by asking Alexa, “Alexa, what are my deals”?
9. Amazon Prime users can get one year of free delivery with GrubHub
10. Prime Members can earn a $15 Amazon Credit when uploading their first photo to the Amazon Photos app.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post 10 Amazon Prime Day 2023 Secrets That Will Save You Even More Money appeared first on SmarterTravel.

However, you don’t want the waterproofing to weigh you down. Too-heavy boots can strain your feet and legs, tiring you out faster. Lightweight boots can help keep you nimble and are also ideal for hiking trips where you’re worried about a weight allowance while packing. 

These five hiking boots combine the best of both worlds, offering waterproof protection in a lightweight package.

Merrell Antora 3 Mid Waterproof 

Merrell’s Antora 3 Mid Waterproof feels like a sneaker but offers the support of a hiking boot, and for good reason—it’s designed off of the company’s best-selling women’s trail running shoe. 

The shoe got upgraded to a boot with a more durable upper for added foot protection, trademarked FloatPro Foam pods under the heel and forefoot for extra cushioning, and an extra-grippy Vibram sole. 

The waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry no matter how many puddles you slog through, and these boots are comfortable right out of the box. 

Weight: 10.23 oz per shoe (women’s)

Saloman Cross Hike 2 Mid GTX

Stay light and nimble with Saloman’s Cross Hike 2 Mid GTX boots. Featuring a unique Quicklace system, these boots can be on an instant—and they won’t come untied at inopportune moments. 

A higher cut adds additional ankle support and protection, which combined with the Gore-tex exterior and deep lugs on the sole, help keep you surefooted even on the muddiest of trails.  

Available in a sleek all-black design, these boots can pull double duty for post-hike adventures in town.

Weight: 12.07 oz per shoe (women’s)

Lowa Innox Pro GTX Mid

Synthetic materials are generally better than leather when it comes to keeping things light. Lowa’s Innox Pro GTX Mid are 100 percent vegan, using man-made technology to provide an airy feel that’s sturdy enough for tough trails. 

The built-in Gore-tex lining is breathable to keep your feet dry (and not sweaty) even on hot or rainy hikes. 

Weight: 15.87 oz per shoe (men’s)

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX

Made from recycled materials, Hoka’s Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX  boots are kind to both the environment and your feet. Using the brand’s popular trail running shoe technology, the Speedgoat adds in Gore-tex waterproofing and a higher cut with a flexible collar for extra ankle support.

On the sole, Vibram’s Megagrip with Traction Lug keeps your footing stable even on loose soil or rocks. 

Weight: 10.30 oz per shoe (women’s)

Keen NXIS Explorer Waterproof

Feel a little cramped in regular hiking boots? Keen’s NXIS Explorers feature extra room in the front, giving your toes plenty of space to spread out. The Explorers are protected with Keen.Dry technology, a waterproof (yet breathable) membrane that will keep you dry no matter what. 

Not sure if these are the right boots for you? Keen has a great 30-day trial policy which lets you wear their shoes (even outside) for up to a month to see if you like them. 

Weight: 16.30 oz per shoe (men’s)

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post The 5 Best Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots for Travel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Capitalize on this knowledge (and help create special travel memories) by packing perfume for your next trip. Wearing a new fragrance for a trip can help tie that scent to a location—so every time you smell it, you’ll be flooded with positive reminiscences. 

Perfume is subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule by airport security, so it’s important to bring a travel-sized vial. (You also don’t want to worry about a full-sized version breaking in your bag). 

These are the seven best travel-sized perfumes to take on your next trip. 

Nateeva: St. Vincent and the Grenadines

What could be a more perfect perfume to pack for a tropical vacation than Nateeva’s St. Vinecnet and the Grenadines? Inspired by the island’s flora, the fragrance has notes of night-blooming jasmine, plumeria, orange flower, and violet leaf.  

Find it on Scentbird, a site that specializes in travel-size perfumes. You can make one-time purchases of specific fragrances, or sign up for a subscription to get a 30-day supply of different scents sent to you each month, so you’ll have lots to choose from for your next trip. 

Carnal Initiation: Initio Perfume 

Set the mood for your trip with Inito Parfums Prives. This high-end fragrance brand offers initiation sets that are perfectly travel-sized so that you can take its perfumes on the road. 

Choose from the Carnal or Hedonist lines—both will come with a coupon to redeem the price of the set towards a purchase of any of the full-sized fragrances once you decide which one you’ve fallen for. 

Vahy: Neon Neroli

Inhale the fresh neroli, orange flower, and bergamot notes of Neon Neroli and you’ll feel like you’re lounging by the sea in Capri with this Italian-inspired perfume.

All of Vahy’s natural and vegan perfumes are made without synthetic fragrances, denatured alcohol, phthalates, parabens, or other bad stuff you might not want to spray on your skin.

Diptyque: 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Sold Perfume

Don’t want to worry about your travel-sized perfume shattering in your bag? Opt for a solid option, which you can rub on wherever you want to add scent. Diptyque’s solid perfume balm is a good choice—and if you’ve ever been to the brand’s store in Paris, you might recognize the signature scent.

Crafted with amber, patchouli, rose, cinnamon, blackcurrant, and floral notes, it’s the perfect pick for a sophisticated city trip.

Maison Margiela: Replica Beach Walk Travel Spray

The easiest way to transport yourself to a tropical beach vacation—a spritz of Maison Margiela’s Replica Beach Walk perfume. This fresh solar scent is designed to smell like a day at the beach, complete with salty air and sunshine. Bergamot, pink pepper, and lemon keep things fresh while heliotrope, coconut milk, and musk add a touch of sweetness. 

Sol de Janeiro: Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ‘68 Beija Flor

Don’t limit your perfume to your skin—let your hair have some fun too. Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Crush Cheirosa mist was designed to be used on both hair and body (it won’t dry your hair out as regular perfumes might). 

This fruity-floral scent was inspired by the sunny gardens of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil with notes of Brazilian jasmine, pink dragonfruit, and vanilla.

Sephora Deluxe Mini Perfume Sampler Set

Prefer to have options for your trip rather than sticking to one scent? Sephora’s Deluxe Mini Perfume Sampler Set lets you try out six popular fragrances: Clean Reserve Skin, Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia, Marc Jacobs Daisy, Nest Baliense Coconut, Phlur Missing Person, and Versace Dylan Purple.

This money-saving set includes a certificate that you can redeem for a full size of any of the fragrances in the set. 

The post The 7 Best Travel-Size Perfumes appeared first on SmarterTravel.

OXO Venture French Press Coffee Maker

For the dad who still needs a great cup of coffee no matter how far from civilization he is, OXO’s Venture French Press Coffee Maker is the perfect gift. This travel-sized French press is made from a shatter-resistant, BPA-free plastic that’s durable to take camping, and weighs just over 2lbs., so it’s lightweight enough to take backpacking. Typically avoid French presses because your coffee turns out gritty? OXO’s version has the typical plunge filter, plus a secondary one built into the spout.

Scentbird Subscription

Does your dad need a new signature scent? A Scentbird subscription can help him find his next cologne—and give him a travel-friendly way to transport it through airport security. Simply take a quiz to help Scentbird learn your fragrance preferences, and they’ll send you a travel-sized refillable carrying case plus a new scent to try each month. Scentbird carries big name brands like Cartier and Michael Kors, as well as niche fragrance houses to discover. Be surprised with a scent or pick out a list of ones to try. 

ROAM Custom Luggage

It’s time to upgrade that battered old suitcase your dad has been carting around since before you were born. Save him from getting a boring black suitcase (that will inevitably get mixed up with someone else’s on the baggage claim carousel) with a custom suitcase from ROAM. Started by two former Tumi executives, ROAM luggage is made from the best possible materials to make a smooth-gliding, rugging suitcase. Send dad a gift card so he can spend hours on ROAM’s website creating his own custom carry-on or checked bag. 

ROAM’s suitcases can be customized in nearly endless ways, with nine color options available for the front, back, zipper, binding, wheels, carry handle, monograph patch, and lining. 

Customizable YETI Cooler

Whether your dad has a favorite sports team or wants to represent his alma mater, YETI’s personalized coolers will make him smile every time he reaches for a beverage. You can even add a personalized water bottle or travel mug for a complete set.

Cadence Travel Containers

Help your dad stay ultra-organized on the road with Cadence Travel Containers. These perfectly travel-sized, leak-proof, refillable containers can hold medication, sunscreen, shampoo, shaving cream, or any other toiletries. The labels can be customized to fit dad’s routine, and all the containers are magnetic to help them stay together in his toiletry bag. 

Bonus: Unlike most travel containers, the Cadence are dishwasher safe, so they can be easily cleaned after every trip. 

Flaviar Whiskey Club

A Flaviar Club Membership is the perfect gift for the worldly whiskey connoisseur. Memberships come in a monthly, three-month, or yearly subscription and members can choose to receive themed Tasting Boxes featuring whiskeys from around the world or full bottles. Members also receive discounts, access to Spirit Lovers online resources, and free shipping on purchases over $60.

World Travel: An Irreverent Guide

For Anthony Bourdain fans, foodies, or anyone who loves a good story, World Travel: An Irreverent Guide is the perfect book to gift. This last book by Anthony Bourdain features stories from the explorer himself, as well as essays from his friends, family, and colleagues. The book takes readers on a culinary tour around the world, offering travel advice alongside entertainment.

Goldbelly Food Delivery

Whether it’s a childhood food your dad still reminisces about or a local delicacy from a trip he can’t stop talking about, a delivery from Goldbelly can satisfy a craving without leaving home. Goldbelly delivers iconic foods from across the country, carefully packaged to arrive fresh and ready to cook (if necessary). You can get authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks from Pat’s King of Steaks, Chicago deep dish pizza, New York City bagels from H&H, lobster rolls from Maine, and pretty much any other type of food you’re in the mood for delivered right to your door.  

The post The Best Father’s Day Gifts for Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Chubbies’ Everywear Shorts

No matter where you’re headed this summer, you’ll want to pack Chubbies’ Everywear Shorts. These versatile, quick-drying shorts can be worn from the beach to the boardwalk, without changing in between. A zippered back pocket keeps your wallet secure (just remember to take it out before you get in the water) and wrinkle-resistant fabric means the shorts will look good no matter how poorly you pack. 

Unbound Merino Wool V-Neck T-Shirt

Wool might not sound like the best material for summer, but it is when it’s merino wool. This amazing fabric is temperature regulating, fast-drying, and odor-resistant: all properties you want in your summer travel clothes. This Merino Wool V-Neck T-Shirt from Unbound Merino can be worn on a hike or to dinner (and can go the whole trip without needing to be washed.) For even hotter days, try their loose yet flattering tank top or more fitted active tank top.

SideTrak Solo Touch Monitor

Planning on working from a beach house this summer? SideTrak’s Solo Touch Monitor will help keep you productive—so you can finish your work quickly and actually get out and enjoy the beach. This thin freestanding monitor has a folding stand and can be packed down into your laptop bag, so you can have a second screen anywhere you go.

LIVSN Design Trail Tights

With insects, ticks, and chilly summits to contend with, sometimes tights are a better summer hiking choice than shorts. LIVSN Design’s Trail Tights are made from a recycled nylon/spandex fabric blend that’s more rugged than regular tights. Four pockets make these tights just as functional (but more comfortable and stylish) than regular hiking pants.

Takeya Cold Brew Maker

Love cold brew but hate paying $5 a cup? Takeya’s compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker lets you make delicious cold coffee anywhere you go this summer. A leakproof lid makes the coffee maker travel-friendly and even allows it to be stored on its side (which is great for using in a hotel minifridge). Simply fill the fine-mesh coffee filter with grounds and the shatterproof container with water and let it steep. You’ll have fresh cold brew coffee in 12-24 hours. 

Coleman Rolling Cooler

Beach days are better when accompanied by cold beverages, and Coleman’s Rolling Cooler makes it easy to bring chilled drinks and food with you anywhere. The cooler features heavy-duty wheels that will roll over any terrain, making it easy to haul (even when it’s full.) The cooler even doubles as a seat, with a lid that can support up to 250 lbs. Ice will stay cold for up to five days, so the Coleman is great for camping as well. 

Supergoop Every Single Face Sunscreen

Sunscreen is probably the most important item to pack this summer. Hate the greasy feel and white cast of regular sunscreen? Give Supergoop’s new Every Single Face sunscreen a try. Billed as a “watery lotion,” this sunscreen has SPF 50 but is so lightweight it feels like nothing on your face. 

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post The Summer 2023 Travel Essentials Guide appeared first on SmarterTravel.

SeaVees Balboa Court Shoe

Add a sporty spin to your travel wardrobe with SeaVees’ Balboa Court Shoe. This white cotton twill sneaker features an eye-catching grosgrain stripe detailing that sets the shoes apart from standard white pairs.

The Balboas look casual, but feature some serious comfort details, including a cushioned memory foam footbed with cooling airflow channels and a responsive “power grip” outsole.

M. Gemi The Palestra Uomo

Show off a hint of Italian style with the Palestra Uomo. The rubber sole and soft footbed give you solid traction and optimal comfort throughout the day, and the white laces blend perfectly with the white leather upper giving these shoes a clean and classic aesthetic made for dressing up or down.

Rothy’s The Lace-Up

After your trip, you toss all your dirty clothes into the washing machine—so why not add your shoes in as well? You can if they’re Rothy’s Lace-Up sneakers, a clean white pair of shoes that will always remain pristine since they’re machine-washable. Simply remove the ultra-cushioned footbed and toss both the insole and the sneaker in the washing machine. They’ll emerge looking fresh out of the box white again in no time. Out of all my shoes, the stylish Lace-Ups are the ones that most consistently garner compliments (and “where did you get those” questions) during my travels.

Adidas Stan Smith

Popular around the world, Adidas’ iconic Stan Smith sneakers go with any outfit and fit in anywhere. Opt for the all-white model or let your personal style shine through with pops of color on the heel and tongue. Either way, the excellent arch support and cushioning mean you’ll be packing (or wearing) these on every trip.

Thousand Fell Lace Up

Hate having dingy sneakers? Get irrationally mad when someone steps on your white shoes? Thousand Fells Lace Up sneakers might be for you. These sneakers are stain proof, odor-resistant, and feature a water-resistant coating so liquids and dirt slide right off. When you’re ready for a new pair, send them back to Thousand Fell (using a free label) where they will be refurbished and given to someone in need or recycled—and you’ll get a credit towards a new pair.

Keds Champion Original Lace Leather

Keds are a classic for a reason, and the Champion Originals Leather is the brand’s most timeless style. Made out of 100 percent leather, with no embellishments or excessive design, these are the shoes for people who just want a simple white sneaker.

Superga COTU Sneaker

Superga’s low-profile and lightweight classic sneakers are easy-to-pack (and easy to pair with anything in your travel wardrobe). The cotton unlined canvas upper is great for summer. A cushioned footbed, sturdy outsole, and soft lining make these shoes much more comfortable than they appear.

Taos Plim Soul Sneaker

Need a pair of shoes you can wear for an entire trip (without becoming offensively odorous)? Taos’ Plim Soul Sneakers are lined with a breathable canvas that’s been treated with a special odor-shield to keep your shoes stench-free. A trademarked Curves and Pods footbed has been designed to provide incredible arch and metatarsal support so you can wear these in comfort for many miles. 

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post The 8 Best White Sneakers for Travel appeared first on SmarterTravel.