The Essentials List: ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ star Crystal Kung Minkoff shares her must-have travel products
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She’s known for making a mean cocktail and hosting tons of A-list parties, but “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Crystal Kung Minkoff can also add packing guru to her list of talents. During a monthlong trip to Asia last summer with her husband and two children — they visited Singapore, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, Bangkok and Taipei — the Real Coco founder managed to bring just two suitcases. “[My husband] Rob and I can easily do a monthlong trip with a carry-on, but with kids? Not so much,” she tells CNN Underscored. Instead, for this trip, “The kids shared one suitcase and Rob and I shared one. I checked both and put an AirTag in each suitcase — that’s vital.”
Prior to their trip, Kung Minkoff laid out the suitcases in the hallway a few weeks ahead of time, had everyone drop in the stuff they wanted to bring, then removed 30% of it. “I asked everyone, ‘Do you really need that?’” she says. “I’m not on the red carpet. We were going to be with elephants; we were going to get dirty, so it’s all about packing lightweight T-shirts and shorts that you can wash and re-wear.”
Among her trip highlights were having her kids tour the Real Coco factories for the first time and bringing them to Angkor Wat, which she and Rob had visited 17 years earlier on their honeymoon. “This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; this is one of the wonders of the world!” she says. “It was so, so special to be there, and for Rob and myself to get to go for the second time with our kids. It was crazy, a total dream.”
Ahead, Kung Minkoff shares her must-have travel essentials, from her go-to sneakers to her favorite moisturizer.
Apple AirTag
While Kung Minkoff’s preference is to carry on her suitcases, when traveling with the whole family for a month she resorts to checking — but only with her “vital” AirTags tucked safely inside. With more than 143,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, AirTags can be used to find everything from kids' backpacks to car keys.
Tumi Alpha Travel Kit
Rob’s travel must-have? This Dopp kit. “Rob has had this Tumi bag since I met him,” says Kung Minkoff. “He just keeps buying the same one over and over again, and he keeps it very tidy in there.” Easily accessible with a U-zip top opening, this travel kit has an antimicrobial lining and can accommodate a toothbrush, razor and more.
Rothy's Lightweight Mega Tote
Everyone needs a big ol’ tote for traveling, and this Lightweight Mega Tote from Rothy’s is one of Kung Minkoff's favorites. Oversized and perfect for carrying all the bulkier things, the tote has a built-in zippered interior pocket, two key leashes and a top clip.
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Sneakers
Traveling with comfortable, versatile shoes is a must, and Superga sneakers are Kung Minkoff’s go-to. “It's the easiest, light shoe and the whole family wears them,” she says. “I love that I can wear them all day touring around and then throw them on with a dress at night.”
$70 at Nordstrom
$70 at Superga
Apple iPad Air (5th Gen)
What keeps Kung Minkoff’s kids occupied while crisscrossing the globe? The iPad, of course! And they don’t just use it for shows and games. “The kids love a sound machine; they need it to fall asleep, so we use their iPads for that,” she says. Powered by the M1 chip and available in five colorways, the iPad Air is ultra fast, thanks to 5G; has an anti-reflective coating; and is compatible with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
Real Coco Organic Pure Coconut Water
Kung Minkoff founded the Real Coco business with her brother 12 years ago. “I love to drink Real Coco while traveling because coconut water is rich in minerals, electrolytes and antioxidants that boost your energy level instantly and help to prevent dehydration and fatigue,” she says. Bottled at the source in Southeast Asia, Real Coco is organic and sugar-free.
U Beauty Multimodal Defender Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Known for her flawless, perpetually glowing skin, Kung Minkoff says this moisturizer is one of her secret weapons. “It's really thick and has SPF, so I bring it with me in my bag,” she says. “It's kind of bare, but I like to have the weight of it.” Known to visibly reduce discoloration and dark spots, the Multimodal Defender also protects against UVA, UVB, infrared and blue-light rays.
$168 at U Beauty
$168 at Bluemercury
Nude Envie Lip Gloss Illuminate
Describing her beauty picks as “so basic,” Kung Minkoff says this gloss is among her favorites. “I have this Nude Envie gloss with me full time,” she says. “I love that it’s clear; I don’t want to have to keep reapplying when I’m out, you know?” Great for layering over color or wearing solo, this gloss is long-lasting too, thanks to extra peptides in the formula.
$30 at Nude Envie
$30 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Favorite Daughter The Favorite Blazer
One of Kung Minkoff’s favorite wardrobe staples both while traveling and at home is this classic blazer. “Here's one jacket that I love. I’ve posted it so many times. Anytime we go to a dinner, I can just throw it on over anything,” she says. “It's light and it makes any outfit look more finished.” Available in five hues, the blazer has a contoured waistline and can be paired with the brand’s matching The Favorite Pant.
Rimowa Classic Check-In L
When it comes to checked luggage, there’s only one brand for Kung Minkoff. “I love Rimowa. Rob and I have had our suitcases for 15 years,” she says. “I mean, they’re banged up, but you know they last forever.” Ultra luxe, this suitcase has a hard aluminum outer shell, as well as TSA-approved locks, a telescopic handle, gliding wheels and an interior adjustable divider system that makes packing a cinch.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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