28 Spring Break Essentials for Making Vacation (Somewhat) Stress-Free

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Oh, to be young, free, and on spring break! Having a few weeks of vacation, ideally in a far-flung island paradise, is just the respite we all need as we soldier through the last few weeks of cold, dreary weather here in the Northern Hemisphere. Think of spring break as prep for summer, a chance for some absolute fun and relaxation — which, for many, can also be the first major trip taken with your best friends or a large group.

If you’re traveling or visiting/welcoming relatives, planning for spring break can be stress-inducing. Spare the frazzled mom in your group, your travel buddies, and even yourself from the last-minute chaos by making sure you have these spring break essentials on hand.

Whether you or someone you’re buying for is hitting the road with the kiddos, flying to a tropical destination, or hosting family, it’s all in the details. Certain must-haves can mean the difference between a trip of a lifetime or a disaster, especially when you’re far away from home ground. And even if you are just resting at home and catching up with loved ones are the only activities on the itinerary, some of these can make the time cozier and more chill, which is the goal for any time off, TBH.

Consider these spring break essentials — from gifts for travelers to sunscreen for the skincare-obsessed to gifts for book lovers — for taking advantage of the time this year.

Bella Square Oversized Sunglasses

As far as spring break essentials go, sunglasses are always top of the list. Not only are these designer-inspired oversized sunnies super flattering on most face shapes, but they’re also polarized and offer 100% UVA/UVB protection. They also come in a giftable box and at a reasonable price point, so no judgment if you get one for both yourself and your BFF.

More: 8 Best Sunscreens to Buy

Expandable Carry-On Luggage

Nothing beats a lightweight spinner when it comes to schlepping around, and this is a sleek, durable pick at less than $100 — what more could you ask for?

We love this carry-on as a fun graduation gift for your spring breaker, or even for your bestie who loves going on frequent getaways. It expands to nearly 2 inches, allowing for around 15-20% more packing space, while still meeting regulation requirements and fitting in the dreaded overhead compartment. It comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty and several of the colors are also on sale for the full three-piece set. Score!

Magnetic Shark Repellent Band

Simple, safe, and trusted by everyone from marine professionals to NAVY seals to pro surfers alike, these bands emit a magnetic field that deters and repels sharks and rays, so you can enjoy your time in the water with the best gift of all: peace of mind.

The bands are TSA-friendly, tested by the Western Australian government, and are waterproof up to 330 feet — so you can hang ten and ensure that you keep all ten.

Pocket Tripod

If you don’t document spring break via TikTok or Instagram, did you even go, bro? This handy phone tripod has all the functionalities of a regular tripod — but with maximum portability and zero bulk.

It folds into the thickness of two credit cards to fit easily into your wallet (seriously!), and is compatible with any phone or case, with interchangeable adapters to boot. Oh, and it also comes with a lifetime warranty. Truly the gift we need in these modern times.

Sugar-Free Hydration Multiplier in White Peach

Great as part of a bachelor/bachelorette party care package as well as an undisputed spring break essential, these travel-friendly electrolyte powders are (literal) lifesavers when the morning after seems a bit too hard to bear.

Give some to your friends and stash some on your nightstand, in your purse, all over your Airbnb... anywhere to remind you of the golden rule of partying: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Migraine Relief Cap PRO

Between late nights, early flights, jet lag, drinking, and unfamiliar and/or noisy room situations, a therapy sleeping cap is a spring break essential you never thought you needed but will rejoice in having once you do.

Viral on TikTok, fans love how it blocks out light, zones in on specific migraine points, and provides a nice cooling sensation as well as therapeutic pressure where you need it most. “Provides unmatched relief,” says a happy customer, adding, “High-quality item that fits snugly but comfortably.”

Clean Mint Mouthwash Concentrate

All the eating out and drinking can do a number on your breath, which can be a bummer when meeting new people or hanging with a group! Easy to pack and even easier to customize (one pump for light, three pumps for strong), Hello’s mouthwash concentrate is a spring break essential for those who never skip on their dental hygiene.

Sloan Water Bottle Sling

Just the right mix of super cute and wildly practical, Dagne Dover’s water bottle crossbody sling is the perfect accessory while you’re out and about doing all the things. The inner pouch has a keychain to hook your keys on and a pocket for your credit cards, hotel cards, or IDs while also being roomy enough for a water bottle or bigger items. The outer pockets safely organize your other essentials, so you don’t have to fish for your phone and miss a picture-perfect moment again.

Instant Vacation Browning Lotion SPF30 Body Sunscreen

Craving for some hot color but also want protection (as you should)? Vacation’s browning lotion ends the need to compromise between the two: It has broad spectrum SPF 30 and natural mineral pigments that offer a bronzed, layer-able look. Best yet, it’s reef-safe and doesn’t require any mitts or gloves to apply.

Boho Crochet Duster

If the recent Paris runways are to be believed, boho chic is back with a vengeance! We love how this duster vest is a subtle yet carefree take on the trend and see it working in several ways, like as a cute swimsuit coverup or for evenings out on the town, paired with cutoffs and cowboy boots.

Fun In Temporary Hair Color Brush-In System

If there ever was a time to play around with your look, spring break is it! These temporary hair colors from Sun In (remember them, folks of the ’80s?) come in pink (pictured), blue, purple, and green and wash out with one shampoo. Just like the perfect spring fling, these are no commitment, all fun.

Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB)

Slim, very packable, and, yes, waterproof, the Kindle Paperweight is a wonderful gadget to bring on flights, and — because of the adjustable warm light — beachside as well. This version has 16 GB of storage, which is a lot of e-books, just saying.

Ultra transparent Dry-Touch Sunscreen with SPF 70

Speaking of sun protection, this Neutrogena sunscreen with SPF 70 is the best. As we found in our testing, it isn’t gloppy, dries quickly, and leaves behind a finish that isn’t greasy.

Passport and Vaccine Card Holder

A passport holder is an affordable accessory that can be too easily overlooked. This one keeps a passport, cards, and other documents secure within its RFID-blocking leather body. There’s also a dedicated slot for easy access and viewing of other important ID cards.

FunSaver 35mm Single-Use Camera

Bring back childhood memories and make new ones with this single-use Kodak. The FunSaver has a built-in flash, and the film comes loaded when you buy it for convenience and less chance of exposing it to light.

More: The Return of Y2K Tech Gadgets

Medium Claw Hair Clips

Keep hair high and dry with these colorful claw clips. Each has a strong metal spring, and this set includes enough clips to complement a variety of vacation looks with its range of colors.

Waterproof Case

This waterproof phone pouch features an adjustable lanyard, and the plastic still lets you operate the touchscreen without taking the phone out. This pack comes with two pouches — one for you and one to gift to your travel buddy.

1st Grade Q&A Cards

Keep the learning going even on spring break with this Brain Quest card deck. It has 750 questions and answers across all subjects to keep little ones engaged and entertained as they travel. While this one is tailored for first graders, there are options for kindergarteners, second graders, and other class levels.

More: 30 Best Travel Toys for an Extra Fun Journey

Mesh Beach Tote Bag

The party piece of this tote bag: It features a detachable cooler compartment on the bottom for refreshments. And the top mesh has enough capacity to fit blankets, sunscreen, and other essentials.

Ice Roller Face Massager

Ease the stress of the semester away with this face roller. You or a recipient can simply remove the roller head, freeze it, and then use it for a gentle facial massage to reduce puffiness.

Cable Organizer Travel Bag

Spare your travel partner the hassle of unraveling a tangled mess of cables by giving them this organizer. It keeps each cord tidily in its own pocket, plus has larger sections for hard drives and wireless mice.

Portable Charger

It goes without saying, but a dead phone is a useless phone. This portable charger from Anker can help prevent full battery drain, providing as many as two full charges for some models of iPhone. And its slim design makes it easily portable.

Travel Backpack

Its name leaves little room for mistaking the best use for this bag. Fittingly, it’s packed with features like a USB charger port, a waterproof compartment, and a separate compartment for shoes.

Studio Buds Headphones

A great pair of wireless earbuds can make a workout, study sesh, or long flight a little more bearable. This pair from Beats by Dr. Dre pairs easily with a phone or other device with one tap, has active noise canceling, and provides up to eight hours of tunes per charge.

Velvet Scrunchie with Pocket (3-Pack)

Not many people would think to swipe a scrunchie; that’s the beauty of these double-duty ones from Lokistashed. Each has a hidden pocket to tuck away money, keys, and other small valuables.

Wireless Transmitter/Receiver

Many of us have been there, wanting to watch a movie on the seat-back TV but lacking the 3.5mm audio jack to plug in for audio. This Bluetooth headphone adapter has just that jack and can easily pair with up to two wireless headphones so you’re not tethered to the seat. It also has a battery life of over 16 hours!

Collapsible Foldable Beach Sand Buckets and Shovels Set

There's no trip to the beach with kids without building sand castles. This is a great set with adorable leaf-shaped shovels, and easy-to-handle buckets and molds.

Wool Runners Shoes

If spring break fun means exploring a new country, a comfortable pair of shoes is essential. These Allbirds runners are made from thermoregulating merino wool, have ample cushioning in the midsoles for support, and come in many colors to match whatever vibe.

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