10 Travel Essentials for Summer Walking Tours

Visiting an unfamiliar destination can feel overwhelming when it comes time to build out your agenda with the goal of hitting all your must-see attractions. Thankfully, many popular tourist destinations have a host of walking tours you can sign up for to check out the sights while picking up valuable information from your guides along the way. Since you’ll be spending the entire day (or at the very least, several hours) on your feet, it’s especially important that your packing list features items to keep you feeling comfortable.

If you’re looking forward to your next walking tour but aren’t quite sure what to bring along for the day-of, we curated a list of the 10 essentials from sunscreen to walking shoes you’ll want to keep on your person — and lucky for you, they start at just $13. With brands like Hoka, Bombas, and Supergoop in the mix, you’ll be able to hit the ground running as soon as you arrive. Trust that once your day of sightseeing comes to a close, you’ll feel as fresh as when you started.

Noola Fanny Pack With Water Bottle Holder

Walking tours are a great way to take in the sights of a new city with a guide, but just because you don’t have to concern yourself with the agenda for the day doesn’t mean you don’t need to be prepared when it comes to gear. A fanny pack or belt bag is one of the best options for leaving your hands free, and this particular bag is even designed with a built-in water bottle holder so you can stay hydrated despite the growing summer heat. It features an adjustable strap that’s well-suited for a wide range of body types, and the large capacity of the primary compartment is spacious enough to fit an umbrella or any last-minute add-ons.

Nefeeko Collapsible Water Bottle

Frequent travelers know how important it is to pack a water bottle for the trip on the whole. But, if you’re embarking on a sightseeing adventure with a group, you’ll be happy to have your bottle filled and at the ready while you explore. This compact bottle is collapsible, taking up minimal space when not in use, and when expanded, it holds up to 26 ounces of water within the silicone frame. It’s leakproof, and also comes fitted with a carabiner to clip it onto your bag (or tuck into your fanny pack) with ease. Trust us; you’ll be glad not to have to buy an overpriced bottle of water at a tourist trap.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Jumbo + Go Set

If you’re going to be spending time out in the sun, SPF is a must-have. Finally, you can do away with a white cast for good, because this Unseen Sunscreen duo is currently on sale for just $52 and is compact enough to fit into your day bag during a walking tour. It’s even the ideal size to travel through TSA without issue. Both the liquid sunscreen and the stick are completely invisible and act as a great base for makeup during the summer, and both formulas are water- and sweat-resistant, which is essential while combating humidity. 

Hoka Torrent 3 Sneakers

It stands to reason that if you have a walking tour scheduled, you’ll want to come prepared with a pair of sneakers to support you throughout the day. Now on sale for 20 percent off (the lowest price at Zappos in the last 30 days), the Hoka Torrent 3 sneakers are an excellent option. They have a breathable construction, sturdy rubber outsoles, and moderately-cushioned midsoles that cradle your feet across a wide variety of terrain. The rounded toe-boxes offer plenty of space for your toes to spread out, while the bold and bright color options are sure to add a pop of personality to every outfit you have in your suitcase.

Bombas Assorted 6-pack Originals Ankle Socks

The best way to keep blisters at bay while sightseeing is wearing a well-cushioned pair of socks, and there’s no brand that does it quite as well as Bombas. Right now, a six-pack of these popular socks is available for $57 thanks to Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, and with padded heels and cushioning built-in throughout the socks, you’ll feel the difference no matter what shoes you wear them with. These socks are made from a luxe cotton blend that’s breathable and incredibly soft, so don’t settle for thin, flimsy socks when these are available to elevate your walking tour.

Hayvenhurst Slim Minimalist RFID-blocking Metal Wallet

Exploring a new city is undoubtedly an exciting experience, but it’s always important to have measures in place to protect your belongings from pickpockets and theft along the way. This slim, minimalist wallet is not only lightweight and easy to carry while traveling, but it’s also equipped with RFID-blocking technology to keep hackers from stealing your sensitive personal information in passing. It’s thin enough to fit into even the smallest pocket of your fanny pack or purse, and at just $25 it should hardly break the bank.

Briggs & Riley Rhapsody Water Resistant Nylon Crossbody Bag

If you’re not drawn to belt bags or fanny packs while traveling, but you still like to keep your hands free and your belongings accessible, this water-resistant crossbody is an excellent option. The spacious bag comes with one large primary compartment as well as a smaller zippered pocket at the front that makes important paperwork and tickets easy to snag in a rush. The strap can be extended to comfortably fit across your body during a day of sightseeing, and the neutral black is sure to match your favorite outfits while remaining functional.

Civpower Neck Fan

Walking tours are seldom short, so if you’re going to be out in the hot sun for an extended period of time, it’s an excellent idea to pack a lightweight neck fan to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day. This model from Civpower is bladeless, so you don’t have to worry about your hair getting caught in it, and it’s even programmed with three different settings to best accommodate the ever-changing weather. You’ll be able to enjoy up to 16 hours of operating time on a single charge, and you’re sure to be the envy of your tour group.

Vahoiald Digital Camera

You won’t want to miss the chance to capture memories from your trip, and seeing as this digital camera is currently on sale for an impressive 44 percent off, now is the best time to shop. The simple point and shoot design makes preserving your favorite moments easier than ever, and it even comes with a timer function so you can get the entire group into every shot. Plus, using a digital camera is a great way to save valuable battery life on your phone while you’re exploring.

Loveledi Portable Charger 2-pack

Oftentimes, a walking tour of a city will end in a different location than where you began, so you’ll want to preserve the battery on your phone to navigate back to your lodgings at the end. With that in mind, it’s always a good idea to have a portable charger tucked into your purse or fanny pack to stay fully charged and safe during your day of fun. This two-pack from Loveledi is marked down by a staggering 73 percent off, and each power source is able to charge two devices at once, so you can keep all parties within your group charged and on the grid at just $12 per power bank.

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