Camping out? Holing up in a hotel? Our travel gear picks keep you moving in comfort and style
Sock value
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UPGRADED SOFTWEAR
Beige plaid cashmere scarf
A scarf will keep you warm, but it can also keep you cool. It can provide a bit of protection. It works beautifully as an improvised pillow or as a way to keep the sun out of your eyes or as a tourniquet. But it’s mostly there to make you look good, and a light one, in light colors, will serve you well in your travels. ($520, Salvatore Ferragamo at the Palazzo) — J.M.
Other than a scarf, no piece of clothing will serve you better when traveling than a hoodie: find one in a light-gauge knit. With lightweight wool, you can layer it under a blazer and even a suit for long cold nights, or you can wear it on its own with jeans, or you can wad it up and use it for a pillow. If you let it rest overnight, and let it hang mildly, you’ll find that it’s mostly unwrinkled and ready to go in the morning. Hopefully, you’ll find yourself in that same state. ($195, Barneys New York at the Shoppes at Palazzo). — J.M
Baggage claim to fame
Bottega Veneta Marco Polo luggage set
No piece of rubberized canvas and stitched leather should cost this much. Who cares if each piece was hand-made by a single Italian artisan? Or that it took three whole days? Or that it shimmers and ripples like an ocean at night? It’s still a piece of luggage, though it comes with its own protective cover. Get it if you can afford it, but leave the protective cover at home. Stuff — even jaw-droppingly expensive stuff — is meant to be used, and looks best with wear. (Trolley, $3,900; carry-on bag, $1,120, Bottega Veneta at the Shoppes at Palazzo) — J.M.
Though one ounce larger than the maximum allowed by TSA, this travel-sized liquid soap smells terrific: mildly astringent, bitter and leafy. Its ingredients are sourced in ways and places so virtuous you may want to consider compensating by committing a minor felony and sneaking the stuff into your carry-on. If caught, let them know it’s organic! And Fair Trade! (It won’t work.) ($4.25, Sunflower Supermarkets, various locations) — J.M.
Space: the tiny frontier
Tumi Alpha Collection hanging travel kit
Jetsetting doesn’t always mean deluxe suites, or so we’ve heard. This space saver hangs conveniently out of the way in even the smallest bathroom. Handy for: storing travel-sized toiletries, zipping up tiny, easily lost objects and protecting things you don’t want getting squished from getting squished. ($135, Tumi Stores at Fashion Show, Forum Shops, Miracle Mile) — Sara Nunn
I call it … mini-mag
Travel-size magazines
Take a break from stateside tabloids and tuck mini versions of UK edition magazines such as Glamour, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan into your carry-on. Save space in your bag while enjoying fashion news minus the scourge of Kardashians and other U.S. reality stars. ($8, Borders, Barnes & Noble) — S.N.
Skip the breakouts that can come with cheaper sunscreens and go for the good stuff with this anti-aging, water-resistant magic in a pretty bottle. Great for avoiding unattractive sunburns whether you’re traveling afar to sunny climes or staycationing in this one. ($19.50, Sephora, various locations) — S.N.
When to fold ’em
Longchamp Le Pliage tote
This tote folds neatly up into a little square to fit into your bag, but it’s big and sturdy enough to carry anywhere from beaches to local markets. Great for filling with last-minute souvenirs and knick-knacks, and then passing it off as a purse while boarding your flight. ($155, Longchamp at the Forum Shops) — S.N.
Scent trail
Sephora refillable rollerball
Because that gorgeous 2.4-ounce bottle of your favorite scent seemed like a great investment — until you remembered that you had plans to travel ever again. Refresh your signature scent after a long day touristing or simply suffering the local summer heat. ($10, Sephora, multiple locations) — S.N.
Hotel smell, begone
Green & Spring Relaxing travel candles
Extinguish that hotel room smell and let the scents of rosemary, geranium and lavender accompany your post-travel collapse with these soothing scented candles.
Handy for satisfying the urge to light things on fire after a long day of travel without the usual consequences of arson. ($32, Barneys New York at the Shoppes at Palazzo) — S.N.