Packing Essentials for 4th of July Travel

Whether your travel takes you to a beautiful sandy beach, a mountain getaway or small town, here's our checklist for a stylish and festive 4th of July.
Packing Essentials For The 4Th Of July
Photo: Stephanie McCabe on Unsplash

Dreaming of driving through amber waves of grain, past  purple mountain majesty or to a shining sea?

Then pack your bags and head out on a festive getaway for 4th of July – and the summer beyond. We get you – and we’ve been there, done the shopping and made the list of packing essentials for a stylish and festive getaway.

Summer vacations are meant to be laid back and relaxing – so don’t stress over critical items you forgot to pack. Having all the essentials in your bag helps the trip go smoothly — and we have you covered.

Related: 8 Killer Tips to Pack a Car for the Best Holiday Road Trip

The Essentials:

Headphones

If you are traveling with kids, you will want these so you don’t have to listen to their music or games for the entire ride. Headphones can also be a great way to prevent car sickness for anyone with sensitive tummies.

Shop it: Wireless Bluetooth headphones and earbuds

Waterproof Speaker. Photo: Amazon
Waterproof speaker. Photo: Amazon

Waterproof Speaker

Whether you are at the lake camping or lounging by the pool, playing your favorite jams are a must. A waterproof speaker is great for all occasions and can take on the outdoor elements. There are plenty of rechargeable, wireless bluetooth options if you don’t want to worry about plugging anything in.

Shop it: Cute to camouflage waterproof speakers

Cooler

It’s not a holiday unless you have plenty of foo!. Load up the cooler with drinks, fresh fruit, and sandwiches. Plus it helps cut back on anyone getting hangry. You might even want to look into an in-car cooler; it’ll cut down on the mess caused by ice, and you can make sure everyone has access to their snacks while you’re on the go.

Shop it: Coolers of all sizes and shapes

Insulated Water Bottle

Reusable water bottles are not only good for the environment, but they are budget-friendly and they keep your cold. Which is especially needed when outside during the summer.

Shop it: The best water bottles for travel

Related: Is Your Car Ready for Summer Hiking Trips?

Trash Can. Photo: Amazon
Trash can. Photo: Amazon

Car Wastebasket

I like my car staying clean and organized, so having a trashcan is a must, especially if you are going to be eating snacks or meals in the car. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — even a spare plastic bag will do. But there are great options that hang on the back of seats so your kids will have access, too!

Shop it: Travel trash bins

Sunscreen

Perfect to keep handy in the car so you can apply easily when stopping at any cool roadside attractions.

Shop it: Sunscreen for home and travel

Water Shoes. Photo: Amazon
Water shoes. Photo: Amazon

Water Shoes

Splashing through puddles, hiking in the woods, snorkeling, kayaking, or tubing down the river, water shoes are a must. These types of shoes not only cut down on the shoes you need to pack but have great support and perfect for your outdoor adventures.

Shop it: Water shoes for everybody

Body Wipes

Going from enjoying your day outdoors and then straight to dinner, you might not have time to shower. Body wipes let you freshen up when in a hurry.

Shop it: Wipes for every body

Cover Up Amazon
Cover up. Photo: Amazon

Bathing Suit Coverup

Having a bathing suit coverup is great for spending all day by the pool or lake, yet looking dressed for the barbecue at night. No need to bring extra clothes or finding time to get ready before dinner.

Shop it: We love these coverups with style

Straw Hat

Keep the sun out of your eyes and face from burning with a wide-brimmed straw hat. You don’t want to miss the fireworks due to a sunburn!

Shop it: Cute straw hats we love

Sunglasses. Photo: Amazon
Sunglasses. Photo: Amazon

Sunglasses

You’ll be wearing these sunglasses for every outdoor event and photo, so you better make them cute!

Shop it: The most stylish sunglasses

Don’t Forget to Pack:

  • 1-2 swimsuits
  • Underwear & bras
  • T-shirts
  • Shorts
  • 1-2 sundresses
  • Flip Flops
  • Tennis shoes
  • Toiletries

It’s hard to remember everything you need to pack for a trip. But this list makes it easy! From sunscreen and swimsuits to coolers and straw hats, this list will help you not to forget the essentials so you can have the best 4th of July getaway!

Chastity Velasquez
Chastity Velasquez

Chastity is the creator of cowboyslifeblog.com, a guide for affordable family travel destinations, amazing recipes and fun outdoor adventures.

When she’s not writing or planning her next vacation, you can find her hiking through trails, sipping on sweet tea or cheering on her son at his sporting events.

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