5 Essential Travel Pieces For Your Next Warm-Climate Getaway

Whether you’re known to vacation with an ambitious stack of library books or an emergency stash of bikinis in tow, everyone has their own unique packing preferences. Travel rituals aside, there are certain essentials that a seasoned jet-setter knows to never, ever take off without. Planning a trip to greener (and sandier) pastures? Here are our top picks for beach-vacay essentials. —Sierra Riley

Micro dress, TNA: Whether you’re summering in Paris or Los Cabos, a simple spaghetti-strap dress isn’t a want, it’s a need. This one from TNA ($58) may not be reinventing the wheel, but it’s a VITA editor-approved carry-on staple. Stay cute in the thick of humidity with ultra-soft, sculpting fabric. 

Pointed-toe flats, VIVAIA: Without compromising comfort, these chic, easy-to-pack knit flats ($132.74) will take you from coffee in Terminal 3 to ice cream in the piazza. Before heading to that seaside dinner reservation, dress up your footwear by adding on VIVAIA’s removable shoe bows. The slip-on flats even have a hidden superpower: cushioned yoga-mat insoles to keep quick on your feet.

Tank set, ARQ: Known for their bespoke, size-inclusive underwear, female-founded Oregon clothing company ARQ has earned itself a dedicated cult following. Packing for a week-long sojourn? ARQ’s high-rise cotton undies ($40) and the timeless Crop Tank ($50) is our idea of the perfect base layer. Throw on a linen button-down and jean shorts for an adventure-ready outift that leaves you open to the possibility of an impromptu ocean dip. By night, pair with your favourite skirt, lipstick and a drink on the rocks.

Mineral sunscreen, Truly Beauty: Finding the right sun protection for your skin type can be something of a Cinderella quest. Serendipitously, Vancouver-based brand Truly released their reef-safe entrant in the SPF scene right in time for summer—and it may be your match made in heaven. Suitable for sensitive skin, the mineral sunscreen ($59) is lightweight, hydrating and packed with flavanoids (an anti-aging formula favourite). Fear not the TSA with Truly’s compact 30-milliletre bottle.

Gauze set, Uniform Handmade: Uniform’s Essential Gauze Set ($165), made with natural fibres from the Fraser Valley, includes an airy sleeveless top and matching shorts. Available in an array of season-appropriate colours—from Kelp to Terracotta—the luxe set can be worn with Nikes, Birkenstocks, heels or hotel slippers, as desired. The organic cotton double gauze and stretchy elastic waistband offer swoon-worthy levels of comfort and style.