The Ultimate Travel Essentials for A Stress-Free Winter Holiday
Winter holiday travel can be a bit overwhelming, it can really feel like the entire world is heading somewhere during that one week in December. We’ve all been there: overpacking to the point of needing an extra set of hands to close the suitcase, only to realize we’ve forgotten the little essentials that could have made the trip smoother. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a roundup of must-have travel essentials to ensure your holiday getaway is as relaxed and and enjoyable as possible!
I had to kick things off with none other than Apple AirTags. I almost forgot to stock up this year but snagged a 4-pack from John Lewis just in time. Pop one in your handbag, suitcases, and anywhere else you want to keep track of your belongings – especially during the chaotic holiday season when so many bags go missing. They're super easy to connect to your device and give you peace of mind knowing exactly where your stuff is. Trust me, these are an absolute must-have!
The Weekender bag is a best-seller every year, and it’s easy to see why. Its wide, easy-access opening makes packing and unpacking super easy – you won’t need to dig around with a flashlight. The clever design features a bottom compartment to keep shoes or cosmetics neatly separated from your clothes. Bonus feature: a back pocket that doubles as a trolley sleeve, sliding effortlessly over your luggage handle. Meet your new go-to carry-on travel companion!
When staying at a hotel or with family, you can never be too sure about the toiletries they provide or how your skin and hair might react to them. That’s why this Le Labo travel set is a must-have. It includes shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body cream, and a convenient canvas pouch to keep everything organized. Perfectly sized for a trip, these products are generous enough to last and will leave you smelling and feeling amazing throughout your stay. Better to be safe, and pampered, than sorry!
I’m already seeing so many people travel with this pillow in hand! Unlike standard travel pillows, it offers full head and neck support without the awkward bobbing or stiffness that comes with other options, helping you get genuinely restful sleep. Plus, it’s lightweight, compact, and super easy to pack, making it the ultimate travel companion.
SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush
Let me tell you about my latest and greatest discovery: the Suri Electric Toothbrush. This compact gem has an incredible 40+ day battery life (yes, over a month!), making it perfect for travel. Its gentle yet effective vibrations clean your teeth thoroughly without the harshness It’s small, sleek, and powerful—everything you need in a toothbrush. Oh! Best part? It comes with a UV Travel Case which stores and cleans the toothbrush when not in use.
The key when travelling is staying warm and comfortable – here comes the Skims long sleeve t-shirt – iconic for it’s comfort and it’s breathable fabric. I’m getting one in every color.
Salt & Stone Travel Size Deodorant
When travelling, having a deodorant on you is a must. This salt & stone santal and vetiver deodorant will give you 48 hour protection. It’s absolutely natural, formulated with seaweed extracts & hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin, and probiotics to neutralize odor.
Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash
This disinfecting gel goes everywhere with me, not only when travelling. It has purifying and hydrating properties, to cleanse hands effectively, making them feel clean, fresh and non-sticky. Not to mention the gorgeous scent!
Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
For the longest time I was wondering if these collagen masks are another TikTok gimmick. Until I tried them on my 9 hour flight quite recently, and let me tell you they make a world of a difference to your skin, especially if you suffer from dry skin on long-haul flights (let’s be real who doesn’t). These all-in-one masks contain probiotics, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to strengthen the skin’s barrier, improve elasticity, and leave the skin healthy and hydrated.
The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask is a must-have for dry, sensitive, or stressed skin, and as the name suggests – a necessity when travelling. Packed with vitamin B5, ceramides, and antioxidants, this creamy formula hydrates, brightens, and smooths fine lines while protecting your skin. Pro tip: use it as a hydrating primer or an overnight mask for extra glow. Expect dewy, refreshed skin in no time!
Sandro Toiletry Bag in Grained Leather
We love a toiletry bag that can pass off as a small handbag to keep your essentials when out and about. This one is so chic, and will last you a lifetime!
Victoria Beckham Beauty Hand Cream
A high-quality hand cream is a winter travel essential, and this one from VB checks all the boxes. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it delivers intense hydration while featuring their signature woody-floral scent, San Ysidro Drive. With its serum-like texture, a little goes a long way, keeping your hands moisturized and pampered on the go.
The White Company Essential Ribbed Socks
If you also always feel cold on a flight, keep your feet cosy in these super-soft socks which come in a pack of two. They’re ribbed and made from a wool blend, perfect for adding comfort when you’re out and about. Although warm, they’re not super thick so you’ll be able to layer them and fit in your regular shoes. And for this price? It’s a steal.
Let’s not forget about our lips when we travel – they tend to suffer the most. This lip mask from Tatcha has Japanese Peach Extract that helps repair damaged lips and works to revitalise and calm irritation; Japanese Camellia Oil to help seal in moisture; and Squalane to richly moisturise and improve the skin barrier.
You thought I forgot about the most important item for travel? I just saved the best for last. This Monos check-in suitcase has been a lifesaver for me when travelling. It’s lightweight, smooth, and keeps all my stuff safe with the two-part lock system. It’s virtually unbreakable and not to mention comes in gorgeous different colors (I got mine in Champagne)!
