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Let’s face it: Holiday travel can be stressful. Since we can’t control delayed flights or heavy traffic, one way to minimize hiccups is to make sure you have some great travel essentials. While you might pack your favorite leggings, slippers and your best jeans, there are a few other hacks for smooth sailing.
The stress of changing environmental conditions — whether it’s on planes, eating and sleeping irregularly or missing home comforts — can cause a myriad of issues. But fear not, we put together a list of travel favorites that can all fit in your carry-on suitcase (plus, our pick for best luggage!). Better yet, many are available on Amazon, so you can ship them fast with Prime. Scroll on for happy travels!
14 Best Travel Hack Products for the Holidays
1. Cabeau Nap Now Hoodie: Sure, a travel neck pillow means you can rest anywhere, but if you want a blackout curtain level of darkness to really help you doze off, this is it! We were shocked at how well this satin-lined hoodie with a flexible nose bridge worked on our last flight (and only woke up upon arrival)! Kristen Bell is also a fan of the brand — $20 at Amazon!
2. LAFCO New York Travel Candle, Chamomile Lavender: If you have trouble sleeping or are missing your own bed, let the comforting scent of lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus lull you to sleep. Lafco makes incredible scented candles — $20 at Amazon!
3. Wonderbelly Antacid: Non-GMO, vegan, and free of artificial dyes, parabens and other undesirable ingredients, these antacids help with indigestion and upset tummies. Demi Moore is such a fan that she’s an investor in the brand! “This natural antacid effectively resolves the problem right away, providing quick relief from discomfort,” raves one shopper. Available in flavors like Watermelon Mint, it comes in travel and regular-sized bottles and is better to bring with you than trying to find a pharmacy while on vacation — Starting at $10 on Amazon!
4. Monos Carry-On Suitcase: If you’re like Us and have used budget suitcases, a luggage upgrade will totally change your perspective on travel. The Monos suitcase is an effortless way to bring your belongings, with an incredibly smooth wheeling system and security locks built-in. Add the packing cubes to be shocked how much can fit in your suitcase! The pretty design in just icing on the cake (they also have a Magnolia Bakery collab). Shop the Black Friday sale now — $226 (originally $275) at Monos
5. Caudalie Grape Water Moisturizing Face Mist: Plane cabins leave skin feeling parched, and travel in general wreaks havoc on the complexion. A spritz of this hydrating mist not only gives skin back its glow but offers a refreshing, addictive sensorial experience. Made with organic grape water, the soothing formula is safe for sensitive skin — $12 at Amazon!
6. Marshall Major IV On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones: Block outside noise with these retro-styled headphones that also look incredibly cool. Fully charged, they have 80+ hours of wireless playtime, and Marshall delivers unparalleled music quality. Shoppers say things like, “Trust me and buy them. These are genuinely the best over-ear headphones I’ve ever bought.” They are over 50% off right now, so grab a few for hit holiday presents! — $72 (regularly $150) at Amazon!
7. Quantum Health TheraZinc Zinc Lozenges: Travel can be germy. Made with Elderberry and zinc, these easy-to-pack lozenges can help keep colds at bay while supporting your immune system —$6 at Amazon!
8. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant: When traveling, it’s best to minimize liquid products, both for airline regulations and so that they don’t leak in your bags. Enter, Dermalogica’s powder exfoliant. It activates with a few drops of water, leaving skin glowing for the best vacation photos. Made with salicylic acid and papaya enzymes, one devotee boasts it’s a “gentle, customizable exfoliation for a radiant, smooth complexion.” — $19 at Amazon
9. HyperGo Quick Mint Refreshing Body Wipes: Whether camping, RVing, traveling with kids or going somewhere with limited access to a shower, these wipes are the next best thing. The convenient packaging makes taking them a cinch. They feel so refreshing! — $15 at Amazon
10. Batiste Dry Shampoo: Washing and styling your hair is never as easy while on the road. Extend your ‘do and freshen up those roots with this top-selling dry shampoo in travel-ready sizes — $10 at Amazon
11. Sisley Paris Eye Contour Mask: If travel leaves you with under-eye bags, check them at the door! Try this soothing de-puffing eye mask from celebrity-loved brand Sisley. Apply en route and arrive looking refreshed. One shopper boasts, “Used it in between traveling during a busy period, did really help the skin under my eyes recover from the stress of travel.” Other reviews say it’s pricey but lasts forever — $175 at Nordstrom!
12. Harry’s Men’s Travel Toiletry Bag for Men Kit: A perfect TSA-approved shave kit for any guy who likes to keep it smooth. A stylish Dopp kit holds a razor along with a travel cover and two-ounce shave gel. — $32 at Amazon
13. Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes: Leave that facial wash at home and stash a few of these wipes to remove sweat, sunblock and more. They are made without parabens or fragrances and are cruelty-free. Yuka app-approved! — $26 at Amazon
14. NudeStix Magnetic Luminous Eye Color Pencil: Delicate eyeshadow palettes can get smashed easily. Bring this convenient pencil that works as eyeshadow, eyeliner and primer all in one! An easy swipe of the creamy formula is great for travel and everyday minimalist looks. There are so many pretty colors in both shimmer and matte finishes to choose from. — $27 at Amazon
