The holiday season is one of the largest travel periods of the year, so it’s a good idea to get ahead of everything you need to make traveling as easy and seamless as possible.
The last thing you want when you’re heading home or visiting loved ones is to forget the essential travel items that everyone needs when they’re on the go. Similarly, it might seem a bit overwhelming when you look at your closet with no idea where to begin packing — but these travel essentials will help you make sure you are comfortable, calm, and organized this holiday season.
First and foremost, you’re going to want to splurge on a luxury suitcase that offers quality and durability. You might be wondering why it matters to invest in durable luggage and baggage when there are so many places you can score a cheap one for a fraction of the price.
Well, your prized possessions will be traveling in cargo or the back seat of a car, which can get quite bumpy when you’re up in the air or on the road. Investing in a quality piece will ensure that every item you love is kept safe and secure, and a bonus is that high-end luggage is often more stylish and lasts twice as long. We’ve listed some of our top picks for travel, ranging from larger luggage to duffels and tote bags.
If you’re living out of a suitcase for weeks on end, you’re going to want to organize your clothes, jewelry, shoes, and other essential items in an organized manner. Organizational products not only alleviate the stress that comes with no access to a dresser or wardrobe, but they also help you keep track of all of your belongings because they have a designated space to live. Products like packing cubes and travel-approved jewelry bags are the perfect place to start when you begin packing for your holiday getaway!
We’re also throwing in some hygiene essentials because we all start feeling a little under the weather when we’re on our way to a destination away from home. Consider packing hand sanitizer, body lotion, and face masks for long-haul trips to help you feel clean when you’re away from the restroom. I know, I know. Talking about feeling icky isn’t fun, but it’s the truth! Check out our recommendations for organization and hygiene — we’ve listed our absolute must-haves.
Nothing’s worse than hopping on a flight or in a car and you realize you’ll be there for the next six hours. Especially if you’re traveling at night, your snooze button might not be working the way that you want it to be. No need to fear — we’ve thought of everything you might possibly need to keep yourself cozy while you’re catching a red-eye back to your hometown.
Neck pillows and compression socks are absolute necessities. I consider them non-negotiables strictly because nobody wants their body to be in pain when they hop off the plane and have to socialize with family and friends. You'd be surprised what a stiff neck and lack of blood flow does to your spirits (trust me, I learned the hard way.) Traveling is exhausting no matter what time it is, so getting a good hour or two of shut-eye with a trusted sleep mask will allow you to feel bright-eyed and giddy for the festivities ahead!
You can't forget about tech. We're living in the digital age, and it's a good idea to make the most of it! Keeping yourself entertained for long trips is essential in alleviating the stress of traveling, especially when the flight entertainment feels like it's from the 1950s. We recommend snatching up a good pair of noise-canceling headphones to both help you cut out the unavoidable noise of travel and boost your mood with some good tunes.
If music isn't your thing, opt for an e-reader or book light! There's nothing like a page-turning novel to help you pass the time. Additionally, if you can't rest because you're worried about your precious cargo getting lost during a flight connection, consider getting an AirTag so you can keep track of everything you need. Traveling is always stressful, but finding the right products will make it so much easier.
