Here’s What Michael Kors and Gigi Hadid Always Keep in Their Carry-On Luggage

It should surprise exactly no one that Michael Kors and Gigi Hadid have a lot of things in common. Aside from the obvious which is their fashion royalty status — he is at the helm of a billion-dollar fashion company with flagships all around the globe and she is one of the world’s most recognizable faces thanks to her supermodel career — the two also share a long-term friendship and a passion for travel.

Needless to say, when it came to selecting the face for his new perfume, Wonderlust — an oriental fragrance that blends exotic notes sourced from far-off destinations, Kors had only one person in mind. “Gigi fully embodies the Michael Kors Wonderlust spirit,” he says. “She’s curious, spontaneous, lighthearted...everything you want in a travel partner […]”

We recently caught up with both of them to talk all things travel, and we were surprised to find out that despite their celebrity jet-set status, when it comes to pet peeves, we are all alike. Hadid, for example, finds it especially annoying waiting in baggage claim, while for Kors, the most irritating thing is when people try to go through security with “a million zippers, buckles and layered jewelry.” (honestly, #same)

We also couldn’t help but ask about the perpetual traveler’s dilemma — window or aisle seat, and it turns out that both Kors and Hadid prefer the window (Hadid makes an excellent point that the seat next to the wall makes for a good headrest).

Of course, they had a slew of other travel tips. Here’s Gigi’s clever trick to beating jet lag, what is still on their bucket lists, and, of course, the go-to travel outfits both swear by.

Travel+Leisure: Which one of the four fashion week cities is your favorite for shopping and dining?

Michael Kors: New York, but I’m biased — it’s been my home for over 30 years and it’s the city where I founded my brand. My favorite restaurants are Peter Luger for an old-school, no-frills New York experience, 4 Charles Prime Rib, Sant Ambroeus, J.G. Melon for a burger, and The Little Owl, because it’s in my neighborhood. For shopping, I like Wyeth, HomeNature for décor and furniture, and Dover Street Market.

Gigi Hadid: I like shopping and eating out mostly in Paris, because I think being there romanticizes everything.

Which are your favorite places around the globe? What is still on your bucket list both in terms of destinations and experiences?

MK: A safari and stay at Singita Lebombo Lodge is an experience unlike any other. And Amanpuri in Phuket is the ultimate escape — white sand and turquoise water as far as the eye can see. Still on my bucket list is Ayers Rock in Australia.

GH: I love anywhere that feels remote and super tropical, like Tahiti and Turks & Caicos. My favorite ski destinations are Aspen, Colorado, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Besides that, because I spend so much time in the airport and traveling for work, I find a lot of peace and balance spending my off-time home at the farm. Anywhere in nature makes me happy.

I’d still love to visit other amazing natural sites like the Grand Canyon, and New Zealand, and see the Northern Lights.

What is your best tip for traveling light?

MK: Stick to a color scheme so you can mix and match throughout your trip and don’t forget the power of accessories. Or, of course, there are some world travelers who send everything in advance.

GH: I only travel with a carry on. My go-to pack is usually a favorite pair of blue jeans, sweats, a hoodie, a couple t-shirts (short and long sleeve) another pair of pants or shorts, depending on my destination, and then a few pieces that I’m loving at the moment that can be mixed and matched with any of the basics. I usually bring a pair of sneakers and a pair of boots. You can get more outfits out of that than it seems!

How do you stay healthy when you travel?

MK: Lots of fresh seafood, local produce, and swimming in the ocean.

GH: Sleep is most important for me, trying to get adjusted to the time difference as soon as possible helps. I try to have a good hardy breakfast every day and love a good hotel breakfast buffet! It’s important to always have balance between health and comfort food, but I think traveling isn’t complete if you’re not indulging in the local cuisines.

What is your best cure for jet lag?

MK: A massage.

GH: I always try to fly at night if possible. I can sleep really well on planes so landing in the morning well rested and going straight to work usually gets me on the time zone. That way, when I’m done with work, I’m normally exhausted and ready to sleep at the right time! I trick my brain into thinking there’s no time change.

What are the products you always keep in your carry-on regardless of your destination?

MK: Bose headphones, an iPad, La Mer lip balm, aviator sunglasses, and the latest biography.

GH: Phone charger, Chap Stick, perfume, lip balm, headphones, and something to write or draw with.

Describe your go-to travel outfit.

MK: It’s the same as my everyday uniform — dark jeans or cargos, a black t-shirt and a black cashmere sweater, and custom New Balance sneakers.

GH: Jeans or sweats, sweater or sweatshirt, boots or sneakers. I’m always cold on planes so I often travel with a soft scarf in my purse.