March 26, 2026

As the snow melts and the weather gets warmer, peak travel season is right around the corner! As year-round travelers, we are constantly adding and taking away from our travel gear essentials list. So, learn from us! We’ve put together a list of our top 10 travel gear obsessions for March 2026. Get these items now and make sure they make their way into your bag before you head out on your spring and summer adventures.

In no particular order, here is what we will never be caught leaving home without:

1. Kitsch Shampoo & Conditioner Bars (& travel case!)

Price: $28.00 (build-your-own bundle with a shampoo bar, conditioner bar, & free travel case)

Long gone are the days of needing to make it through a trip with only 3 ounces of shampoo or sacrificing precious checked luggage space for huge toiletry bottles. Shampoo and conditioner bars are changing the game! They pack a big punch in a small package. Get months worth of washes out of each bar. We’ve tried and tested the Kitsch bars (our favorite being the Rosemary & Biotin Volumizing Combo) and these babies make hair silky smooth and they smell amazing! Get the travel case and bring these anywhere for long lasting hair care.

2. BAGAIL Digital Luggage Scale

Price: $9.99

Let’s be honest, nothing hurts more than shelling out your wallet to pay fees before you’ve even reached your vacation destination. Skip the stress and weigh your luggage every time to ensure you don’t have to bring extra cash just to get your bag on the plane. Pro tip: we also pack our digital luggage scale, especially when traveling to great shopping destinations. Make sure all those new outfits and souvenirs aren’t weighing you down too much.

3. Linen layering pieces from Quince

Price: $24.90 - $52.00

Every traveler knows that layers are your best friend! For spring and summer travel, linen button ups and blouses are some of the best pieces. Throw something over your shoulders on a sunny day, use a long-sleeved button up as a cute and carefree swimsuit cover, or feel relaxed at dinner in a flowy linen tee. Stay breathable, comfortable, and cute throughout your entire trip.

4. Voom Sonic Go 1 Series Sonic Travel Toothbrush

Price: $19.99

We’ve mentioned this product many times before…simply because we love it! Not only do you get a powerful electric toothbrush in a compact size, you also get a built-in cover. The small, slim design also fits perfectly in any toiletry bag. Stop ditching your dental hygiene while on the go and make sure to always have this little tool at hand.

5. Sand Cloud Towel Bag

Price: $70.00

Towels tend to be one of the bulkiest and most annoying things to pack, but if you’re headed to lots of beaches it’s something you don’t want to be caught without. We have been loving the Sand Cloud Towel Bags for 3 main reasons: 1) they are small and packable, 2) they serve a dual purpose - bring along a towel and a beachbag all in one, and 3) they are quick drying and won’t stink up the rest of your luggage.

6. LifeStraw Go Series Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Price: $49.95

For travelers who like to head off the beaten path, being prepared is one of the best ways to ensure your adventure goes smoothly. With a LifeStraw water bottle, you are not only able to keep yourself hydrated at airport refill stations, you can also safely filter tap water all over the world, saving you both time and money.

7. REI Rainier Rain Jacket

Price: $99.95

Too many times we have been caught without the proper gear for unpredictable weather, simply because we didn’t want to sacrifice the luggage space to pack it. Now you won’t catch anyone on our team traveling without a packable rain jacket! The REI Rainier Rain Jacket packs away into its own left pocket - taking up just about as much space as a shirt. Don’t cancel plans just because the weather changes, just come prepared!

8. Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original

Price: $345.00

Don’t get us wrong, this is a bit of a splurge item, but one we think is worth it! Living out of a suitcase can sometimes be the hardest part of travel. It’s a hassle, it can be hard to find things, and each time you’re headed to a new destination packing has to happen all over again. Solgaard has come up with the most genius solution for this: a suitcase that turns into an on-the-go closet. With their Carry-On or Check-In Closet bags, simply pop them open and pull up the free standing shelves. Kind of like packing cubes, but all built into one bag!

9. Bombas Socks

Price: Varies

Becoming obsessed with a sock brand wasn’t on our 2026 bingo cards…but we couldn’t avoid it! By now you have probably heard the hype around Bombas socks, and for good reason. They are truly some of the most comfortable and supportive socks out there. From no-show to hiking to compression, they have all of the socks you could possibly need for your travels, as well as high quality tees and underwear. Try them for yourself and we know you’ll become just as obsessed as us!

10. Teva Original Universal Sandal

Price: $65.00

These have been an absolute staple of ours for years! Waterproof and durable, Tevas are perfect for adventurous travelers who need comfortable and versatile footwear that packs down super easily. Admittedly, our travel writer was in Europe for almost a month a few summers ago and only wore these sandals the entire time she was there. If that’s not a convincing review we don’t know what is!

With these items in tow you are sure to have smooth-sailing, successful travels this season! Drop a comment below with any of your favorite gear that we missed. See you out there soul venturers!

Written by Erin Finneman