I spent most of my career looking at blueprints and managing timelines, always racing against a clock that never seemed to stop ticking. But lately, I’ve learned that the best parts of a journey aren’t found in how many cities you can check off a list, but in how much of the scenery you actually manage to see. We often make the mistake of overpacking heavy gadgets or rushing through terminals, only to realize we’ve brought everything except the ability to actually relax. Finding the right summer travel essentials isn’t about having the most expensive gear; it’s about selecting a few reliable companions that allow you to linger a little longer over a midday espresso or a quiet view of the coast.
In the following notes, I’ve put together a small, curated list of five things that have become my go-to’s for a season of wandering. These aren’t your typical tourist checklists; rather, they are the practical tools that help me stay present and comfortable, no matter how far the road leads. I hope these suggestions help you pack a little lighter and breathe a little deeper as you head out into the warmth of the season.
Table of Contents
A Pair of Broken-In Walking Shoes
I’ve learned the hard way that there is no substitute for a reliable pair of shoes that have already seen some miles. When I was managing construction sites, I lived in heavy work boots, but these days, my travels require something a bit more nimble. I always make sure my walking shoes are well-worn and molded to my feet before I even think about booking a flight. There is nothing quite as soul-crushing as being halfway through a beautiful afternoon in a new city and realizing your feet are screaming for mercy.
Lightweight Linen Layers
There is a certain elegance to linen that a synthetic, moisture-wicking shirt just can’t replicate. While the younger crowd seems obsessed with high-tech fabrics, I find myself reaching for linen every single summer. It breathes with you, allowing the air to move against your skin even when the midday heat feels heavy. It’s a bit more unpretentious than a crisp cotton shirt, and frankly, I’ve grown to love the way it wrinkles naturally after a long lunch.
A Small, Analog Camera
My old Leica has become a constant companion on my travels, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Digital photography is wonderful for capturing a thousand shots in a minute, but it often feels like a race to document everything. With an analog camera, I find myself being much more intentional with my gaze. I have to wait for the light to be just right, and I have to think carefully about the composition before I ever press the shutter.
A Sturdy, Leather-Bound Notebook
People often ask why I bother carrying a notebook when I have a smartphone in my pocket. To me, there is a profound difference between typing a note and feeling the weight of a pen against paper. My little notebook is where I sketch the landscapes that catch my eye while I’m sitting at a sidewalk cafe, and it’s where I jot down the names of the local wines or the specific shade of blue in a Mediterranean cove.
A Reusable Water Flask
It might seem like a mundane item, but a good, insulated water flask is perhaps the most practical tool for a slow traveler. Staying hydrated is the simplest way to keep your energy steady so you don’t find yourself feeling depleted by mid-afternoon. I prefer one that is simple and durable—something that can be tossed into a bag without a second thought and won’t leak on my sketches.
A Few Final Thoughts Before You Set Off
Don’t let the pursuit of the “perfect” gear distract you from the actual experience; the best things you bring along are the ones that allow you to be present.
Pack for the unplanned moments—the extra hour spent at a roadside café or the unexpected detour through a quiet garden—rather than just the itinerary.
Remember that travel is less about how much you see and more about how much you allow yourself to actually notice.
The Weight of What We Carry
When you’re packing for a summer journey, don’t just think about what you need to get through the day; think about what you need to actually be present for it. The best things we carry aren’t the gadgets that keep us connected to the world we left behind, but the simple tools that allow us to sit still, breathe deeply, and truly see where we are.
Bernard Oyelaran
A Final Thought Before You Depart
As I sit here in this little cafe, looking over my notebook and checking my gear, I’m reminded that these items aren’t just about utility. Whether it’s that reliable pair of walking shoes that carries you through an afternoon of wandering, or a simple linen shirt that keeps you comfortable during a long, sun-drenched lunch, these essentials are really about removing the friction from your journey. When you aren’t fussing with uncomfortable clothes or worrying about your gear, you leave more room in your mind to actually see the world. It’s about being prepared, but not preoccupied, ensuring that your physical needs are met so your spirit can wander freely.
At the end of the day, the most important thing you can pack isn’t something you can find in a shop. It’s the willingness to let your itinerary crumble a little bit. If you find a side street that looks interesting, take it. If a meal lasts three hours because the conversation is too good to end, let it. The best parts of travel are rarely the landmarks we check off a list; they are the quiet, unscripted moments that happen when we finally stop rushing. So, pack your bags, leave the stress behind, and remember that the goal isn’t to see everything, but to truly experience something.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you balance packing enough for comfort without weighing down your bag too much for long walks?
That’s the eternal struggle, isn’t it? I used to think more was better, but my back certainly disagreed. Now, I follow a simple rule: if I wouldn’t wear it on a three-hour walk through a new city, it stays home. I stick to lightweight, breathable layers that can be dressed up or down. It’s better to arrive with a light bag and a bit of extra space for a local find or a heavy book.
Are there any specific types of cameras or film you'd recommend for capturing those soft summer light scenes?
For those golden, hazy afternoons, I always reach for my old Canon AE-1. It’s steady in the hand and handles light beautifully. As for film, you can’t beat Kodak Portra 400. It has this wonderful, creamy way of rendering skin tones and soft shadows that digital just can’t mimic. It captures the warmth of a summer sunset without feeling harsh. Just remember: don’t get so caught up in the settings that you forget to actually look.
When you're traveling, how do you find those quiet, local spots to eat rather than the usual tourist traps?
I’ve learned that the best meals usually don’t have a sign in English out front. My rule is simple: look for the places where the locals are lingering, not rushing. I like to wander a few streets away from the main square, find a spot that looks a bit weathered, and just sit. If you see a menu that’s handwritten or only in the local tongue, you’ve likely found something worth savoring.
