Ultimate Chic for the Traveler
Choosing the right travel accessories can make a big difference in the success of any trip.
If you like to travel in comfort and style–and who doesn’t?–you’re sure to find something you’ll love on our list of the some of the chicest travel accessories for 2018. You’ll also find great gift ideas for the travelers in your life.
High-Fashion Fanny Pack
A hands-free bag attached to a belt is a practical choice for traveling, but now it can also make a fashion statement. That’s right; fanny packs are no longer a fashion disaster thanks to luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Chloe. One of the best bags of the season is Alexander Wang’s embossed leather belt bag, available for about $250. A lower-priced alternative is available from Michael Kors, whose leather fanny packs are in the $55 to $75 range; both may be found at major retailers.
Travel Tote
If a fanny pack isn’t your style, the Everlane Day Market Tote is a streamlined bag crafted from Italian leather, priced at $165. Use it to securely hold all your travel documents as well as a laptop, book and extra sweater. For resort destinations, the ideal travel tote may be a beach bag. The Florabella resort collection offers stylish and functional raffia beach totes with leather handles. Warning—just looking at these luscious totes may make you want to pack up and jet off to a tropical destination.
Packable Travel Hat
Another must-have for warm weather destinations is a hat that provides protection from the sun. A foldable fedora or Panama hat is the best way to make sure you’re always protected in style. Upscale retailers carry several styles of foldable hats called Squishees® by designer Eric Javits, whose fans include Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys and Madonna. Prices range from $170 to $250. Look at your local upscale travel boutiques for foldable straw and felt hats, and if you’re going somewhere cold, try a chic cashmere beanie.
Designer Passport Holder
A passport holder is like a wallet for your passport, keeping it safe and protecting it from wear and tear. It can also help you stay organized by providing a place to keep all your travel documents in one place. Check out the textured leather cover in Tiffany Blue from Tiffany & Co., with slots for credit cards as well as a passport holder. For a more personal touch, Mark and Graham’s color-blocked vegan leather passport holders can be customized with nine different colors and a one-, two- or three-letter printed monogram. Holders start at $35.
Perky Packing Cube
Experienced travelers say that gathering small items into small zippered bags, also known as packing cubes, makes it easier to stay organized and find things when you need them. The little bags at Parker Thatch, which brands itself as Modern Ivy Surf, are ideal. There’s a small white drawstring bag for cables and chargers for $58 and a zippered jewelry box at $68 that would make great gifts for yourself or someone else. Each is made from natural canvas with a variety of customization options, including monograms.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Unwanted noise on your flight can ruin a trip before it even begins. The Bose QuietComfort 25 headphones combine stylish design with world-class wireless noise-cancelling technology. For about $450, you can pick a custom color for nine different part of the headphones, choosing from 37 different shades and high-gloss or metallic finishes. With 20 hours of battery life per charge, Bose headphones are a welcome travel companion.
Deluxe Eye Mask
Why settle for a standard issue airline sleep mask when you can carry your own private mask made from pure silk? The maker of the Slip Pure Silk Sleep mask claims that it prevents signs of fatigue and promotes anti-aging, but most people love it because it feels so good. The Slip mask is available for $45 at a variety of retailers, including Anthropolgie and Sephora.
Comfy Travel Shoes
Ballet flats are frequently cited as one of the most comfortable footwear items for traveling and walking. Your local boutiques and retailers likely stock Aerosoles, Naot and Puma selections.
For a sportier look, check out the new line of 7 Seas boat shoes at upscale retailers. They were developed in collaboration with America’s Cup athletes and are available in a variety of textures and colors for about $90. The athletic design is perfect for all kinds of travel adventures on land or sea. ■
Sources: bose.com, parkerthatch.com, everland.com, nordstrom.com, florabella.direct, macys.com, markandgraham.com, tiffany.com, vanityfair.com, forbes.com and wmagazine.com.
