Summer Solstice Travel Tips for Comfort – Pillowpacker Pillows

June 04, 2025

Summer Solstice Travel Tips: Celebrate the Longest Day in Comfort

The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year—a time when sunlight lingers well into the evening and travel plans stretch from early morning hikes to late-night stargazing. Whether you're heading to a lakeside cottage, an outdoor music festival, or a cross-country adventure, comfort can make or break the experience. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of this golden day, wherever your summer solstice journey takes you.

1. Travel Light, But Smart

Packing for a solstice getaway? Think light—but don’t sacrifice the essentials. Layer-friendly clothing, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat should be at the top of your list. Add to that a lightweight blanket or sarong that doubles as a picnic mat or shawl when the evening breeze rolls in.

Pro tip: Keep your bag organized by rolling clothes instead of folding, and stash smaller items in zippered pouches to avoid the dreaded dig-through-the-duffel moment.

2. Embrace the Early Start

With sunrise coming as early as 5:00 a.m. in some parts of Canada, the summer solstice is your cue to start the day with purpose. If you’re travelling, take advantage of quieter roads and trails in the morning. Early light also means better photography conditions and cooler temps for any physical activity.

That said, you’ll want to make sure you’re well-rested to enjoy it. For overnight trips, we recommend keeping a compact travel pillow handy to help you nod off in planes, trains—or as a passenger on long drives.

The Down-Alternative Microfibre Inflatable Travel Pillow is a go-to for vegans and those with allergies. It compresses easily, inflates quickly, and offers the support your neck craves when you’re on the move. View our inflatable travel pillows here.

3. Plan for Shade and Downtime

As lovely as it is to bask in the solstice sun, too much exposure can leave you drained. Be sure to build in breaks—ideally in shaded or air-conditioned spots. If your destination doesn’t offer natural cover, a pop-up sun shelter or umbrella is a wise addition to your packing list.

Midday is perfect for a picnic in the shade or even a nap if you're on a camping trip or cottage porch. You didn’t travel all this way to be exhausted by 3 p.m.

Need a little luxury for your down time? The white duck and goose down inflatable travel pillows delivers cloud-like comfort with the same portability as its microfibre sibling. It’s the perfect companion for an afternoon rest between adventures. Discover the best inflatable pillow for travel for your needs here.

4. Stay Cool While You Explore

Hydration is key on long, sunny days. Pack plenty of water and snack smart—fruits like watermelon or cucumber not only keep hunger at bay, but help you stay cool from the inside out. Clothing choices also matter: choose breathable fabrics like linen or moisture-wicking synthetics.

If you’ll be walking a lot, lightweight sandals or breathable hiking shoes will save your soles. And don’t forget sunglasses—ideally polarized to reduce glare if you’re near water.

5. Capture the Moment (Without Overdoing It)

Sure, you’ll want to take a few golden-hour selfies or panoramic shots of the sunset. But the best solstice memories come from simply being present. Put your phone on airplane mode for part of the day and allow yourself to fully unplug.

Bringing a journal or sketchbook can be a great analogue alternative—especially on the longest day of the year when inspiration tends to strike under open skies.

The summer solstice offers a rare opportunity to soak in the beauty of an extended day. Whether you're celebrating with travel, tradition, or a spontaneous getaway, a little preparation—and the right comfort gear—goes a long way.

Wherever the sunlight leads you, travel rested, travel light, and most of all, travel in comfort.

Celebrating 15 Years of Comfort
Pillowpacker Pillows has turned 15! To celebrate, enjoy a special discount on all travel pillows. Use code 15YEARS at checkout—but hurry, it’s for a limited time.

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