33 Travel Essentials You Should Always Pack

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What do you consider a travel must-have? Our frequent flyer editors have their opinions. (Who would have guessed?) But everyone is different. Honestly though, we trust our judgement. The Esquire staff has spent so much time away, we've all got little hacks to make the travel process more bearable. This list contains all of those travel essentials we try to bring with us.

For some of us, an affordable carry-on is our travel essential. For others, it's nothing less than a Rimowa suitcase. Some of us never travel without a cashmere sweater. Personally, I swear by this Halfday Garment Duffel, but others swear by a classic weekender. We're exploring all options here.

From post-flight, or in-flight, grooming must haves to luxury wallets that make you feel more put together walking through TSA, you can trust our expertise here. And here's a light warning. We will, only once, recommend that you still wear a suit while you travel. It's part of our DNA, sorry. Other than that, these are the 33 travel essentials that we swear by.

Cashmere Sweater

It sounds annoying to say a cashmere sweater is the perfect travel accessory, but it's so warm, soft, and lightweight, there's nothing that beats it. Plus, our favorite sweater from Naadam only cost $100.

The Garment Duffel

I've already written about how great this bag is. A garment duffel isn't a new concept, but for $100, this version of it is life changing. Pack two suits or a few dresses, roll up the bag, then add everything else like normal. Nice clothes stay wrinkle free and everything packs more easily.

Just In Case Tote

We all know the deal. It's a return flight, you have new clothes and souvenirs, or you just are packing a lot less diligently. That's where this Just In Case Tote comes in. It packs down to the size of a book and expands to be a sizable personal item.

Passport Cover in Panama

A passport cover is tough to call an essential, but once you hit a certain level of frequent flyer, it absolutely is. This one in luxe leather from Smythson is the best you can buy.

Dopp Kit

One thing we really believe in is upgrading your dopp kit. That polyester one from Amazon won't make you happy, and it'll disintegrate in a few years. Lucchese makes some of the best travel bags on the market, and this pebble leather dopp kit is the best value on the website.

Kenmare Unstructured Suit Jacket

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Yes, the men's magazine is still telling you to wear a suit on a flight. A relaxed-fit unstructured suit is a man's matching set. It's just as comfortable as your ugly PJ pants, getting dressed takes two seconds, and you look great no matter how jet lagged you are.

ABC Classic-Fit Pant

If you insist on doing stretchy pants, make sure you do the best stretchy pants on Earth.

Baba Leather Slip On

The airport shoe situation is a funny one. There's a lot of ways to tackle the issue. Most people prefer sneakers. Loafers are a great shout. Cowboy boots—they're slip ons!—are my chaotic choice. The only rule is no exposed toes.

Truthfully, though, these Sabah slip ons are the only answer to "What's the best travel shoe?" Slip on, slip off. Wear them to the beach, or use them as a bring your own hotel slipper.

Black Metal Corners Wallet

When you're an American exploring parts of the world you're unfamiliar with, be smart. A front pocket wallet will keep you from being on the losing end of tourist pickpocket schemes. This one from Husbands is my absolute favorite.

The Hanging Toiletry Bag

If you have an especially long self-care routine, you'll need something a bit more tailor-made. This hanging toiletry bag from Away is a great shout.

Flex System

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As far as routines go, this Cadence system is a functional masterpiece. You can customize a set of containers for grooming products, bath products, and supplements. All the little hexagons click together for easy packing. It's some of the best travel design we've ever gotten our hands on.

Mojave Ghost Roll-On

Creating your own olfactory bubble is a life-changing travel hack, but spray-on cologne is a bit intense for the plane ride. Byredo makes nice roll-on fragrances to solve that problem.

Eye Oil

That stale plane air is a nightmare for your skin. This eye oil firms and nourishes skin while still feeling natural. Keep it on hand to take care of any problem areas—around your eyes, lips, and cuticles. It's our best hack for looking good even after a long flight.

QuietComfort Headphones

We're big proponents of noise-cancelling headphones for pretty much all things that require either a deep inner focus or a hard distance from the world outside. Bose's QuietComfort headphones silence the world (crying babies, crunching plane neighbors) around you.

Everyday Compression Socks

These socks will reduce any swelling or numbness after a long flight, or a short one for that matter. Compression socks are your new favorite travel companion. These have a daily-use approved 15-20mmHg pressure.

Nano Puff Fitz Roy Trout Hoody

A packable Patagonia jacket is one of travel's biggest upgrades. It's super warm, and makes for an excellent extra layer—especially when you're not sure what you'll need. It packs into a little cube, which can double as a travel pillow.

The Mini

Tiny and adorable, this will save you from some unexpected weather. The micro design tucks away perfectly into your suitcase.

Brown Birds of Paradise Print Wool Scarf

But even more versatile than a sweater is a lightweight scarf. Any scarf from Drake's is a good buy, but this printed one is especially fun. In the terminal, it's an accessory. In the lounge, it's a blanket. On the flight, it's a shawl, eye mask, emergency pillow, or a fucking tablecloth. If you buy one thing for travel, buy a good lightweight scarf.

Stan Smith

Stan Smith's are another classic choice. Wear them with jeans, sweatpants, or a suit, and look fine in all instances.

990v4 Sneakers

Sometimes you just need to get there, and these sneakers will do the trick. And when you do get there, go stretch your weary plane legs on a long walk without having to change shoes.

Theragun Mini

This thing was a lifesaver after I spent a full 24 hours flying to Seoul, South Korea. In the airport lounge, I'm hitting my lower back. Midway through the flight, my legs are getting a massage and a stretch. Day after I land, it's a full body massage. Nothing keeps you feeling better.

Trail Laptop Case

You're laptop is your livelihood. Keep it protected.

Compressible Packing Cubes

If you haven't gotten on the packing cube wave yet, it's time. Keep your luggage from becoming a black hole of stuff with these little rectangles that keep your categories together neatly.

Casa Pop-Up Desk

Working on the go sucks a little bit less when you aren't uncomfortably hunched over your laptop. Logitech's pop-up desk has a riser, keyboard, and track pad for making even a tiny space a little easier to work in.

Essential Large Check-In

The king of luggage, Rimowa's suitcases are another level of class. Constructed with practicality and luxe materials, this suitcase makes for seamless travel. The cabin carry-on is a must, but if you're headed on a long journey, this large check-in bag is the ultimate investment.

Universal Travel Adapter

Yeah, I know you would have forgotten this.

AirFly

Twelve South finally solved the ongoing conundrum of wanting to watch an airplane movie but only having Bluetooth headphones. This little guy makes that headphone-to-plane-TV connection for you.

Bottle Swig Top

If you get skeeved out drinking out of airport water fountains and on the plane, this Larq water bottle will ease your germ aversion. The stainless steel bottle has a cover on the top to keep it clean.

Travel Earplugs Kit

Earplugs are easy to forget to pack and they're exactly the kind of thing you don't realize you need until you absolutely need it. Keep this kit latched onto your keys or inside your travel bag so you'll always have a pair on hand.

Portable Charger

This little portable charger is a lifesaver for all the times an outlet is inaccessible. Keep it charged and use the built-in plug for emergency charging.

Tech Kit

This Australian luggage brand goes the extra mile to think about every travel necessity possible. And then they add a personal touch to it.

Hooded Travel Neck Pillow

The hood attachment to the otherwise traditional neck pillow ensures that no one's bothering you when you nap with this guy on.

Blanket

A compact, lightweight blanket to combat travel chills. Comfortable, warm, and waterproof, this is a must-have in your suitcase.

Why Trust Esquire?

Because no one else has the taste that we do. No one travels like we do. We've tested a million suitcases, travel gadgets, and airport style choices. We test all the products we recommend, and we only recommend the things we would buy with our own money.

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