The Best Inflatable Pool Floats to Travel With This Summer

By Richelle Szypulski
May 31, 2016
Thomas M. Barwick/Getty Images
Here at T+L, we make it our mission to know the worlds of travel and leisure equally well. And what could be more leisurely than taking in some of the world’s most beautiful pool views from atop an inflatable lobster? If you’re planning on spending any time by a pool this summer—and we hope you are—then you need to pick up an inflatable pool float immediately.

If you’re as anti-buoyant as I am, 10 minutes treading water is 10 minutes spent frantically kicking and flapping to keep your head above the surface. This might be a feasible approach for dealing with an overflowing e-mail inbox, but there shouldn’t be any frantic flapping during any beach vacation.

Which means that pool floats are as practical as they are stylish. They can take your swim experience from exertion to relaxation, and with the variety of shapes, animals, and foods available these days, they’re undoubtedly the trendiest accessory of the summer—sorry, sunglasses. You don’t want to be caught without one—especially if your all-inclusive resort package does not include inflatables.

Below are our picks for 23 fun rafts, tubes, and floats to pack for your next beach getaway, or to brighten up a backyard staycation.
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A Massive Pretzel

Amazon

This Giant Pretzel Inflatable can fit up to three people, but just because you can share doesn’t mean you have to.

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A Pineapple

Amazon

How can you not be the happiest human around when lounging on this Inflatable Pineapple Pool Float?

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A Watermelon

J. Dodson

Relaxing gets even more refreshing with the Watermelon Slice Pool Float.

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A Giant Slice of Lime, Lemon, or Orange

Amazon

If you want your float to match your cocktail garnish, you need a Giant Fruit Slice Float.

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A Pink Donut Pool Float

Amazon

If the previous float options are far too health-conscious for you, go for the four-foot Gigantic Donut Pool Float. It comes in both chocolate-frosted and strawberry-frosted, and with sprinkles.

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Delicious Donut Cup Holders

Amazon

This Donut Drink Holder Pool Float Set is meant to hold a drink, but we see no reason why you couldn’t put a donut in there instead.

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A Piece of Pizza

Amazon

You only need eight of these Giant Inflatable Pizza Slice floats to form an entire pie—now that’s what we call a squad goal.

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A Slice of Bacon

JC Penny

Take a sun-soaked nap on one of America’s favorite breakfast foods with this Sizzling Bacon Float.

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An Ice Cream Sandwich

Urban Outfitters

You could be chilling on this six-foot-long Giant Ice Cream Sandwich Pool Float while eating the strikingly similar real-life version.

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A Cone With Sprinkles

Amazon

Melt into this Ice Cream Cone Float and away from all of your worries.

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A Patriotic Popsicle

Amazon

Is there a better place to spend the Fourth of July than atop this Giant Ice Pop Pool Float? Possibly in one of these festive American towns—but that’s beside the point.

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A Gumball Machine

Amazon

No quarters are required to enjoy this Giant Gumball Machine Pool Float.

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A Classy Swan

Amazon

If any inflatable could be labeled as luxury, it would be this Giant Swan Pool Float. It’s made Instagram appearances on the feeds of Taylor Swift and the Kardashians, so you know it will be the status symbol of the summer.

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A Huge-Beaked Toucan

Nordstrom

Two can enjoy this extra-large Inflatable Toucan Pool Float.

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A Flamingo

Urban Outfitters

This Giant Flamingo Pool Float is the ideal pink beach companion.

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A Mega Rubber Duckie

Amazon

Giant Rubber Duckie Pool Float, you’re the one.

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A Rainbow-Tailed Unicorn

Amazon

This is an eight-foot-long Giant Inflatable Unicorn Pool Float, and no, we won’t blame you for wanting to lie on it on land, in your bedroom, in public, or just at all times.

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A Big Flip Flop

Amazon

The sandal straps on this Blue Flip Flop Inflatable Pool Float double as armrests. Plus, the white and light blue vinyl surface will keep you from scorching in the sun.

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A Tropical Tee

Amazon

You’ll never need to leave this Hawaiian Cabana Shirt Float, because it’s equipped with a pillow, a drink holder, and an “ice chest.”

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The Sun

Amazon

Make sure to double up on SPF with this Sun Pool Float—or without, because skin safety is important everywhere.

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A Seashell

Urban Outfitters

This Shell Pool Float is made for anyone who has ever dreamed of being a mermaid.

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A Lobster

You can float on an adorably antenna-ed crustacean with this Giant Inflatable Lobster Pool Lounge. We can’t imagine going on a New England beach trip without it.

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An Emoji

This five-foot Heart-Eyed Emoji Pool Float wins the award for most culturally relevant floatation device, and it’s also available in the tears of joy face. You just have to decide which one most applies to your summer vacation feelings.

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Now Get Out There!

Thomas M. Barwick/Getty Images

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