What To Wear & Pack For Your Next Summer Day Trip

Ah, Summer. Gotta love the warm weather and sun which just invite you to spend more time outdoors. The downside is that it’s the hottest time of the year so spending extended time outside can be uncomfortable, especially if you aren’t prepared.

Whether spending multiple days at Disney or the zoo, a day at the beach or doing a walking tour you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared and are as comfortable as possible during the hot summer day.
 

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Like most Americans, I do most of my travel during the Summer months. I’ve been on cruises to the Mediterranean, Central, and South America during the Summer. I also have lived the majority of my life in the southeast so I’ve spent my fair share of time at the beach, doing walking tours, or at amusement parks during the Summer.

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Over time, I’ve improved my preparation for Summer day trips where I’m spending long lengths of time outdoors, and wanted to share what I’ve learned. In this guide, I’ll be sharing my top tips and favorite products for a more comfortable Summer day trip.

Summer day trip gear at a glance

• Light, breathable clothing
• Comfortable shoes with lots of cushion
• Roomy backpack purse
• Snacks and water
• Electronics
• Sun protection
• Hand sanitizer and wipes

Clothing

It probably goes without saying that it’s best to wear lighter fabrics which can help you to stay cooler. I like to wear clothes that aren’t form-fitting and are made of breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or natural fabrics. If you tend to sweat a lot it can be helpful to wear wicking fabrics as they will quickly dry out.

Here are some summer clothing options

• Women's Sonoma Goods For Life® Belted Utility Capri
• Old Navy Mid-Rise StretchTech Shorts for Women
• Old Navy High-Waisted StretchTech Wide-Leg Crop Pants for Women
• Juniors' SO® Favorite Crewneck Short Sleeve Tee
• Juniors' SO Favorite V-Neck Short Sleeve Tee
• Opna Women's Short Sleeve Moisture Wicking Athletic Shirt

Shoes

It’s probably no surprise to you that shoes made the list. If you’re walking around you must wear comfortable shoes that have lots of cushion. Otherwise, you will start feeling it in your feet and lower back within a few hours.

My favorite shoe brand for Summer day trips is Naturalizer Soul. My mother turned me on to them and I bought two pairs of sandals to wear on my Mediterranean cruise during which I did a lot of walking. My feet or back didn’t hurt like they would when I would wear thin, cheap sandals.

Here are some comfortable walking sandals

• SOUL Naturalizer Detail Women's Platform Sandals
• Natural Soul Women's AVONLEE Flat Sandal
• MEGNYA Women's Comfortable Walking Sandal

Backpack purses

Back in the 90s, I had a few backpack purses and they were my go-to everyday bag. Once the 90s ended I abandoned the backpack purse and until recently was hesitant to start carrying one again. I am so glad that I gave in and bought one. It’s so handy for a day trip to Disney or taking a walking tour.

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If you get the right backpack purse you can fit a lot of items into it and not feel like you’re carrying a lot. I bought one recently from Ross. It has lots of pockets, is light, and is very roomy. I have been able to fit, get this, a neck fan, wallet, cell phone, portable charger, two sandwiches, a banana, water bottle, snack bag, and more in it!

Here are some backpack purses similar to mine

Snacks and water

Speaking of snacks and water, make sure to pack some for your day trip. I find that all of the walking and Summer heat make me thirsty and hungry. Yet, my budget doesn’t always allow me to buy something. Depending on where you go, purchasing something may not be an option even if it’s within the budget.

Even if I’m driving down the road for a quick trip to the store I take a water bottle with me. When I travel I use a water bottle that will keep my water chilled, is leak-proof, and can easily fit in my bag. Here is the one I’ve been using recently - Sfee 17oz Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle.

Here are some other water bottle options

• ZOUNICH Tritan BPA Free Water Bottle with Time Marker
• Arslo Stainless Steel Double Wall Water Bottle
• Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottle & Carabiner

For snacks, I like to take things like homemade sandwiches, trail mix, crackers, or dried fruit.

Electronics

I always take a few electronics with me on my day trips but try to keep them to a minimum. I take my phone which is used for communication, navigation, and taking pictures. I also take a portable charger or power bank so I can keep my phone charged. 

I’ve also started taking with me a portable neck fan. It has been a lifesaver during my Disney park trips. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and does a great job of cooling me down. This is the portable neck fan that I use.

Sun protection

When it comes to sun protection it’s not just your skin, but also your face, eyes, and hair that needs protection. When I go on a Summer day trip I try to plan to protect everything.

So I apply and carry sunscreen on my exposed skin.

I use a specific sunscreen for my face - Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Hydrating Water Gel, SPF 25.

I will wear sunglasses.

And I cover my head and/or face with a hat. I like packable and foldable hats like this one because they are easy to carry.

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Hand sanitizer and wipes

Last but not least, you’ve got to stay clean. Even before all that went down in 2020, I carried a couple of small bottles of sanitizer and disinfectant wipes with me. You never know when the bathroom will be out of soap or a bathroom isn’t even available.

I typically buy my hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes at Walmart or Target. For sanitizer, I purchase the travel size.

What do you wear and/or pack for a Summer day trip?