Skip to content

Top Navigation

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Trip Inspiration
  • Travel Guides
  • Plan Your Trip
  • World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises
  • Travel Tips
  • News
  • Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Join T+L Club this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Join T+L Club this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Book Now
Pin FB

Explore Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Explore

    Explore

    • World's Best

      World's Best

      The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. Read More
    • The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

      The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

      Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2022. Read More
    • Let's Go Together Podcast

      Let's Go Together Podcast

      Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! Hosted by Kellee Edwards. Read More
  • Trip Inspiration

    Trip Inspiration

    • Trip Ideas
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Spring Travel
    • Summer Travel
    • Fall Travel
    • Winter Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Luxury Travel
    • Beach Vacations
    • Adventure Travel
    • Road Trips
    • Family Travel
    • National Parks
    • Holiday Travel
    • Travel Photography
    • Photo of the Day
    • Culture + Design
    • Like a Local
    • Travel To
    • 50 Years of Travel + Leisure
  • Travel Guides

    Travel Guides

    See All Travel Guides
    • Mexico City
    • Maui
    • Charleston
    • Tulum
    • New York City
    • London
    • Paris
    • Iceland
    • Los Cabos
    • See More Travel Guides
  • Plan Your Trip

    Plan Your Trip

    Norwegian Cruise Line Will Require Vaccinations for All Passengers and Crew

    Norwegian Cruise Line Will Require Vaccinations for All Passengers and Crew

    Norwegian Cruise Line hopes to resume sailing out of the U.S. on or around July 4.
    • Travel Deals
    • Attractions
    • Travel + Leisure GO
    • Amusement Parks
    • Festivals + Events
    • Bus and Train Travel
    • Flight Deals
    • Budget Travel
    • Hotels + Resorts
    • Disney Vacations
    • Airlines + Airports
    • Ground Transportation
    • Get Outside
    • Wanderlust
  • World's Best

    World's Best

    • Top Hotels
    • Top Cities
    • Top Islands
    • Domestic Airlines
    • International Airlines
    • Tours
    • Safaris
    • See All World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises

    Cruises

    • Find A Cruise
    • Caribbean Cruises
    • River Cruises
    • European Cruises
    • All-Inclusive Cruises
    • Family Cruises
    • Alaskan Cruises
    • Disney Cruises
    • See All Cruise Vacations
  • Travel Tips

    Travel Tips

    • Travel Trends
    • Packing Tips
    • Points + Miles
    • Budgeting + Currency
    • Customs + Immigration
    • Responsible Travel
    • Travel Etiquette
    • Travel Warnings
    • Weather
    • Mobile Apps
    • See All Travel Tips
  • News

    News

    • Wellness
    • Celebrity Travel
    • Animals
    • Jobs
    • Offbeat
    • See All News
  • Food + Drink

    Food + Drink

    • Restaurants
    • Wine
    • Beer
    • Cocktails + Spirits
    • Bars + Clubs
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Cooking + Entertaining
    • Food Fairs + Festivals
    • World's Best Restaurants
    • A Spirited Occasion
    • See All Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories

    Travel Accessories

    • Travel Bags
    • Shoes
    • Travel Tech
    • Shopping
    • Style
    • Gift Guides
    • See All Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Join T+L Club this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Join T+L Club this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes
Book Now

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Travel Tips
  3. Packing Tips
  4. 27 Things the World's Best Travel Agents Bring With Them on Every Trip

27 Things the World's Best Travel Agents Bring With Them on Every Trip

By Travel + Leisure Staff August 31, 2017
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Pin
A-List Tour Guide Travel Packing Essentials
Credit: Dorling KindersleyGetty Images/Dorling Kindersley; Courtesy of retailers
If there’s one thing years of travel have taught us, it’s that packing gets easier with practice.

However, picking up a few new tricks never hurts, and that’s what we’re here to help you with. We’ve polled the editors at T+L on their favorite travel products, but there’s also another category of experts we turn to when we’re looking for the latest trends and tricks: travel agents.

Related: 19 Packing Hacks from Travel + Leisure Editors

We asked some of the world’s top agents from our travel advisory board, a select group of owners and operators of the country’s most important agencies, for their absolute must-pack items. The 27 items listed here are a sneak peek inside the luggage of some of the best travel agents in the business.
Start Slideshow

1 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Travel Bag

Travel Packing Essentials Longchamp luggage bag
Credit: Courtesy of Bloomingdales

A self-proclaimed Longchamp addict, Mary Ann Ramsey has a “supply” of the brands’ bags and luggage in various sizes and colors. The one that always comes with her, no matter where, is the Le Pliage Travel Bag XL. “It is packed flat in my carry-on and I pull it out to use for daytrips to carry purchases, an extra layer, or even on safari to hold my binoculars, camera, bug spray, and more,” she told Travel + Leisure. “As my luggage is always expanding when I travel due to my love of shopping, I also use it on the way home to pack my laundry and shoes inside and check it.”

To buy: bloomingdales.com, $135

1 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Winco Champagne Bottle Stopper

Travel Packing Essentials Winco wine stopper
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Another travel essential Ramsey always has at the ready is a champagne stopper. “I like a ‘dresser’ as I get ready for dinner, and my beverage of choice is champagne,” she said. “This stopper keeps champagne fresh and bubbly when you don’t finish the entire bottle. You can have a glass (or two) each evening and the rest stays bubbly for the next night!”

To buy: amazon.com, $5

2 of 27

3 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Large Clothespins

Metal painter clips Travel Packing Essentials
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Knowing the value of sleeping well while traveling, Western Europe expert Jim Strong always brings a clothespin or some type of big clip to fully close the curtains in the room to avoid the early morning light.

To buy: amazon.com, $7

3 of 27

Advertisement

4 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Amazon Echo Dot

Amazon Dot Travel Packing Essentials
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Strong also packs his Amazon Echo Dot to connect to Wi-Fi for weather and traffic reports and other destination issues. “Also, if I forgot something like a belt or socks,” he said, “I can order it from Amazon and have it shipped to the hotel.”

To buy: amazon.com, $50

4 of 27

5 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap

Travel Packing Essentials White and Warren cashmere scarf
Credit: Courtesy of Ahalife

According to Julia P. Douglas, founder of Jet Set World Travel, a travel wrap is a must for anyone who needs that extra layer of warmth to fall asleep or get comfortable on highly air-conditioned flights. She says of White + Warren’s wraps: “The quality is unsurpassed for the price and it’s a timeless and stylish travel accessory that lasts for years.”

To buy: ahalife.com, $298

5 of 27

6 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

EO Lavender Hand Sanitizer Spray

Travel Packing Essentials EO Hand Sanitizer
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

A family travel expert, Douglas knows the importance of staying healthy and clean away from home. This spray is organic, effective, and pleasantly fragrant. “The smell alone encourages frequent use,” she said.

To buy: amazon.com, $24 for a pack of 6

6 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

PurSteam Fabric Steamer

Travel Packing Essentials PurSteam Portable Steamer
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Douglas also believes this travel steamer is a “critical addition to the road warrior’s arsenal, as it’s lightweight and packs a mighty punch for quickly removing wrinkles on the go.”

To buy: amazon.com, $25 (originally $70)

7 of 27

8 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Flight 001 Go Clean Packing Bags

Travel Packing Essentials Flight 001 pouches
Credit: Courtesy of eBags

If you, like Douglas, bring your exercise routine on the road, you’ll find these packing bags useful for transporting a sweaty gym kit or wet bathing suits in your luggage when you don’t have easy access to laundry.

To buy: ebags.com, $52

8 of 27

9 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Recreo San Miguel Poncho

Travel Packing Essentials Recreo San Miguel Cashmere wrap
Credit: Courtesy of Recreo San Miguel

President and CEO of Huffman Travel Shawna Huffman Owen can’t travel without her Recreo poncho. “It’s so chic and makes any outfit,” she said “It also doubles as a blanket or scarf.”

To buy: recreosanmiguel.com, $675

9 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

Travel Packing Essentials Tata Harper Skincare face mask beauty
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Owen also finds this small and compact mask to be “just the ‘pick-me-up’ my skin needs after long, dry flights.” The ingredients are 100% natural and it works like a traditional peel to revitalize dull skin and minimize the appearance of pores.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $58

10 of 27

11 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tide To-go Stain Remover Pen

Travel Packing Essentials Tide To Go Detergent Pen
Credit: Courtesy of Target

As an expert in planning family trips, Owen also knows Tide’s pens are “a life saver always!”

To buy: target.com, $6

11 of 27

12 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Colorful Scarf

Travel Packing Essentials Hermes silk scarf
Credit: Courtesy of Hermes

In McCabe World Travel President Anne Morgan Scully’s luggage, you’ll always find a few colorful scarves tucked in. In particular, she loves Hermes’ silk and cashmere scarves. “They come at a price but are easy to add to a simple top, jacket, or coat to give a pop of color and totally change the look,” she said. “They last for years and are treasures to me as I buy them from all over the world.”

To buy: hermes.com, $395; (similar style) jcrew.com, $50

12 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Compression Socks

Travel Packing Essentials Vim Vigr dress socks
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Especially for long flights, compression socks help your legs and feet maintain proper circulation to prevent pain and swelling. Kimberly Wilson Wetty, copresident of Valerie Wilson Travel, loves Vim & Vigr’s socks, as they’re fashionable, too.

To buy: amazon.com, from $28

13 of 27

14 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Travel Pouch

Travel Packing Essentials Leatherology Pouch
Credit: Courtesy of Leatherology

Wetty uses this leather pouch as her catchall bag for flights, putting what she’ll need in there for easy access. That way, her handbag or carry can be tucked away into the overhead compartment, and she won’t have to worry about them again until arrival.

To buy: amazon.com, $75

14 of 27

15 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Portable Power Bank

Travel Packing Essentials mophie portable battery phone charger
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
  • Wetty also loves her Mophie Powerstation dual USB charger. “It’s slim and fits everywhere (like inside my travel pouch),” she said.
  • To buy: amazon.com, from $25

15 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

AmorePacific Time Response Skin Renewal Crème

Amore Pacific Skincare skin renewal creme cream Travel Packing Essentials
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Moisturizer is a must for Wetty, as well. Her favorite is AmorePacific Time Response Skin Renewal Crème. Thanks to green tea and other soothing botanical ingredients, it helps to cover up the effects of jetlag and time spent in circulated air.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $450

16 of 27

17 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Garmin Forerunner 935

Travel Packing Essentials Garmin watch
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

When traveling, Ovation Vacations President Jack Ezon likes to start his day with a brisk run, which he records on the Garmin app. “It’s cool to look back at all the runs you do around the world (and see how you perform at different altitudes and temperatures).” he said. “Not only is running a great way to see a destination before your workday starts, but it’s also a great way to recover from jet lag right after you land.”

To buy: amazon.com, $491

17 of 27

18 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lululemon ABC Pants

Travel Packing Essentials Lululemon athletic gear apparel
Credit: Courtesy of Lululemon

When it comes to travel pants, you’ll want them to be both versatile and comfortable, and Ezon said this pair by Lululemon hits both marks, adding, “you can chill in them or go to a meeting with them on!”

To buy: lululemon.com, $128

18 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ermenegildo Zegna Stretch-modal Jersey Pyjama Set

Travel Packing Essentials Ermenegildo Zegna silk pajamas
Credit: Courtesy of Mr Porter

For overnight flights, Ezon always changes into PJs, calling this set “a complete game-changer.”

To buy: mrporter.com, $300

19 of 27

20 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Victorinox Roller Bag

Travel Packing Essentials Victorinox Travel Luggage
Credit: Courtesy of eBags

Two A-list agents recommended Victorinox’s carry-on suitcases, both Central Travel President Jani Miller and Renshaw Travel President David Lowy. Lowy specifically recommended the Spectra 2.0 Dual Access Global Carry On, noting that it’s “lightweight, durable, and a smooth roll through airports.”

To buy: ebags.com, $350 (originally $585)

20 of 27

21 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Eagle Creek Compression Cubes

Travel Packing Essentials Eagle Creek Case Pouches
Credit: Courtesy of Eagle Creek

To fit everything into her Victorinox suitcase, Miller uses packing cubes and Eagle Creek’s compression bags. The two-way zipper allows for extra compression once you’ve got them packed full.

To buy: eaglecreek.com, $37

21 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise-canceling Earbuds

Bose Headphone Kit Travel Packing Essentials
Credit: Courtesy of eBags

Luxury travel expert Lowy always used to travel with over-the-ear headphones, but they were bulky, making it hard to fall asleep with them on. The earbuds are amazing and I can keep the case in my pocket and I can even just put them on in the airport while waiting, very calming and relaxing.

To buy: ebags.com, $249 (originally $299)

22 of 27

23 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Pair of Hotel Slippers

Travel Packing Essentials Hotel Slippers
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

I keep a pair of with me to wear in-flight, Lowy said. “They’re very comfortable and I don’t have to put shoes on and off if I want to get up.”

23 of 27

24 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tep Wireless Global Hotspot

Travel Packing Essentials Tep Wireless
Credit: Courtesy of Tep Wireless

This hotspot was actually recommended by two A-list agents, Steve Orens, owner of Plaza Travel and Marc Kazlauskas, president of Frosch’s leisure division and U.S. branch operations. Kazlauskas said that for $8 per day, he can connect multiple devices and make wifi calls using AT&T’s service. “This allows me to have unlimited Internet access, texts, and calls virtually anywhere in the world,” he said. Orens pointed out two more merits of using a personal hotspot: “Many times it’s faster (and definitely more secure) than hotel and airport wifi.”

To buy or rent: tepwireless.com

24 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Soundwhiz Wireless Bluetooth Running Headphones

Travel Packing Essentials Soundwhiz Headphones
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

As one could imagine, Hawaii expert Edward C. Phillips travels quite a lot, and when recommending these headphones, he said “the one thing that keeps me sane is my daily run or ride.”

To buy: amazon.com, $34 (originally $130)

25 of 27

26 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rinogear Water-resistant Armband

Travel Packing Essentials Rinogear phone case
Credit: Courtesy of Rinogear

Phillips also recommended this armband for running or working out on the go. His trick to staying motivated when routines are shaken up by travel? “I place these (and my headphones) on whatever hotel room vanity that I might be staying in and, each morning, when I head in to brush my teeth, they remind me of the great start I need to make my day.”

To buy: rinogear.com, $11

26 of 27

27 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Tumi Backpack

Travel Packing Essentials Tumi bag luggage
Credit: Courtesy of Tumi

Wido L. Schaefer, the founder of California’s largest independent travel agency, TravelStore, would not leave home without his Tumi backpack. “It makes me hands-free, which is essential in getting through many diverse situations,” he said.

To buy: tumi.com, $365

27 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Travel + Leisure Staff

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 27 Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Travel Bag
    2 of 27 Winco Champagne Bottle Stopper
    3 of 27 Large Clothespins
    4 of 27 Amazon Echo Dot
    5 of 27 White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap
    6 of 27 EO Lavender Hand Sanitizer Spray
    7 of 27 PurSteam Fabric Steamer
    8 of 27 Flight 001 Go Clean Packing Bags
    9 of 27 Recreo San Miguel Poncho
    10 of 27 Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask
    11 of 27 Tide To-go Stain Remover Pen
    12 of 27 A Colorful Scarf
    13 of 27 Compression Socks
    14 of 27 Travel Pouch
    15 of 27 Portable Power Bank
    16 of 27 AmorePacific Time Response Skin Renewal Crème
    17 of 27 Garmin Forerunner 935
    18 of 27 Lululemon ABC Pants
    19 of 27 Ermenegildo Zegna Stretch-modal Jersey Pyjama Set
    20 of 27 Victorinox Roller Bag
    21 of 27 Eagle Creek Compression Cubes
    22 of 27 Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise-canceling Earbuds
    23 of 27 A Pair of Hotel Slippers
    24 of 27 Tep Wireless Global Hotspot
    25 of 27 Soundwhiz Wireless Bluetooth Running Headphones
    26 of 27 Rinogear Water-resistant Armband
    27 of 27 A Tumi Backpack

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel + Leisure Wine this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    MeredithTravel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Travel + Leisure. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.travelandleisure.com

    View image

    27 Things the World's Best Travel Agents Bring With Them on Every Trip
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.