Since June 21st, the official start of summer, I’ve done quite a bit. From proposing to my girlfriend in Illinois to attending my first-ever Tough Mudder in Kentucky to vacationing in the Caribbean (Nevis). It’s been an eventful few weeks and I don’t see it slowing down – even a little.

My Summer Vacation Must-Haves

Each of the aforementioned trips were drastically different from the next, though all of them had something in common; the things I brought with me. These items are not only my travel must-haves for 2016, but also my summer vacation must-haves as well.

Add these items to your packing list before you take your next vacation.


HEX Sling DSLR Bag

1. DSLR Sling Backpack 

If you’ve been following me long enough you know my love for taking photos. And since I take my big DSLR camera wherever I go I need a good camera bag that can accommodate my needs. I’ve found that a good camera sling backpack works best, especially if you have heavy camera equipment. The sling fits comfortably around your chest, while its design makes it easy to swing around to your front to unholster your camera when a photo-op presents itself.


360 Camera

2. 360 Camera 

Photographing your vacation has changed drastically over the last decade. I remember when disposable cameras were the norm; now it’s smartphones, action cameras, and other photo taking devices you’ve never heard of. The latest craze, outside of drones, is the use of 360-degree cameras. Facebook and YouTube both allow for 360-degree content, so naturally this is the perfect piece of tech for you to bring on your next vacation.


Rohto Eye Drops

3. Eye Drops

Whether I spend a day inside playing video games, binge watching my favorite TV shows, or adventuring somewhere under the hot, bright summer sun, I always have Rohto Eye Drops with me. You don’t realize how much discomfort your eyes have been in until you start using eye drops to refresh your eyes. It makes you feel like a new person, a feeling necessary for your next vacation.

There are two types of Rohto Eye Drops I like to take with me when on vacation:

  • Rohto Ice All-In-One Cooling Eye Drops are a fast acting eye care solution to help provide long lasting relief from red, dry, itchy, burning, gritty, irritated, watery and stinging eyes.
  • Rohto Cool Max Eye Drops are great if you suffer from the dreaded zombie eyes. I know this is all too well. Usually when I spend 3-5 straight hours playing the newest game that just came out. It isn’t pretty.

Keeping your eyes fresh and feeling new is the key to a successful vacation. Last thing you would want is to feel like a crusty old zombie walking around. Rohto has Freshkick Technology that delivers a fresh feeling while soothing and comforting your eyes for up to 8 hours.

Learn more about Rohto by visiting them on Facebook, YouTuber, and Twitter.


Putting on Sun Screen
Photo via Mommyish

4. Plenty of Lotion with SPF

There’s nothing worse than coming back from your trip with a glowing tan only to have it peel away days later. This is usually the result of poor moisturizing. I recommend having a small tube of lotion that has a hearty does of SPF in it. This way you don’t burn and your skin stays hydrated while you’re enjoying your time in the sun.


5. A Sense of Adventure

Cheesy? Perhaps. But if you don’t get off your butt and try something different than what’s the point? The next time you’re on vacation I challenge you to try something you’ve never tried before, whether it be an activity or food.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Rohto. The opinions and text are all mine.