With spring already here and summer on the horizon, millions of people across the northern hemisphere are gearing up to do some traveling. Whether it's a day trip across the state, a road trip across the country, or an extended vacation taking you halfway around the world, travel plans are thrilling for those looking forward to an upcoming adventure.

However, there's always the risk of forgetting to do or bring something vital to your trip. It can be as simple as a toothbrush or as critical as a passport. Failure to cover all the essential bases can spell disaster for your travel plans.

With this in mind, let's take a look at six travel essentials for spring and summer 2022:

Quality sunglasses

From keeping the sun out of your eyes on the beach to avoiding eye contact with strangers at the gas station, a great pair of sunglasses is sure to come in handy during your summer travels. Don't settle for scratches or loose hinges when you can replace a lens and tighten the screws to make an old pair of sunglasses look brand new. It's better than paying for a pair of overpriced substitutes at the airport or on the boardwalk. Besides, quality lenses make all the difference. The clarity combined with sunblocking power can't be achieved with the inferior materials used to make cheaper knockoffs. With that said, nobody wants to lose their expensive sunglasses on vacation, so keep them close whenever they're not on your face.

Durable backpack

Like with sunglasses, there's a difference between budget-friendly backpacks and those designed to withstand the abuse and demands of travel. If you're not worried about a strap tearing off while running through the terminal, go ahead and buy a $10 backpack at the discount shop. But suppose your travel plans include multiple layovers, long hikes, and other situations where you'll be lugging around a lot of stuff over extended periods of time. In that case, it's worth every penny to upgrade to a more durable and reliable option. We usually don't outright endorse specific brands, but Jansport remains one of the best backpack brands available for those looking for something they can count on without spending a fortune. There are many great brands out there, so if you go with something else, just make sure to read the reviews before clicking "confirm purchase."

Broken-in footwear

It's common for people to buy new clothes and shoes for an upcoming trip. Unfortunately, new shoes tend to hurt for a few days before you get a chance to break them in. Given the high likelihood of doing a lot of walking on your trip, do yourself a favor and make sure your travel shoes are already broken in before you embark. Doing so will spare your feet the agony of blisters and corns, helping preserve the enjoyability factor of your getaway in the process.

Proof of vaccination

If planning on leaving the country this spring or summer, it's strongly advised you receive all recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. You'll get a vaccination card, which should be enough to get you through customs in most countries. Please note it's against the law to present authorities with a fraudulent vaccination card. Unless you have specific medical conditions resulting in an elevated risk of complication, go ahead and get pricked. It'll make your travel experience so much easier while also making it safer.

Test kit

Vaccination against COVID-19 all but eliminates the chances of experiencing severe symptoms. However, you may still get infected and possibly spread it to others. With this in mind, it's a good idea to pack one or more COVID-19 test kits. If you feel a little ill on vacation, you can check to see if it's coronavirus or the common cold. Furthermore, you may be required to test negative before getting through customs. Taking a test before your departure can prevent you from finding out you're infected after you've already traveled thousands of miles.

Travel insurance

Health experts and travel industry insiders don't anticipate any new and deadly variants to sweep the globe right as travel season is underway. But if the last few years have taught us anything, it's that anything can happen. Given the low cost, consider buying some travel insurance. That way, if things shut down again - as unlikely as it may seem - you'll be covered for the cost of the trip you now must cancel.

Peak travel season is almost upon us. If you're planning on hitting the open road this summer, bring the essentials and plan accordingly. Doing so can be the difference between a trip to remember and one to forget.