I Asked My Colleagues for Their Most Stylish Travel Essentials: This Is What They Always Pack

"A solid piece of knitwear is needed when you can’t control the temperature, especially when the air conditioning is blasting on a plane. This Soft Goat funnel-neck cashmere jumper saves me from the unavoidable chill. I like to size up for that hygge factor."

"My latest obsession is the Ugg Zora ballet flat, and I just know they'll come in handy on my next long-haul flight. They have a reinforced sole, so you can, in fact, wear them out and about, but the shearling interior adds a serious comfort factor. They're ideal for the plane, train or resting up in my hotel room."

"Wholesale Replica Bag AirPod Pros are an absolute non-negotiable for me. I love the noise-cancelling capabilities, as the last thing I want to hear on any flight or train journey is, well, everybody else. I can listen to my music or a podcast, or watch something on my iPad in total sonic bliss."

"If it ain’t broke! Wayfarer sunglasses will always be in style, and work with every outfit you can think of. In my opinion, this makes them the perfect pair of sunglasses for travelling light and in timeless style."

"When I want to go a little bit analogue, a physical diary is my best friend whilst travelling. I can plan my year, jot down notes or ideas and not have to rely on spotty WiFi or tech issues. Plus, it just looks so chic. Leopard is a neutral, don't you know?"

"In my carry-on case or handbag, I swear by packing cubes, pouches and bag dividers. This small and sweet recycled nylon number from Prada has serious style credentials, but means my knick-knacks and small tech items won’t go missing in the pits of my bag."

"I like to keep my beauty routine to an absolute minimum when travelling, but I do like to freshen up in-flight. Enter Caudalie Beauty Elixir. It feels so nice to mist this on the skin when on the move, as it helps combat dryness. It also has an apothecary-like smell which awakens the skin, senses and my mood. Nothing beats it."

"One thing chronic over-packers know is that layers are your best friend. On my recent long haul, I relied on foldable cardigans I could tuck into carry-on bags and crossbodies to keep me warm. The cute lace detail on this Cinta the Label piece makes it perfect for all occasions."

"We all know comfort is a non-negotiable on long-haul journeys, and anytime I’m travelling to warmer climates, a pair of linen trousers is a must. I’ve tried a lot of them, and this Weekday pair wins out every time. They're the perfect wide-leg fit, and the drawstring waist makes them super easy to throw on."

"One for the duty-free lovers: always have a chic tote on hand in case you need to offload after a spontaneous shopping trip. Bonus points if it can double up as a beach bag at the other end."

"You should never compromise on skincare when it comes to long-haul flights. I’ve ruined holidays by neglecting my skin on the journey and swore never to do it again. This Rhode Glazing Mist will make sure your skin doesn’t dry out from the plane's air-con and stays dewy, ready for your arrival."

"2026 is the year I officially stop investing in silly aeroplane neck pillows I never use. Instead, this chic silk sleep mask from Snoozeband is my new favourite. With Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones and a soft silk padding, the world around me will be tuned out, and my hair will only look semi-dragged-through-a-hedge-backwards after eight hours in the sky."

"From experience, an easy, slip-on shoe will end up being your most worn on a travel-heavy holiday. When flights, buses and a lot of walking are involved, comfort is key. I’ve been wanting a pair of Air Rifts for forever—the perfect freaky, comfy, cool-girl shoe."

"I never travel without tweezers. If you forget them, good luck."

"Of course, no UK staycation wardrobe would be complete without a knit. This cashmere cardi is one I have my eye on for my 2026 trips and beyond."

"My favourite moisturiser always gets packed, no matter where I'm headed."

"If you're anything like me, you will want to avoid washing your hair at all costs, and that's where a cap comes in! It's a must-have if you're going to the seaside, especially in blustery winds."

"My idea of a good time is sitting on a uber-squishy sofa by the fire, or on a towel on the beach, with a good book. My partner always complains that I pack way too many (I'm a book-a-day girl on holiday!), so this year, it's time I got myself a Kindle."

"A great pair of jeans are an essential whenever, wherever, but especially when on a staycation. Tuck them into your wellies for your walk or wear them with flip-flops and a cardi to grab a coffee or head to breakfast, before dressing them up with a nice top for any dinner reservations."

"Speaking of nice tops, this Dôen blouse is the perfect one to pack for any staycations you have planned. It's lightweight, meaning it won't take up any space in your weekend bag."

"This little cashmere neck tie is one of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe. I wear it over blouses, sweatshirts, knits and tees to add a little extra touch (and warmth) to my looks."

"This year, I'm taking my digital detox seriously, starting with my pictures. A digital camera not only eclipses the life span of a smartphone, but allows you to live in the moment, rather than feeling compelled to post."

"The Gen Z Birkin, Balenciaga's Le City is the perfect throw-it-all-in-and-go bag, and if you size up, it has enough room to bolster that pesky baggage allowance."

"You could opt for a plain white tee, but where's the fun in that? Dripping in personality, the In Print We Trust graphic T-shirts are some of my favourites on the market right now."

"Working well with the rest of your wardrobe, the cut-outs give an 'on holiday' feel which easily transitions from day to night."

"If you're after a trainer that will work with both casual and dressier, these are them. Blending comfort, functionality and style, you'll pull them on again and again."

"Let's be honest: regardless of the city, you can never go wrong with on-trend sunglasses. I personally keep them neutral so they'll go with all my city-break fits."

"Save on space and mix your perfume and body moisturiser into one with Phlur's Missing Person Body Oil. Just as potent as the fragrance but in a luscious oil, this sultry scent will last all day, even after you've completed 10,000 steps!"

"Whilst my budget might not stretch to first class, I plan on being as comfortable as possible—ideally in cashmere."

"These cosy trousers make pulling your airport outfit together so easy, especially if you get chilly on the plane."

"Both comfortable enough for the airport and chic for sighting-seeing, these trainers will see you through your trip."

"Since testing the Oura Ring, I'm never without it. It's great for logging my health, sleep and activity whilst travelling. Jet lag? Don't know her."

"A hypochlorous acid spray is my secret to keeping my skin breakout-free whilst travelling. It's great for sanitising and refreshing the skin throughout your flight."

"I'm picky about lip balms, but the deliciously cushiony texture of Rhode's Lip Peptide Treatment is more like a lip mask, which means my lips never get dehydrated. It also doubles as a lip gloss and contains peptides to leave lips pillowy soft."

"This creamy face mask is iconic for a reason. It doubles as an overnight moisturiser to save space in your carry-on, and leaves skin plump post-travel. I carry the mini on board, and you can massage any excess into your hands to keep moisturised throughout your journey."

"Every sunny holiday needs a showstopping dress. Adorned with saccharine florals and vintage-inspired corsetry, it should come as no surprise that this Zimmermann piece has piqued my interest. The design feels especially nostalgic for me as someone who grew up in the city where the brand was founded, but feels more mature and sexy, which are characteristics you’ll always want to achieve for an island escape."

"This piece features a cacophony of prints cut together in a quiltwork pattern to really help you stand out. Throw on a touch of bronzer and style your hair back in a slick bun, et voilà."

"As a writer, Joan Didion’s favourite style of eyewear is also my own. The Celine Triomphe sunglasses are an iconic silhouette in their own right, but Michael Ryder has put more of a summery spin on them by mixing the classic tortoiseshell with a pretty light-pink shade."

"Growing up in Australia meant wearing board shorts regularly. Unlike the chafe-prone iterations of my childhood, Made Some are reinventing the item with sleek, youthful and refined iterations that make staying sun-safe and playing in the waves a breeze. This is the kind of thing I’ll wear to a nice bar with a lace top and dress up with a pair of heels, because if you can’t do it on holiday, when can you?"

"Channel your inner Jane Birkin with a pair of jelly clogs. Endorsed by the Saint Tropez set, this style from Ancient Greek Sandals will make you the best-dressed person on the shoreline, especially if worn with a prairie-style white cotton minidress."

"Speaking of bronzer, there's no better product for delivering that sun-kissed, holiday glow than the Chanel Le Beiges. A rich, creamy formula that glides over flushed skin like a dream, this will have you feeling like you’re still in the Bahamas or Balearics long after you've left."

"From Palma to Canggu, a sarong hat is something you’ll always see dotted along the coast under beach umbrellas. This style, from cult-favourite resortwear brand Soliel Soliel, features natural stones including yellow jade, grey agate, dalmatian jasper and picture jasper."

"A business-class essential: whisper-light, impossibly soft and chic enough to double as a shawl once you land."

"A non-negotiable, this mask blocks out cabin light and keeps skin crease-free."

"Cabin air doesn’t stand a chance—this is my skin’s first line of defence at 35,000 ft."

"Noise-cancelling that actually cancels noise. These are essential for switching off mid-flight."

"The ultimate multitasker: blanket, scarf and outfit-finisher in one."

"Polished enough for airport lounges, comfortable enough to sleep in."

"Easy to slip on and off, endlessly chic and proof that comfort doesn’t have to look casual."