11 Best Buy-It-for-Life Travel Essentials, From $24

After 16 years of travel and over 70 countries under my belt, I’ve come to realize that the gear you bring is just as important as the places you go. Since I started traveling young, I made the mistake of going for the quick, budget-friendly fix: a cute $20 backpack that frayed before customs or the off-brand raincoat that turned out to be “water-resistant” in name only. But long trips and older age have taught me that quality gear isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. And it ends up saving you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

These days, I buy with longevity in mind. I seek out pieces with lifetime warranties, weatherproof materials, versatile designs that can adapt from a city stroll to a mountain trail, and clothing made from natural fibers that don’t fall apart mid-trip. I’ve learned after many adventures that I don’t need a closet full of gear and trendy pieces—I need a few pieces I can count on, trip after trip. Keep shopping for my top 11 travel essentials that will stand the test of time, including a sleek Monos duffel, comfy sandals, and noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones, starting at just $24.

Monos Metro Duffel

Just as every girl needs a staple black dress, I think every traveler needs a sturdy duffel bag. The Monos Metro Duffel is a standout when it comes to combining style and practicality for travel. Available in both durable nylon and sleek vegan leather (I have black nylon), this duffel offers the flexibility to suit different preferences while remaining sturdy enough to handle frequent trips.

It fits as much as a rolling carry-on bag, giving me ample space for all my essentials, yet the design remains compact and easy to carry. The comfortable strap makes it simple to tote around, whether I’m navigating through the airport or heading to a meeting. Plus, it boasts a 2+ year warranty to either replace or repair.

Rainbow Sandals X-slide Shoe

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the biggest sandal girl. However, I’ve booked eight beach trips this year alone, so I’ve had to adapt. Instead of buying a few cheap sandals that’ll likely fall apart, I splurged on these super comfortable Rainbow topsoles.

These sandals feature soft, durable leather that quickly molded to my feet after a trip to Mexico and the Bahamas, offering more support and comfort than traditional flip-flops. Whether walking along the beach or exploring the markets of San Miguel de Allende, they provide all-day comfort without sacrificing style.

All of Rainbow’s sandals come with their “To the Sole” guarantee, which means they’ll replace or repair any sandal until there are visible holes in the soles.

Briggs & Riley Essential 22″ Expandable Carry-on

I’ve tested more carry-on luggage than I can count (and have just as many), but the Briggs & Riley Expandable Carry-on is the one I always come back to. It’s built to last, with ballistic nylon that doesn’t tear, a built-in garment folder that keeps clothes wrinkle-free, and compression panels that somehow make everything fit, even when I overpack. The best part? The lifetime warranty covers airline damage. It’s not just a suitcase—it’s a long-term travel companion I trust on every trip.

Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Hoodie

I’m always cold on airplanes, but I sweat as soon as I arrive. That’s why this puffer jacket is always with me. This super-soft and stylish hoodie provides incredible warmth without the bulk, making it easy to pack in my carry-on for any trip. Whether I’m facing a chilly morning in the mountains or a brisk evening walk through the rain in Paris, it keeps me cozy, stylish, and ready for anything. Plus, with Patagonia’s lifetime warranty and gear defect repair, I can replace it completely or send it in for repairs or fabric snags.

Eddie Bauer Expedition Dopp Kit

I used to be a little more vain in packing and only brought cute and aesthetic Dopp kits. However, I learned quickly that those are not built to last, and I’d often have to toss them as soon as I got home. That’s why I only use the Eddie Bauer Expedition Dopp Kit now.

Made from waterproof, weatherproof recycled nylon, it protects my essentials no matter where I’m headed. The multiple compartments offer plenty of storage for everything I need, from skincare to shaving supplies. Plus, with the Covered for Life guarantee, I can get a replacement or repair if it falls apart.

Beats by Dre Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are the travel companion that never lets me down, whether I’m tuning out a chatty seatmate or escaping into my true crime podcasts in a cafe. The noise-canceling feature is strong enough to make the world disappear, and with over 40 hours of battery life, I never have to stress about frantic charging.

The sound? Rich, deep, and just the right kind of dramatic. I have them in the beautiful matte pink, but they also come in other aesthetic colors. Bonus: They’re backed by AppleCare, so I can replace or repair them without any stress.

CloudLine Merino Wool Socks

I’m an avid hiker who used to take epic four- to six-day hiking trips once a month, and when people asked me what the number one thing I always splurged on for those trips was, I said wool socks.

These hiking socks are incredibly soft yet sturdy enough to handle even the roughest terrain. Made with merino wool, they regulate temperature and wick moisture, keeping my feet dry and blister-free. Plus, they come in multiple colors and are priced affordably, making them an essential addition to my travel gear. And with a lifetime warranty, I know they’re built to last through every adventure.

Hydro Flask 32-ounce Wide-mouth Water Bottle

I’ve never found myself a die-hard water bottle fan—until now. This Hydro Flask is the M.V.P. of my travel gear—equal parts functional and cute, with dozens of colorways. It keeps my water ice-cold for hours in the Caribbean heat, thanks to its double-wall vacuum insulation and stainless steel build. Plus, the wide mouth makes adding ice cubes or cleaning it super easy.

The built-in straw lid means I can hydrate one-handed while juggling a boarding pass or chasing my 6.5-year-old through an airport. My favorite part is that it’s dishwasher-safe, built to last, and backed by a lifetime warranty, which is more than I can say for most things I pack.

Davek Solo Travel Umbrella

Whether I’m navigating a Chicago rainstorm or heading to Europe, the Davek Solo Umbrella has become my go-to travel umbrella. With a RigidFlex frame made from steel, fiberglass, and aircraft-grade aluminum, it handles winds up to 70 MPH without flipping inside out.

The 190-thread-count micro-weave fabric keeps me dry, even in heavy rain, while its compact design fits easily in my carry-on. Weighing only 1.1 pounds, it’s light enough to clip to my bag for quick access. And with its Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee, I can rely on Davek to replace it for free if it ever breaks or get a 50 percent discount on a replacement if I lose it.

Maui Jim Ocean Polarized Sunglasses

I’m an outdoor fanatic, and I’ve always struggled with finding sunglasses that work for my active lifestyle and won’t snap or break when stuffed into my carry-on. After testing over 20 pairs, I have to say—the Maui Jim Ocean Polarized Sunglasses are a game changer.

Designed with a durable nylon frame, these sunglasses can handle saltwater, ocean spray, and the wear and tear of active travel. The polarized lenses cut through glare, making them perfect for water sports like paddleboarding, boating, and even swimming while offering UV protection to safeguard my eyes. They stay securely in place even when I’m moving fast, thanks to the lightweight, sport-friendly design. With a one-year REI warranty and a three-year warranty from Maui Jim, I’m covered if anything goes wrong.

Shark FlexStyle AirDry and Styling Wand

I’m the opposite of high maintenance when it comes to my hair. It’s almost always up in a ponytail or bun. However, when I’m meeting clients or attending a fancy dinner on the road, sometimes I need to put a little bit more effort in. That’s where the Shark FlexStyle AirDry and Styling Wand comes in.

This versatile tool works for any hair type and lets me easily switch from drying to styling with just a few attachments. When I say my hair goes from semi-wet to dry with loose curls in 10 minutes, I’m not lying. It’s compact enough to fit in my carry-on, making it a perfect travel companion. Plus, it comes with a two-year limited warranty and replacement option, which is key when you need to check a bag.

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