I'm Traveling All Summer—35 Nordstrom Items I'm Bringing With Me Everywhere
I normally spread out my travels, but this summer is pretty booked (in the best way possible). Whether I'm driving two hours away from Los Angeles to Palm Springs or jetting off to Switzerland on a 14-day family trip, I like to have all my essentials by my side, from sneakers and smudge-proof concealers to handy travel accessories like jewelry organizers and weekender bags. I haven't checked luggage in, like, five years, so I try to make the most of my space and edit down what I can.
If you also have some exciting summer travels coming up, I rounded up all my must-have travel items from Nordstrom just for you. Even if you're not getting on a plane to arrive at your destination, I think you'll find that these picks still apply no matter where you're headed. Keep scrolling to shop these 35 items that'll hopefully make your packing a little less stressful — and your travels more seamless. Bon voyage!
For my sensitive skin, Kiehl's never does any wrong. This travel-friendly set is one I'd never leave without. This comes with a cleanser, clay mask, retinol serum, moisturizer, eye treatment, and overnight recovery concentrate to rejuvenate all skin types. It has everything you need in a travel beauty set.
A go-to pair of jeans is always a must wherever you're headed.
The cushioning on these sandals is unmatched on the days when you're exploring a new city.
This weekender has a large compartment and a convenient zippered bottom that fits multiple shoes.
The air on planes can suck all the moisture out of your skin, so a hydrating leave-on mask is key. This has contains some heavy-duty antioxidants and vitamin C to brighten your complexion, and it also has four types of moisturizing ingredients—squalane, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and betaine—that keep hydration locked in. Let this work overnight, and you'll land at your destination with radiant skin.
I never go anywhere without this top-rated brush, and it even comes in a mini version if you're really trying to save space.
Linen shorts feel slightly dressier than denim ones if you have any nice dinners booked, but they're still casual enough for an everyday look.
It might seem like everyone is wearing Sambas right now, but they really do make for great travel shoes because of how versatile they are.
There's a debate stirring about crew socks versus ankle socks. Find some compromise with these half-crew ones that are the best of both worlds.
If wrinkles are the bane of your existence when unpacking, this lightweight steamer will save the day.
A shoulder bag that's relatively thin is one you can throw in your suitcase without worrying about ruining the shape.
I pack at least a couple white tees on every trip. They make a great base and also look chic on their own.
You'll be so happy you packed something with a comfortable elastic waist, trust me.
Hereu makes some vacation-worthy shoes, but these loafers aren't just stylish. You'll get a lot of function out of these when you're racking up your step count.
These wipes are easy to pack because they fold flat, so I like to toss a couple in my bag in case my skin needs some extra TLC. The first step works to exfoliate and smooth skin with a gentle blend of glycolic, lactic, and malic acids. The second step helps target wrinkles and soothe any irritation with ingredients like retinol and green tea extract. It's also ideal for those with sensitive skin or those who are newer to peels.
Skincare tools can be bulky and oddly shaped, but this red-light wand is sleek, small, and portable enough to keep in your carry-on. Red light helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and even dark circles. This tool vibrates and creates warmth that feels like a face massage and promotes circulation, allowing any products you apply afterward to absorb more deeply into the skin.
A striped button-down will get so much wear no matter what kind of trip you're going on.
If you're the type of person who needs a larger bag on their travels, this tote has the room you're looking for without being too bulky.
It's an investment, but this scent is one I bring on every trip. Plus, it meets those annoying TSA liquid requirements.
Breezy linen pants will fold super flat in your carry-on and cool you down on hotter travel days.
I like bringing a bikini that also doubles as a bra top so you can wear it under a button-down.
How cute are the matching bottoms? A rhetorical question, obviously.
A sunscreen in stick form won't be confiscated in the security line. It's SPF 50 and also works as a highlighter thanks to the dewy (not oily!) finish it leaves behind. The compact design makes it easy to bring in your bag so you can reapply throughout the day.
Once you use one of these microfiber hair wraps, you won't go back. If your hair is constantly dripping well after you get out of the shower or frizzy from regular towel drying, you'll want one of these. The elastic on the back secures it in place, so you can be hands-free while it gets the moisture out of your locks.
Traveling with jewelry can be a stressful thing (always put it in your carry-on!), but this case keeps things organized and secure.
A simple black number is one you can dress up or down for a casual outing or a fancy dinner.
My Salomons are a little beat up from how many places I've taken them, but they are trustworthy shoes for vacations when you're really getting your steps in.
From straightening to curling, this is my most coveted hair tool. It fully heats up in 30 seconds flat, and the ceramic plates safely smooth your hair without exposing it to damaging, intense heat.
Keep your toiletries upright and separated with this handy leak-proof travel tote.
I refuse to be on an airplane in anything other than the comfiest sweater.
And here's the matching sweatpants if you want to make it a full look.
When you're adjusting to a different time zone or just need to get some rest, these soft gels can help you fall asleep while also promoting skin cell renewal. We love a double-duty product.
Whether you're staying in or venturing out in the heat, a pair of cute boxer shorts is handy.
I use this as a spot treatment or you can build coverage to create a base for a full face of makeup. The size might be tiny, but the formula lasts because a little goes a long way. It won't dry skin out because it contains hydrating glycerin, and the caffeine and vitamin E work together to brighten and diminish those pesky fine lines.
Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she always wanted to work at a fashion magazine. After finally getting an internship at Town & Country in 2015, she moved to New York City and continued to get her footing in the industry with stints at Cosmopolitan, W magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and Moda Operandi. In 2017, she returned to Cosmo full time, starting off as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant and working her way to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice. After five years in NYC, she moved to the West Coast for the sunshine and the change of pace. As a freelance fashion editor, she still contributes to Cosmo and now Who What Wear. She's always trying to get ahead of the next big trend before it goes mainstream and loves discovering fashion brands with a unique point of view (Chopova Lowena, Sandy Liang, and Bode being some of her current favorites). She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls. On the weekends, you can find her walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir, trying to catch up on her tan at Venice Beach, and probably ordering a Chinese chicken salad at Joan's on Third.
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