I’ve learned that having the right things with you can make or break a trip. From staying comfortable on long travel days to keeping your suitcase organized and being prepared for all the little “just in case” moments, the right essentials make traveling so much easier.

After plenty of trips (and a few packing mistakes along the way), I’ve figured out the things that have officially earned their spot in my suitcase. These are my tried-and-true travel non-negotiables—the things I pack again and again because they make the journey smoother, more comfortable, and, of course, a little more chic!

These Body Wipes for Freshening Up On the Go

Travel days can leave you feeling anything but fresh! These eucalyptus body wipes are an easy, toss-in-your-bag essential for freshening up after a long flight, road trip, or day of exploring.

These wipes help fight impurities, sweat and odor while leaving your skin soft and refreshed. Of course, they’re also clean, vegan and cruelty-free!

This Gentle Yet Powerful (Travel-friendly) Retinoid

If I could only pack ONE skincare product, this HPR Pro Shot treatment would be it! It’s gentle, powerful and travel-ready (and a little goes a long way)! I apply it across my forehead, on my cheeks and lower under-eye area, around my mouth and on my chin.

The magic of this product is that it’s designed to deliver maximum results with very minimum irritation, which is always a plus, but especially when traveling!

This Facial Spray to Protect from Yucky Airport Air

Airports and airplanes can feel so gross, so this facial rescue spray is always in my travel bag. I love spritzing it on throughout a travel day to help refresh and soothe my skin when I’m dealing with dry cabin air, grime, and all the airport germs.

It’s such an easy little reset when my skin needs some extra TLC on the go!

This Organic Cotton Wrap That Can be Styled 20+ Ways

An organic cotton wrap that can be styled 20+ ways?! Yes please! I love anything that earns its space in my suitcase, and this one does it all! You can wear it as a wrap, scarf, shawl, or an extra layer when the plane is freezing.

It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and one of those pieces I always end up reaching for throughout the entire trip.

These Chic and Comfortable (and Perfect for Fall!) Sneakers

Cute enough to pull an outfit together, but comfortable enough for long travel days and miles of exploring—a chic pair of sneakers is always a non-negotiable.

I want something I can wear through the airport, walk in all day, and still feel put together without sacrificing comfort. These sneakers are it! I walked 20k+ steps in them in NYC!

Sizing note: I went down a half-size in these.

This Lightweight Waterproof and Wind-Resistant Rain Jacket

A lightweight rain jacket is one of those travel pieces you’ll be so glad you packed. This one is water and wind resistant, perfect for unpredictable weather, and packs down small so it barely takes up any room in your suitcase.

Easy to throw in your carry-on or day bag for those “just in case” moments!

Sizing note: I’m wearing a size 2.

This Relaxed Fit Slouchy Denim Jacket

This is hands down one of the best slouchy jean jackets (and trust me, I’ve tried them all)! The relaxed, oversized fit makes it so comfortable for travel, while still giving any outfit that effortlessly put-together look.

It’s the perfect layer to throw on for flights, chilly mornings, or exploring all day.

This Comfy Bathroom-Friendly Jumpsuit for Travel Day

A jumpsuit for travel days is cute in theory… until you have to use the bathroom! This jumpsuit is actually bathroom-friendly, which makes it a travel-day win.

It’s comfy, easy, and gives you that effortless one-and-done outfit without the usual jumpsuit struggle.

Bonus: they come in length options and they won’t wrinkle!

The Perfect Travel Combo: This Quilted Tote + Big Girl Luggage

The ultimate airport combo: my absolute favorite tote (with a luggage sleeve) + big girl luggage!

The tote (both the medium and large sizes) fits under your seat on the plane and then slides right onto your suitcase so you can breeze through the airport. I love it so much that I have two sizes and colors: the large in sand and medium in terracotta!

This luggage continues to be my go-to time and time again!

This Small and Mess-Free Nourishing Body Lotion Bar

The Sun Stone is such a genius little travel find. This solid after-sun balm melts on contact with your skin to deliver soothing moisture and relief after a day in the sun, without the mess of a traditional lotion.

No spills, no leaking in your suitcase, and easy to toss in your beach bag or carry-on. A vacation must-have!

This Compact and Travel-friendly Steamer

Because nothing ruins a cute vacation outfit faster than suitcase wrinkles! This compact steamer takes up barely any room, heats up quickly, and gets everything looking fresh and photo-ready without relying on the questionable hotel iron.

These Polished (and Petite-Friendly) Travel Trousers

These Alo trousers are basically made for travel days—polished enough to look put together, but relaxed and comfortable enough for a long flight.

And the best part? They now come in short lengths, which is a major win for my petite girls. No hemming required!

These Insanely Comfortable (and So Cute for Fall!) Pajamas

If you’ve been here awhile, you already know how much I love this brand of pajamas and firmly believe that a cute, comfy pair or two of pjs is always worth the suitcase space!

This pair is super soft and cozy for after a long travel day, but still looks put together enough for slow hotel mornings, room service, or lounging with coffee. Bonus: this beautiful new print is PERFECT for fall!

These Cooling Under Eye Patches for Jet-Lagged Eyes

These cooling under-eye patches are a travel-day MVP. I love throwing them on after an early flight, late night, or whenever my under eyes need a little refresh.

They feel cooling and hydrating, and are perfect for helping you look a little more awake (even when the jet lag says otherwise)!

These Save vs. Splurge Versions of a Vertical Toiletry Bag

A vertical toiletry bag is one of those travel upgrades you don’t realize you need until you have one! It keeps everything organized, visible, and easy to grab without taking over the hotel bathroom counter.

I found a great affordable Amazon option that gets the job done and a more elevated splurge version if you want your toiletries traveling first class too!

This Travel-Friendly Cordless Heating Pad for Cramps!

A heating pad is one of those things you hope you won’t need—but you’ll be so glad you packed it if cramps hit mid-trip!

I love this travel-friendly cordless heating pad that takes up barely any suitcase space and gives you a little extra comfort when you’re away from home. Because cramps definitely don’t check your travel schedule!

This Wrinkle-Free (and Petite-Friendly!) Matching Travel Set

A matching set that’s comfy enough for the plane but polished enough to wear straight to lunch? Always a yes.

This one is wrinkle-free, so it actually survives the suitcase, and comes in multiple length options for a better fit. Easy, elevated, and exactly what I want in a travel-day outfit!

This Practical (Yet Designer!) Double-Sided Mirror

A little luxury that takes up basically zero room! This Chanel double-sided mirror is perfect for quick touch-ups on the plane, in the car, or anywhere your travels take you. It’s sleek, compact, and one of those everyday essentials that makes your travel bag feel a little more chic.

At the end of the day, traveling is just better when you have the right things with you. A little planning (and a few really good travel finds) can make all the difference—because the goal is always to travel smarter, pack better, and enjoy the trip!