Yara Shahidi has reminded us of the importance of a well-stocked travel bag. In a recent feature with Vogue, she shared the contents of her travel backpack, including a journal, thank-you notes, a speaker, and veggie wash. One can never be too prepared!

 There's nothing more frustrating than getting to your destination only to realize you've forgotten bug spray or a face mask. But no worries, we are here to help you be prepared with some top must-haves to toss in your travel bag.

Sanitizing Products

Travel is all fun and games until you realize how germy it can be! A 2018 study published in Transportation Research found that transmission of illness due to close contact is likely, especially if a sick passenger touches plane surfaces. Sanitary wipes, like Wet Ones, are an easy and portable option for keeping hands clean.

An Extra Set Of Clothes

Summer is peak travel time, and it’s also peak season for flights to get delayed, canceled, or for airports to lose your luggage—gotta love that one! Have an extra set of clothing and underwear in your travel bag in case you’re stuck in Paris for 24 hours—yup, that one happened! Choose something simple and easy that is wrinkle-free, like a tank-style dress or knit top and pants.

Portable Charger

In 2023 we can all assume that airplanes will have charge outlets for us to recharge our phones and social media habits. However, there are times when technology isn’t always in our favor. A friend once shared she was on a seven-hour flight where none of the charging outlets worked. Avoid your phone dying at all costs by packing a portable charger. This can also be a game changer if you like posting on social media like IG or TikTok —yeah, we see you trying to flex.

Snacks

Being jet lag is painful enough; the last thing you need is to be hungry too. Spare your friends, family, and significant others, and pack something like some chocolates, some granola, nuts, or other grab-and-go items. While your flight may offer food service, it is always better to be prepared than hungry.

Journal

Have your eat, pray, love moment, and bring a journal! Long flights and vacations are a great time to unpack why Timmy said, “wanna get a coffee?” in a weird tone at the office. Don’t have a journal? No problem! Purchase a journal by BeRooted —a Black-owned stationery company. They have the cutest designs to make you feel like a main character while on your #HealingJourney.

A Good Book

Disconnect from social media, work emails, and juicy group chats by reading a good book. The point of travel is to get away and be in the present moment. Reading a good book is a great way to get lost in a world beyond our own. Check out Walking in My Joy by Jenifer Lewis or Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson.

Not into the whole carrying a book thing? We got you! There are many options available through places like Scribd, Audible, or even the public library, where it is still free to get a library card and borrow a book or through an app where you can download a book.

Hydrating Skincare Mask

Traveling can dry out the skin we work so hard to keep on point. A hydrating mask can bring your skin back to life. Peter Thomas Ross' five-mini mask pack offers the perfect size for tossing in your travel bag. Or there is also The Good Flight from Patchology, infused with willow bark, tea tree oil, and peppermint for skin-clarifying effects.

Ear Plugs

For the times when you just want to sleep peacefully on your flight, a good set of earplugs can help to do the trick. However, we understand that not all ears are created equal, so finding comfortable earplugs that work flawlessly is crucial. Try these silicone earplugs by Vegpoet; they are made with silicone and can mold to the perfect shape of your ears. Enjoy the silence and carry on.