Pacific Breeze: Sand and Surf Beach Shelter
The Sand and Surf Beach Shelter from Pacific Breeze is awesome for beach parties or multi-generational family getaways. It provides maximum shade and protection for at least four people, but can easily accommodate more. We love how open the shelter is, and how easy it is to set up and takedown (although you still do need two people to do so). There is also a removable floor, so if you’re setting up as a beach cover, you can take the floor off, so the kids can dig in the sand. But if you’re using as a picnic structure in the woods, you can count on a floor to keep away the bugs. The structure also boasts internal pockets for valuables. When it comes to setting up you can count on stakes to make sure it stays anchored in windy conditions.
Okabashi Sandals (from $23.99)
It’s so easy to slip flip flops into your luggage and they come in handy year-round, whether it’s negotiating the ground from the room to the hot tub in winter or walking the town in summer. And one great company to look at for this type of foot gear is Okabashi, which has made more than 35 million pairs of sandals in the U.S. since opening in 1984. For men, check out The Surf flip flop, which provides arch support, a heel cup and a toe rest to keep you walking comfortably. It also has reflexology-inspired massaging beads on the sole and is easy to clean — you can even stick them in the dishwasher! For women, check out the best-selling Splash, which has similar features to the men’s flip flop, but includes a low-rise heel.
Contigo Water Bottles (from $17.99)
This company makes a number of must-have water bottles that are perfect for travel. We love the Autospout Ashland Glass Water Bottle for its trendy style and leak-proof design that lets you operate it with one hand. The stain- and odor-resistant straw is angled to get every last drop, while protecting the pure taste of your water. The Twistseal Eclipse Stainless Steel Travel Mug is another popular choice, especially for travelers interested in keeping drinks at a specific temperature — either hot or cold. These mugs come in a number of trendy patterns with catchy graphics. They are easy to operate and have a protective sprout cover that helps guard against dirt and germs. Best of all the vacuum insulation locks in your drink’s temperature.