Heading to Milan? These Are the 21 Travel Essentials to Pack

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When it comes to travel, we’ve all got our rituals that we keep, whether that’s bringing a library’s worth of books, overpacking on shoes, or stashing away a swimsuit or two just in case there’s time to hit the hotel pool. At ELLE DECOR, our editors are always crisscrossing the globe in pursuit of all that’s new and noteworthy in design, so we’ve picked up a few must-dos and must-haves of our own that we can’t leave home without. Hitting the beach this season? We’ve got chic sunglasses for that. In the market for new luggage? No worries—the team has plenty of recs in that category too. Here, a definitive, ELLE DECOR editor–approved guide to everything you’ll need to bring with you this summer travel season, from socks and scarves to handbags and hair combs.

Halo Visor

A hat is crucial, especially when traveling somewhere sunny, and I love this one that can be rolled up to fit more easily in your luggage. —Parker Bowie Larson

Noise-Canceling Headphones

I love noise-canceling earbuds, but when it comes to airplanes, I find that a pair of over-ear cans works best to drown out white noise and loud children. This pair from Sony has become a recent favorite and can easily be folded up and zipped away in its accompanying travel case for easy packing. —Helena Madden

Rake Comb

I can’t go anywhere without this comb. Not only is it a classic design (you’ll own this baby forever), but it slips seamlessly into my makeup bag. If only travel could be this smooth.… —Anna Fixsen

Mini Hammock Hobo Bag

I always like to travel with a really versatile small bag that you can dress up or dress down. This style from Loewe can be worn crossbody in the airport, thrown over your shoulder while walking around town, and hand-carried in the evening or at an event. — Sean Santiago

Tinted Moisturizer

Airplane travel wreaks havoc on my skin, so I always try to use a light touch when applying makeup in the days after. This tinted moisturizer helps my skin rehydrate while still providing some coverage—and SPF! —H.M.

Rimowa Essential Cabin S

I have long been a carry-on-only traveler, no matter the duration of my trip. When it comes to packing light, I swear by the three-bag combination of cabin luggage, a large tote, and a small crossbody bag. Any bags in durable materials—and with versatile good looks—will do, but I swear by my Rimowa bag in high-gloss green, Marni Tribeca tote in hard-wearing PVC, and an inexpensive nylon pouch from Cos from several seasons ago. —Asad Syrkett

AirFly Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

Airpods and an outdated audio jack, no problem. This practical gadget plugs into the airplane jack and connects to your headphones for a seamless plane ride that involves no pausing and unplugging while your seat partner performs gymnastic-like stunts to get to the aisle for a bathroom break. —Rachel Silva

Mica Cat Eye Sunglasses

Traveling without sunglasses is literal insanity. Saint Laurent’s Mica is my favorite for my face shape, though & Other Stories makes an inexpensive dupe I keep on hand as a “burner” pair for when I’m hurriedly tossing things in my day bag. —S.S.

Passport Cover Wallet in Panama

I always love having my passport combined with my wallet when I travel as it helps me keep everything in one place, and this pale blue color is easy to find! —P.B.L.

Energizing Knee-High Socks

I just flew roundtrip from New York to Japan—that’s 14-plus hours each way—and picked up compression socks at the airport. They’re designed to apply pressure to your lower legs to prevent swelling and boost circulation. Next time, I’m ordering one of these chicer pairs from the German sock brand Falke. I love the purple hue, and they’re also great for cycling and running. —Ingrid Abramovitch

Felix and Isabelle Cotton Eye Mask

Beauty rest is nearly impossible when you’re on the go—and 35,000 feet in the air. I love a pretty Liberty eye mask to block out ambient airplane cabin light and to signal “do not disturb” to any elbows encroaching on my armrest. —A.F.

4 Port USB Power Adapter

There is nothing worse than being stranded overseas with a dead iPhone that you can’t recharge because you have the wrong plug. This Tumi power adapter is one of the first things I pack. It works in 150 countries around the world and includes four USB ports, so your gadget can stay well juiced. —I.A.

Magnetic Travel Toiletry Capsules

I got these for Christmas and I’m obsessed. These small capsules are magnetic, so they snap together seamlessly and come in custom colors and labels. I use them for everything from shampoo and conditioner to lotion and cleanser. Bonus: They’re totally leakproof, which I’ve found to be an issue with most other travel-size containers. —H.M.

Cashmere Whisper Featherweight Scarf

A cashmere stole may seem like a luxury, but I’d argue for its practicality—one minute it’s an extra blanket on a chilly airplane, the next it’s camouflage for the one outfit you’ve packed in your tiny carry-on. In summer, I’d go for one of Meg Cohen’s featherweight “whisper” scarves, which are like spun heaven and come in over two dozen colors. —I.A.

6 Piece Packing Cube Set

Behold, the miracle of packing cubes. These Mark & Graham organizers are a godsend when I’m running around the house gathering a week’s worth of necessities. Rather than fruitless attempts to tidy what inevitably turns into a clean-and-dirty-clothes jumble, it’s simply a matter of Tetris-ing the cubes into a tidy, Marie Kondo–approved fit. To the skeptical overpacker: They even provide compression so you can overstuff to your heart’s desire—just within more specified spaces. —R.S.

Ribbed Stretch Jersey Tank

Toteme’s organic cotton tank tops are a layering essential. A good tank is kind of like the jute rug of an outfit. These are easy to fold into a compact little nugget and don’t wrinkle easily. Crucially, they look as good under a blazer or jacket as they do on their own. I pack them in every color and mix and match them with jeans, trousers, and shorts. —S.S.

The Steamer

My new favorite laptop case for travel! This goes under the seat in front of me wherever I go, and slides on top of my suitcase securely. Everything from my Mac to my Nintendo Switch fits in this thing without feeling claustrophobic, and its stylish leather accents have netted quite a few compliments in the security line. —H.M.

Arahi 6

Hoka is the shoe brand of choice for traveling step junkies. I love to explore a new destination on foot, and I credit my Hokas for adding at least 25 percent more steps to my perambulations. They are like walking on clouds. And they’re cute! —I.A.

Bois Sauvage Sanitizing Hand Spray

I keep a spray hand sanitizer on me so I can spritz it on a tissue and wipe down surfaces on the airplane if need be. —S.S.

The Bigger Carry-On

I divide my travel life into before and after my Away suitcase. I would not want to turn back the clock. My favorite is the bigger carry-on size. It’s light, it’s seemingly unbreakable (I’ve stuffed double what I should have inside, and the zippers keep holding up), and the spinner wheels never slow me down. Mine is purple, but I’m eyeing a new zippy version like this one in kiwi. —I.A.

SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

Airplane travel can be incredibly dehydrating, and I always end up with flaky, acne-prone skin after the fact. Tower 28’s spray helps alleviate some of those issues; the smaller size makes it carry-on approved too! —H.M.

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