Packing can be challenging, but as the universal laws of practice state: the more often you do something, the easier it gets. A truth Travel + Leisure’s editors have confirmed firsthand.
Trip after trip has edited down our suitcases to the essentials: the products we love and rely on so much so that we can’t imagine leaving home without them.
Related: 9 Packing Mistakes Everyone Makes and How to Avoid Them
Among them, there’s the sleek travel wallet that doubles as a clutch for evenings out. The portable charger that keeps you juiced-up when there’s nowhere to plug in. The go-to snack to prevent travel-induced hanger. And, of course, the neck pillow.
From the very best versions of obvious must-packs (our Managing Editor’s beloved Bose headphones) to the small nice-to-haves you may not have thought of (our Editor in Chief’s trusty shoe horn), each piece we picked will make your next trip more convenient, fun, or comfortable, no matter where you're headed.
Egyptian Magic
This is the do-all, be-all of salves. Dry skin? Check. Sunburn? Double check. Weird rash I got from inevitably rubbing up against some foreign plant? Triple check! I can't imagine any trip without it. — Chelsea Schiff, Senior Designer
To buy: target.com, $40 for a pack of 2
Clif Bar
I'm prone to hanger, and a Clif bar is easy to travel with and also filling. — Jessica Plautz, Deputy Digital Editor
To buy: amazon.com, $12 for a box of 12
See more travel-friendly snacks.
Portable Charger
My phone always seems to run out of battery at the worst moments. This Tumi portable charger has been a lifesaver more times I can count. — Katie Fish, Fashion Market Editor
To buy: amazon.com, $57
Travel Wallet
I will evangelize to anyone who’ll listen about my travel wallet. It’s got neat little labeled slots for keeping all my travel documents organized, and it’s this soft, buttery leather that makes me feel like a Fancy Lady every time I carry it — a nice, albeit fleeting, sensation when you’re sardined into a middle seat in economy. It’s roomy enough to carry a phone and a backup battery, and it even doubles as a clutch for dressy events. — Lila Battis, Associate Editor
To buy: nordstrom.com, $595
See more travel accessories worth a splurge.
Headphones
The benefits of Bose headphones are threefold: 1) Cancel out airplane noise. 2) Keep ears warm. 3) Pair with SimplyNoise app to help you get to sleep if your hotel room neighbors are on spring break or are elephants. — Laura Teusink, Managing Editor
To buy: ebags.com, from $99
See more of our favorite headphones for travel.
Travel Neck Pillow
I’m an anxious flyer who happens to be passionate about travel, so I have a hard time falling asleep on red-eyes. I try everything I can to get comfortable, and the Cloudz travel neck pillow is soft enough to cram into my carry-on and firm enough to offer reliable support. I bring it with me on every flight, long or short. — Sean Flynn, Digital Operations Editor
To buy: amazon.com, $15
Se more of the best travel pillows.
Shoe Horn
TSA Precheck isn't always an option, and not every hotel has them on hand, so a shoehorn is an absolute travel necessity for me. Get your shoes back on in a flash, with no damage, in that security line and every day on the road. — Nathan Lump, Editor in Chief
To buy: nordstrom.com, $25
See more of the most helpful travel accessories.
Sunglasses
I never leave for a trip without sunglasses. Ray-Bans have a timeless, classic design that's perfect for a casual day exploring a new city. — Mary Robnett, Assistant Photo Editor
To buy: ray-ban.com, $200
See more stylish travel sunglasses.
Pen + Notebook
I always have a pen and notebook packed for my travels. I'd like to say it's so I can jot down deep thoughts while in new destinations, but I've really got them on hand for far more practical purposes. I have scores of notebooks filled with packing lists, notes on what souvenirs I've bought for friends and relatives, records of how much cash I've spent on a trip (otherwise I'll lose track of how many Euros I've handed over!), and little map sketches (because I still don't always trust my phone to get me where I'm going). — Skye Senterfeit, Associate Photo Editor
To buy: notebook, shinola.com, $16; pen, etsy.com, $8
Probiotics
I have a sensitive stomach, so trying new cuisines and indulging in treats I generally wouldn't back home would often wreak havoc on my poor, poor digestive system. Enter probiotics. These friendly, little bacteria can help keep your digestive system in check (and even boost your immune system as an added bonus). There are numerous different strains, so what works for me won't necessarily be what your gut flora complexion needs to stay balanced. And, of course, check in with your doctor before adding any new supplement to your routine. — Richelle Szypulski, Assistant Digital Editor
To buy: amazon.com, $21
See more travel health essentials.
Instant Coffee
With a few rare exceptions, airline coffee isn't worth anything more than polishing your shoes with, so I always bring along packets of Starbucks Italian Roast instant coffee. Anywhere I go, I'm guaranteed a great cup of joe. — Christopher Tkaczyk, Senior News Editor
To buy: amazon.com, $13
Water Bottle
Spending an astronomical amount for water at the airport is the worst. Instead, pack an empty water bottle in your bag. Once through security, find the nearest drinking fountain and fill it up. This bottle from Hydro Flask is one of my favorites. It keeps water cool for 24 hours and doesn’t sweat in the heat. — John Scarpinato, Assistant Editor
To buy: nordstrom.com, $36
Extra Socks
There’s nothing worse that throwing on a pair of slip-ons as you race out the door for a flight and realize somewhere along the way that your feet will momentarily be bare come the security line (ew). I’m not squeamish about bare-footedness, but there’s something about having a barrier between me and floor space that’s been tread upon by hundreds of thousands of people that gives me peace of mind. Thus, I always pack a pair of ankle socks in my carry-on. They take up almost zero space and come in handy when I’m cold on the plane or pretty much any time – you can always use an extra pair of socks. — Jen Salerno, Editorial Freelancer
To buy: oldnavy.com, $9
Instant Film Camera
In addition to my standard go-to travel camera essentials — a DSLR, lenses, and iPhone — I love to pack my Fujifilm Instax Mini 90. It’s compact and gives you that instant gratification of a Polaroid, which is particularly fun for a night out with friends. — David Kukin, Digital Photo Researcher
To buy: amazon.com, $180
See more travel-friendly compact digital cameras.
Sleep Mask
You can spend a fortune on a fancy satin sleep mask if you want, but my go-to is this inexpensive gray cotton-jersey model from Muji. Not only does it block the light, but it's a kind of travel security blanket for me, something that makes me feel nestled and secure when I'm flying. I just packed mine for a red-eye this morning. — Jesse Ashlock, Features Director
To buy: muji.com, $12
See more of our go-to travel sleep masks.
Hand Cream
Ever since a photographer gifted me this Claus Porto Favorito hand cream, I always have it in my travel bag. It keeps my hands extra soft and has a great, subtle scent. — Scott Hall, Photo Director
To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $20
Red Lipstick
A beautiful red lipstick will cure any of my travel woes: dull skin from an overnight flight, a crummy mood courtesy of jet lag, and yes, even a hangover after one too many cocktails in a buzzy neighborhood or hotel bar. After searching for years for the perfect shade, I've settled on Chanel Pirate (No. 99) and never leave home without it. The texture is creamy, the tube glides on smooth, and better still its long-wearing. — Jacqueline Gifford, Special Projects Editor
To buy: chanel.com, $37
See more of the best travel beauty products.
Slipdress
This Nili Lotan navy silk slip dress is the ultimate day-to-evening, all-occasion multi-tasker. It's the first piece I put in my suitcase for any trip. I wear it to daytime meetings under a blazer, and it can be dressed up for an evening event with a change of shoe and jewelry. It works in the cold, layered over jeans and a T-shirt, and in warmer climates, it's easy by itself. When this one wears out, I will consider sleeping in it. — Melissa Ventosa Martin, Fashion Director
To buy: barneys.com, $545
See more dresses perfect for traveling in.
Scarf
No matter what mode of transportation I'm going to be in — plane, train, bus, boat, or tuk tuk — I inevitably get a little (or a lot!) chilly from over–air conditioned cabins or the breeze. I've found it essential to always have a scarf handy in my bag. I prefer a light, packable one with a bright print, like this one from J.Crew. You can throw it in a tote without adding much weight and it can be stuffed in the depths without taking up much space. Plus, it adds a stylish pop of color to your outfits. — Karen Chen, Digital Producer
To buy: jcrew.com, $40
Denim Jacket
Regardless of where I'm traveling, I always pack a classic denim jacket. The more you wear one, the better it looks and feels, and it works for almost any occasion. — Melanie Lieberman, Associate Digital Editor
To buy: gap.com, $70
Backpack
I always bring a backpack with me when I'm traveling. Not only does it make for the perfect carry-on, it keeps your hands free for things like picture-taking and eating delicious local snacks. My favorite is this one from The Global Creator — it's big enough to fit my camera, laptop, a change of clothes, and other necessities, but small and light enough to carry around on a day of sightseeing without feeling like I'm lugging a huge bag. — Lindsey Campbell, Senior Audience Engagement Editor
To buy: theglobalcreator.com, $325
See more stylish backpacks for travel.
A Comfortable, Versatile Pair of Shoes
From classic canvas sneakers to luxury leather bit loafers, these are the travel shoes we swear by.
