Whether I am adventuring overseas or exploring my beautiful backyard in New Zealand, there a few staple items that have not left my side this season… Take a peek at my 10 summer travel essentials!

1.      Braven LUX Bluetooth Speaker

For too long, I have procrastinated buying a portable speaker. Thinking back to all the moments that could have been made better had they been filled with sweet beats, I’m so glad to FINALLY have my hands on the Braven LUX Speaker. Never before have I seen a Bluetooth speaker that is oh-so-aesthetically pleasing! The LUX’s visual appeal isn’t the only thing this little speaker has going for it- it’s certified water-resistant (pool party time!), has a 12+ hour battery life, built-in power bank and manages to be light enough to slip into your handbag. You can get your hands on your own Braven LUX Speaker here, or in store from Myer.

2.      Straw Boater Hat

If you’ve been on Instagram at all over the past six months, you probably would have noticed a Straw Boater Hat featured in the photos of almost every travel blogger out there. I’ll admit, I’ve totally conformed to the trend- this hat has become a staple item in my summer wardrobe and features in basically all of my photos. #sorrynotsorry #didireallyjustusethathashtag

#instagramisdoingbadthingstome

3.      Proof Ada Sunglasses

I’ve always been hesitant to invest in expensive sunglasses (I’ve sat on one too many pairs in my time) but I have finally seen the (sun)light! From the day I got my hands on them, I’ve hardly taken my Ada Sunglasses off. I love their sleek, stylish design and detailed wooden arms, but the best part about my shades are the lenses. No one ever told me how much better the world would look through high-quality, polarized glass! Proof Eyewear is the first brand to create sustainable sunglasses, and they also work to give a lot back to community. Proof, you are ticking some serious boxes!

4.      Leather Camera Bag

I am well over-due a new camera bag. When I can’t be bothered to lug around my favourite Langly Camera Backpack, I’ve been getting into the very bad habit of wrapping my camera in a piece of clothing and stuffing it in my handbag (seriously, don’t try this at home). I’ve never been a big fan of camera bags that very obviously look like camera bags. However, I have recently discovered that there are actually bags out there that are functional for carrying camera gear AND are aesthetically-pleasing, such as this lovely little leather one I found on Etsy!

5.      GoPro Hero Silver 4

I can no longer go on an adventure without my trusty little GoPro Hero Silver 4!

It’s beyond perfect for capturing all my action-packed moments, and it’s ideal being able to carry around a camera without worrying about dropping it or getting it wet. As I am yet to afford a waterproofing housing for my DSLR, my trusty GoPro takes all my underwater shots, and I am still blown away with the video and image quality of such a tiny camera! The best part about the GoPro Hero Silver 4 is the LCD screen on the back… It means you can check back and see how terrible the underwater selfie you took is, there and then. Seriously, if you are an avid adventurer, you need one of these in your life.

6.     Mischa Tote Bag

Can someone tell me why as women, we seem to need massive handbags to fit all our junk into, whilst guys are able to magically fit everything in their back pockets? I may never get to the bottom of this mystery, and until I do, at least I’ve got the perfect-sized bag to hold all my pointless bits and pieces! My Mischa Jet Set Tote is sleek, weatherproof, and delightfully multi-purpose, serving as my favourite travel/ beach bag.

7.      One-Piece Swimsuit

It’s important to always have a swimsuit in tow- you never know when you are going to spontaneously jump into a lake or climb over a fence and go swimming in your neighbour’s pool (joking… kind of). I’ve fallen in love with Peony Swimwear, in particular, the Dusk Keyhole One Piece.  I used to associate one-pieces with my primary-school swimming days, where you were forced to adorn the most unflattering swimming costumes and equally horrendous swim caps. Finally, one-piece swimwear has been redeemed! If one-pieces aren’t your thing, these classic ladies bikini briefs and tops make great staples.

8.      Comfy Pair of Sandals

If there is one thing that you NEED to get right when you are travelling, it’s shoes. I’m absolutely obsessed with my Windsor Smith Bondi Sandals– they are simple, go with everything, and they are so damn comfy. I’ve got two pairs that have travelled through 12 countries with me!

9.      Portable Phone Charger

Possibly one of the best inventions in the world, I don’t leave home without carrying my portable phone charger. Given the excessive amount of time I spend on my phone, paired with it’s horrendous battery life, this thing is a pocket-sized lifesaver.

10.  Summer Playsuit

In my experience, travel and playsuits go together like cheese and wine. And boy do I love cheese and wine. An all-in-one outfit that is both comfortable and allows me to do cartwheels whenever I feel the need- that is a big winner in my books. My favourite item in my wardrobe at the moment has got to be this little number by Bamboo Blonde– now that is what I call a playful playsuit!

Here’s to more sunshine, picnics, pool parties, road trips & endless adventures!

For more summer travel, read these next:

• 5 reasons why you NEED to visit Reykjavik this Summer
• Top 10 FREE Things to Do in Summer
• What to Pack for a Week in the Greek Islands

This post was sponsored by Braven. As always, all opinions are my own!