I Travel Internationally for the Holidays Every Year, and These Are the 15 Essentials I Always Pack — All From $8

As humid days have started giving way to cool evenings and I’ve started to take my cozy fall sweaters out of storage, the exciting reality that the holiday travel season is upon us hits me with a pleasant surprise. Whether you visit family every year like I do (mine is spread out across Italy, India, and Australia), or simply like to escape to a different tropical location, you might be confused about how to pack your suitcase for unpredictable weather and plans. Personally speaking, I never know if I’ll end up spending two weeks inside watching movies or going out to holiday parties that my family has planned, but after 30 years of international holiday travel, I’ve curated a foolproof international trip packing list that covers everything.

From a lightweight trench coat that keeps me warm on flights to comfortable shoes and an RFID-blocking crossbody bag, these travel essentials have been with me for years and guarantee that I'm prepared for whatever my trip throws my way. Keep scrolling for the stylish travel clothes and other invaluable accessories I keep handy when I'm traveling abroad to a chilly Italian mountain range or a humid Indian island.

The Drop Noa Trench Coat

Every time I travel, I find myself reaching for this lightweight coat (even in the summertime) because I tend to get really cold on planes. In fact, this summer, I wore it on a flight to the Amalfi Coast. It’s comfortable, versatile, and looks more expensive than it really is. It comes in five colors, but I stick to the beige “hummus” color because it matches everything. I’ll wear it with my stretchy pants and a cardigan on a flight and then with a cute dress out to dinner or on my casual morning walks once I reach my destination.

Vivaia Regina Slip-on Boots

I don’t remember the last trip I took without these slip-on boots since I got them three years ago. They’re even comfy enough that I wore them on a 14-hour-long flight to Mumbai. They have a sock-like look that gives them an incredibly cozy feel. They're impressively breathable too; I’ve been able to wear these with ankle socks and a breezy dress in India just as easily as I’ve paired them with my fuzzy socks, leggings, and a cozy sweater in Northern Italy during the wintertime.

Timberland RFID-blocking Leather Crossbody Bag

Consider this the Mary Poppins bag of crossbodies. It may look like a typical purse, but it has room for a designated phone pocket, four credit card slots, a large slip pocket, and one zippered pocket. Remove the crossbody strap to just use this as a wallet or clutch, but no matter what, rest assured that the RFID-blocking protection will prevent scanners and readers from stealing your personal information while you’re traveling. My mom kept “borrowing” this bag from me so much that I ended up buying her a separate one, too.

Iniu Portable Charger

This handy little device is almost always with me, whether I’m traveling or not. But, it’s a necessity for me when I’m traveling to Asia and end up having to spend several hours on a layover without reliable access to outlets — especially because those outlets may not be compatible with the chargers I have on hand. 

Raas Skirt and Crop Top Set

This may read as a bit more unique, but I’m Indian, so I always have to travel with one or two Indian outfits. I love this particular matching set because it’s so versatile, though. I can easily wear it to a traditional holiday party, where everyone will be wearing South Asian garb, but I can also wear the top with another skirt or easily pair the skirt with some cute boots and a cozy sweater. Fun fact: Raas is the first traditional South Asian fashion brand to be sold at Macy’s.

Roots Cloud Flight Jacket

When I need something a little heftier than my trench coat, I like to wear my Roots Cloud Flight Jacket. Aptly named for its cloud-like softness, the knit bomber jacket has a sweatshirt-like plushness, which is why I always pair it with the brand's matching sweatpants on flights. But, it has a stylish structure to it that's perfect for layering on top of a little black dress and boots for a more casual, comfy, yet chic look when I'm out and about. In fact, I’m wearing the set right now while working from a cute coffee shop, too.

Lululemon City Sleek Utilitech Pants

I love these wrinkle-free pants because they look dressy but feel like yoga pants. They’ve carried me through long flights to Italy, India, and Thailand thanks to their four-way stretch and buttery-soft waistband. Since they're technically trousers, they pair nicely with a blouse for parties, dinners, and other occasions. Next, I’m eyeing Lululemon's pleated trousers. 

Fyy Waterproof Organizer Pouch

You’ve likely seen or at least considered getting an organizer pouch like this one, and I’m here to tell you that this is absolutely worth it. It’s technically labeled as a cable organizer, but I actually use it to organize my most important items like precious jewelry, an e-reader, and my passport. The compact case includes eight compartments, including larger ones that can hold a power bank, adapter, tablet, and even 3-foot-long cords.

Jennie Liu 100 Percent Cashmere Sweater

As someone who always seems to be running cold, I’ve sampled many a cardigan in my day, but nothing can compete with the combination of style and comfort in this Jennie Liu sweater. It pairs just as easily with the above Lululemon pants as it does with leggings or even layered on top of a formal dress. At $159, it’s not exactly cheap but I’m so grateful I was gifted this 100 percent cashmere piece that’s been in my wardrobe for over a decade.

Lululemon Cityverse Sneakers

I had a hard time finding a pair of sneakers that are both comfortable enough for me to run after my nephews in them for hours, but also stylish enough for me to wear them with some trousers or a dress on more formal occasions. I finally found that balance in these Lululemon shoes that have a minimalist look and superior cushioning thanks to a molded footbed that gets more comfortable the more I wear them. These shoes come in three cool, neutral colors, and while I have the white ones now, I’m eyeing the beige colorway, too.

Davines Solu Sea Salt Scalp Scrub

If you don’t already own a scalp scrub, there’s a chance you may be skeptical about why you would even need one. But as someone who has been writing about beauty for seven years, I can honestly say this is a necessity in my hair care routine, especially when I'm traveling abroad; I don’t want to risk drying my hair out (again) with my cousin’s two-in-one shampoo-body wash combo. The scrub comes in a small, travel-ready plastic tub and, since it has a thicker consistency, I never have to worry about it spilling into my clothes. It leaves my scalp feeling cleansed and purified, plus the refreshing scent adds a spa-like experience to my travels.

Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds

The older I get, the more I value the solo time that I get on a long-haul flight, so I always have a list of podcast episodes, shows, and movies downloaded to make the most of the time. I never worry about these slipping out of my ears thanks to the over-the-ear loop that's secure yet non-invasive. The cushioned buds sit in my ears for 16 hours without bothering me one bit. After trying many different types of headphones and earbuds, these are the only ones that have stuck. I've had them for almost seven years, and I can't see myself ever wanting to try anything else.

Native Mini Coconut and Vanilla Deodorant Pack

Pardon my candor, but I can’t be the only person who starts to be able to smell a bit of a stench on themselves about halfway through an eight-hour-long flight. Most deodorants are too large for me to want to slip into my carry-on, and others are so bulky that I’ll begrudgingly stuff them into my check-in bag. Thankfully, Native has these smaller-than-palm-sized deodorant sticks that smell like dessert (but please, don’t eat them). This little two-pack ensures I have deo to pop into my travel tote for a mid-flight or layover refresh and a backup in my checked bag. 

Love, Indus Amrutini Precious Potion Vital Cream

Travel tends to wreak havoc on my dry, acne-prone skin, and to avoid the stress of having to strategically pose for family holiday photographs in ways that cover up my blemishes, I’ve mastered the ultimate travel skincare routine, which always includes this luxe moisturizer. It feels rich and nourishing on my dry skin without leaving a sticky or greasy film, so I can easily layer it underneath makeup. It’s an absolute must when I’m on long flights.

SmartSweets Sweet Fish

Don’t judge me here, but snack shopping is always a key part of my travel prep, and this delicious candy is always a must for me. Airport snacks are pricey, and airplane food can be a little touch and go, so I always keep something I know I’ll like in my bag. These sweet, chewy little gummies always go perfectly with my go-to airplane movie: Crazy Rich Asians. 

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