Diary of a Modern Maria Clara's Summer & Beach Travel Essentials

Okay, aside from the most important things like your passport, maps, valid ids, first aid kit and money, here's a list of my other travel essentials. :)

1. Carmex Lip Balm

I actually bring this inside my bag everyday. It's super reliable. I've tried many lip balms before but this one definitely lives up to its promises. It soothes, it heals, it protects! I discovered this one from my mom and I haven't used any other lip balms since then. 

2. Maxi Dress

I love resort wear and sundresses! They're light and comfortable plus they're easy to pack (great for photo ops too :P). My girlfriends and I make it a habit to shop before each vacation. We girls really prepare because we want every moment to be perfect. Just deal with it guys! :)

Check out Topshop and Loalde during summer.

3. Nivea Sunscreen/Sunblock Lotion

I still prefer this over those that come in spray bottles (Beach Hut?). Those don't really work for me. I wonder why. 

4. Aviators

..or any other sunglasses. What's important is that you have maximum eye protection against UV rays. Check the ones you're buying. Typically, they have a guide which you can follow (a lighter shade gives less protection and are generally used for accessorizing only so choose the darker ones if you plan to bask in the sun for a long period of time). Check out Ray-ban and MNG. 

5. Book

great company when you're just lying and lazing around on the sand or enjoying a quiet breakfast by the beach.. Bring your favorite book or any reading material that'll inspire you. Novels by Paulo Coelho and Mitch Albom are my favorite. 

6. Fun and Stylish Swimsuits

Locally, I both love Koi swimwear and Soak swimwear. They have really really cute designs and they come up with new ones almost every month. They sell out fast though so reserve fast. ;) Topshop, Roxy and Wahine Australia are great too.

7. Makeup and Accessories 

I'm a girl. We love dressing up. That's the way it is. haha! 

big earrings, bangles, crystals and pearls.. Traveling in style is fun! 

8. Camera/Lenses/Tripod/Underwater Camera

Chloe (yes I named my camera) has been my travel buddy for almost 4 years now. It's a Canon EOS 450d. I don't have it in my heart to replace her with the more upgraded models yet. Aside from the sentimental value, I believe she still functions well and she still takes awesome pictures (that kick ass :P). Honestly, I think there's still a lot to learn about travel photography and I'm not one of those who are itching to upgrade once a new model comes out. Instead, for the last couple of years, I invested on lens and filters. I have Magnus (a Canon 60mm f2.8 USM Macro) and Optimus (a Canon 85mm f1.8 USM). Yup. I named them too and they're all primes! :D I have also used a Canon 24-105L and a Sigma 10-22mm UWA. They're both great. My advice to fellow photography enthusiasts is to carefully choose which lens to buy. Read reviews. It really helps. Most importantly, you must know which field in photography you want to learn the most out of (Fashion, Portraits, Landscape, etc.) then research on the best suitable lens for that. 

Memories last a lifetime and it'd be really special if you could capture them and share it in the future (to your kids maybe :) )

9. Ipod/Ipad

These gadgets will keep you busy while on board a plane or if you wanna play and beat your friend's top score on Tap the Frog. 

10. Notebook

It's nice to keep little things in writing like how you feel for a time in a certain place. It is always lovely to go back and relive that moment once you read through the pages of your journal at home. It's handy too especially if you're a hardcore travel blogger and you keep track of every small detail about your trip like expenses and directions etc. 

All these things wouldn't make a superb trip without your friends/loved ones and a bottle full of sunshine. Having a positive vibe works magic so bring a happy heart that's full of enthusiasm and you're sure to have a great.. nay! awesome time wherever your destination maybe.

Boracay | Kat, Jam, Gaile

How about you? What are your summer getaway travel essentials? :)