Did you know we are less than one month away from the first day of spring? Forget about the frigid temperatures outside for a minute (ignore my eight layers of scarves, hats and coats!) and try to imagine days of sunshine, sandals and, dare I say, swimsuits.
Or, make that dream a reality and get a jumpstart on your escape plan — we mean, vacation — somewhere you can swap gloves for sunscreen. For this latest installment of the Shop TODAY Hot List, style expert Melissa Garcia is sharing her expert insight on what to pack before hopping on your bus, plane or train — from lumbar support tools to the slip-on shoes that will save you a headache at airport security.
We listed everything you should make room for in your suitcase. Think: spa-like eye patches, tinted SPF, an iron-free wrinkle smoother and so much more. Check out our hottest (although it may not feel like it) travel finds below!
Seen on TODAY
NYX Professional Makeup Face Freezie Undereye Patches
Talk about an at-home spa experience! These “freezie” eye patches are just what you need to literally chill out. All you need to do is throw them in the refrigerator to make them nice and cold, before applying them onto clean skin. Leave them on for up to 10 minutes for some extra-cool relaxation and major under-eye depuffing.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen with Sheer Tint
Did you put sunscreen on this morning? It should be part of your everyday routine — no exceptions! This option from expert-recommended brand CeraVe not only offers SPF 30, but it’s also tinted to offer light coverage and a natural-looking glow. The brand says the formula won’t leave behind a greasy feel and is packed with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
Smart Travel Travel Products Inflatable Lumbar Pillow
Commuters and frequent fliers know how hard traveling can be on the body. If you’re experiencing back pain, you may want to consider something for lumbar support. We recommend this inflatable pillow, made with a lightweight and compact design for easy travel as well as high-resilience memory foam for optimal comfort.
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Women's Madison Cloud Slip On Sneaker
Wearing slip-on sneakers to the airport is a pro traveler move. They’re so easy to take on and off while going through security, but these Dr. Scholl’s also promise unparalleled cushioned, comfort and support with every step. Bonus features include a flexible construction and an anti-odor and -microbial insole.
Dr. Scholl's Men's Madison Slip On Sneaker
If the man in your life gets a little green with envy over your sleek footwear, gift him with the men's version of the Madison Sneaker. It's made with the same quality materials, lightweight construction and insole technology.
Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray
There’s nothing worse than checking in at the airport to discover your luggage is overweight. Avoid scrambling to remove things from your suitcase (or spending a ton of money), by using this scale at home beforehand. It has a 110-pound capacity and an auto-off feature to save battery.
Prettygarden Off Shoulder Long Jumpsuit
If you’re unsure what to wear to the airport, why not try the one-and-done outfit that flight attendants swear by? One contributing writer loves this jumpsuit, saying that it’s comfort and has the perfect fit. She also adds that the elastic waist features a drawstring that helps to create a flattering shape.
Previously seen on the 3rd hour of TODAY
TODAY contributor Chassie Post previously shared the items she's adding to her spring travel packing list, from the best duffel bags down to airport-wear must-haves.
Calpak Stevyn Duffel Bag
This duffel's rave reviews should be enough of a selling point, but we're happy to offer a few more reasons why you should travel with this cute weekender. Let's talk about how efficient it is with its spacious interior and convenient bottom shoe compartment. It's also always travel ready, thanks to a built-in luggage sleeve and exterior zipper pockets to hold important documents. And we simply can't get over the color range, from classic neutrals to adorable pastels!
Travel Fanatics Travel Laundry Bags
Stop mixing your clean clothes with your dirty ones! These two-sided laundry bags can easily keep your soiled socks, undies and more separated from the rest your apparel. It features two compartments — each adorably marked "Wash Me" and "Wear Me" — to help you stay organized during your travels. Plus, the fabric is machine washable, so you simply throw it in the laundry after using.
Bombas Everyday Compression Socks
Do your feet swell when you fly? It's a pretty normal reaction, thanks to a change in pressure you experience while on a plane. However, if you want to control the swelling and even improve your blood circulation, compression socks can help.
This Shop TODAY-loved brand offers a pair that is both cute and functional. Designed with medium-level compression, but said to be "not too tight — they're just snug enough to feel supportive." These socks offer honeycomb arch support and great cushioning. The brand also recommends them for anyone who regularly stands on their feet for long periods of time as they're made to offer much-needed relief.
Baodini Travel Mini Umbrella
These pocket umbrellas take portability to the next level. They're compact enough to fit inside your purse (it folds down to just 7 inches) and even comes with their own case, ensuring you never get caught empty-handed on a rainy day again. A few other key features you may not see with your current umbrella include a UV protective canopy and reinforced fiberglass ribs that help it withstand unexpected gusts of wind.
Feryes Makeup Sponge Holder
We all know how great a makeup sponge can be in our beauty routines, but it's a hard fact that traveling with one can be a pain. That's where this unique holder comes into play. Its silicone design and double-sided air holes create a good ventilation system, which is important to prevent your tools from getting moldy. The egg-shaped holder is also comfortable to hold and super easy to use — just squeeze it in and out to insert or remove.
Brush Bubble Silicone Makeup Brush Covers
While you're at it, grab these brush covers as well to avoid residual makeup from staining your beauty bag or mixing with other dirty tools. The universal size can fit up to six small brushes or a single medium-large brush.
Benatu Essential Oil Blends Set
Whether you get nervous flying or need to boost your focus before jumping into a packed travel itinerary, having these essential oils on hand can make a big difference in your mood. They are available in three scents — eucalyptus ("breathe" blend), jasmine ("happiness" blend) and citrus ("focus on" blend) — and are made of 100% pure derivatives from plant sources, per the brand.
Previously seen on TODAY with Jenna & Friends
Piqidig Women’s UPF 50+ Scarf Shawl Wrap Shawl
Editor's Note: This pick is now sold out, but we found a similar option you can shop below!
A sweater or shawl is a must-have when it comes to traveling. Airports and planes can be chilly, as well as train terminals and boats. Having a lightweight layer like this one is perfect for covering your shoulders when you need to temporarily warm up. It even offers sun protection for when you're outdoors and running low on sunscreen!
Coolibar UPF 50+ Sanibel Everyday Beach Shawl
Here's another shawl that boasts a chic and functional design. According to the brand, it "blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays" and can be worn multiple ways to create the look you want.
Case-Mate Chain Phone Crossbody
A fashion accessory that's cute and functional? We'll have 20... (Seriously, have you checked out the design options?) When a bag or purse simply isn't an option, pop your phone inside this crossbody holder for a hands-free experience. According to the brand, it "fits all phone cases" and takes no time at all to install.
OlarHike Packing Cubes (Set of 8)
It's 2025, so it's time to invest in packing cubes if you haven't already. For me, they're not only essential for staying organized on my trips, but also super important for saving space inside my luggage. I like this set because the cubes come in four sizes and also include a toiletry bag to store your skin care, makeup and tools. You can also choose from 24 colors to match your suitcase, for that put-together aesthetic you don't exactly need, but who doesn't want that?
Elizabeth Arden Visible Brightening Clearly Radiant Spot Correcting Capsules
When you're only limited to packing so much, your full-size skin care bottles probably won't make the cut. We recommend getting your hands on these brightening capsules, which are the perfect size to pop in your purse or travel bag while on the go.
Aside from being convenient, these capsules also contain a fast-acting serum which target hyperpigmentation and strengthens the skin's natural barrier. Can't beat that! Plus, TODAY readers can save 25% off with code TODAY, directly from the brand's site until Feb. 27.
Barefoot Caribou Hair Tools Travel Bag and Heat Resistant Mat
Anything "2-in-1" gets points for us in the travel category. We're loving this portable organizer because it looks and acts like a hair tool bag that transforms into a heat-resistant mat. According to the brand, it can fit more flat irons, brushes and curling wands (but they recommend measuring your tools before purchasing). And the mat is made with a double-layered neoprene fabric that is both durable and designed to protect your countertops from hot tools.
Room Essentials Lighted Travel Mirror
We've all experienced enough bad lighting at hotels to know that bringing your own lighted mirror is pretty much non-optional at this point. This option is great for taking on the go because of how thin it is. It also comes with a cover to prevent cracks (nobody needs seven years of bad luck!). It also magnifies and offers three light settings.
More hot picks to shop
Travel Inspira Luggage Scale
There’s nothing worse than checking in at the airport to discover your luggage is overweight. Avoid scrambling to remove things from your suitcase (or spending a ton of money), by using this scale at home beforehand. It has a 110 pound capacity and an auto-off feature to save battery.
Baggallini 3-In-1 Convertible Backpack
My Baggallini crossbody is one of my favorite bags, but I may have to also pick up this larger version for my future travels. It looks like the perfect carry-on size (I prefer a tote to traditional rolled luggage), with its multiple pockets and spacious interior. And the fact that it turns into a backpack is just the icing on the cake.
More of a shoulder bag person? Baggallini's Caryall Laptop Tote might be your answer. With a 15" laptop, exterior slip pockets and an anti-theft card wristlet, this bag is perfect for both carrying to work or traveling.
Preppy Jones Double Monogram Luggage Tag
We've all used ribbons, handkerchiefs and other miscellaneous things to separate our luggage from the hundreds of others at baggage claim. If you want something a little classier, try these vibrant, monogram tags. You can choose from dozens of color combinations to customize your tag, monogram and shadow art. It also just makes a really great gift for an avid traveler, recent grad or loved one!
The Original Cincha Travel Belt
Whether you're running through the airport to catch a flight or juggling way too many bags, this clever tool is just what you need to make sure your belongings stay secure no matter the travel chaos going on around you. The secret is a hidden slip that wraps around most trolly handles (per the brand), which help to keep even your bulkiest bags from slips or falls.
Olay Face Cleansing Melts
These cleansing "melts" are not only a great alternative to packing a cleansing liquid that has the possibility of leaking mid-travel, but are also packed with powerful ingredients to both clean and hydrate the skin. All you need is a little water to activate each sheet for it to become a foamy and soothing lather.
Meet the experts
- Melissa Garcia is a professional stylist and the founder of Melissa Garcia Styling. She has experience working on national brand campaigns, appearing on major television broadcasts and hosting fashion events for commerce destinations. With a relatable approach and her own eye-catching personal style, Garcia has become a go-to fashion resource in American media.
- Chassie Post is a Shop TODAY contributor, TV host and lifestyle editor. Whether she’s talking fashion and beauty or home and entertaining, Post is known nationwide for covering the latest trends with her keen eye. To date, her style advice has been featured in numerous publications such as The New York Times, Marie Claire, House Beautiful, Domino Magazine and more.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
