✈️ The Luxe Girl’s Guide to Summer Travel Essentials
By Lura Albee, Co‑Owner & Lead Planner, Extraordinary Events
After planning luxury events and bespoke travel experiences across Napa Valley, Europe, and destination resorts worldwide, I’ve learned something that surprises a lot of people: packing well has very little to do with packing more. It’s about having the right pieces — the ones that keep you polished, prepared, and unbothered no matter where the itinerary takes you.
Whether you’re jetting off for a summer wedding weekend, a milestone celebration, or a long‑anticipated escape, this is the refined, real‑world packing guide I share with our clients before they travel.
1. Effortless, Elevated Wardrobe Staples
Summer travel wardrobes should work hard while looking easy. I always recommend starting with versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from day to night.
Pack pieces that:
Layer beautifully (think linen blazers, silk scarves, lightweight wraps)
Mix effortlessly into multiple outfits
Travel well without constant steaming
From experience, neutral tones with one or two statement pieces outperform over‑packed trend items every time.
2. Shoes That Balance Style and Stamina
One thing clients consistently underestimate? How much walking luxury travel actually involves. Vineyards, historic cities, coastal towns — they’re stunning, but they’re not kind to flimsy footwear.
Your summer shoe edit should include:
A chic walking shoe you can comfortably wear all day
An elevated sandal for warm evenings
One statement heel (optional, but powerful)
If you’re debating a pair, choose comfort. Regret is never chic.
3. Beauty & Skincare That Can Handle the Climate
Between flights, heat, and long days, summer travel is demanding on skin and hair. I suggest packing travel‑size versions of products you already trust, plus a few essentials designed specifically for hydration and recovery.
Client favorites include:
A deeply hydrating facial mist
A lightweight SPF you’ll actually reapply
A restorative overnight mask
Pro tip: luxury destinations don’t always mean easy access to your go‑to products.
4. The Carry‑On Essentials I Never Travel Without
This is where experience really shows.
After years of managing destination timelines, delayed flights, and surprise schedule changes, these items live in my carry‑on:
A structured travel tote with secure compartments
A portable charger (always fully charged)
Noise‑canceling headphones
A compact pouch with medication, eye patches, and lip balm
When travel days go long — and they often do — these small comforts make a disproportionate difference.
5. What Clients Most Often Forget (And Regret)
This list comes straight from real conversations:
A lightweight evening layer for unexpected temperature drops
Proper undergarments for formalwear
Backup flats for post‑event evenings
Printed copies of key travel documents
The goal is never to overpack — it’s to eliminate avoidable stress.
6. Accessories That Elevate Everything
Accessories are the secret weapon of a smart travel wardrobe. A single well‑chosen piece can refresh an entire look.
My go‑to summer travel accessories:
Oversized sunglasses
A timeless belt
Jewelry that transitions from casual to cocktail
Less really is more here.
Travel Well, Travel Thoughtfully
At Extraordinary Events, we guide our clients through every detail — from event timelines to destination logistics — so their travel feels as seamless as the experience itself. Packing with intention is one of the simplest ways to start your journey feeling confident and composed.
If you’re planning a destination celebration or luxury getaway and want expert support every step of the way, our travel planning and concierge services are designed to make the experience effortless.
Because luxury should feel calm — not complicated.
— Lura