Stress, Who? These Must-Have Essentials Are the Secret To Easing Holiday Travel Anxiety

Whether your flying or driving, you'll be happy you added these items to your packing list.

By Alexa Vazquez Dec 09, 2025 9:00 PMTags
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As if traveling wasn't already stressful enough, doing so during the holidays adds another layer of anxiety.

Between making sure the gifts you've packed don't result in an overweight bag and hoping that you didn't forget any essential items, you have your hands (and your carry on) full. That means you could probably use all the help you can get when it comes to packing.

Luckily, you're talking to the right girl, because I'm something of a packing expert, and I rounded up the travel essentials you need on your packing list that will make your life easier, both while you fly and once you arrive at your destination.

Packing cubes will help keep your clothes organized while a travel jewelry box is a game changer for preventing dainty necklaces, rings, and bracelets from getting tangled. You'll want to have some beauty essentials on hand for a long flight. Pimple patches will stop airplane acne in its tracks, a luxe lotion will keep your hands from drying out, and an LED hand held mirror ensures you have perfect makeup lighting where ever you go.

Get holiday travel ready with these must-have essentials you'll regret not packing.

Pursonic Portable Garment Steamer

To ensure that you have a solution for wrinkly clothes, stash this compact steamer into your suitcase. It delivers 7 to 10 minutes of continuous steam so you can achieve wrinkle-free outfits in a pinch.

Alex and Ani Symbols Travel Jewelry Case

I don't know what I did before I got myself a travel jewelry case like this one. Featuring dedicated compartments for earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings, this case is key to keeping all your jewelry from getting tangled.

Corkcicle Classic Sport Canteen

Quit paying for overpriced water at the airport and bring a tumbler, like this one with you instead. Available in two sizes, it keeps drinks hot or cold for hours.

Clementine Packing Cube Set

This set of three packing cubes will change the way you pack your suitcase forever. Apart from keeping things organized, they also help maximize space in your luggage, plus, the pattern on this option is just so cute.

Jason Wu Beauty Saved By The Patch

Where would we be without pimple patches? These, which are made with tea tree oil and salicylic acid, not only help shrink pimples but also keep you from picking at them. Since they're clear, you can wear them on your flight and no one will even notice.

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Beauty Silk Eye Mask With Velvet Band

If you want to get any sleep on a plane, an eye mask is a must. This one is made from 100% pure mulberry silk and has an adjustable velvet band. Choose from 22 colors.

Terra Thread Aarde Eco Friendly Gym Bag

This duffel bag is the personal item you've been looking for! It's super spacious, with plenty of room to stash everything your suitcase couldn't fit. It's made from cotton canvas and will save you from paying for an overweight bag.

Nécessaire The Hand Cream

Keep this chic minimalist hand cream in your bag so you can have moisturized hands on the go. It's fast-absorbing and non-greasy, yet delivers all of the barrier-strengthening hydration dry hands needs thanks to ingredients including ceramides, peptides, niacinamide, and marula oil.

Moira LED Light Hand Held Mirror

We all know hotel, Airbnb, or your in-law's lighting situations aren't always the best when it comes to getting glam, which is why you should bring your own. This handheld mirror is just the solution since it also has built-in LED lights.

Get in the festive spirit with the cutest matching holiday pajamas for the whole family.

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