MY FOUR MUSTS FOR TRAVEL

Previously published on Substack. If you’d like to see posts at their time of publication, please subscribe to A NOTE ON STYLE on Substack.

No matter the destination, there are a few items I always pack. They’re the ones I consider essential for comfort, convenience and efficiency. Depending on the season, there are variations, but the categories remain the same. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat for sun protection, lightweight layers and extra bags to stay organized. These aren’t just things I pack—they’re the foundation of my core travel essentials.

jacket, wrap in beige and ivory, wool & cashmere baseball hat, cotton bucket in ivory or green, two-tone sneakers or ecru, tote in green or tan, beige duffle bag, sunglasses in ivory or tortoise

WALKING SHOES – I insist on comfort and would sacrifice style for shoes I can walk in all day. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that don’t scream “comfort shoe” and actually work with my wardrobe. I made the mistake a few years ago traveling with a sneaker that was great for quick jaunts at home, but in the heat and humidity of Singapore, my feet swelled and they became unbearable. I bought a pair of white Ecco sneakers and wore them for the next several weeks traveling throughout southeast Asia and Japan…comfortable straight out of the box. They’re a little beat up at this point and I plan on replacing them with the same style rather than searching for something new. Athletic sneakers have their place but I’ve never been a fan of how they look with skirts or dresses. A low profile neutral sneaker is easier to work with. I also slip a pair of Birkenstocks in my suitcase. They’re perfect for warm days, running down to a hotel breakfast, a spa appointment, etc. It’s nice to have two comfort options to alternate between.

HATS – If you look back at my travel posts, I’m almost always wearing a hat. I want the sun protection. A foldable bucket style is perfect to tuck in my bag and retrieve when needed. I’ll pack a couple and keep my eye open for new ones when I’m traveling – I find a better selection in Europe than at home. A baseball cap is another good option. I like to have something sporty as an alternative. A no logo, simple style is classic and goes with almost everything. Sunglasses fall into the sun protection category too. Pack a single pair for beach, touring, exercise…a style that works with several activities. Look for non-bulky frames that fold flat to slip in a bag.

LAYERS – I’ll pack a lightweight wrap in the tote that’s with me on the plane. I almost always need it to deal with the temperature fluctuations in flight. They’re also useful once at the destination for overly air conditioned restaurants, chilly evenings, and an extra layer of sun protection when wearing a tank or blouse. I have a stack at home to choose from in a wide variety of weights and colors. I’ll also bring a travel-friendly jacket (easy to pack) that transitions from day to night nicely. Look at Max Mara and Barbour for two of my favorites.

BAGS – In addition to my luggage (either one checked bag for long trips or a carry-on for anything less than a week), I have totes and pouches to stay organized. I’ll pack anything of value in the tote and keep it with me on the plane. All of my in-flight essentials also go in the tote – headphones, wrap, toiletry bags, etc. I use a smaller pouch pre-packed with in flight essentials – an eye mask, moisturizer, lip balm, and glasses – keeping it on the seat with me for quick access mid-flight. Additional pouches carry chargers and cords. A sporty sling bag or crossbody comes in handy for long walks, working out, or a bike ride.

I like to have a selection of these core pieces available when I’m ready to pack for a trip. You can invest in many of them now and build a foundation of travel essentials at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Search for no-logo sneakers, foldable hats, lightweight jackets, wraps, totes and pouches…the things I always pack.