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After years of airport sprints, delayed flights and cramming my entire life into an overhead bin, I’ve developed a sixth sense for what basics I actually need in my suitcase . I’ve tested rain jackets in tropical downpours, hunted for a crossbody bag that can carry snacks and my phone without looking bulky and discovered the one pair of travel pants that works for both red-eyes and dinner reservations. Whether I’m headed on a quick weekend getaway to Gatlinburg or a two-week trek through Asia, these are the tried-and-true travel essentials I never board without. From practical to polished, here’s everything that earns a permanent spot in my carry-on.
Related: I’ve Tried 15+ Eye Masks—This Is the One I Never Travel Without
Essential Travel Clothing
As a full-time travel writer, I've accumulated a closet full of easy-to-throw-on, comfortable yet stylish pieces of clothing. These essentials make for the perfect travel day outfit every time, whether you're traveling by plane, train or car.
Repellent Rain Jacket, $69.90
Maybe it’s because I’m almost 40 now, but there are a few things I never travel without: an umbrella, a cardigan, and a packable lightweight rain jacket. I’ve been caught too many times in the middle of piazzas, on cruises, or even walking downtown when a sudden burst of rain hits, and I have to either cover my head with my bag or run under an awning. That’s why I never leave my house without this ultra-light rain jacket from Quince. I have the black, which goes with everything, but the tan and tofu (white) are also great picks. Made from entirely recycled nylon, this coat is both sustainable and practical. Plus, you can’t beat the price (under $70) and the 365-day return policy.
BOMBAS, Women's Everyday Compression Socks, $30
I’ve had problems with my feet swelling while flying since I was in my early 20s, and the only thing that makes long (and even short) flights bearable these days is compression socks. I’ve tried every single brand under the sun, and the only ones that have held up are my Bombas. They’re more expensive than ones you’d find on Amazon, but last forever — I’ve had pairs last me over 2 years. I have nearly every compression sock they make, from the knee-length pair for flights and after races to the ankle-length pair for running. Bombas also gives back, so every pair you buy, they donate to someone in need.
Lululemon Everywhere Sling Bag Small, $58
It took me years to get on the belt bag trend, but when I did, there was no going back. That was until I got this small sling bag. The shape is more traditional, and I love the small front pocket to hold keys (for car and hotel) and lipstick. In contrast, the larger pocket accommodates everything—including a standard-size wallet, sunglasses, a makeup brush and more. I have the standard black, because duh, it goes with everything, but I love the pink too. It’s truly my go-anywhere bag, I’ve taken it to concerts, on flights, around waterparks and theme parks and on trains in Europe without any stress of pickpocketing.
Quince 100% Organic Cotton Boyfriend Crew Sweater, $39.90
Like I said above, I won’t leave the house for a trip to the store, better yet, a flight, without an oversized cardigan. Ever since losing a good amount of weight recently, I find I’m always cold, especially on planes. As a Quince stan (I have a whole wardrobe full of Quince travel essentials ), I’m always sporting their clothes, and this sweater is no exception. Offering the perfect oversized fit, it’s so easy to throw on over multiple layers and looks perfectly chic every time. It comes in a multitude of colors (I have the agave) and Quince’s famed 365-day return policy. Plus, at more than half off traditional retail, you can buy a few with far less guilt.
ibex Women's GOAT Short Sleeve Crew, $85
As someone who travels a ton and is very active at home, I’ve traded almost all of my traditional cotton t-shirts for ibex merino wool ones, and I’ll tell you why. Made from Beta Spun® technology, which carefully wraps the wool fibers with nylon, these shirts are incredibly soft while still providing odor-resistance, temperature regulation and breathability. I’ve worn these shirts on 16-hour flights that led to immediate dinners, and they’ve stayed fresh, fitted and sweat-free. They’re more expensive than cotton, but you can wear them 2-3 times without any odor or wetness, and they last for years (I’ve had mine for 4 years).
vuori Villa Trouser, $118
As someone who often has to run directly from the plane to dinners or tours, I’ve had to trade my traditional plane outfit of leggings or sweatpants for something a little more polished and professional. That’s why I love these Vuori trousers. They have the moisture-wicking, breathable fabric of athletic leggings with the ultra-chic silhouette of dress pants. The waist is elastic, so you don’t sacrifice comfort for style. I love the light beige color (mushroom), and have the black sitting in my cart as we speak. Paired with the merino tee and oversized cardigan above, you’re perfectly outfitted for anything post-plane.
Related: I've Tried 20+ Loungewear Sets as a Full-Time Travel Writer—Here Are My Go-To Sets
Petite Plume Women's Twill Short Sleeve Short Set in Anchors Away, $84
I never used to wear matching pajamas to sleep, but now I can’t sleep in anything else. As a mom to a daughter, I love Petite Plume because they’re made with 100% high-quality cotton and have really cute family matching prints. I have the gingham and the coastal seaside set, and I get compliments from family and friends every time I wear them. The fit is also slightly oversized and comfy, with pockets on the front of the shirt and on the shorts too, a game changer when you’re forced to carry toys, phones and more before you’ve even had your coffee.
Must-Pack Accessories for Travel
Dagne Dover Jewelry Case, $75 (On Sale for $59!)
As someone who basically lives on the road and also has ADHD, I can tell you my jewelry was almost always tangled when I traveled. After searching high and low for a jewelry case that fits in my backpack and has organization to keep this from happening, I’m happy to report that the Dagne Dover case fits the bill. It’s a hard case, so your precious necklaces and bracelets are protected, while also having small pockets, built-in loops, straps and slots to store everything.
Care.e.On Carryall, $36
I was never a germaphobe until I had my daughter, and now I’m always traveling with hand sanitizer, wipes and this amazing behind-the-airplane-seat organizer. It fits in the back of the airline seat pocket and holds everything from wipes to your phone to sanitizer to lip gloss, eye masks and so much more. Since it fits on the seat, it doesn’t take up precious space near your feet, and it can easily be accessed no matter where you’re sitting. Plus, it even has pockets for passports, tickets and money, so you don’t have to dig in multiple bags when traveling through security.
HOKA Clifton One9, $150
Due to the above-mentioned feet swelling, the only shoes I can wear on the flight are sneakers, and I’m 100% on board the Hoka fan bandwagon. The Clifton One9s live entirely up to the hype, thanks to the cushion support, open-mesh breathability and film overlay. As an aesthetic girlie, I’m obsessed with the vintage logo and the muted colors, and as a runner, I love the sole and ankle support they provide. I have the clear lake and white color, and my husband swears by his carbon black pair.
Wide-Mouth Water Bottle, $44.95
I’m embarrassed to admit that I used to buy a plastic water bottle every time I was in the airport and would dispose of it almost immediately after the flight. Even though I recycled, it still felt like such a waste of both resources and money. So now I don’t fly without a reusable water bottle, and I’ve tested about 100 of them. The one that I always come back to is my wide-mouth Hydroflask. It has a—you guessed it—wide mouth spout and straw for easy sipping. I have it in the surf color, and love the other options too (I have my eye on the hot pink). The biggest selling point, though, was the fact that it actually keeps your drinks cold. I left mine in a hot car (the temps were above 85) for 2 days, and it still had ice cubes formed inside.
ROTHY'S The Point II Slip-On Flats, $155
Even though I almost exclusively travel in sneakers, I love having these super lightweight flats in my carry-on to slip into once I land. Made from knitted recycled water bottles, they’re incredibly soft and pack up so easily without taking up much space. The rubber soles provide support, and the chic silhouette pairs with everything from jeans to leggings. I have the lollipop red because they provide the ultimate splash of color, and I can’t wait to add the ecru with the cheetah print to my rotation. The best part about these shoes? They’re 100% machine washable.
Related: I Traveled the World for 2 Years With This Backpack and It Still Looks Brand New
