We’re a team of seasoned travelers, meaning we know that — while no two trips are ever the same — a reliable packing list is always an essential. Whether you’re spending your summer eating oysters in Cap Ferret or chugging around on an Amtrak train, it’s the key to a stress-free travel experience. So, to help you make sure that all the bases are covered, we’ve compiled one for you. Our 100 picks have been obsessively vetted by Strategist staffers, as well as flight attendants, touring musicians, and stylish globe-trotters who’ve let us steal their vacation itineraries. We stand by them for all sorts of trips, from family weekends away to destination weddings to sneaky interstate remote-work stints.
When first pulling together this list, we identified the best versions of obvious travel staples: blackout eye masks, earplugs, and airplane pillows for both side and back sleepers. But as the way that we travel has changed, so too have our recommendations. In luggage, for example, we still have suitcases with spinner wheels capable of conquering cobblestones, but we also have handy personal items that mean you can avoid a hefty carry-on fee at the airport. And there are plenty more of those convenient travel hacks, too. Look out for a collapsible valet tray that makes hotel rooms feel like home, an under-the-radar gizmo that syncs Bluetooth headphones to in-flight entertainment systems, and a rock-star-approved collapsible kettle. For those traveling with kids, there’s a lightweight baby bed that folds down like a tent, as well as a stroller that can be carried onto the plane. We’ve even found the easiest ways to do laundry on the road.
When making our final cuts, we kept those travel products that were most affordable and compact. Scroll through and figure out which ones will fit in your packing cubes. (And if you don’t have packing cubes yet, we’ve included some expert-recommended ones.)
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