• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

Main navigation

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

5 Summer Sightseeing Essentials

July 29th, 2015 by Karen 29 Comments

5 summer sightseeing essentials

Howdy, amiga (and amigos)! I have some family visiting today from out of town, both my parents from the East Bay and El Hub’s parents from Redding, California, so I’ve been on daughter/daughter-in-law duty, which has involved some sightseeing and, of course, some eating (which apparently is what my family does best!).

Here are five simple summer sightseeing essentials I like to have on hand…

1. A cross-body purse

kate spade cross body purse
Like this Kate Spade Cobble Hill Small Ella in Cherry Liqueur

Yay for keeping your hands free! 🙂

I like cross-body purses for handsfree sightseeing and other summer excursions because you never know when you’ll bump into a friendly kitty who needs a little loving, or shopping bags, cold drinks or ice cream cones that will need a little holding.

2. A cute hat

kate spade straw hat
The Kate Spade Packable Straw Hat (I don’t think this one’s still available…)

I’m a huge fan of wearing hats to go sightseeing because not only are they good sun protection for my face and hair, but I can also use them to hide under when I’m not in the mood to wear any makeup or do my hair!

3. A comfy pair of shoes

roxy leopard shoes
Roxy Ventura Cheetah Slip-On Sneakers

You know it’s true: comfy footwear. Even though the allure of strappy sandals or shoes with heels is sometimes overpowering, you can’t go wrong with shoes that can handle a variety of sightseeing terrains and situations, like city streets, grassy parks, sandy beaches, etc. — because you never know where adventure will take you. 🙂

4. Band-Aids!

helly kitty band aids

Buuut, sometimes even the comfiest shoes can rub in the wrong places, so keep a couple Band-Aids with you just in case (seriously, they come in handy all the time).

5. Emergency snacks

peanut butter balance bar

One thing about sightseeing with groups of people is that everyone is almost never on the same schedule, and you never know when everybody will be ready to eat.

This can be VERY annoying, so I always try to bring a healthy snack with me, just in case I need to tide myself over during the 45-90 minutes it can take everyone to figure out if they want pizza, Thai, Italian or burgers…

The struggle is so real!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. What are some of your summer sightseeing essentials?

5 Summer Sightseeing Essentials / Originally published July 29th, 2015

Categories: Just For Fun

Previous Post: Let’s Glow Crazy! L’Oreal True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator Prime & Highlight in Ice
Next Post: Would You Wear These Vans Disney Princess Sneakers?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maggie says

    July 29th, 2015 at 9:00 pm

    Hmmm…my sightseeing essentials…

    You have my vote for comfy shoes, snack, and hands-free bag. I also like to bring spf, sunglasses, and bottled water.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 29th, 2015 at 9:01 pm

      Ditto on the bottled water! I fill up my bkr and bring it with me, and then I refill as the day goes on. 🙂

      Do you have any comfy shoe brands to recommend, Maggie?

      Reply
      • Maggie says

        July 29th, 2015 at 11:50 pm

        Hi Karen!

        Keen gets my highest recommendation for comfy shoes even though I’m not sure Keen’s quirky up-turned toe and wide tire-tread sole is your thing (I seem to recall a post discussing comfy shoes and a certain aversion to lunch lady shoes).

        After being on my feet in Keen from morning to evening–my feet are only tired–but never sore or hurt! (I’ve actually never needed band-aids for feet bc of Keen–which is why it never occurred to me include them as a sight-seeing essential).

        I especially recommend Keen for flat-footed ladies with slightly wide to wide feet. I’m not sure which specific models in the current line-up are best (I stocked up on a Keen sale a few years back and am still working through some presently discontinued models) but the Waimea sandal and Targhee II have been around and seem here to stay.

        Reply
  2. Becca M says

    July 29th, 2015 at 9:04 pm

    Your tootsies look adorable in those shoes, and families that love eating are the best!

    Reply
  3. CL says

    July 29th, 2015 at 10:44 pm

    I use a large Pacsafe crossbody purse that cost me about $54.00. I’m surprised that you carry a $298.00 purse around; pricy brands are known to criminals. It is really beautiful, though.

    Reply
  4. Nivedita says

    July 30th, 2015 at 12:38 am

    This one is really helpful. Whenever I am outdoors, I always carry my water bottle. It does make my bag heavier, but the dehydration I otherwise get makes me sick.

    I love your shoes.
    Nivedita recently posted … Maybelline Baby Lips Color Tropical Fruit Punch Lip Balm.

    Reply
  5. Kelly says

    July 30th, 2015 at 2:29 am

    Cross-body purses for the win! They are the unsung heroes of the accessory world.

    Being from Southern California, my sightseeing is usually beaches, L.A., and various theme parks. Comfortable sandals, lip balm, and sunscreen are a must, because it’s always sunny in SoCal. I also carry gum and a mini perfume rollerball; it’s nice to smell good. 🙂
    Kelly recently posted … Bite Beauty Frozen Berries and Canadian Maple Collections: What do you think?

    Reply
  6. Rachel R. says

    July 30th, 2015 at 2:43 am

    Comfortable tennis shoes with good padding are #1 on my list. My physical therapist recommended New Balance tennis shoes for me, because of the back injury I got from a six-pack pickup and trailer/roach coach rear-ending my little compact car.

    Also: A camera; hair elastics or rubber bands (for sudden wind, wet weather/activities, and to keep broken things together); band-aids; mini hand sanitizer; packet or 2 of facial tissues; lip balm; sunscreen; granola bars; gum; small bottles of ibuprofen, tylenol and benedryl; ashthma inhalers (exercise induced for me; I need them for hills and stairs), an ink pen (signing guest books, or filling out park payment forms for rural/nature sightseeing); water bottle; sunglasses; a couple zip-lock baggies; a couple of plastic grocery bags.

    Reply
  7. Kiss & Make-up says

    July 30th, 2015 at 3:53 am

    YES YES YES to the cross-body bag! I was stuck hauling around a big sweaty backpack in France earlier this month because I didn’t have a cross-body bag and it SUCKED. Didn’t look very fashionable either… I finally found a nice bag in the sales the other week. So happy!
    Kiss & Make-up recently posted … Review | Phyto Phytokératine Extrême exceptional shampoo for ultra-damaged brittle dry hair

    Reply
  8. jessica says

    July 30th, 2015 at 5:20 am

    I have a quirk in that I require being hands-free, no matter what I am carrying.

    My sightseeing essentials are my paint box, my camera, those band aids really are essential, sunscreen, and paint. I know I said paint already but it is that important.
    jessica recently posted … The Woods

    Reply
  9. gio says

    July 30th, 2015 at 6:57 am

    Yes to band aids and a snack! But I’d add a bottle of water to wash it down. And some SPF. I burn so easily without!
    gio recently posted … “You Look So Skinny” Is NOT A Compliment!

    Reply
  10. Kim says

    July 30th, 2015 at 7:24 am

    My #1 sightseeing accessory is the Hubs because he carries everything. HAHA! Between his cargo pants with 100 pockets and the occasional backpack, I’m always hands-free. 🙂 Absolute musts are sunglasses, sunscreen, bugspray, a light jacket, a smartphone and a credit card, though. You know, with me, running shoes are a given whether I’m sightseeing or not.

    Reply
  11. TrippyPixie says

    July 30th, 2015 at 7:57 am

    Blister band-aids are the absolute best — much more effective than regular ones!

    Otherwise, I totally agree with you on the cross-body purse. I also bring a microfiber glasses cloth, lip balm, eye drops, my prescription sunglasses in their case (so I can switch between those and my regular glasses), and an umbrella if it might rain. A refillable water bottle and snacks are also essential.

    Reply
  12. ame says

    July 30th, 2015 at 10:19 am

    Ah yes…the bandaids…

    I require crossbody in any purse I buy, basically bec the handsfree thing is just so much easier. And I also am a bandaid fiend bec all shoes just rip me a new one!!!

    Reply
  13. Tulipthecat says

    July 30th, 2015 at 10:37 am

    I agree with the crossbody bag, comfy shoes, and snacks. I always have those 3 things when sight-seeing. I bring water for the ride in the car because I’m to lazy to bring it with me. I also bring a small first aid kit with me too

    Reply
  14. Lauren says

    July 30th, 2015 at 10:41 am

    Everything about your purse is fabulous!!! The color, size, crossbody…everything!!! Love, love, love!!

    Reply
  15. Michaela says

    July 30th, 2015 at 11:19 am

    Like the crossbody bag! I agree about the snacks especially when you are traveling with other people. And comfortable shoes any day!

    Reply
  16. Kwmechelle says

    July 30th, 2015 at 11:52 am

    These are great tips. I’m planning a trip to the amusement park to highlight my summer. I’d add, remember to take sun screen, sunglasses, a water bottle (a small one so its not too heavy & can maybe fit in your purse), & a selfie stick (for impromptu photo ops with your cell phone). Enjoy your fam 🙂

    Reply
  17. Tatiana says

    July 30th, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    That is the prettiest cross body purse. I love that red. Love a comfy pair of shoes and a sun hat for sight seeing. I only keep band-aids in my wallet for cuts and scrapes. For blisters I prefer to use plasters like these. https://www.compeed.co.uk/compeed-footcare/blister-medium-plasters or these http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=79971&catid=59963&aid=338666&aparam=79971&kpid=79971&CAWELAID=120142990000060574&CAGPSPN=pla&kpid=79971. I feel like they have more cushion and protection from further rubbing. Plus they stay on a heck of a lot better.

    Reply
  18. Anastassia says

    July 30th, 2015 at 12:54 pm

    Lovely crossbody bag. I would wear sunglasses and sunscreen for sure.

    Reply
  19. Iris says

    July 30th, 2015 at 1:05 pm

    Great item choices.

    My must haves include many of the above along with hand sanitizer and lip balm or lipgloss.

    Reply
  20. Kathy Smith-Woodcock says

    July 30th, 2015 at 5:30 pm

    Powder facial sunscreen from Thoms Roth available at sephora it works great as it applys over makeup, just found it this year!! Apparently there is an spf setting spray by coola but I cant find it in Ontario, Canada. Also sunglasses and a hat and water, woo hoo family time is great!!

    Reply
  21. Kathy Smith-Woodcock says

    July 30th, 2015 at 5:32 pm

    If anyone knows about the Coola setting spray spf30? please let me know where it can be purchased or if you have tried it, thank you

    Reply
  22. Chelsea says

    July 30th, 2015 at 7:20 pm

    I only ever do cross body bags anymore! So convenient! Hats are great too, especially for those of us prone to sunburn!

    Reply
  23. lena says

    July 31st, 2015 at 5:27 am

    agree on all points, sometimes a bacpack if hiking or visiting a food fest – need both hands AND space to lug purchases.

    also sunglasses and a bottle of water would be handy….

    love your cherry red bag, karen!
    lena recently posted … [Music] Isyana Sarasvati, New Indonesian Vocalist/Songwriter

    Reply
  24. Trude says

    July 31st, 2015 at 7:50 am

    I save Sephora samples of sunscreen so I can have wee ones to take with me for reapplication. Have fun with the ‘rents! 🙂

    Reply
  25. Pamela Haddad says

    July 31st, 2015 at 8:59 am

    Cute bag! I always have my water with me. But last week when my niece was visiting and wanted to do all the LA photo ops, I completely forgot it. And it was hot! So definitely bottled water, snacks, extra sunscreen and wipes. I pretty much always have these in my car, just in case. btw, my dad lives in Redding (well actually Cottonwood, 20 miles south.) Small world, huh? Have fun with family!

    Reply
  26. musical says

    July 31st, 2015 at 9:16 am

    I love your choice for the cross-body purse :). I have the Cobble Hill small Devin in navy. That and my Sperry top-siders/Toms, and i am good to go, lol. Not to mention band-aids-if I ever wear a new pair of shoes, I need band-aids :(.

    Reply
  27. Michelle says

    July 31st, 2015 at 3:37 pm

    Sunglasses, a hat, maybe a small h2o bottle just in case. I totally agree with the cross body bag, very useful and keeps the hands free. ?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Primary Sidebar

About Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my two-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my cat (Tabs).

Featured Posts

New Spring 2018 Items for Cat Ladies and Makeup Lovers on connorclaire.com

New Spring 2018 Items for Cat Ladies and Makeup Lovers on connorclaire.com

A Glamorously Grungy Makeup Tutorial: Smoky Reddish Brown Eyes and Vampy Matte Lips [MODERATE SKILL LEVEL]

A Glamorously Grungy Makeup Tutorial: Smoky Reddish Brown Eyes and Vampy Matte Lips [MODERATE SKILL LEVEL]

A 10-Minute Minimalist Makeup Tutorial: Gleaming Rose Gold Wings With Glossy Cheeks and Lips

A 10-Minute Minimalist Makeup Tutorial: Gleaming Rose Gold Wings With Glossy Cheeks and Lips

A Rainy Day Minimalist Makeup Tutorial: Cheerful Pink Cheeks, Rosy Lips and Doe Eyes

A Rainy Day Minimalist Makeup Tutorial: Cheerful Pink Cheeks, Rosy Lips and Doe Eyes

10-Minute Work or Weekend Makeup With Red Blush, Red Lipstick and Smudgy Bronze-Black Cat Eyeliner

10-Minute Work or Weekend Makeup With Red Blush, Red Lipstick and Smudgy Bronze-Black Cat Eyeliner

Recent Posts

MAC Unsung Heroes: Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Burnt Spice

MAC Unsung Heroes: Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Burnt Spice

What’s Your Current Favorite Brown Lipstick?

What’s Your Current Favorite Brown Lipstick?

Spring Sparkle With Gleaming, Glowing Skin for a Trip to Old Navy

Spring Sparkle With Gleaming, Glowing Skin for a Trip to Old Navy

Quick Eyeshadow Tip for Hooded Lids

Quick Eyeshadow Tip for Hooded Lids

Subtle Spring Sparkle When You Don’t Want to “Go Big” With Glitter

Subtle Spring Sparkle When You Don’t Want to “Go Big” With Glitter

Shop the Store

Social

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2018 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.