Travel writer talks about 12 essential items for spring travel

I don't know what spring is about, but as soon as we have long sunny days, I feel like I have to organize and downsize my closet, travel gear, and everything else. Every year after this Great Purge, I drop off bags and bags worth of clothing and accessories to my local donation center. What's left are definitely the tried-and-true travel essentials that we refuse to venture without.

Following this year's deep cleaning, items that made it through fate's clearance include a Bluetooth tracker to keep an eye on my belongings, and comfortable travel shoes that strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. If you're also someone who travels with comfort, style, and safety in mind, you'll want to keep scrolling to see our other favorite accessories to travel with this season. Even better, items start at just $6.

new balance unisex 9060 sneakers

If I could only wear one pair of sneakers for the rest of my life, it would be these incredibly stylish and supportive New Balance sneakers. Fashionable enough to pair with jeans, comfortable enough to sport on a hike without worrying about blisters, and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of many travel seasons to come. , it's easy to check all my boxes. We can't recommend these sneakers enough, but if you're in the market for some new sneakers, be sure to buy them while supplies last.

Sold out and need a spare pair? The brand's Fresh Foam Roav V1 sneakers have won over 23,000 Amazon shoppers with their versatile, comfortable, and cushioned design, and are on sale for $75 is.

vera bradley hardside rolling carry on

To accompany me on my spring outings, I have this stunning Vera Bradley suitcase decorated with beautiful floral illustrations. Besides its incredibly spacious build, 4-way rotating wheels and convenient TSA lock, its eye-catching design means you'll always know which suitcase is yours at baggage claim. Masu. A 22-inch carry-on is the perfect size for her week-long trip, but one Amazon shopper said she could fit up to two weeks' worth of clothing in her 20-inch Rockland London carry-on. I mentioned that it can be stored. The luggage is very spacious and sells for $64.

Cabeau the Neck Evolution S3 Travel Pillow

As a travel writer, I've tried countless neck pillows. There are a lot of great models on the market, but the one I keep coming back to and not wanting to part with is this one from Cabeau. Made of super soft memory foam that provides 360 degree support, this is the only pillow I found on the plane that allowed him to sleep for over 6 hours. It's also incredibly compact and packable, and comes with its own carry bag that's large enough to hold an eye mask and other in-flight essentials.

apple air tag

If there's one item I wouldn't travel without, it's my Apple AirTag. Set up within minutes, so you can travel with peace of mind knowing your belongings are in good hands.As someone who has experienced luggage being left behind and My bag was snatched on a trip abroad, I know firsthand that you would never do that. Too safe. Attach it to your suitcase or keep it in your wallet to keep a close eye on your valuables. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Veken packing cube set

It's no surprise that these Veken packing cubes managed to get me through my annual spring cleaning. Because these packing cubes are the epitome of travel essentials. I especially like the versatility of this set. It comes with compression cubes for your clothes, a designated shoe bag, a laundry bag, and even a toiletry bag, all of which fit in an easy-to-find spot in your suitcase. Packing and unpacking is so streamlined that these cubes will be on your “keep” list for life once you try them out.

Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50

Sunscreen is a must-have year-round, but as warm weather returns, protecting your skin becomes even more important. I love his gel- and lotion-based SPFs, but nothing beats the convenience of a spray. It can be applied as a base SPF and easily reapplied throughout the day for protection on the go. I always pack a bottle of my favorite Vacation Super Spritz SPF for upcoming beaches, lakes, and hikes. Please do the same. Oh, and as a bonus, it smells absolutely divine.

Jack&Chris Leather Passport Wallet Holder

It's important to protect your most important documents. That's why I keep my documents safe in this travel wallet that holds my passport, ID, credit cards, and other essentials. In fact, my grandfather recommended this wallet to me and I can see why. Sleek and slim, he's one of the best $20 purchases I've ever made.

Ai-dee colorful luggage tag set

This simple, no-frills luggage tag set is a $6 purchase you won't regret this season. It may seem obvious, but in addition to attaching it to your suitcase to identify your luggage, clipping it to your backpack or other item can help if you misplace it. What's more, the durable and waterproof PVC silicone construction and secure fixing loop means you can buy it once and use it for a lifetime.

Blume Super Berry Lemon Ginger

Traveling always tends to dehydrate you and wreak havoc on your intestines. Although I love the luxury of traveling, I also try to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on vacation. In the past, I've found Pedialyte to be difficult to pack (and a bit inconvenient to use on the go), and I personally didn't like other hydrating powder sticks until I tried Blume. I packed these her single-serve powder packs on a recent trip. I always keep some in my bag for future adventures. It's delicious, easy to pack, and packed with vitamins and minerals, so you don't have to worry about packing supplements. Plus, ginger can help soothe an upset stomach while traveling.

Abercrombie YPB Women's NeoKNIT Joggers

I tried these joggers a few months ago and am completely in love with their buttery soft feel and relaxed fit. These shoes are the first thing I bring on any kind of trip, and they kept me comfortable throughout my winter travels, but they're also breathable enough to bring with me on my spring travel plans. I'm also thinking about adding a few more to my collection so that I have lots of comfortable travel outfits for spring.

Patagonia Women's All Season Hemp Canvas Bib Overalls

My outdoor expert and professional gear outfitter friend Alice Bennett first recommended these durable overalls to me this fall, and now I basically live in them. Beyond the durable materials and comfortable fit (both of which, I might add, are amazing), these overalls also feature spacious pockets that are perfect for your phone or other personal items. It comes with a lot of. I wear gardening overalls and have been known to stick a few freshly picked carrots in my side pockets.

JBL Bluetooth GO3 Speaker

This season, catch me at the park, by the lake, on a walk, or any other outdoor activity with this portable speaker that packs an audio punch. This is exactly the go-anywhere travel accessory you never knew you needed. With its waterproof construction and best sound quality, this product will be a great travel companion. I can't go anywhere without it. Even better, it has a built-in clip so you can keep it securely attached to your backpack while on the go.

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