☀️ 11 Summer Bucket List 2020

✈️ The Smart Traveler's Toolkit

Whether you're heading to the beaches of Thailand or exploring cobblestone streets in Prague, these are the 5 travel essentials that seasoned globetrotters and travel editors universally recommend — the gear that makes every trip smoother, lighter, and more enjoyable.

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I've tested and researched countless travel products so you can pack smart and travel stress-free. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps keep this blog running at no cost to you!

🧳 Away The Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase

Top Pick: Wirecutter

The single most recommended carry-on in the travel world right now. Travel editors and frequent flyers rely on its durable polycarbonate shell, 360° spinner wheels, and built-in compression system to maximize packing space while gliding effortlessly through any airport terminal.

🎒 Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

Top Pick: Travel + Leisure

The go-to daypack that professional travel bloggers and adventure guides swear by for city explorations and shore excursions. Its lightweight, breathable mesh back panel keeps you cool in tropical heat, while the 20L capacity fits everything you need — camera, water bottle, sunscreen, and souvenirs — without weighing you down.

📦 Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Top Pick: Condé Nast Traveler

The packing organization system that experts credit with fitting 30% more into any suitcase. These translucent, color-coded cubes separate tops, bottoms, and accessories so you spend zero time digging through your bag — universally recommended by professional packers and minimalist travel coaches worldwide.

🎧 Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Top Pick: Wirecutter

The undisputed king of travel headphones that flight attendants and business travelers universally recommend. The industry-leading noise cancellation erases engine roar, crying babies, and airport chaos — giving you 30 hours of blissful silence for long-haul flights, road trips, and train journeys.

🔋 Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger

Top Pick: CNET

The portable power bank that travel photographers and digital nomads rely on to keep devices charged through full-day excursions without hunting for outlets. With enough capacity to charge a phone 6+ times over, it's the non-negotiable lifeline for capturing every sunset, navigating unfamiliar cities, and staying connected abroad.

Hey bestie! Summer 2020 is here, and let’s be real, it’s a different kind of summer. But ‘different’ doesn’t mean ‘boring,’ right? We’re ditching the usual FOMO-inducing travel pics for some seriously cool, stay-at-home-ish adventures. Get ready to make some epic memories without breaking the bank or, you know, breaking any rules. Your ultimate guide to a stellar season starts now.

1. Outdoor Movie Night

Forget Netflix and chill on the couch. Grab a projector, a white sheet, and all the snacks. Set it up in your backyard or even a spacious balcony. Think twinkle lights and cozy blankets.

Pro Tip Make it a double feature with a classic summer flick and something totally unexpected for extra laughs. It’s an instant vibe upgrade for movie night, trust me.

2. Master a New Skill (Online, Duh)

Because “learn to bake sourdough” is so last month. Ever wanted to code, learn conversational Spanish, or finally nail that perfect winged eyeliner? The internet is your oyster, friend.

Pro Tip Pick something totally random and slightly impractical, just for kicks. Like juggling. You’ll emerge from summer with a new party trick, even if the party is just you.

3. DIY Spa Day Extravaganza

Your skin needs a break from all that screen time. Face masks, foot soaks, a good book, and maybe some cucumber water. Transform your bathroom into a five-star retreat.

Pro Tip Blast some chill lo-fi beats and light a fancy candle. Ambience is everything. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential for surviving… well, everything.

4. Host a Virtual Game Night

Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation. Zoom, Houseparty, whatever your platform of choice. Dust off those trivia skills or try a new online board game. Pictionary is always a winner.

Pro Tip Assign a theme and encourage costumes. Because why not go all out? Connecting with your crew is always a good idea, even if it’s pixelated.

5. Recreate Your Favorite Restaurant Dish

Missing your go-to brunch spot? Find a copycat recipe for that dish you dream about. Challenge yourself to make it even better than the original. Presentation matters.

Pro Tip Get all the ingredients, even the obscure ones. Authenticity is key here. Eating out is great, but eating a masterpiece you made yourself? Priceless.

6. Stargaze (Seriously, Look Up)

The universe is still out there, being all majestic. Find a spot away from city lights, grab a blanket, and just look up. Download a star-gazing app to identify constellations.

Pro Tip Pack some hot cocoa or a cold brew, depending on the evening chill. It’s a humbling reminder that there’s a whole lot more to life than your TikTok feed.

7. Build a Fort (Adult Edition)

Childhood nostalgia, but with better snacks. Pillows, blankets, chairs, fairy lights – go wild. Make it cozy enough for reading, napping, or a secret movie marathon.

Pro Tip Incorporate a mini-fridge for optimal snack and beverage access. You’re an adult; you can do this. Sometimes, you just need a personal sanctuary from the world.

8. Start an Urban Garden (or a Potted Plant Army)

Green thumb or not, growing things is surprisingly therapeutic. Herbs on your windowsill, a few tomato plants in pots on your balcony, or even just some easy-care succulents. Watch them thrive.

Pro Tip Talk to your plants. They might not talk back, but it’s good for your soul. Fresh basil for your pasta? Yes, please.

9. Have a Themed Staycation Day

Can’t go to Paris? Bring Paris to you. Pick a destination – Italy, Hawaii, Japan – and plan your day around it. Cook authentic food, listen to music from that region, watch a movie set there.

Pro Tip Dress the part. Hawaiian shirt and lei for your luau? Absolutely. It’s amazing how much fun you can have without leaving your zip code.

10. Curate the Ultimate Summer Playlist

Every summer needs a soundtrack, and yours needs to be fire. Think road trip anthems, chill poolside vibes, and those songs that just make you want to dance. No skips allowed.

Pro Tip Get input from your friends, but ultimately, this is your masterpiece. Good music makes everything better, especially a “different” summer.

11. Write Actual Letters (Gasp!)

Remember stationery? It’s making a comeback. Pick a few friends or family members and send them a handwritten letter. No emails, no DMs. Just good old-fashioned snail mail.

Pro Tip Include a small, fun drawing or a pressed flower for an extra personal touch. Receiving something tangible and thoughtful in the mail is a rare joy these days.

🌍 The Adventure & Comfort Kit

From sun-soaked beaches to mountain treks and everything in between — these are the 5 comfort and photography essentials that experienced travelers never leave home without. Level up your adventure game with gear the pros actually use.

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I spend hours researching and testing the best travel gear so you can focus on making memories. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps keep this blog running at no cost to you!

📸 GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera

Top Pick: Wirecutter

The action camera that professional travel photographers and adventure vloggers universally rely on to capture jaw-dropping footage in any environment. Its waterproof design, HyperSmooth stabilization, and stunning 5.3K video mean you'll capture crystal-clear memories whether you're snorkeling in Phuket or zip-lining through Costa Rica.

😴 Trtl Travel Pillow

Top Pick: Travel + Leisure

The scientifically engineered neck pillow that frequent flyers and travel editors swear is the only one that actually works. Unlike bulky U-shaped pillows, this sleek scarf-style design holds your neck in an ergonomically correct position — the secret weapon for arriving at your destination rested instead of wrecked after an overnight flight.

☀️ Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Top Pick: Allure Best of Beauty

The invisible, weightless sunscreen that beauty editors and dermatologists universally recommend for travelers who refuse to look greasy in vacation photos. This cult-favorite applies like a silky primer under makeup, never leaves white cast on any skin tone, and provides serious broad-spectrum protection for all-day adventures under any sun.

💧 Hydro Flask 32oz Wide Mouth Bottle

Top Pick: Condé Nast Traveler

The insulated water bottle that outdoor adventurers and eco-conscious travelers refuse to travel without. It keeps water ice-cold for 24 hours even in scorching tropical heat, eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles, and fits perfectly in any daypack side pocket — a hydration essential from beach days to mountain hikes.

🔌 EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

Top Pick: CNET

The all-in-one power adapter that covers 150+ countries and eliminates the nightmare of hunting for the right plug in every new destination. International travelers and digital nomads rely on its built-in USB-C and USB-A ports to charge multiple devices simultaneously — phone, camera, and laptop from a single compact adapter.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks. Summer 2020 might not be the one we envisioned, but it’s shaping up to be pretty epic in its own unique way. Embrace the change, get creative, and make some memories that are truly you. Go forth and conquer your summer, one awesome bucket list item at a time. You got this!

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