45 Travel Essentials for 2024, According to Flight Attendants, Professional Packers and More

Kelli Acciardo
·17 min read

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

No matter how dialed in we think our travel routine might be, someone always seems to be doing a better job at the airport, on the plane or waiting in customs carefree and relaxed while the rest of us are trying to vibrate on that level. Someone whose effortless travel style is so covetable, that it makes us stop and ponder, "Why didn't I think of that?"

People who travel well (i.e. neatly, chicly, compactly) tend to garner stares but since we're anti-gatekeeping here at Parade—especially when it comes to trusty vacation hacks and need-to-know tips—we're sharing 45 travel must-haves flight attendants, travel writers and social media stars swear by, for a superior travel experience. 

Related: The Ultimate Packing Lists for Every Type of Trip

Best Travel Essentials for 2024

Maria Meyer was 16 when she took her first discovery flight and now she's the assistant director of operations and a captain for the private charter company Tradewind Aviation. Here's what she can't live without—up in the air and down on the ground.

1. A reusable water bottle

Meyer never leaves home without a reusable water bottle. "Many airports have refillable water stations, which I find helpful to make sure I’m hydrated on hectic flight days," she says. The Yeti Rambler even has the Stanley Cup beat with its 42-ounce capacity.YETI Rambler 42-oz Tumbler with Handle and Straw Lid, $45 at Amazon

2. A USB-powered battery charger

If you're someone who relies on battery power just as much as cell service, take Meyer's advice and invest in a quality charging station. "I love that several options on Amazon will fully charge your devices multiple times before the battery runs out," she tells Parade. Amazon Basics Battery Charger, $14 at Amazon

3. Dermatologist-approved face SPF

When you're miles high in the sky, it's even more important to protect your skin. "I carry a small sunscreen bottle with me on my daily flights since I sit up front in the sun for hours on end," says Meyer. EltaMD's SPF 50+ is water-resistant, lightweight and dermatologist-approved, thanks to its hyaluronic acid and transparent zinc oxide formula. EltaMD UV Sheer Face Sunscreen, $35 at Amazon

4. All-over SPF

Don't neglect your neck and other exposed body parts which are just as susceptible to sunburns as your face while flying. Meyer can't stress the importance of SPF enough, adding that she travels with a lot of sunscreen since long days in an airplane can lead to dry skin. Vacation's 3-pack of TSA-approved sunscreen lotions are infused with notes of coconut, banana and pool water but they don't feel greasy or leave a white cast. Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30 (3-Pack), $43 at Amazon

5. Travel-friendly cleanser and moisturizer

On the topic of self-care in the air, Meyer also recommends having a good cleanser and moisturizer in your carry-on at all times. Her favorites are from CeraVe, who conveniently makes travel sizes of their hydrating and foaming cleansers, as well as moisturizing lotions and creams. CeraVe Travel Size Toiletries Skin Care Set, $34 at Amazon

6. Comfortable footwear

Traveling in uncomfortable footwear is never ideal, but if you can't bring multiple pairs of shoes with you, take a page out of Meyer's book and pack a set of sneakers that do double duty as a walking shoe. "I always have sneakers or sandals depending on the location I’m traveling to," she says. Vince Camuto Women's Randay Sneaker, $70 at Amazon

7. A good book

"If I’m expected to be at a location for a couple of days between flights, I like to bring a book to read during my free time," says Meyer.

Related: The #1 Unexpected Thing To Pack When You're Going on a Cruise

Travel Essentials for Family Trips

Travel blogger (and new mom!) Nneya Richards hasn't slowed down her jet-setting ways but has tweaked and improved her strategy with a baby onboard. "I travel quite often with my 10-month-old—from her first trip at four months, on a 9-hour flight from NYC to Italy—so I've done a deep dive into travel mom life to find these favorites," she says.

8. A hands-free crossbody

"Navigating the airport with an infant, I need to be essentially hands-free but have our important documents nearby from TSA to border control, etc.," says Richards, who loves this crossbody because it has separate compartments for passports, wallets, her daughter's birth certificate as well as a phone and earphones. "It's a lot easier when I'm not searching through a larger bag for these things—every second counts!" CLUCI Crossbody Bag, $26 at Amazon

9. The ultimate travel stroller

A self-proclaimed "Cybex nut," Richards recently invested in this Coya travel stroller, saying she opts for luggage that's stylish and high design (but functional), so why should her stroller be different?

"I gate check both the stroller and the car seat but having a travel stroller that's lightweight with a shoulder strap that's easily broken down at the gate is a real game changer especially if we're late for a flight." Cybex Coya Travel Stroller, $550 at Bloomingdales

10. A toiletry kit-diaper bag multitasker

To avoid the hassle of lugging a huge bag to an already tight airplane bathroom, Richards reaches for this toiletry kit she calls her "go kit" since it has the changing pad, diaper cream, wipes and a diaper conveniently in there. "The game changer is the handles from all sides as well as the hanger, she says. "The way it drops down is super convenient so I can grab the diaper with one hand while wrangling a squirming infant." Seoul Dopp Kit, $85 at Dagne Dover

11. A comfy baby carrier

"Any comfortable carrier is essential," swears Richards, whether it's for walking through the aisles for the baby to go to sleep, or navigating once you check the stroller. "This happened to me when I landed at Malpensa airport in Milan. Even though it's supposed to be gate check, our stroller wasn't at the plane door so you have to do passport control and security without it and get your stroller with baggage. Those are the times when the carrier with an infant is crucial!" Artipoppe Zeitgeist Baby Carrier, $370 at Saks Fifth Avenue

12. A rose toner

"My skin and hair always feels like it takes such a beating during these transatlantic flights," says Richards. "Suddenly I can see every pore, so to combat that, I give myself a spritz of freshness during my bathroom breaks with this rose toner." Three Ships Awake Rose Hydrosol Toner, $18 at Amazon

13. A protective lip balm

High-altitude trips can take a toll on your lips but Richards keeps hers in A+ condition with a luxurious lip balm that primes and protects against broad-spectrum UV rays and environmental aggressors. Clé de Peau Refillable UV Protective Lip Balm SPF 25, $55 at Nordstrom

Related: 10 Self-Care Travel Essentials Everyone Should Pack When Flying

Travel Must-Haves for Overnight Trips

Nina Ruggiero spends her days editing the pages of leading travel publication Travel + Leisure and her spare time teaching students how to Be A Travel Writer, so if anyone knows a thing or two about packing essentials for overnight trips, it's her.

14. A multipurpose shacket

"I'm a true California girl now, so my travel day outfits almost always come from Vuori," shares Ruggiero. "Comfort is key, but style is a close second, and while athleisure is everywhere these days, I just think they've nailed it in a way only a SoCal brand can."

You'll find her in their joggers, a super-soft long sleeve and the versatile piece of outerwear everyone needs in their overnight bag: a "shacket." Only in neutral colors though. "That's one of my favorite packing hacks because everything can be mixed and matched," she says. Mackenzie Cropped Shirt Jacket, $128 at Vuori

15. Slip-on sneakers

There's no time for laces when you have places to be. Slip-on sneakers (also in a neutral) are a must for Ruggiero, whose favorites come from Russell & Bromley in London. Fifth Ave Eco Laceless Sneaker, $181 at Russell & Bromley

16. A stylish backpack

When it comes to a quick trip, Ruggiero is Team Backpack all the way, especially for hands-free airport browsing. "A friend of mine is a professional packer, and she recommended I try Lo & Sons," she recalls. "Years later, their Rowledge backpack is still my go-to." Rowledge Backpack, $300 at Lo & Sons

17. A 5-star suitcase

Ruggiero only invests in travel essentials that have a proven track record of durability, since she doesn't want to spend a flight worrying about whether or not her expensive suitcase will make it in one piece, or if she has to take the longer route to the hotel because it can't handle cobblestones.

"Travel can be full of surprises, and it's important to feel confident your gear can handle that," she says, which is where Amazon's reviews come in handy. This suitcase, for example, has over 25,000, 5-star ones for its spinner wheels, side-mounted TSA locks and a 10-year warranty. Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage, $129 at Amazon

Related: 30 Car Camping Tips and Tricks To Make the End of Summer Unforgettable

Travel Needs for Weekend Trips

Editor-in-Chief of Travel Curator, Deanne Kaczerski, has visited Riviera Maya in Mexico, Lake Garda in Italy and Roatán, an Island in Honduras in the past year—and she's a pro at traveling in style. Here's what she always has in her weekender bag.

18. A hold-everything sleeve

"I want to be a minimalist traveler, I really do, so since January I've been traveling with a carry-on tote with separators and this Anya Hindmarch organizer for my passport, and wallet," says Kaczerski. Anya Hindmarch Safe Deposit Bag, $310 at Bergdorf Goodman

19. Hand sanitizer & ultra-moisturizing lotion

Kaczerski gets that planes are gross and your skin gets dehydrated quickly, so she always has a non-fragranced sanitizer on hand, which can double as an anti-nausea helper in a pinch.

"Even the most seasoned traveler has found themselves feeling queasy now and then, whether it's a super turbulent flight or a rocking ship and isopropyl alcohol helps," she says. "For the past few months, I've been using this moisturizer from Typology on everything." D41 - 9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer, $37 at Typology

20. Snacks

"I have food allergies so something I can eat isn't always available, but I always have a fruit bar or a gluten-free fig bar stuffed somewhere," shares Kaczerski. "I often find I get hangry when traveling and having a quick snack always helps, especially once I land and I'm en route to a hotel." Nature's Bakery Gluten-Free Fig Bars, $27 at Amazon

21. A sexy, yet multifaceted dress

You never know when you might need one for cocktails or an impromptu dinner, so Kaczerski always has a silk dress that's easy to pack in her weekend bag. "Camilla is my go-to for sexy dresses, like this one," she says. Camilla Crystal-Embellished Kaftan, $699 at Net-a-Porter

Travel Essentials for Long Trips

Katie Storck knows how to travel—she's worked in the airline industry for a total of 12 years. First as a customer service agent for two and currently as a flight attendant for Southwest for the last 10. So we picked her brain about the best must-haves for long trips (and flights).

22. A USB-powered heating pad & travel pillow

"I love Cabeau's Incredi-Heat Pad to use on the plane when it is cold, or in the hotel if I am sore," says Storck. Bonus: It's on sale right now with their travel pillow in a bundle. Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow & Incredi-Heat Pad, $78 on Amazon

23. Kitsch solid shampoo, conditioner & body wash bars

After hearing passengers brag about these handy bars—and being able to travel without worrying about the liquid rules—was all Storck needed to become a lifelong fan. Another reason she loves them? "They always have lightning deals and extra savings on Amazon." Kitsch Detoxifying Charcoal Body Wash Bar & Rice Shampoo & Conditioner Bars, $38 on Amazon

24. Double-duty hand warmers

What’s better than a power bank? Storck claims one that can double as a hand warmer. "Planes get cold and pilots and flight attendants know that best, so having something small to use for heat or a quick charge is great." OCOOPA Hand Warmers Rechargeable, $30 at Amazon

25. A flashlight pen

Trying to write on a dark plane in a dark room has its challenges. Storck relies on Olight, which is a pen with a light in the tip. "Seeing a passenger complete a crossword without turning on the plane light sold me, so I can write in the dark and not disturb anyone trying to take a quick nap." OLIGHT O'Pen, $80 on Amazon

26. An electronics organizer

"Being organized keeps me sane and when I saw someone whip out their electronics organizer, I was amazed at how well it kept everything neatly secured," says Storck. "No more tangled cords and cubes!" CNPOP Electronics Organizer, $13 on Amazon

27. A high-tech power strip

When you never have enough outlets to charge ALL your devices in a hotel room, this is the only device you need. "Another flight attendant showed me this extension cord they travel with that has enough room to connect multiple power cords and add a cube if necessary," says Storck. Flat Plug Power Strip, $10 on Amazon

Travel Must-Haves for Packing

Lydia Mansel has one of the coolest jobs ever: She's a professional packer. Founder of the travel site justpacked.com, Mansel is the queen of packing tips and lists, so we asked her to share a few of her tried-and-true essentials.

28. A set of magnetic travel capsules

"I’m a stickler for my skincare and beauty routine, particularly during overnight trips, and Cadence capsules make it super simple to bring my favorite products with me on the road," says Mansel. "I use them for shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, moisturizer and serums." Cadence Travel Containers, $130 at Amazon

29. Toiletry pouches

Mansel, like the rest of us, loves a cute pouch to stash stuff. "I have a few different sizes and styles of toiletry pouches and Dopp kits, but I consistently choose these for makeup, hair products and my skincare essentials," she says. Phlox Collective Nylon Travel Pouch Makeup Bag, $12 on Amazon

30. Travel-sized products

"I always keep a stash of TSA-sized tubes of toothpaste and bottles of contact solution in my bathroom, which helps streamline the toiletry packing process ahead of a quick trip—or one when I’m only bringing a carry-on suitcase," she says.

31. A roomy tote

According to Mansel, this is, hands down, the roomiest travel tote. "It fits my laptop, chargers, book, water bottle, toiletry pouch and even a small crossbody bag," she says. MZ Wallace Deluxe Large Metro Tote, $295 at Bloomingdales

32. A handy hat clip

When Mansel is traveling to the beach or a tropical destination, she always brings a wide-brimmed hat and rather than carrying it throughout the airport, she attaches it to this handy hat clip, which can clip onto any tote bag. Toptote Hat Clip, $59 at Saks Fifth Avenue

33. Wide-brimmed hat

Don't feel like clipping your hat to your bag? This raffia topper is designed to fold flat in your luggage, and then bounce back to life once you take it out. Hat Attack Women's Vented Luxe Packable Hat, $162 at Amazon

More Travel Essentials

34. A flight-friendly skincare mask

"I always make sure my face is properly moisturized before getting on a flight, but I’ll occasionally do a step or two in the air, says Mansel. "Either way, I rely on this antioxidant mask; it completely rehydrates the skin and doesn’t need to be washed off." White Tea Antioxidant Mask, $23 at Naturopathica

35. De-puffing eye masks

As you're practicing Mansel's self-care in the air routine, don't forget the most delicate skin on your face: around your eyes. These cooling hydrogel masks wrap around the contour of the eyes, infusing the skin with seaweed extract, peptides and vitamin E to target puffiness and dark circles. 111SKIN Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Mask, $110 at Amazon

36. A jewelry organizer

Carolyn Addison, Head of Product at luxury travel company Black Tomato, favors this jewelry case to help keep her pieces safely organized and protected from tarnish, oxidation and discoloration.

"It's lightweight and small enough to tuck into a suitcase or overnight bag and the cases' compartments, dividers and ring organizer help keep my jewelry from getting tangled or scratching each other," she says. Small Travel Jewelry Case, $69 at Mark & Graham

37. A silk eye mask

"I always have a silk sleep mask in my bag, and we frequently gift these to clients before their departure," shares Addison, adding that the mask’s ability to block out light ensures a restful sleep and creates a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the chaos of travel. Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask, $37 at Bloomingdale's

38. A refreshing face mist

Addison loves Caudalie's addictive Grape Water Moisturizing Face Mist just as much as the rest of us, calling it an essential companion for overnight travel and hydration on the go. "The antioxidants in the mist revitalize tired skin and reduce redness, leaving my skin bright after long-haul flights," she says. Caudalie Grape Water Moisturizing Face Mist, $20 at Amazon

39. A lightweight duffle bag

TUMI's Just In Case Duffel is Addison's preferred weekender bag since it's sleek, compact and durable for quick getaways. "The bag is lightweight while still offering a spacious interior, making it perfect for weekend trips," she adds. TUMI Just In Case Duffel Bag, $195 at Amazon

41. Disinfectant wipes

"With flight seats and food trays being dirtier than public toilets, it's a no-brainer to sanitize your area before settling in," says Toosha_z, a NYC-based travel content creator. "It's a habit I adopted during the pandemic, but one we should have all embraced ages ago." LYSOL Disinfecting Wipes, $15 on Amazon

42. Travel pillow

As a seasoned sleeper-on-flights, Toosha says a proper pillow is non-negotiable. "My top pick is the Trtl travel pillow, which offers exceptional support and is impressively compact and lightweight."  trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow, $65 on Amazon

43. AirTags

Losing luggage is a traveler's worst nightmare. That's why Toosha always includes an AirTag in her suitcase for added peace of mind. Apple AirTag 4 Pack, $80 at Amazon

44. An international adapter

"With my frequent travels, a universal travel adapter is a must-have to keep my devices charged and ready to go," shares Toosha. 2-Pack European Travel Plug Adapter, $24 on Amazon

45. Packing cubes

Toosha credits packing cubes for completely changing how she travels. "They keep everything organized, making packing and unpacking a breeze, plus, they help me plan outfits for the trip and pack lightly—a skill I've mastered." Royce & Rocket Packing Cubes, $140 at Amazon

Next: 100 Travel Quotes To Feed the Wanderlust Inside You

Sources