Your accommodations are booked and your itinerary is set, but the one to-do on your travel checklist that you can’t forget is your vacation attire.
No matter where your wanderlust take you, it is easy to over-pack. In fact, what we deem as necessary might simply be taking up space in our luggage (guilty). It’s also never the easiest task to figure out what to wear to comfortably navigate the airport. So we put together a list of the essentials — from everyday basics to one-and-done outfits — that might help you save a little room in your bag (and make you look great no matter your future destination).
Compression socks might not be the most fashionable accessory you can think of when it comes to packing your bags, but they are useful. Shop TODAY staffers like that this pair offers a compressive feel and helps reduce swelling when sitting for long periods of time.
Whether you play golf or go for a swim, this skort offers versatility and flexibility for all sorts of tropical activities. Experts say this style is trending, thanks to its lightweight and flattering fit.
Here’s a chic matching set to take your tropical adventures to new heights. According to shoppers, this design has ample stretch and hugs in all the right places. You can make it casual with flats or add a pair of heels for a dinner date.
Deals editor Rebecca Brown has this cover-up in white and says it’s her favorite one yet. “I wear it to the pool and beach, and I feel comfortable wearing it to grab lunch while on a vacation. It’s the perfect length, and I especially like that it’s long sleeve. It also washes well and doesn’t shrink,” says Brown.
These joggers also impressed staffers who wore them on errand runs, on outdoor hikes and even out to dinner. While they have an athletic look and feel to them, they’re ideal for everyday wear and boast a good amount of pocket space, according to commerce analytics manager Amanda Smith.
Outfit your next hike, ski run or gardening day with this zip-up that provides UPF 50 protection to keep your skin safe. Plus, it’s made out of a polyester and spandex fabric blend that allows it to be breathable and lightweight during warm days.
Associate editor Allie Wise raves about these tights with four-way stretch. Wise says the quality is top-tier and can make a long travel day a bit brighter. “I typically pair them with an oversized sweatshirt and pair of sneakers for the flight,” she says.
“I wore this jumpsuit on a full day trip to DC and love how comfortable it is,” writer Jannely Espinal raves. “The design is stylish, cozy and breathable. You can layer with a jacket and heels for a chic aesthetic, or wear sneakers and a hat for a casual look... Currently, it’s my go-to outfit to run errands, go for a walk or a last-minute outfit change.”
This dress is designed with a combination of UPF 50+ and moisture-wicking fabric. Shoppers who bought this have styled it with rain boots, sandals and even sneakers.
For those in search of great coverage, this swimsuit has excellent support. Colorblock is one of the swimwear designs trending this season, according to experts — and this one offers a comfortable fit for all swim activities.
Great for walking, outdoorsy excursions, travel days and just lounging, joggers are a must-pack no matter the destination. Our most recent budget Travel Award winner for women boasts over 5,000 ratings on Amazon and comes in multiple colors. They have an almost satin feel to them and nice deep pockets, editorial director Adrianna Brach says, and they’re perfect for warmer weather.
Whether you prefer to stand out from the crowd or go for a more classic look, this tracksuit is right for you. Available in nearly 40 hues, this color block long-sleeve set is an easy and chic outfit to throw on before heading to the tarmac.
“I loved the fit,” said associate producer Alexa Arent of this chic one-piece. “I feel like a lot of bathing suits are very cheeky nowadays and having a bathing suit that covers all the spots you want covered is great. The style is also great and very flattering.”
Social video producer Anita Chomenko says this kimono is versatile and easy to pack. “I packed this with me when I went to Thailand and I love this lightweight material for hotter climates. Plus, it’s a two-in-one since it can be used as a coverup at the beach or the pool, or even as a dress! It’s nice enough to wear out to dinner if you accessorize it, but casual enough during the day, too!”
A striped dress is a great choice for an effortless outfit change. This maxi is an affordable choice if you want a one-and-done outfit for your summer activities and a tropical aesthetic. This one features pockets, the straps are adjustable and it feels very lightweight; it’s a simple dress easy to pair with sandals, sneakers or boots.
When you need a light jacket you can move around in, this UPF 50, “rain and stain repellent” winner with plenty of pockets is our pick. It features a hood and drawstring closure to adjust the fit.
The oversized cut and detailed stitching draw your eye to the stylish yet simple cowl neck detail. You can also use the drawstring in the jacket’s hem to customize the fit around your hips.
Associate social media editor Daniella Musacchio says “these sandals are surprisingly comfortable for a cork shoe, though I wish the cushioned part was a little softer.”
They have a roomy interior and are even supportive, thanks to the enhanced insole construction. “My favorite feature has to be the different textures featured throughout. I also think it provides great arch support.”
A traveling hack is packing a shoe that can pair with all of your vacation attire, such as this comfortable find from Cushionaire. It comes in a range of colors and are designed with memory foam and arch support for all-day comfort.
Personal stylist and style coach Samantha Dawn likes these sandals for their simple construction, yet sophisticated upper. “This flat sandal is an easy slip-on but has a stylish design that makes an outfit feel more elevated," she says.
"I have worn these since 2024, and they are my favorite for summer," says Espinal. "You can wear them to the beach, restaurants and even to work. While the material is leather, they feel very breathable and comfortable. I’ve worn them for hours without getting any blisters."
You can never go wrong with a pair of white sunglasses. These offer a minimalist approach to your outfits and elevate any casual piece.
These pearl earrings are a great addition for a night outfit or casual fit. According to consumers, they look more expensive than they are and are a great statement piece to upgrade a simple ensemble.
If the scorching temps of summer are sometimes too much to handle, consider adding a cooling hat to your wardrobe. This one will leave your body 30 degrees cooler after two hours, according to the brand.
To “activate” the cooling technology, simply wet it, wring excess water out or wave it dry then place it on top of your head.
With a UPF 50+ rating and a breathable, high-quality woven straw material, it’s no wonder this Amazon sun hat is so highly rated on Amazon. It is also a former Shop TODAY Travel Awards winner for best packable hat, so they’ll be zero qualms about bringing this fedora with you on vacation this summer.
Editor Vivien Moon recommends this hat clip, which holds unique hat shapes and delicate designs. This one can hold many hat shapes and is easy to clip on a bag handle.
Tote bags are timeless, flexible and big enough to fit large items. This one can fit a towel, skin care bag and more.
This packable beach tote bag is made from ripstop nylon, which helps the bag stay dry and durable, according to the brand. It weighs less than a pound and lays flat in your bag (or can be folded), so it shouldn’t take up the space of all of the souvenirs you might be bringing back.
Keep your personal items secure with this anti-theft bag from Travelon. Based on the high remarks from our reviewers, we think this bag truly lives up to its claims.
Our reviewers acknowledged that the bag is stiff, hosts a number of compartments and can even fit a water bottle without an awkward bulge. If that’s not impressive enough, the brand highlights that there’s a RFID blocking card and passport slots, plus a cut-proof shoulder strap for extra security.
We ranked Baggu’s Medium Nylon Crescent Bag as the “best travel purse” in our Travel Gear Awards. It’s equally practical as it is stylish, with ample room to store essentials, a versatile way of wearing (crossbody or over-the-shoulder) and a convenient machine-washable design.
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How we chose
We sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor recommendations, trending products flooding our social media pages and tried and true products to curate a list of must-have travel items worth reviewing for our awards. We then tried 214 products total — in our studios, putting them through practical experiments to see if they meet requirements when it comes to durability, function and quality for travel gear. Our team of editors and writers also signed up to try out apparel and shoes, putting them to the test in New York City and on our travels across the country as well as overseas. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners and gave feedback based on their expertise.
