The Ultimate Packing Guide for Holiday Travel

Well, it’s official, folks. Holiday season has begun, and we’re happily covered in tinsel and pine needles. While we’re generally thrilled to be traveling any time of year, holiday travel is probably our fave. Why? Because of what awaits at the other side of the journey, of course.

To make the trek extra comfortable and get you to your destination in style during this festive time of year, we’ve rounded up our must-have travel accessories you’ll want to be sure to leave space in your carry-on for. Still looking for a good carry-on? We’ve got that too.

Reporter: Alyssa Brown

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Incase NoviConnected

With functionality to simultaneously charge your iPhone, MacBook and more, this smart carry on luggage is the perfect companion to help you stay 100% for all your holiday adventures.

BUY HERE FOR $299.95

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Herbivore Travel Set

We’re obsessed with the glow we get from this Herbivore travel kit. The facial mist and oil both smell amazing and help with hydration, and the bar soap smells of lemon and lavender.

BUY HERE FOR $46

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Outerknown Carry On Hoodie

From surf legend Kelly Slater and co-founder of the brand Outerknown, this hoodie is the softest natural fiber zip-up we could find. Roll it up and toss it in your carry-on before heading home for the holidays.

BUY HERE FOR $78

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SLIP Silk Eye Mask

Post-flight puffy eyes, be gone! You’ll certainly be able to get a good snooze in on your flight with this silk sleep mask.

BUY HERE FOR $45

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Large Crystalline Travel Bag

Looking for a toiletry bag that you won’t have to dump out in the security line if stopped? We’ve cleared that problem up for you with this cute travel bag.

BUY HERE FOR $24.50

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Aesop Sage & Zinc Facial Hydrating Cream

A whole lot of hydration is what you’ll need during your holiday flight, and SPF coverage is what you’ll want while getting to and from the airport. Check out this Aesop cream that does both and smells Heavenly.

BUY HERE FOR $40

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Carry On Cocktail Kit

Traveling with friends for the holidays? Pop a few of these cocktail kits in your carry-on and surprise your BFFs with a cute in-flight cocktail to kick off the festivities. Flamingo stirrer included!

BUY HERE FOR $28

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Cuyana Weekender Bag

A gorgeous leather bag with a zipper, two strap options and tons of space inside is just what you need to become the light traveler you’ve always wanted to be. Don’t forget to add a tassel and a golden monogram.

BUY HERE FOR $375

Photo:Mindy Nguyen

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Allbirds Slip On Loungers

These wool lounge shoes are so, so cozy and perfect to wear on holiday flights. They’re washable, lightweight, oh-so-soft and come in all the best colors.

BUY HERE FOR $95

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

With aloe, herbs and rosewater, this refreshing facial spray is the perfect in-flight pick-me-up for your skin. Hydration is just a spritz away!

BUY HERE FOR $14

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Parachute Merino Travel Kit

Get all your warming woollies in one kit from Parachute. With a Merino eye mask, blanket and carrying case, no one will be waking you from your holiday flight snooze.

BUY HERE FOR $169

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Everlane Cashmere Sweatpant

Whoever says you can’t wear leisure wear on a flight clearly hasn’t heard about these cashmere sweats. Cozy, luxe and versatile, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on these if you’re taking a Christmas Eve red-eye.

BUY HERE FOR $140

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Janessa Leone Aisley Hat

The best way to cover up static-crazy hair following an epic flight is a good-looking hat. This Janessa Leoné hat is exactly the style any minimalist design lover will want to have handy during their holiday travel.

BUY HERE FOR $285

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The Daily Edited Passport Holder

Headed abroad for the holidays this year? Lucky you! Keep that passport easy to find with this gorgeous leather passport holder. Be sure to add your favorite emoji on front, especially if you’re carrying the whole family’s docs.

BUY HERE FOR $70

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Everlane Twill Weekender

A good-looking travel bag is hard to find at a decent price point and this Everlane carry-all takes the cake for affordability and good design. Plus, it’s big enough to stuff all your holiday clothes and gifts into.

BUY HERE FOR $115

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Field Notes Dime Novel

The holidays wouldn’t be the same if they weren’t full of characters and stories. Grab a couple of these blank books and jot down the goings on. You can thank us when you publish your first short story.

BUY HERE FOR $22.95

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Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

We can’t stress what an incredible gift these noise-cancelling Bose headphones are to yourself. If you’re headed on a long-haul flight for the holidays, these are an absolute must. Babies crying? Don’t mind, can’t hear them.

BUY HERE FOR $349

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Mark & Graham Leather Charger Roll Up Carrier

This! This is what you’ve been wanting to add to your holiday travel must-have list. A roll-up leather carrier that stores all your cables and chargers so they don’t end up in a hot mess at the bottom of your bag? Yes, please.

BUY HERE FOR $49

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Boscia Sake Brightening Hydrogel Mask

Hate the tight, dry feeling of your skin after a flight? Us too. These sake brightening masks are a quick and easy solution that’ll help you unwind from whatever your travel saga.

BUY HERE FOR $15.27

Outerknown Lowtide Hoodie

Another fave of the Outerknown brand, this terry hoodie is pro-surfer & brand co-founder Kelly Slater’s personal go-to. It’s plush, it’s cozy and it’ll remind you of the beach when you’re stuck due to weather delays at the airport. “This is my perfect travel partner.” – Kelly Slater

BUY HERE FOR $78

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Outdoor Voices New Sunday Shorts

Sweat shirts? Got ‘em. Sweat pants? Got those too. Sweat shorts? Why yes, you definitely want to add these to your holiday packing list. Love the colors and the comfort.

BUY HERE FOR $65

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Leica DLux Compact Camera

With a cult following, Leica’s the go-to camera company of millennials. Check out the D-Lux if you’re looking for an affordable digital camera to take along for your holiday travels. Oh, and because you’re traveling, we should mention that it’s a cool Wi-Fi (read: cord-free, finally!) module.

BUY HERE FOR $1,095

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NuMe Jet Setter Hair Tool Kit

Not all travel-size hair styling tools are created equal, and this NuMe set is a total crowd-pleaser. With a blow dryer, straightener and curling wand that all fit in one small bag, your holiday hair will be totally under control this year.

BUY HERE FOR $139

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Brixton Hooligan Snap Cap

Travel hats are totally a thing, and we’re feeling the snappy vibe of this newsboy cap during the winter months.

BUY HERE FOR $39

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Kassatex Cotton Velour Towel

Headed to a rental house for the holidays? Be sure to BYO towel. These bright, knotted fringe velour towels should do the trick.

BUY HERE FOR $89.99

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Beard Grooming Kit

Worried about your holiday travel plans putting a dent in your beard grooming routine? Worry no more, bearded friends. This travel kit will keep you looking tidy while you’re on the road.

BUY HERE FOR $35