Vacation Mode: 23 Last-Minute Travel Essentials for Upcoming Trips
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Summer travel is fast approaching and we’re counting down the days until PTO. But while vacation is supposed to be relaxing in theory, we know the headaches that come as a result of unpreparedness. Lots of walking through suffocating humidity, heavy carry-ons and checked bag fees, losing your luggage before you’ve even made it to the hotel… the list goes on.
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AT A GLANCE: The Best Vacation Essentials
AirFly Bluetooth Transmitter — $34.99
Beats Powerbeats Pro Buds — $199.95
Alpine Flyfit Ear Plugs — $17.99
Thankfully, there are products to lessen travel headaches and, even more thankfully, the good old internet makes it easy to ensure you have everything you need for both long haul flights and on-the-ground travel. We’ve rounded up the top finds — from earbuds, packing cubes, and neck pillows that don’t take up an exorbitant amount of space — to snag before boarding. Consider this a friendly reminder that your US iPhone charger won’t work in Europe without the proper adapter, and that packing 10 bodycon dresses and no “everyday” clothes will make getting dressed a complete pain. You’re welcome.
1. AirFly Bluetooth Transmitter
$34.99
There is no greater joy than an in-flight movie, though the questionable complementary headphones do a pretty good job of ruining it. Presenting the AirFly Bluetooth Transmitter, which allows you to connect your earbuds directly to the screen for a prime audio experience.
2. BagSmart Duffel Bag
$26.17 $36.99 29% off
A trick of the travel trade is carrying a personal item designed with a trolley sleeve that fits over carry-on handles. Not only is the BagSmart Duffel Bag easy to transport (cc: trolley sleeve) but it’s roomier than you would imagine, making it easy to keep essentials within arms’ reach. Plus, despite its $25 price tag, reviewers swear that it’s shockingly durable and easy to clean.
3. Alpine Flyfit Ear Plugs
$17.99 $19.99 10% off
Over 6,000 reviewers have chimed in to praise the Alpine Flyfit Ear Plugs, with one reviewer referring to them as “the best buy ever” thanks to their ability to make airplane ear pain go poof. They’re also reusable and come in a compact carrying case, so you won’t have to toss them after a single flight. Cabin pressure? No longer a problem.
4. Beats Powerbeats Pro Buds
$199.95 $249.95 20% off
Headphones < earbuds when traveling because they are easier to store. The Beats Powerbeats Pro Buds received a Rolling Stone Audio Award and were voted the best travel earbuds thanks to a nine-hour battery life and a built-in hook that goes behind the ear, meaning they won’t start to ache halfway through your transatlantic.
5. TravelPro MaxLite Expandable Carry-On
$144.49
The problem with carry-ons and checked bags is that they tend to be heavy, and that’s before you’ve packed a years’ worth of clothing for a weekend trip. The TravelPro MaxLite Expandable Carry-On, however, is an exception to the rule with reviewers referring to this model as being “light as a feather.” It’s also extremely durable, and expands an extra two inches if you fall into the chronic overpacker category.
6. TRL Travel and Airplane Pillow
$64.99
Neck pillows are great in theory but hard in practice because of how annoying they are to carry. Thankfully, the TRL Travel and Airplane Pillow is a more transportable option. This fleece-lined product holds your neck upright while you sleep so that you don’t jolt upright mid-airplane snooze because you started to slouch.
7. Amazon Basics Travel Cubes
$17.45
A true test of one’s discipline is how likely they are to pack a carry-on for less-than-10-day trips. If you’re trying to rid yourself of the burden of checking a bag (slash don’t want to pay the extra fees every airline seems to be tacking on for them), this cheap seat of Amazon Basics Travel Cubes will make a massive difference. Roll your clothes, stack them inside a cube, and zipper — they have light compression and will keep you organized for the duration of your trip, too.
8. Apple AirTags
$79.00 $99.00 20% off
If you’ve never lost a bag while traveling, congratulations — what’s it like to be blessed? For the rest of us, we know the frustration of arriving at a carousel and waiting for luggage that will never come. Apple AirTags are peace of mind packed into one tiny device; simply toss an AirTag inside your luggage and you’ll be able to track said luggage’s exact whereabouts.
9. Universal Travel Adapter
$22.99 $24.99 8% off
Landing in a foreign country and realizing that your phone battery is at 10% and there’s no way to charge it is… bleak. And panic-inducing. Thankfully this Universal Travel Adapter is a one-and-done that works everywhere from London to Japan, plus multiple USB ports mean you can charge several devices at once.
10. Anker Nano Portable Charger
$25.99
Keeping up with the “phone at 10%” momentum, the Anker Nano Portable Charger comes high up on this list of vacation essentials. Great for long days of exploring, this pocket-friendly $20 product is easy to carry and keeps devices juiced up for days. Just remember to charge it before your trip.
11. Havaianas Flatform Sandal
$30.00
Every trend analysis TikToker swear that Havaianas are “in” this summer (though I would argue they never left). For fellow people with a flat foot, I present the Havaianas Flatform Sandal — the extra cushion is supremely more supportive.
12. Adidas Core Waist Pack
$20.07
We believe that packing an excess of handbags for travel is a liability. They take up precious carry-on space and, depending on shape, make you prone to situations of the attenzione pickpocket variety. Presenting the Adidas Core Waist Pack as your one-and-done. It’s excellent for navigating airports and new cities and can be kept firmly and securely at your side.
13. Aire Rectangular Sunglasses
$39.00
Whether preparing for a tropical getaway or walks in a new cobblestoned city, one fact remains: you need to pack a pair of sunglasses. Squinting to see the Colosseum on a sunny Roman day? Sort of ruins the experience. These AIRE Rectangular Frames are chic and less than $40 which means you won’t be devastated if they become lost or damaged.
14. Kodak Single Use Camera
$17.15 $19.99 14% off
Memories are a dish best served without your iPhone having to remind you what you did 10 years ago. Digital or disposable cameras — like this Kodak Single Use — encourage travelers to soak in the moment instead of being bombarded by work emails (friendly reminder that you are OOO) while going to snap a pic.
15. Guinot Hydra Sensitive Cream
$17.15 $19.99 14% off
Listen, changing climates and recycled plane air makes your skin dry. While bulk of attention in the travel skincare space goes to the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, we present a better alternative — the Guinot Crema Hydra Sensitive Cream. It’s lightweight but nourishing and won’t exacerbate preexisting skin conditions, like rosacea. Apply a layer before takeoff and reapply throughout your trip as needed.
16. Sleeveless Halterneck Tank
$19.99
Here is a common mistake that we’re all guilty of making: packing an excess amount of going out clothes but not nearly enough basics. Packing a simple white tank will be life-changing, like this Sleeveless Halterneck Tank, will spare you many a headache. This one offers light compression, is double-lined, and pairs well with any high-waisted bottom.
17. Curve Love Underwire Bikini Top
$44 $55 20% off
A classic black bikini top is a staple you’ll cherish for years to come, and the Curve Love Underwire Bikini Top is an excellent option as an underwire design and wide adjustable straps ensures comfortable support. The best part? It pairs swimmingly with any bikini bottom in your drawer.
18. Tie-Waist Maxi Slip Skirt
$98
Slip skirts are a traveler’s dream thanks to how easy they are to pack and style, and this tie-waist option from Madewell is no exception. A drawstring waist and breezy lightweight fabric make this a practical (but still stylish) choice for exploring humid cities in which you’ll say “I’m sweating” a minimum of 50 times per hour.
19. Lioness Boyfriend Shirt
$79.00
The unsung hero of vacation packing is the oversized linen button-down, and this Lioness Boyfriend Shirt is a prime wardrobe staple example. Easy to layer over bathing suits, this sage striped shirt makes lazy beach days feel like a scene from a Nancy Meyers movie.
20. Free People Out & About Dress
$78
The Free People Out & About Dress is a prime example of athleisure’s versatility. This comfy number is meant for exercise and is an ideal companion for hours’ long walks through new cities (there’s built-in shorts so you don’t have to fear sudden bursts of wind), but it can also easily be dressed up with wedges for an upscale dinner.
21. Levi’s 501 Denim Shorts
$34.99 $59.50 41% off
Good denim is hard to come by, but the Levi’s 501 Denim Shorts are beloved by many (over 20,000 Amazon reviewers alone) for their durability and comfortable fit. They come in dozens of washes, too, ensuring you find your perfect blue jean baby.
22. Mason Skirt & Matching Set
$160
Packing matching sets for a trip is a smart move because one set equals a minimum of three outfit possibilities. Take the Mason Skirt and Mason Top from Australian brand Posse, for example — the strapless red top can be worn with cut-off shorts, the maxi skirt can be paired with a tank, and together, you’ve got an iconic dinner ‘fit.
23. Lodge Linen Pants
$128
A simple way to remain comfortable without having to wear leggings is a pair of linen pants. A wide-leg silhouette and drawstring waistbands are an upscale alternative to wearing pajamas, and breezy fabrics will keep you from sweating more than usual while climbing every step of the Duomo. Our pick is the Lodge Linen Pants from Aritzia; they come in multiple colors.
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