As editors, we’re fortunate enough to travel a lot for work and because of this, we have our non-negotiable travel items down to a science. I’ve said this before, but I’m also usually not a light packer by any means—it’s next to impossible for me to travel anywhere with just a carry-on. Naturally, this means I’ve accrued a lot of different travel items of various sizes to accommodate different trips. I try not to play favorites, but at this point, I absolutely do.
Travel essentials are so key and personal to everyone, but I’m nosy and wanted to find out what my fellow editors are using and loving in this department. I can always use new gadgets, luggage, plane outfits, and beauty products to add to my roster so I did what any good editor would do and asked them to spill the deets. If you’ll be traveling this holiday season and need to snag some essentials, look no further. Ahead, you’ll find all our favorite items—from the luggage we never leave home without to the beauty products that get us through a drier climate.
The Luggage
This suitcase is the perfect size to take on trips that last around a week. I love the built-in compartments in it and it has made organization a breeze. I take a lot of vitamins, supplements, and other beauty products with me on trips (not sorry) and it was so easy to find everything due to the extra zip pockets. I also use the brand’s genius luggage cover ($65) over it if I’m going to the airport so it doesn’t get scuffed up after a few uses like some of my other suitcases.
Dagne Dover
Landon Carryall Bag
I know that quality luggage isn’t exactly cheap and it’s hard to bite the bullet sometimes to buy it, but trust me, Dagne Dover items are worth it. This carry-on from the brand is quite literally one of the best bags I own. I take it as a carry-on on planes, but I also use it for weekend trips and the large (or extra large version) both work so well for it. The material is so easy to clean and it’s basically a Mary Poppins bag—looks small, but fits an insane amount of stuff.
I also never shut up about the brand’s Large Dakota Backpack ($215). It’s another staple that’s great for trips, but I also use it as a commuter backpack when I’m out and about working from a different location than home.
BÉIS Travel
The Carry-On Roller in All Black
“This is my favorite carry-on suitcase. It has a cushioned handle and 360-degree wheels so I can push it across the airport floor with ease. Plus, it comes with a large, roomy interior, attached pouches for small items, and even a laundry bag. I didn’t think I could love a suitcase so much, but apparently, I can. Now I can’t wait to buy The Large Check-In Roller ($328).” — Kaitlyn McLintock, Who What Wear associate beauty editor
Hanples
Hanples Carry on Travel Backpack for Women, Large 40l Person Item Luggage Backpack,17inch Laptop Backpack Tsa Flight Approved, Travel Essentials Casual Daypack With 2 Toiletry Bag
“Because I travel back and forth between Austin and Los Angeles about every other month, I’m usually booking budget flight. Unfortunately, that means I usually have to make my ‘personal item’ my carryon and pack everything I’ll need for the week in something that won’t get flagged at the gate and will actually fit under my seat. This expandable travel backpack has been a godsend for flying uber-economy flights—it’s super roomy and comes with several removable organizers for dirty clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc. For under $40, it sure beats having to hide an additional bag under a very suspect trench coat or oversized hoodie and praying the flight attendant doesn’t notice. Seriously, this backpack has easily saved me $1,000+ in 2024 alone.” — Mia Maguire, The Daily Beast Managing Commerce Editor
Nex
Pioneer 20″ – Hawaii Edition | Waikiki Blue
“When I’m splurging on a carry-on, will be gone for over a week, or am on a brand trip and someone else is paying for my flight, I’ll bring my Nex Pioneer Carry-On. The sleek hard shell suitcase is ridiculously durable, which is essential for someone who is constantly sprinting to the gate and doesn’t always have the luxury of treating my travel gear with the TLC it deserves. The wheels move with you—not against you—and it’s sized to adhere to domestic and international carry-on size limits. ” — Maguire
BÉIS Travel
The East to West Tote in Black
“I used to use any old tote bag or backpack to travel, but now I use this roomy bag. It’s designed to fit over the handles of the aforementioned suitcase, so I don’t have to wear it on my arm or shoulder as I wander through the airport. It also has internal pockets for my laptop (which I never travel without), a water bottle holder, and a key ring.” — McLintock
Sympatico
Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner
This carry-on suitcase is a favorite of Who What Wear senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider. It’s the perfect size to take on a plane, but expands with a unique inner contraption that allows for up to 25% more space if needed.
Juicy Couture
Kitra 3-Pc Set Hardside Luggage
This set from Juicy Couture is NBC California Live beauty correspondent Marianne Mychaskiw’s go-to luggage trio. The design is vintage-inspired and each is so roomy (with lots of pockets!).
The Airport Outfits
Daily Drills
Unisex Fleece Joggers
When I tell you these are the softest and comfiest sweatpants I own. I wear them every time I travel now which (shamelessly) was a lot this year. All of the brand’s loungewear is top tier and if you want to snag something, make haste. Its styles sell out often.
Daily Drills
Oversized Sport Crew
I know $125 for a sweatshirt is a lot, but I’m willing to pay for investment pieces—especially ones that make long plane rides that much more bearable. It’s warm and cozy without making me overheat and it layers nicely under a heavier jacket if you’re going somewhere cold.
Ugg Since 1974
Women’s Classic Ultra Mini
I don’t care if Uggs are slightly cliché—they’re the perfect plane shoes because they’re easy to slip on and off when going through airport security. They’re also just so comfortable and this particular pair from Ugg Since 1974 is so well made.
Elastique Athletics
L’original 27″ Leggings
“As someone prone to poor circulation and water retention, I always try to wear compression socks on flights over two hours to minimize swelling. Elastique’s L’Original Leggings are basically compression socks for your legs. They’re designed with strategically-placed microperles and graduated compression to boost circulation and keep your lymphatic system from stagnating. Of course, comfort is key when flying and despite the targeted compression, these leggings don’t strangle you. In fact, they’re super comfortable. The one caveat is that the interior microperles often set off security in TSA, so if you’re in a rush or flying international, I would skip them.” — Maguire
The Frankie Shop
Oversized Boyfriend Blazer
“While I’d love to be one of those people who prioritizes looking put together when traveling, I’m just not that girl. Fortunately, a roomy, cozy and oversized blazer looks equally as chic with rigid denim and kitten heels as it does with my sloppy sweatsuit and sneakers. This boyfriend blazer is decidedly oversized, but it still elevates just about any look I pair it with—and without looking forced. I even keep it by my desk to top over pajamas for impromptu Zoom calls. It gives professional, put-together, and cool—even if you’re wearing pajamas underneath it. Plus, if I am trying to sneak an extra bag with me that I did not ‘consolidate,’ this blazer hides it supremely well.” — Maguire
Forever 21
Hello Kitty & Friends Sweatpants
Mychaskiw loves this affordable set for travel because it’s cute and cozy. The hoodie is also easy to pull over your eyes if you want to sleep.
The Beauty Products
“Once you start sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase, anything else seems sacrilegious. I’m the weirdo who insists on bringing her own pillowcase wherever I go to keep my hair and skin as soft and wrinkle-free as possible. I’ve tried so many spendy silk pillowcases, and I swear Kitsch’s $19 satin ones are my forever favorite.” — Erin Jahns, Who What Wear beauty director
Nécessaire
The Hand Cream – Barrier Treatment With 5 Ceramides, 5 Peptides + Niacinamide
“I’m a nervous flyer, so if my hands are moisturized, I tend to pick at my cuticles. This hand cream is a must-have. It’s light and non-greasy, yet it moisturizes my hands for hours so they look and feel smooth. I bring it with me nearly every time I travel. ” — McLintock
Chantecaille
Pure Rosewater
“Post-flight, I like to spritz my face lightly with Chantecaille’s rose-infused face mist. Crafted using the entire rose blossom and features hand-harvested petals and combined with steam-distilled in artesian well water, it instantly delivers antioxidant and skin-refreshing properties to the skin. After using it, I don’t have to worry about having to deal with dry skin for the rest of my travels (plus, it leaves me with an uplifting rose scent I love).” — Maya Thomas, Who What Wear assistant beauty editor
“I try to be as low-maintenance as possible when traveling, so I want to preserve a fresh blowout for as long as humanly possible. Not only do these adorable clips come in handy when I’m actually styling my hair, but I also like to wear them during long flights or travel days to keep my strands locked in place.” — Jahns
Tower 28
Mini Sos Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Mychaskiw always brings this travel-sized version of Tower 28’s cult-loved hypochlorous acid facial spray with her in her carry-on to calm and soothe skin.
Rōz
The Mini Essentials Kit
“Rōz is my all-time staple for good hair days, so I need all the essentials when I’m traveling—especially when I’m not sure what the hard water, towel, or humidity situation will be like wherever I land.” — Schneider
Talika
Talika Eye Therapy Patch
“These smoothing eye patches (a French pharmacy staple) are non-negotiables on travel days. They even come with a sleek, silver case for easy on-the-go access.” —Schneider
LAWLESS
Forget the Filler Overnight Lip Plumping Mask
Caudalie
Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream
“I’ve always struggled with dark under eyes, but it gets especially bad when I’m traveling. However, since I’ve begun using the Caudalie eye cream after flights, I’ve noticed how much brighters and mother my under eyes look. It’s formulated with three of my absolute favorite ingredients for smoothing fine lines and reviving the skin: viniferine, caffeine, and niacinamide.” — Thomas
ESW Beauty
Raw Juice Cleanse Mask Set
“I have dry skin. When I travel, it gets even worse. That’s why I always stash one of these in my bag. I use it once I get to my destination. No matter which one out of the variety pack I choose, it never fails to hydrate, plump, and breathe life back into my skin. They’re my skin’s secret weapon.” — McLintock
DedCool
01 “taunt” Eau De Parfum Travel Spray
“I own too many travel-size perfumes to count, but DedCool’s Taunt (a sultry blend of vanilla, amber, florals, “fresh dew,” and more) strikes the perfect balance no matter where I’m headed. It’s truly the Goldilocks of all fragrances IMO.” — Jahns
MARA
Niacinamide + Copper Clear Skin Mineral Milk Acne Treatment
“While this BHA serum is technically formulated chiefly for acne and congestion, it offers so many more complexion-boosting benefits—especially when you’re traveling. The dry air on flights often leads to my skin peeling, and this salicylic acid-powered elixir keeps the dead skin from clogging my pores even further. Plus, unlike every other acne treatment I’ve ever tried, the Clear Skin Mineral Milk is super hydrating, leaving your skin feeling nourished and glowing. It lifts redness and irritation better than most of my thicker formulas while still keeping my pores clear.” — Maguire
YSE Beauty
Overachiever Brightening Eye Masks
“My dark circles and under-eye bags don’t care if I’m on a work trip, vacation, or anything else. They’re still there—super apparent and tired-looking. On days when I’d like to look brighter, fresher, and more wide awake, I use these. They’re hydrogel eye masks that grip to the skin (no slippage!) and deliver ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, and allantoin. I wear them for 15 minutes at a time, and when I take them off, my dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines are auto-corrected. The best part? They have an instant cooling effect that helps wake me up after long travel days. ” — McLintock
PHLUR
Mini Vanilla Skin Body & Hair Fragrance Mist
“I’ll always keep a body mist on-hand for a refreshing spritz post-flight. I appreciate how Phlur bottles aren’t too precious, so I can easily chuck them into my carry-on.” — Schneider
Le Prunier
Plum Beauty Oil
I always make sure I have this oil from Le Prunier on hand when I travel because it’s so hydrating, brightening, and balancing for oily or acne-prone skin. This little mini size is perfect for throwing in my carry-on.
Then I Met You
Living Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover
I use this as a first step in my evening cleansing routine whether I’ve worn makeup or not and it is heavenly. It breaks down any makeup or gunk in your pores so well and this travel size is perfect for any trip.
Alexis Smart Flower Remedies
First Aid Kit
This is more of an energetic health staple for traveling, but it’s so incredibly handy. I’m a huge advocate for flower essences because, use the right ones for you, and you’ll be zen AF anywhere you go. Traveling can be a lot on my energy, but First Aid Kit from Alexis Smart Remedies really helps calm me down and keeps my energy in balance.
Therabody
Depuffing Wand for Under Eye Bags & Dark Circles
“I’m always cold on flights, so this gently heated tool feels like a treat. Bonus: It also helps depuff swollen, dehydrated skin.” — Schneider
Sol de Janeiro
Mini Delícia Drench Body Butter
“I can land in the warmest and most humid climate imaginable and my skin will still scale and flake almost instantaneously. I recently picked up this (very cute) mini body butter from Sol de Janeiro while on a trip to Tampa, and suffice to say, I’ll keep it stowed in my luggage indefinitely. Not to mention… anyone you come in contact with will *truly* freak out over how good you smell—think sheer vanilla orchid and sandalwood.” — Jahns
Evolve Together
Malibu – Hand Sanitizer Starter Set
“I stash this in every bag I own!” — Schneider
Sabrina Carpenter
Cherry Baby Eau de Parfum
I’m a little obsessed with Sabrina Carpenter’s fragrances and this is my favorite one so far. I should note that I haven’t gotten my hands just yet on Me Espresso and that one might just dethrone this one for my top pick, but the notes on this are crisp and delicious. Featuring glazed apple, plum nectar, cashmere wood, and cherry cosmo, it’s a true gourmand and every sweet perfume lover’s dream. The bottle is the perfect size to travel with, too, and well made so I don’t have to worry about it breaking in my suitcase.
Oribe
Mini Dry Texturizing Spray
“I love how this iconic texture spray smells and would use it as a hair perfume alone, but it has the added perk of making me look like I have twice the amount of hair that I actually do.” — Jahns
Sara Happ
The Dream Slip® N°2
“I am one of those people who compulsively applies lip balms almost hourly, which of course, is probably why I feel like they’re always dry and in need of another application. The dryness is, of course, only exacerbated when I’m flying. The only lip balm I’ve ever used that keeps my lips nourished and hydrated for longer than an hour or two is Sara Happ’s The Dream Slip Lip Treatment. I apply a generous layer of this balm and my lips are happy for up to eight hours. Plus, it gives a subtle, non-sticky gloss effect, so it looks like I actually tried to look put together…even when I definitely did not.” — Maguire
Noble Panacea
The Exceptional Eye Lift Concentrate
“I know, I know, the price on these individually ‘dosed’ eye concentrates is probably enough to make your bank account weep, but, they’re so incredibly handy to throw into your bag, and the name doesn’t lie. No other eye cream or serum tightens and brightens my under-eyes like Noble Panacea’s game-changing formula does, and each time I dot it around my eyes, I trick myself into thinking I got a few drops of Botox instead.” — Jahns
