Whether your trip has been booked for months or you’re in the middle of planning one, at some point, you’ll have to make some important packing-related decisions, like deciding which travel bags to take with you and which shoes are comfortable enough to make the cut. And who better to get vetted products from other than our favorite celebrities?
Since 2022, we’ve been asking celebrities, influencers and brand founders to share their favorite products across categories like beauty, travel, home and fitness for our series, The Essentials List. Since summer is a popular time to travel, thanks to the sunny weather and school being out, we’ve curated a list of useful travel products they have shared with us to help you prepare for your next trip. From the ultra-comfy Allbirds that Olympic snowboarder Shaun White wears to the airport to the duffel bag Emmy-winning journalist Lisa Ling carries, here are 14 celebrity-loved travel essentials worth taking along on your next adventure.
When we interviewed Ling, she singled out this weather-resistant duffel constructed from postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop. Complete with padded shoulder straps and daisy chains for carrying gear, the bag has a padded base, padded shoulder straps and a zippered side pocket. It’s also available in four different sizes and several colors.
This Ashley Park-approved carry-on is designed to fit into an airplane’s overhead bin, making it a fantastic option for shorter trips or light packers. Thanks to its tough exterior and thoughtfully designed interior, this suitcase impressed our editors so much during testing they named this carry-on the best overall.
“Catfish” co-host Kamie Crawford travels with Poo-Pourri's odor-trapping toilet spray, which can also be used to fight foul odors from laundry and trash bins. The spray is available in four sizes, and you can easily slip the 0.34 fluid-ounce version into a small handbag or pack the larger sizes in your luggage.
When we spoke with Crystal Kung Minkoff, she told us her husband has used the same toiletry bag for years: “He just keeps buying the same one over and over again, and he keeps it very tidy in there.” The Tumi Alpha Travel Kit, which is crafted from nylon and can be monogrammed for free, comes with a two-year warranty. It’s also thoughtfully designed with an antimicrobial lining, front zip pocket, interior zip pocket, elastic loops and grab handle.
Both Captain Glenn Shephard of "Below Decks" fame and Kung Minkoff are fans of Apple AirTags. The tiny trackers, which can be slipped into luggage and are trackable via an app, allow you to keep an eye on your belongings from afar, making them especially great for nervous travelers.
When we asked "The Amazing Race" host Phil Keoghan about his travel essentials, the Geekey Multi-Tool was among his picks. The $22 pocket tool is made from stainless steel and can double as a can opener, box cutter, screwdriver, ruler and more.
"The Office" actor Rainn Wilson’s travel picks included the Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers, which have foam midsoles and knit uppers. “They’re so comfortable and so good for when you’re wandering around neighborhoods or markets,” he says. The shoes have the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance, reflective heel panels and gusseted tongues.
Shephard uses this tripod to assist him with taking pictures during trips. Made from stainless steel and plastic, it has bendable legs and a rotating ball head for easy picture-taking.
White is a fan of the sustainable brand, and we can’t say we’re surprised because we are too. Designed with cushioned midsoles for all-day comfort and support, the lightweight Allbirds Men’s Tree Runners are made from eucalyptus fiber. They’re also machine-washable, so you don't need to panic if your shoes get dirty. “They’re comfy and super cozy because it feels like I’m wearing velvet slippers,” he says. “I wear them when I’m cruising the airport.”
“Stranger Things” actor Gaten Matarazzo uses this compact portable charger from Anker to keep his devices up and running when he’s on the go. Offering fast charging, the power bank has a slim design and is scratch-resistant.
It’s important to stay hydrated, which is why you’ll want a trusty water bottle by your side. Wilson’s preferred bottle from Hydroflask holds 24 ounces of liquid and keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, thanks to its insulated walls. The stainless-steel bottle also has a wide mouth and is leakproof and BPA-free.
Park travels with a pair of noise-canceling headphones from Bose. Designed to be comfortable enough for all-day wear, the headphones offer up to 24 hours of battery life, have a built-in microphone and allow you to adjust the level of outside sound. They also come with a carry case and two cables and are available in five colors.
Paris Hilton relies on the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector to care for her tresses. “My hair goes through a lot when I travel or if I’m working long days for weeks at a time. I have to take really good care of it to prevent any damage, and I’ve found that these products make all the difference and keep my strands silky and smooth.” The bond-building treatment, which we’ve previously reviewed, is formulated to strengthen hair and is suitable for all hair types.
Model and Kapowder founder Valentina Ferrer’s in-flight beauty routine includes this intensive lip mask from Riri’s beauty brand. This product, which moisturizes and plumps lips thanks to ingredients like coconut and castor oil, can be applied whenever your lips need some TLC. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.