Travel Essentials for Any Trip

We all have those “musts” that we take along whenever we travel. As a travel writer, I’m lucky enough to be plugged into the latest items that promise to make any trip easier and more convenient. My essentials tend to vary depending on my destination and the time of year.

In my latest Travel Essentials column, I include clothing, olive oil, perfume and packing cubes. The below products are likely what you’ll find in my suitcase or carry-on no matter where my journeys take me. The only exception is the men’s Peter Millar blazer, which is an essential for my husband but not necessarily for me.

Peter Millar Excursionist Flex Blazer

A timeless and chic blazer that doesn’t need to be ironed and matches with everything from jeans to slacks and even shorts is the kind of wardrobe basic that my husband is always on the hunt for but can never find. Enter the Excursionist Flex Blazer from the cult fashion label Peter Millar- it’s a beautifully tailored piece made from a wool-silk Italian blend. It’s comfortable, stylish and versatile all at once, which is exactly why you’ll wear it on repeat.

Free People Movement Run Free Pack

The seven-item bundle from FP Movement has everything you need for that killer workout when you’re on the road from the best athletic brands such as the cult-sensation Hoka with its Bondi sneakers. There’s also a sports bra, socks, shorts, sunglasses, a reflective slap band and a sling to store essentials if you’re out on a run.

Hikota Travel-Sized Shampoo-and-Conditioner

I’m a self-proclaimed beauty junkie; my husband, however, could care less when it comes to grooming and primping products. Yet, we are both in love with the complete cleansing hair treatment from the luxury Japanese brand Hikota. It’s sulfate-free and super-gentle, making it a great pick for anyone who has suffered hair loss or with a sensitive scalp, and leaves my strands silky soft. My husband always comments on the great smell and how it feels.

The new travel-sized bottle is a staple in our toiletry kits when we’re on the road while the large version has a permanent place in our shower at home.

Etoile Jet Setter Travel Case

There are toiletry bags, and then there’s the Jet Setter Travel Case from the Australian brand Etoile, which is the best one I’ve ever used. It comes in eight colors and is chic yet functional with its intuitive design. I love the various pockets on the outside and inside to organize my stuff and am amazed at how spacious it is without being bulky. The Jet Setter is also light, easy to clean and folds flat when you’re not using it, taking up hardly any room.

Liis Perfumes

I had never found a clean fragrance brand I liked until I discovered the niche label Liis. The collection of scents ,which are not overpowering yet long lasting, are simply divine and crafted with sustainably sourced ingredients plus organic sugar cane alcohol. They don’t have sulfates or any other gunk and are vegan to boot. I love that the bottles are TSA-friendly. You’ll be hard-press to pick your favorite, so it’s best to spring for a few. My go-to’s are In This World with notes of blood orange, violet and fig and Bo, featuring tobacco, pine and incense.

Varley Slim Zip Hem Pant

A comfy pair of pants that can do double duty as sweats and something you can wear to dinner are a dream travel item. The Slim Zip Hem pant from Varley makes that dream come true. They’re comfortable, soft and great to put on if you tend to run cold when you sleep or are just staying in your room for the night to relax and watch a movie. Yet, they’re also super chic and stylish enough to don for dinner at the “it” spot in town. You can pair them with a button down, blazer or cool looking t-shirt and look totally on point.

Gregor Lisjak Olive Oil

I haven’t been shy in this column in declaring my love for great extra-virgin olive oil. I believe that a high quality expression can enhance the flavor of any dish. When I’m traveling and eating in places where delicious olive oil isn’t offered- usually at airports and on flights- I reach into my carry-on tote and grab the TSA-sized Gregor Lisjak extra-virgin olive oil from Slovenia that I use for everything from topping on fish to making salad dressings to sipping my gluten-free bread in. Whatever I’m eating transforms from ordinary to delicious. Gregor Lisjak is named after the producer itself and a bespoke brand.

I go for the Kortina olive expression, which I find super versatile, but Gregor offers several other options including a rosemary and olive-pumpkin variety.

Eagle Creek Packing Cubes

My daughter introduced me to Eagle Creek packing cubes almost ten years ago and told me that they’re the best way to organize my stuff for any and every trip. I had never used packing cubes before, but I tried them and haven’t been able to do without them since. They comes in tons of colors, sizes and styles. I have an assortment and mix-and-match depending on how long I’ll be traveling for and where I’m going. These are a family favorite in our household.