The Top Travel Essentials Every Cool Girl Needs Right Now

The Top Travel Essentials Every Cool Girl Needs Right Now

...when "winging it" just won't cut it.

We're all born citizens of the world, but it's up to us when we want to redeem that voucher to explore the world and immerse ourselves in culture we only read about in text books. Now more than ever before, people are traveling more frequently, exploring new far destinations, and pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone to explore the unknown...or get that ideal Instagram photo that you know will RACK up them likes. Either way, travel is travel and every cool girl needs a definitive set of essentials while departing to their next destination. 

I think I was nine months old when I took my first transatlantic flight to visit my Dad's home country of Egypt. By that time, I was the last of three children and my mom was basically a pro at traveling to developing countries with all three of us kiddos in tow. "You were born on my back," she often likes to joke to people. But then again, I've never met anyone who cracks up at her own jokes quite like my Mother (I must get it from her). One of my fondest memories of traveling internationally as a kid were the "Flight Packs" my mom would curate specifically for me, my sister Amira, and my brother Tarek. She would stock them with an assortment of bulk candies she'd procure from the neighborhood candy store, Some Other Nuts, which was just a few buildings down from the restaurant my parents (still!) own called The Picnic Basket. Gummy bears, chocolate covered malt balls, and Chupa Chup lollipops were among the few, coupled with game books, the latest issue of Nickelodeon Magazine, and most likely a Beanie Baby, cause no kid should have to sacrifice it's stuffed animal when sleeping abroad.

When I look back on those experiences, I realize how lucky I am that not much has changed. My mom is still my number one travel partner, hiking Machu Picchu, island hopping around the Galapagos, climbing to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and gorilla trekking in Uganda are just a few of the adventures we embarked on in the last years, and that's kind of a beautiful thing. We each live our own lives, but when it comes to travel, that's something we will always, always do together. And as we boarded our flight to South Africa last month and finally got situated in our seats, what did she pull out? A Flight Pack. 

Any-who, whether you're hopping on a quick two-hour flight to NYC for a whirlwind 48-hour weekend, or jet-setting through Eastern Asia, there are essentials every cool (travel) girl needs (and should) have when trotting the globe, so let's get to it. 

Photo courtesy of MZ Wallace

1. TRAVEL TOTE

A travel tote is the number one essential because without it, you wouldn't have anything to carry all your other essentials in. A functional tote with a top zipper, or a top magnet at the very least, is crucial because we all know loosing or misplacing things while away from home is just not cool, or fun. Spending that extra cash flow on a well-made, secure bag allows you to travel without worry and ensures nothing will accidentally slip out during that turbulent take off. I'm pretty obsessed with MZ Wallace, because they come with multiple compartments, a matching clutch that comes attached to the interior, and can be compressed to the size of an envelope. Best part? They come in a kind of crazy amount of colors and patterns. MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote, $225 at www.mzwallace.com.

Photo Courtesy of Alaska Bear 

2. SLEEP MASK

A girls gotta eat, and a girls gotta sleep. So when it comes to long haul flights, a sleep mask becomes your new best friend. When you need some solid shut-eye in the sky, the Alaska Bear Sleep Mask is basically like blackout curtains for your eyes. Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask, $7.99 on Amazon. 

Photo courtesy of Glossier 

Photo courtesy of Evanhealy

3. ALL THE BALMS

To combat the dry skin that we know comes along with flying, keep an assortment of balms by your side. Glossier's Balm Dotcom will keep your lips (and skin!) smooth and supple, and a little goes a long way. For eyes, Evanhealy's Wild Carrot Nourishing Eye Balm is seriously the stuff dreams are made of. A couple swipes around your upper and under eyes and I promise it'll last all day, and leave you with a fresh and effortless dewy look. Glossier Balm Dotcom, $12 at www.glossier.com; Evanhealy Wild Carrot Nourishing Eye Balm, $26.50 at www.evanhealy.com 

Photo courtesy of Jaboneria Marianella

4. CBD OIL

For those of us that have high anxiety, especially when traveling, CBD oil will help relax those worries. The non-intoxicating marijuana extract helps relieve stress, anxiety, body pains, and serves as a natural sleep aid. My favorite CBD products are from Jaboneria Marianella, a super cool soap shop in SoHo from a Venezuelan Mother/Son team. Jaboneria Marianella 500 mg CBD Body Oil, $120 at www.marianellagreen.com 

Photo courtesy of Aesop

5. AESOP TRAVEL KIT
No one should have to sacrifice their beauty regime just because they're on the move. With Aesop's Sao Paulo Travel Kit, you can take your hair, body, and oral care routine on the run with you. The pouch includes everything from their cult favorite Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser to their Geranium Leaf Body Balm. Aesop Sao Paulo Travel Kit, $75 at www.aesop.com 

Photo courtesy of Made Good

6. GRANOLA BARS
In case you couldn't tell, snacks are important to me. Like, really important. That's why I always pack a bag of 'em when flying, usually an assortment of dried fruit and nuts, almond butter, Nut Thin crackers, turkey jerky, and most importantly granola bars. I've always been into Kashi's Chocolate Chip Chia Seed bars but I've recently discovered Made Good and let me tell you, those are what's up. Whether you need an in-flight snack or something to hold you over before you gallivant around looking for a brunch spot, granola bars always curb my hunger cravings. Made Good Chocolate Chip Granola Minis, $19.95 for 24 packs on Amazon. 

Photo courtesy of Tony Moly

7. UNDER EYE MASK
Traveling is tiring, so when you want to step off the plane looking fresh rather than fatigued stash a couple under eye masks in your carry on and apply about 45 minutes before landing. One of my favorites is Tony Moly's Timeless Ferment Snail Eye Mask. The anti-aging hydro-gel eye masks treat delicate skin under the eyes, and uses Gold Tea Ferment and essence extracted from Snail Mucin, which work to re-hydrate and soften skin, restoring rough, dry under eyes to leaving them looking smooth and radiant. Tony Moly Timeless Ferment Snail Eye Mask, $10 for two at www.tonymoly.us 

Photo courtesy of Shopbop

8. SCARF

Quite possibly one of the most important essentials on this list is a solid (and chic) travel scarf. I'm not talking about a nice silk Hermes one, but a long, cozy, and versatile scarf that can double as a blanket, pillow, or even eye mask. They come in handy in just about any situation, plus, when that light breeze turns into never-ending gusts of wind, you're going to be glad you have it. Franco Ferrari Amos Snake Scarf, $288 at www.shopbop.com

Photo courtesy of Sony

9. NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES 
I honestly don't know how I traveled, let alone slept on planes before I invested in a solid pair of noise cancelling headphones. Not only do they drown out the monotonous noises fueled by the airplane and minimize the sound of that crying baby two rows behind you, but they're a protective shield so your seat-mate doesn't talk your ear off on a red-eye flight from NYC to LA. Headphones on = Do Not Disturb. Sony 950N1 Extra Bass Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones, $79.99 on Amazon