Spring break season is officially upon us. And whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, we argue that it should always be pleasurable. With that in mind, here are 18 women’s travel essentials to get your hands on before your next trip.
Photography provided by Intelligent Nutrients
Intelligent Nutrients Spray Hand Sanitizer
First things first, you need some hand sanitizer, so why not make it a certified organic, chemical-free version that leaves your hands soft and hydrated (not stripped and stinky)? I’m a big fan of spray hand sanitizers, plus this one has a lovely light scent thanks to essential oils.
Photography provided by Cindy Karen
Cindy Karen Classic Tailored Blazer
Yes, we know that one of the biggest changes from the golden age of travel is that everyone shows up for a flight looking like a total slob. And let’s face it, that’s because having to sit in uncomfortable clothing for anywhere between three and 12 hours is a real pain. But thanks to clothing company Cindy Karen, whose tag line is “clothing for the jet setter in all of us,” you can stay comfy and look chic while doing it with pieces like this tailored blazer.
Photography provided by Sarah Liller
Sarah Liller Jewel Mesh Crew Neck Top
Of course, layering is key when it comes to travel attire, which makes a top like Sarah Liller’s mesh crew perfect (and mesh is totally trending right now). It’s great over a cami, under a jumpsuit or paired with some fashion-forward yet functional pants. This brand’s clothing was made to travel, and it transitions easily to a business meeting or an evening out — meaning you don’t have to pack separate clothes for travel and arrival.
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White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap
There aren’t many things that happen on a plane that are worse than getting cold (and we needn’t get into those things here) and knowing you have to endure another couple hours feeling like a popsicle. This cashmere wrap from White + Warren is the solution to all your temperature troubles, made from a lightweight, breathable cashmere and available in a variety of colors.
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Slip Silk Sleep Eye Mask
Sleeping on a plane is tough. Sleeping in Scotland in the summertime, when the sun is barely down before it rises again, is even tougher. Luckily there is a luxuriously indulgent sleep mask made from the highest grade silk that’s sure to help you get some beauty rest. Plus it comes a hue to suit every mood, from black to gold to marble.
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Lano Intense Hand Cream
There’s nothing more drying than airplane air, and your poor hands can bear the brunt of it (especially after all that obsessive hand washing). Australian heritage brand Lano is known for its natural, minimalist skincare. The Intense Hand Cream comes in four naturally infused flavors — Rose, Coconutter, Lemonaid, and Milk + Honey — and features the company’s trademark ingredient: lanolin. It’ll take hands and nails from dry to deeply hydrated before you land, all without any greasiness.
Photography provided by Laneige
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
And let’s not neglect the lips. Laneige makes an unrivaled lip treatment that’s perfect for the plane. The mineral-rich formula envelops lips and forms an eight-hour time-release moisturizing layer. Yes, technically the instructions say this product is for overnight, but off-label use like this is highly encouraged.
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Master & Dynamic True Wireless Earphones
I didn’t realize I was an earphones snob until I was gifted these wireless earphones in tortoise shell acetate. Not only are they super stylish but they produce superior sound, are easy to charge and are small enough that they will always make the cut for your carry-on. Bonus: They come with a variety of ear tips and wings to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.
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Rocketbook Smart Notebooks
I find an airplane one of the best places for writing, brainstorming or jotting down thoughts, but thumb typing on an iPhone gets old fast and I hate having to put my laptop away mid-sentence. Here to rescue us from our air travel boredom is Rocketbook, which combines the best of analog and digital writing. Using a Pilot FiXion pen, you can write/doodle/dream to your heart’s desire on the reusable “notebook,” scan your notes using said iPhone, wipe the slate clean and repeat.
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Blue Lagoon Iceland Hydrating Cream SPF 30
No matter where you’re headed, SPF is a non-negotiable. Period. End of sentence. Blue Lagoon Iceland’s hydrating cream with SPF 30 is the perfect vacation sunscreen, with its lightweight, quick-absorbing formula, TSA-friendly size and easily packable bottle shape. It’s made with the mineral-rich geothermal seawater that Blue Lagoon is famous for and without parabens, colors and fragrances. Enough said.
Photography provided by Eight Saints
Eight Saints Night Shift Hydration Gel
Similarly, moisturizing is never optional, but there’s a time and a place for every type of moisturizer — meaning you don’t want to pack your heavy winter-ready cream if you’re headed somewhere tropical. Enter Eight Saints’ Night Shift Hydration Gel. It’s filled with natural, effective ingredients like botanical hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, peptides, cucumber and aloe. Want to give the brand a try but not sure which product is right for you? Opt for the Discovery Kit, which includes 12 trial-size (read: TSA-friendly) products, from cleansers to serums to creams.
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Mindbodygreen Magnesium+ Supplement
You’re on vacation, far away from your worries and cares, surrounded by serenity and the kind of scenic vistas typically reserved for Mac screen savers. Except now you can’t sleep. And now you’re irritated that you can’t sleep while you’re in paradise. Instead of stressing about how tired you’re going to be for morning yoga, you should pop a couple Mindbodygreen Magnesium+ capsules. This gentle formula promises to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake up refreshed.
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WTHN Can’t Touch This Immune Support Herbs
WTHN is a New York City company that blends ancient wisdom and modern science to promote holistic healing. New Yorkers can book acupuncture sessions at the brand’s brick-and-mortar locale, and the rest of us can support our mind, body and spirit with herbalist-formulated supplement blends. If you’re headed out of town (or just stressed at home), the Can’t Touch This daily immune supplements are a must. For best results, start taking one to two weeks before traveling.
Photography provided by Kate’s Real Food
Kate’s Real Food Energy Bars
Hanger is a real thing, and it often rears its ugly head when it’s least convenient: at the airport, on a plane, at baggage claim at your dreamy destination. You can join in the fight against hanger by planning ahead and packing some snacks. I’m a big fan of Kate’s Real Food, which offers energy bars and bites that are organic, super packable and available in flavors like Peanut Butter Hemp & Flax, Lemon Coconut & Ginger, and Dark Chocolate Cherry & Almond. Crisis averted.
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Cap Beauty Matcha Sticks
Matcha is a must for me in the morning, especially when I’m on the move. My lovely colleague Emma introduced me to this on-the-go option from Cap Beauty, which puts organic ceremonial-grade matcha in individual packets that were practically made for your carry-on.
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Eyebobs Helmsman Sunglasses
Minnesota’s own Eyebobs has been “leading the eyewear rebellion” since its inception in 2001, and that extends to sunglasses. I am a fan of pretty much anything tortoise and love the not-quite-aviator shape of the Helmsman. Not your style? The brand has plenty of frame options, many of which are equally flattering on men and women.
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Brazyn Life Morph Collapsible Foam Roller
I’m a foam roller devotee, and if I skip a day, I notice a total difference. At home, I like to use this Goop-approved roller, but it’s not ideal for the road. Brazyn Life makes a super ingenious version that collapses and folds flat to fit in your suitcase. Plus it’s lightweight and constructed from eco-friendly materials. What’s not to like?
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Sneaker Lab Shoe Care
Remember that time you were convinced to go on a nature hike but only brought your really nice kicks that aren’t actually made for any sort of strenuous activity and ended up with rainforest dirt all over them — and now you’re supposed to put them back in your suitcase? (Not speaking from personal experience, I swear.) Sneaker Lab’s products were made for that. I recommend the Premium Kit plus on-the-go Sneaker Wipes to keep stocked in your dopp kit. Trust me, your shoes will thank you.
