Summer is calling! Sun-drenched piazzas, crystal-clear coastlines, and vibrant culture await. But before you pack your bags and dream of gelato, consider the heat. Summer in Europe can be glorious but can also pack a punch. To ensure your holiday is filled with carefree adventures, not sweaty struggles, there are some travel essentials you might not have thought of. From dermatologist-approved sunscreen to mist-and-go facial coolers, we've got you covered. Let's delve into the summer travel must-haves that will keep you cool, comfortable, and ready to conquer every cobbled street and sandy beach Europe throws your way.
Collapsible Water Bottle
When camping, packing space can be at a premium so this nifty collapsible water bottle hits just the spot. Folding into just a third of its full size, it is made of medical-grade, BPA-free, durable silicone and can hold up to 750ml when full.
Best bits
- Wide mouthpiece and secure flip-up lid
- Leak-proof
- Able to withstand cold and hot liquids
- Available in seven colours (orange, black, blue, green, pastel pink, purple, deep pink)
Beach Shade Shelter
Planning a beach day? The Coleman Beach Shade Shelter has you covered... literally. Highly rated on compact design, sun protection, ease of assembly and durability, this beach shade is a must-have when lounging on the beach.
Best bits
- UVGuard material offers sun protection of up to SPF50+
- Easy to assemble in less than 10 minutes
- Pre-attached guy lines and ground stakes included
- Extended front floor can be zipped up to give privacy when changing
Cooler Box
Coleman pulled out all the stops with this cooler. With an impressive 94-litre capacity, up to five-day cool guarantee (we haven't put this claim to the test...) and convenient no-tilt draining system, this box is ideal for a long weekend away.
Best bits
- Huge capacity (100qt / 94 litres)
- Can keep food and drinks cool and fresh for up to five days
- Durable and easily transported with hardwearing wheels and tow handle
- Can be used as a table with built-in cup holders
- No-tilt draining with rustproof channel and leak-resistent cap
Cooling Bucket Hat
Using a type of technology called hydro evaporative cooling, these hats can cool in a matter of seconds when activated with water. Founded by former women's number one professional tennis player Serena Williams and former professional basketball player Dwayne Wade, MISSION is one of the leading brands in the relatively new smart clothing sector.
Best bits
- Cools instantly when activated with water and stays cool for up to two hours
- A 7.5cm (3in) brim with UPF 50 (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) fabric offers excellent protection for your face, ears and neck
- Machine washable
Water Bottle Ice Tray
Ditch the cubes, this ice tray makes perfectly-shaped ice bars ready to add to any water bottle. Whether you're heading out for a walk, a long drive or have just bought the Coleman Ice Chest and want to test out that keep-cool guarantee, this ingenious ice tray could be the gadget you didn't know you were missing!
Best bits
- Made from long-lasting, BPA-free, food-grade silicone
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with stackable lids
Handheld Misting Fan
Misting fans have been around in continental Europe for years. They're revolutionary, spritzing out a gentle, ultrasonic spray of fine water particles that are enough to cool you down but without drenching you. Now, that same tech has been squeezed into handheld fans, perfectly suited to summer holidays.
Best bits
- A long-lasting 3000mAh battery provides up to 13 hours of use and a 25ml water tank can produce mist for up to 30 minutes
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold
- Foldable design means you can position the fan head for handsfree use
- Three speed modes
