Katie’s Travel Must-Haves

Katie's Travel Essentials

We know you’re wondering what’s in Katie’s suitcase.

Everyone has their own travel ritual that usually comes with a collection of accessories that must be packed for every trip. A plane pillow that’s seen the wonders of the world. A cosmetic case that’s seen…better days. Katie’s no different. She travels quite a bit, and she has several domestic and international trips in the works.

If you’re wondering how Katie stays ready for anything on the road, we’re here to clue you in. There’s cozy and put-together loungewear from Spanx, hand sanitizer that won’t explode all over your purse, and mineral-based sunscreen you won’t even mind putting on every day. 

Read on for Katie’s packing list and to get some inspiration for your next trip, whether you’re in the market for a new suitcase or the perfect travel-sized moisturizer.

Kindra Cool Down Mist

Kindra

While it was formulated to help relieve hot flashes and night sweats, Kindra’s new Cool Down Mist is something everyone should consider having on hand. It’s made with soothing ingredients like cucumber extract and aloe to hydrate skin and deliver a cooling sensation that lasts for up to two hours with just a few sprays. It’s perfect for those minutes before takeoff when the plane randomly feels like a sauna or when the sun is beating through the windshield, and it comes in a TSA-friendly 2 oz. bottle.

$32 at Kindra

Spanx AirEssentials Tapered Pant + Got-Ya-Covered Pullover

Spanx

This buttery soft sweatsuit is Katie’s go-to for long travel days and cross-country flights. It’s super lightweight but still cozy, and the tapered cut of the pants and pleated back of the sweatshirt give it a more refined look than your average sweatsuit. Plus, it comes in sizes XS to 3X.

Starts at $78, Spanx

Eu’Genia Shea Everyday Strength Moisturizer

Eu’Genia Shea

Alternating heat and air conditioning can wreak havoc on your skin. Avoid scaly hands and chapped lips with Eu’Genia Shea’s all-purpose shea butter moisturizers, which come in conveniently tiny tins perfect for carry-ons and purses.

$15 at Eu’Genia Shea

ABLE Rachel Sneaker

ABLE

Katie has been wearing her ABLE Emmy sneakers everywhere for months, but she just got this lower profile pair of ABLE’s Rachel Sneakers. They’re lightweight and as versatile as they come.

$98 at ABLE

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

Supergoop!

If she’s headed outside, you can be confident Katie will have her Supergoop sunscreen in tow. Standout products like the Unseen Sunscreen, Superscreen Daily Moisturizer, and Glowscreen make it easy to incorporate SPF into your daily routine, no matter how cloudy or chilly it is. Supergoop’s clean sunscreens don’t leave the white cast that other mineral sunscreens do, and they wear well under makeup or on their own.

$20 at Supergoop!

Thistle Farms Lavender Linen Spray

Thistle Farms

It sounds simple, but giving your hotel bed sheets a quick spritz with your favorite calming scent can do wonders for your ability to sleep somewhere new. Katie’s go-to is this Lavender Linen Spray from Thistle Farms, which is made with high-quality lavender oil. Each purchase supports Thistle Farms’ community of female survivors of domestic abuse, trafficking, and substance abuse.

$12 at Thistle Farms

Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Pillow

Cushion Lab

Everyone thinks they’ll be fine without a travel pillow until they actually try to take a nap on the plane, in the car, or on the train…and it’s even worse in a middle seat. Ditch the classic bulky design that you have to jam into your bag for Cushion Lab’s less traditional version, which rolls up compactly and is shaped to support your head and neck more effectively.

$48 at Cushion Lab

Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer

Touchland

Covid brought about a hand sanitizer resurgence that was, quite frankly, long overdue. Touchland’s update to leak-prone mini bottles was waiting in the wings. With a formula that’s both quick-drying and moisturizing and a spray-on application that doesn’t feel sticky, Touchland’s pocket-sized hand sanitizers are your ideal travel companion. Get a bundle of mists to put in every purse or jacket.

$9 at Touchland

Paravel Aviator Carry-On

Paravel

It’s tempting to use a duffel, tote, or backpack as your carry-on bag, but hauling them around all day can end up straining your back. Paravel’s Aviator Carry-On is just the right size for the real essentials, it’s lightweight, and it’s designed to roll so smoothly you’ll barely feel like you’re pulling it. Paravel uses recycled materials throughout the bag’s construction, and offsets the emissions from production and shipping to make the Aviator a fully carbon-neutral bag. It’s as stylish as it is sustainable, and that’s saying a lot.

$350 at Paravel

Caddis Mabuhay Reading Glasses

Caddis

Katie’s always reading, and usually it’s on her phone or iPad. She keeps a pair of blue light-blocking Caddis readers on her at all times to keep her eyes protected, and she’s loving this retro style she just got. They’re almost sold out of the light gray color she has, but there are pink, blue, and green versions as well that are perfect for adding a bit of color to your look.

$109 at Caddis

Made By Mary Jewelry Case

Made By Mary

When it comes to packing jewelry, there’s a lot of room for error. You can scratch favorite pendants, lose earrings, and generally end up with a ball of tangled chains, earrings, and bangles. Luckily, Made By Mary’s thoughtfully designed jewelry case has a place for every item, including ring holders, earring bands, and cards that will keep your necklaces separate and knot-free.

$80 at Made by Mary

Tentree Destination Pacific Jogger

Tentree

Tentree’s joggers are eco-friendly, comfortable, and one of Katie’s go-to travel pants. Made of recycled polyester, the Destination Pacific Joggers are lighter than your typical sweatpants and don’t look as slouchy. Pair them with a lightweight blouse or tuck a t-shirt into them for two completely different looks.

$88 at Tentree

ILIA Beauty Multi-Stick

ILIA Beauty

Nothing beats an easy last minute touchup, and one that can fit in your pocket is even better. ILIA’s Multi-Stick is perfect for adding a quick, blendable dab of color to your cheeks, lips, or nose after removing your mask.

$34 at Nordstrom

Neely & Chloe Small Vanity Case

Neely & Chloe

When it comes to packing cosmetics, more space is better than less. This beautiful vanity case from Neely & Chloe has a wipeable interior coating so those leaky travel bottles aren’t an issue. It comes in a larger size as well for longer trips.

$148 at N & C

Indie Lee Discovery Kit

Indie Lee

The stress that repeated travel puts on your body can lead to skin issues, and it’s simultaneously easy to let your skincare routine fall by the wayside when you’re constantly on the move. Indie Lee’s travel-sized trio of straightforward products is the perfect solution. Wash, tone, and moisturize twice per day with Indie Lee’s clean products and your skin will thank you.

$29 at Indie Lee

Alleyoop Multi-Tasker Brush

Alleyoop

Alleyoop’s Multi-Tasker Brush is a four-in-one product that actually does everything well. It can handle blush, concealer, foundation, brows, and eyeshadow, all while fitting in the smallest purse.

$28 at Alleyoop