With your PTO in the calendar and your dream hotel officially booked, the only thing left to do before you jet off is to tackle your packing list. Assembling these travel essentials can be a daunting task steeped in airline baggage restriction frustration—but we’re here to reclaim the narrative. You don’t need complicated lists and a million specialty items to prepare for your next trip. Rather, the key is investing in a handful of hard-working staples that’ll see you through long-haul flights overseas and weekend jaunts from the city alike. It starts with the basics: a durable checked bag from one of the very best luggage brands, and a nimble carry-on roller.
Vogue Editors’ Must-Have Travel Essentials:
From there, the shopping list gets a little more specific. Are you partial to shorter trips (or are you simply a seasoned pro at minimalist packing)? If so, invest in something compact, like a weekender duffel or a travel backpack that features multiple compartments for organization with comfortable handles or adjustable straps. If, on the other hand, the words “traveling light” have never entered your vocabulary, opt for smart travel accessories that’ll help corral the chaos of your suitcase. (Toiletry bags and packing cubes are your friend.)
This is also the time to take stock of some less-obvious travel items designed to ease the in-flight experience. Think beyond chargers—a soft eye mask, packable blanket, and neck pillow are all critical to making a red-eye just a little more bearable, particularly when they come in smooth silk, plush cashmere, and padded memory foam. If you’re traveling with a furry friend, a stable but stylish-looking pet carrier is a must; if you’re traveling next to someone’s furry friend, you may be happy you picked up a set of noise-canceling headphones now. Our packing list also includes the handbag essentials and airport outfit staples you need for an elevated travel experience.
Keep scrolling to shop Vogue’s edit of the best essential items for travel, from luggage to in-flight accessories to a comfy outfit that requires minimal effort to pull together.
The Checked Suitcase
When it comes to travel essentials for a longer trip, a roomy checked bag is a must. Brands like Rimowa, Tumi, Away, and Carl Friedrik all offer well-designed options in medium and large sizes. Look for something crafted in sleek aluminum or durable polycarbonate with an interior compression system for luggage that’ll see you through years of travel to come.
The Carry-On Suitcase
Tight layovers and sneaky checked bag fees mean one thing: it pays be to a carry-on-only traveler. Compact rolling suitcases with telescopic handles and spinner wheels make gliding through TSA all the easier; bonus points if you choose one with expanding capabilities, like these from Béis and Antler.
The Weekender Bag
Be it an oversized tote or a designer duffel, this size is ideal for quick one- or two-night trips. (Plus, because the softer fabric makes these bags easily packable, you can always stash one in your checked suitcase to use as your cabin personal item in case you end up with one too many souvenirs.) L.L. Bean and Alex Mill make their weekenders in durable canvas, while Métier and St. Agni’s suede designs are a polished investment.
The Travel Backpack
The very best backpacks blend form and function: Simple silhouettes combine with multiple compartments for chargers, water bottles, and even pairs of shoes. Add on laptop and trolley sleeves and adjustable straps, and these daypacks end up being quite the versatile travel essential. Everlane has a great under-$150 one, while Prada’s luxe version is made from recycled materials and is worth every penny.
The Cosmetics Case
Travel-sized toiletries may be the bane of many travelers’ existences, but these pouches will keep your miniature lotions and potions organized. Leatherology’s case is deep enough to allow bottles to sit upright—no spills here.
The Travel Jewelry Case
With dedicated departments for all your baubles, these cases from Mejuri, Monica Vinader, and more make it easy to keep your accessories tidy. Because no one wants to spend valuable vacation time untangling necklaces.
The Packing Cubes
As any seasoned traveler will tell you, packing cubes are key to making the most of limited suitcase space. Choose a pack with compression to squeeze in even more (and if you love a monogram, a set like Calpak’s offers personalization).
The Luggage Tag
This is a small but mighty travel accessory whose worth will not be recognized until your bag is lost or delayed and needs to find its way back to you (word to the wise: Get an AirTag). Have fun with it by picking one in a textured finish, like these from Aviteur and Bottega Veneta.
The Passport Holder
Keep your most valuable travel essential—your passport—protected and secure with a stylish cover. The best ones have enough room for your boarding passes and credit cards, too; brands like Aspinal of London will even let you monogram the cases (perfect for gifting!).
The Eye Mask
There’s not much that’s glamorous about a red-eye or early morning flight, but you can boost your odds of getting some rest with an eye mask. Crafted from handwoven cashmere and soft silk, this crop of sleep masks will infuse a little luxury into a 4 a.m. call time (and maybe even help you fight jet lag the next day).
The Travel Pillow
Cumbersome to carry but oh so worth it when you land without a kink in your neck, a good travel pillow makes flying infinitely more comfortable. From silk-covered memory foam—Slip’s is an editor favorite—to ergonomic designs, these make a good investment for the frequent flyer.
The Travel Set
A cozy, travel-sized blanket is the key to withstanding arctic temperatures on your plane, train, or bus—and an equally soft eye mask, the key to getting your nap in. Most of our favorite sets come with some sort of storage pouch to minimize the space they take up in your luggage when not in use; but if you don’t need a bulky blanket, go for Arch4’s cashmere sock and mask set.
The Noise-Canceling Headphones
Comfort isn’t solely about pillows and masks; sound is a hugely significant component, especially if you’re trying to work or relax in transit. These headphones and earbuds block out noise and offer immersive audio for streaming your downloaded podcasts and movies.
The Pet Carrier
It’s difficult to find pet carriers that are both stylish and safe, but labels like Fable, Max Bone, The Little Beast, and Béis are slowly bridging the gap with these carry-on options.
The Handbag Essentials
Your suitcase is zipped up, your seat is confirmed, your travel outfit is laid out—all that’s left now is for you to pack your handbag. With the tech gadgets and non-negiotables (i.e., your passport and ID) tucked away, hand sanitizer and hand cream are next on our list; try Aesop’s rinse-free hand mist and Chanel’s rich moisturizer to combat dry cabin air. Finally, keep hair tidy with a travel-sized brush you can use right before landing—La Bonne Brosse’s hair brush is a noted editor favorite.
The Travel Look
There are many ways to travel in style, but if you lean towards something casual for an international trip, opt for pieces you can mix and match with the rest of your vacation wardrobe. A sunny, slouchy sweater like this one from Guest in Residence is a great way to stay comfortable in-flight (and you can wear it later over a poplin dress on chillier evenings by the sea). Similarly, a versatile tee and a pair of retro runners are always a win.