The Best Travel Leggings

Here are the best travel leggings for whatever preference you have when it comes to what kind of leggings you wear. From stylish to just plain comfortable, here are the best leggings for travel. 

Ranking	Legging	Pockets	Plus Size Available?	Price
Best Support	The North Face Elevation Pocket 7/8 Leggings	Yes	Yes	$$$
Best High Waist Leggings	alo High-Waist Cargo Legging	Yes	No	$$$$
Best Color Variety	Girlfriend Collective Trail Compressive High-Rise Legging	Yes – 1 Small	Yes	$$$
Best Sparkling Leggings	Beyond Yoga High Waisted Alloy Ombre Midi Leggings	No	No	$$$$
Best Comfortable Non-Leggings	Palazzo Leggings	Yes	No	$
Best Dressy Yoga Pants	Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants	No	Yes	$$$
Best Jeggings	Wit & Wisdom Jeggings	Yes	No	$$
Best Faux Leather	Blank NYC Faux Leather Jeggings	Yes	No	$$$
Best Basic Legging	Colorfulkoala Women’s Buttery Soft High-Waisted Yoga Pants	Yes – 1 hidden	No	$
Softest Legging	CRZ YOGA Butterluxe High-Waisted Lounge Legging	No	No	$$
Best Budget Legging	Syrinx High Waisted Leggings for Women	No	No	$
Best Plus-Sized Leggings	Universal Standard Next-to-Naked Legging	Yes	Yes	$$$$
Best Capri Legging	lululemon Align High-Rise Crop 21″	Yes – 1 hidden	Yes	$$$
Best Capri With Pockets	yummie talia Cropped Capri Shaping Legging With Pockets	Yes	Yes	$$
Best Budget Capri Legging	GAYHAY High Waisted Capri Leggings for Women	Yes	No	$
Best Splurge Capri Legging	Spacedye Walk And Talk High-Waisted Capri Legging	No	Yes	$$$$

Travel Leggings with Pockets

Best Support – The North Face Elevation Pocket 7/8 Leggings

From The North Face, the Elevation Pocket ⅞ Leggings provide support and storage. They feature two discreet thigh pockets and an extra-wide waistband. 

Best High Waist Leggings – alo High-Waist Cargo Legging

The High-Waist Cargo Leggings from alo feature numerous pockets throughout the leg but are stylish enough to run errands and comfortable enough to work out in. They’re also available in multiple colors, such as black, bone, and olive branch.

Travel Leggings That Make a Fashion Statement

Best Color Variety – Girlfriend Collective Trail Compressive High-Rise Legging

For a fashion statement that’s extra comfortable and eco-friendly, the Trail Compressive High-Rise Leggings from Girlfriend Collective really deliver and come in a slew of gorgeous colors. Made from 25 recycled water bottles, sizes also range from XXS to 6XL, so there is truly something for everyone.

Best Sparkling Leggings – Beyond Yoga High Waisted Alloy Ombre Midi Leggings

With bright blue coloring and plenty of shimmer, there’s a lot to love about these statement-making leggings. The metallic splatter ombre is a unique plus.

Best Comfortable Non-Leggings – Palazzo Leggings

If your flair is a little more bohemian, check out these high-waist lounge pants for a fashionably daring set of pants that are just as comfortable and flattering as any pair of leggings. They’re affordable, available in lots of different patterns, and fabulous for flying.

Travel Leggings That Don’t Look Like Leggings

Best Dresssy Yoga Pants – Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants

If you want to make sure you’re maintaining a little class while staying comfortable on your flight, check out the Dress Pant Yoga Pants from Betabrand. Made of comfortable, stretchable material, they’re totally chic. I love that they come in multiple colors and are perfect for a business-casual look.

Best Jeggings – 1822 Butter Jeggings

If you need jeans to complete an outfit, but dread the discomfort of wearing denim on a long-haul flight, get yourself a pair of jeggings like 1822’s Butter Jeggings, made of lightweight stretch denim that can be worn around the city or to a casual dinner. No one will ever know the difference.

Best Faux Leather – Blank NYC Faux-Leather Jeggings

Sport a lean silhouette with an edge with these super-stretchy faux leather and faux-jeans leggings from Blank NYC. These flattering jet-black jeggings are also very comfortable and will go a long way in your travel wardrobe.

Best Basic Legging – Colorfulkoala Women’s Buttery Soft High-Waisted Yoga Pants

Sometimes you just want a basic legging, and these from Colorfulkoala are simple, yet comfortable and will make for a pleasant vacation. The fabric is ultra-soft, moisture-wicking, with a seamless waistband, and has a hidden waistband pocket. 

Softest Legging – CRZ YOGA Butterluxe High-Waisted Lounge Legging

If you want insanely soft leggings for your next trip, try the CRZ YOGA Butterluxe High-Waisted Lounge leggings.  Available in over thirty colors, they have gentle compression with insane softness, making them perfect for your next flight. 

Best Budget Legging – Syrinx High Waisted Leggings for Women 

Sometimes you don’t want any fuss- with either style or price point- and these leggings from Syrinx won’t do much damage to your wallet, and will fulfill your basic legging need. Available in packs of three or as a single pair, they are comfortable and practical. 

Best Plus-Sized Leggings – Universal Standard Next-to-Naked Legging

Stay comfortable yet stylish in these leggings from Universal Standard. Available up to size 4X, they are anti-microbial, stretchy, and moisture-wicking. They have pockets, won’t roll, and are super soft. 

Capri Leggings for Travel

Best Capri Legging – lululemon Align High-Rise Crop 21″

Designed for yoga, these capri leggings from lululemon have a four-way stretch and are breathable. They feature a hidden waistband pocket, and their flexibility makes them ideal for everyday wear while on a trip. Also available in 17”.

Best Capri With Pockets – yummie talia Cropped Capri Shaping Legging With Pockets

You’ll love the 9-inch deep side pockets on these leggings from yummie. Not only will you be able to keep your essentials close, but the style gives your rear a boost, and there are 360 degrees of shaping from waist to calf. 

Best Budget Capri Legging – GAYHAY High Waisted Capri Leggings for Women

These soft and comfortable high-waisted capri leggings are available in nearly thirty colors, and at less than $20, you may want a pair for every day of your warm-weather vacation. The 4-way stretch and non-see-through design will make them your go-to capri leggings.  

Best Splurge Capri Legging – Spacedye Walk And Talk High-Waisted Capri Legging

These seamless capri leggings are designed and assembled in the USA, and feature a 5” high waistband, so you can move around without the dreaded rolling or slipping from the top. They are flattering and practical, come in a variety of colors, and up to size 4X.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post The Best Travel Leggings of 2023 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Don’t need an umbrella since you’re headed to Palm Springs? Not bringing contact solution because your vision is 20/20? Customize the list by crossing off items you don’t need and adding any additional items in the “more items” boxes.

Don’t miss our downloadable, editable carry-on packing checklist below.

Shop Our Carry-on Essentials List

While packing light is great, there are still a few essentials you need to make sure make it into your bag—think underwear, socks, pajamas, shirts, and pants. From there, you can get more specific based on your destination. Heading to the beach? Throw in a swimsuit. Vacationing somewhere colder? Gloves, hats, and scarves are a must. Keep in mind that clothing can take up a lot of space—if you’re planning on packing in only a carry-on, try wearing some of your bulkier items to free up precious room in your luggage.

Shop Our Clothing Packing List

Toiletries are another necessity of travel to keep you feeling fresh. You can find the standards—toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant—all available in TSA-approved travel-sized containers. Liquids should be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and fit into a clear, quart-size, zip-top plastic bag. To learn more about TSA rules, see Airport Security Frequently Asked Questions.

Once you have the basics packed, think about your individual routine. Don’t forget things like contact solution, period products, and daily medications. Curating your carry-on toiletry bag down to only essentials will help save space. Your one-in-a-million, go-to cleanser you can’t live without? Definitely throw it in your bag. Your extensive collection of handmade shower melts? Maybe save them for home.

Shop Our Toiletries Packing List

Whether or not you’re checking additional luggage, there are a few items you should always keep with you. Important travel documents like your passport, ID, boarding pass, insurance cards, credit cards, and copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card should always stay with you in your personal item. Pricey items like cameras, SD cards, and laptops as well as items you may want to have on-hand at your destination like umbrellas, a guidebook, and your itinerary should be stowed safely in your carry-on. 

Finally, don’t forget to pack items to pass time on the plane. Items like headphones, books, and magazines will keep you entertained for however many hours you’re in the air. Make sure to load up your device with podcasts, music, and audiobooks pre-flight while you’re still connected to reliable wi-fi. Other essentials like ear plugs, sleep masks, and travel pillows make sure you’re able to arrive at your destination well-rested.

Download Our Editable Carry-On Packing List

Never be without your noise-cancelling headphones or a spare set of clothes again with our downloadable checklist.

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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2010. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Carol McPherson contributed to this story.

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These hot travel gadgets can help you do just that—and more. Pack these travel tech toys on your next trip for an even smoother journey.

Ray-Ban Stories Sunglasses

Smart glasses have frequently been portrayed in movies as a futuristic technology, but the real-world innovation hasn’t quite caught up yet—until Ray-Ban and Meta launched their new Stories Sunglasses.

The Ray-Ban Stories look like the brand’s normal iconic sunglasses (available in classic frame shapes including the Wayfarer, Round, and Meteor styles) but hide dual 5 MP cameras in the corners of the frames. Equipped with voice control, these sunglasses let you snap a photo or record a video hands-free. 

Hidden speakers let you listen to music or take calls, all without pulling out your phone. The Ray-Ban Stories’ battery lasts up to six hours, and when you need to top up the battery, the glasses case doubles as a charger. 

Smartish Crown Joule Charging Cable

Tired of packing separate chargers for your phone, tablet, and headphones? Smartish’s Crown Joule Charging Cable helps you streamline things with three built-in chargers that will fit Micro-USB, USB-C, and Lightning ports. 

The cable is a lengthy 6 feet long, which comes in handy for hotels that don’t have outlets near the bed or airports where you have to sit far from a charging port.

Google Pixel Fold

Want to work, read, scroll, and stream all on one device when you travel? You might want to upgrade to Google’s new Pixel Fold, a new gadget that can be used as a phone with a 5.8” screen when folded, or unfolded to be used as a tablet with a huge 7.6” display. 

The 10.8 MP ultrawide rear lens is great for snapping travel photos without a tripod—simply fold the phone to act as its own stand, pose, and say, “Hey Google, take a picture.”

Apple Air Tag

This summer has been a record-breaking season for air travel, and there are plenty of nightmare stories about lost luggage. Keep an eye on your bag from afar with an Apple Air Tag. Slip it in your suitcase, and you can see where it is at all times using Apple’s Find My app.

GoPro Hero 11 Mini

When you’re on an extreme adventure, you don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy camera, pack the new GoPro Hero 11 Mini. This tiny camera takes the powerful technology found in the Hero 11 and makes it smaller, lighter, and easier to use. 

Although the downsized Hero 11 Mini weighs just 5.4 ounces, it’s still extremely durable. It’s waterproof and even features a battery designed to hold up in below-freezing temperatures. 

Portable Apple Watch Charger / Power Bank

The batteries in Apple Watches die notoriously quickly, so if you’re relying on yours for a long travel day, keep it charged with this portable watch charger and power bank combination.

This multi-functional charger can power up a watch or phone and has a built-in iPhone charging cable to keep things easy. The powerful battery can charge an Apple Watch up to 20 times and a phone up to two times so you never have to scramble for an outlet again. 

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post The Hottest Travel Tech for Summer 2023 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

With a timeless, understated style, these quiet luxury travel items will look classy no matter what country you’re in.

Randolph Aviator Sunglasses

American-made eye wear brand Randolph’s sunglasses are designed to last for a lifetime—and look stylish no matter the decade—thanks to the timeless styles. It takes over 6 weeks and 200 individual steps for every Randolph frame to be handcrafted, and then they’re topped off with durable lenses that have been used by military pilots for decades. 

The brand’s Aviators are particularly iconic and can be customized with a range of sizes, polarization, or even a hidden engraving. 

Unbound Merino Men’s Polo

A polo shirt that will hold its shape and not become threadbare after washing can be hard to find, but Unbound Merino’s Polo will last through years of wearing. Made from a durable Merino wool and Polyester blend, the polo features just the right amount of stretch while still delivering the benefits of Merino wool—anti-odor, anti-wrinkle, and temperature-controlling.

Pack this polo and wear it for days on end—you’ll still look pulled together.

Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend Bag

Spotted on the shows that sparked the quiet luxury trend, Succession and The White Lotus, Carl Friedrik’s Palissy Weekend Bag is the most elegant way to pack for a short trip. The surprisingly spacious main compartment can fit enough outfits for a weekend getaway, and three open fabric pockets help keep everything organized.

A unique curved design and upright construction helps the bag keep its shape through numerous trips (and makes it easy to pack).

Made from Vachetta leather, the Palissy is painstakingly assembled by hand in Italy, where no detail is too small to be overlooked. Every tooth in the zip, for example, is individually polished before added to the bag. 

Gobi Cashmere Dress

A classic black dress never goes out of style, and a 100 percent cashmere fabric elevates Gobi’s V-Neck Tunic Dress to quiet luxury status. This dress can be styled a number of different ways so you can wear it multiple times on a trip—with tights, cinched in by a belt, or with sleeves rolled up.

Made from the finest cashmere, Gobi’s clothing will resist the pilling and fading that can be a common problem with cheaper fabrics. 

Urbanista Phoenix Earphones

Even first-class flyers aren’t always near a power outlet. Fortunately, you can still drown out loud passengers around you with Urbanista’s Phoenix Earphones. These solar-powered earphones come with a streamlined charging case that continually recharges when exposed to light (even artificial light).

Available in a sleek black or pretty rose color, the earphones feature active noise-canceling technology that will help you block out any sounds you don’t want to hear.

Unbound Merino Travel Dress

We’ve finally found the perfect travel outfit. Unbound Merino’s Travel Dress is made from an ultra-soft and stretchy Merino wool/nylon/spandex blend that’s comfortable, anti-wrinkle, odor-resistant, temperature regulating, and fast-drying.

Available in classic quiet luxury colors like camel and black, this dress features a high scoop neckline and midi-length that’s appropriate for practically any occasion.

The post The 6 Best Quiet Luxury Pieces for Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Download Our Ultimate Camping Packing List

Be prepared for the great outdoors with the editable version of our Ultimate Camping Packing List.

Camping Packing List: Gear

Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag is the most essential piece of camping equipment—without the right one, you’ll be in for a cold and uncomfortable night. Many sleeping bags are “mummy style,” which can be way too claustrophobic for a good night’s sleep, especially if you’re a side or stomach sleeper.  Sierra Design’s Backcountry Bed 700 / 20 Degree sleeping bag has a unique design that feels more like sleeping with a comforter on your bed at home than a sleeping bag. It doesn’t have any zippers; instead, there are insulated hand and arm pockets to help you completely cover yourself, plus a self-sealing foot vent so you can regulate temperature. The bag has an minimum temperature rating of 16F, which is very impressive considering that it only weighs 2.5 pounds.

Sleeping Pad (Backpacking): Thermarest’s NeoAir XLite is a favorite of many through-hikers, and it’s easy to see why. This three-season air mattress will keep you warm and comfortable even on the rockiest ground, yet it packs down to the size of a water bottle and weighs a mere eight ounces. I love that this mattress doesn’t skimp on comfort despite the light weight—the fabric is super soft, and it uses a patented reflective ThermaCapture technology to trap your body’s warmth and minimize heat loss.

Sleeping Pad (Car Camping): If you’re not hauling all your camping supplies on your back, comfort is more of a concern than weight, and you can go for a plush model like Sea to Summit’s Comfort Deluxe S.I. Sleeping Mat, available in a double size that’s perfect for couples camping together. This mat has an R-value of 5.2, so you can use it even in the winter, and it has 10-centimeter vertical side walls that make it feel like a real mattress. Best of all, this sleeping mat is self-inflating, so you don’t have to waste your breath trying to blow it up before you can finally go to sleep.

Pillows: After a long day in the woods, you’ll want to rest your head on something soft. Short on space? Sea to Summit’s Aeros Pillow Ultralight lives up to its name, clocking in at 2.1 ounces, and is small enough to fit in a pocket when deflated. The pillow is covered with a polyester stretch knit fabric that’s cozy enough that you won’t miss a pillowcase. Got a little extra room in your pack? For just 0.5 ounces more, the Aeros Pillow Premium uses an even more plush fabric covering and is extra comfortable. Both pillows have a thin synthetic fill layer that wicks away perspiration, as well as a curved design that cradles your head. Each pillow inflates in just three breaths and deflates in under a minute.

Tent: Unless you truly want to sleep under the stars (and deal with any inclement weather that comes your way), you’ll need a tent. An easy-up tent, like this one, is quick to assemble or to tear down.

Chair: Relaxing, eating, and sitting around the fire are all better when you’re not on the ground. The CLIQ Chair packs down small for easy transport, but assembles into a comfortable seat in seconds.

Light: Goal Zero’s Crush Light runs off of solar power and can last for up to 35 hours on one charge. It collapses nearly flat, so you can use this on backpacking trips—hang it from your tent as a reading lamp or carry it to light your way on a dark trail.

Solar Charger: If you can’t bear to completely disconnect in the wild, pack a solar charger (like this small foldable one) to power up your phones and other gadgets. Even if you don’t plan on using your phone, this is good to have in case of emergency, as it has a built-in LED flashlight, compass, and whistle.

Camping Packing List: Food and Drink

Bear Bags: If you’re bringing food, you need to also bring a way to protect that food from wildlife. Even if you’re not in bear country, you’ll still have rodents and other animals after your stash. A bear-resistant bag, like this one by Ursack, is made from a bulletproof fabric that can withstand a bear attack and doesn’t need to be hung off the ground (but must be tied to something secure, like a tree trunk). Or go for a lighter-weight odor-barrier bag like this one from Base CampSource, which eliminates any food smell and won’t attract animals to your camp. These should be hung off of the ground in bear country.

Cooking Set: Unless you’re doing ready-to-eat meals, you’ll need to bring utensils and pans for cooking. This one from Bulin has everything you need, from pots and pans to a dish sponge for scrubbing, for an affordable price.

Camping Stove: This gas camping stove from Coleman packs down small when not in use and is lit with the push of a button so you don’t waste time fumbling with matches. The cover unfolds into a set of wind-blocking panels to keep the flames alight.

Instant Coffee: If you’re used to starting off your day with a nice hot cup of coffee, don’t deprive yourself of that in camp. Instant coffee, like these sachets from Tandem Coffee Roasters, are easy to pack and prepare in minutes.

Cups: These collapsible cups are made from a food-grade silicone that is lightweight and packs down small, but can hold hot beverages without scalding your hands.

Water Bottle: If you’re staying at a campground with potable water, where keeping your drink cold is more of a concern than water quality, pack an insulated bottle like this one from YETI. Headed to the backcountry? The LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle will give you safe drinking water fast.

Meals: Don’t feel like cooking while on vacation? There are plenty of tasty ready-to-eat meals these days that just need boiling water to eat. Check out our editors’ taste test of Good to Go meals here.

Camping Packing List: Hygiene

Wet Wipes: If no shower is in sight, these Surviveware biodegradable wet wipes are designed for “no rinse bathing and showers.” Thankfully, they’re unscented and hypoallergenic.

Dry Shampoo: Similarly, a small container of dry shampoo can help remove sweat, smells, and oil—no water required.

Hand Sanitizer: Hygiene is really important while camping, especially if you don’t have a clean water source for hand washing. Use hand sanitizer before eating, before preparing food, and after using the bathroom.

Camping Shower: Can’t go that long without a shower? A small solar shower bag can be filled up and heated by the sun to give you a quick hot shower.

Quick-Dry Towel: This microfiber towel dries up to four times faster than a regular cotton towel, and packs down very small.

Biodegradable Soap: Coleman’s Camp Soap comes in spill-proof sheets that are biodegradable and can be used for hand washing, showers, and dish washing.

Biodegradable Shampoo & Conditioner: This eco-friendly 3-in-1 conditioning shampoo and body wash from Stream2Sea is biodegradable, eco-friendly, and reef safe.

Toothbrush and Paste: Make sure you use potable water when brushing your teeth, and pack a small toothbrush and toothpaste set like this one.

Camping Packing List: Miscellaneous

Trashbags: Always pack out what you pack in (even trash), so don’t forget the trashbags.

Sunscreen and Bug Repellent: Badger offers both sunscreen and bug repellent made from natural ingredients in easy to apply packaging.

First Aid Kit: Don’t go camping without a first-aid kit—even if you just use the bandages for blisters, you’ll be glad you have it.

Caroline Morse Teel is still working on her camping packing list. Follow Caroline on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from camp.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

The post The Ultimate Camping Packing List: 29 Essentials appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Prime Day, Amazon’s biggest sale of the year will run July 11th through July 12th for 2023. To help you make the most of this mega savings event, I’ve put together a few tips and tricks to help you get the best deals.

If you’re not already a Prime member, now is a great time to sign up. If you haven’t been a Prime member in a while, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial and cancel after Amazon Prime Day with no charge.

Now you’re ready to shop. Here are a few Amazon Prime Day secrets to consider:

1. Download the app to see the “sneak peek deals” and add your must-haves to your list to get notified when they go on sale during Prime Day. (Here’s how to do it.)
2. Monitor Amazon’s deals page for the latest discounts.
3. Enter the daily giveaways leading up to Prime Day through the Amazon app.
4. Shop early deals from small businesses leading up to Prime Day.
5. Clip digital coupons to save even more on purchases.
6. Split the cost of a Prime membership by adding multiple people to your “Amazon household,” which allows you to share the benefits of your membership.
7. Check out new Just for Prime deals that are exclusively available to Prime members.
8. Easily find the best Prime Day deals by asking Alexa, “Alexa, what are my deals”?
9. Amazon Prime users can get one year of free delivery with GrubHub
10. Prime Members can earn a $15 Amazon Credit when uploading their first photo to the Amazon Photos app.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post 10 Amazon Prime Day 2023 Secrets That Will Save You Even More Money appeared first on SmarterTravel.

That doesn’t mean you can’t step off the plane looking beautiful rather than bedraggled—there are still some discreet and fragrance-free inflight beauty treatments you can do. Here’s how to create your own seatback spa in a way that won’t draw the attention (or ire) of everyone in your row.

Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips

Emerge from the plane with whiter teeth to show off in your vacation snapshots. Snow’s unique teeth-whitening strips dissolve in your mouth as you use them, so you don’t have to worry about taking them off and disposing of them. 

Plus, the strips feature a lavender and mint flavor that will leave your breath fresh once you deplane.

A Discreet Face Mask

Doing a sheet mask inflight will definitely get you some weird looks, but no one will be the wiser if you opt for Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask instead. This fragrance-free (for the sake of your seatmates) mask comes in a creamy lotion form that you don’t have to rinse off after applying—just rub it in and relax. 

The Jet Lag mask is designed to combat typical skin issues that can occur after flying, such as dehydration and dullness.

Curl Your Hair

Have a full day ahead of you before you can check in to your hotel and shower? At least your hair can look good if you wear it in the RobeCurls Heatless Hair Curler set while on the plane. 

Designed to look like a normal headband, this accessory unobtrusively curls your hair—no heat required.

Lip Mask

Lips can get so chapped and dehydrated on long flights. Take preventative measures by applying Sephora’s Lip Sleeping Mask, a heavy-duty moisturizer that melts into your lips (and doesn’t need to be rinsed off).

The tube applicator means you can apply this mask without actually touching your lips, which is what you want in the germy airplane environment.

Hydrate

Does hydrating count as a beauty treatment? Considering that dry airplane air can contribute to dry and dull skin, chapped lips, and other unfortunate effects on your appearance, we say yes. 

Pack some electrolyte packets and a refillable water bottle (we love this purifying one) to make your own ultra-hydrating drink to sip on throughout the flight.

Self Heating Eye Mask

Skip the eye mask included in your inflight amenity kit in favor of one that does double duty as a beauty treatment. The Starry Eyes Eye Mask will not only block out light to help you sleep but is self-heating to help reduce eye puffiness. 

Once opened, the mask will warm up within 30 seconds and last for around 20 minutes.

The post 6 Inflight Beauty Treatments You Can Do Without Looking Too Weird appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Insect-Repellent Clothing

The Insect Shield clothing line from Craghoppers includes pants, button-down shirts, T-shirts, hoodies, dresses, hats, and more. This bug-repellent clothing has other useful travel features as well, including moisture-wicking technology and sun protection.

Another option is Women’s Insect Shield Hoodie, which lives up to its name with clothes that offer protection from insects for 70 washes.

Permethrin Clothing Spray

If you don’t want to invest in a whole new wardrobe of insect-repellent clothing, treat what you already have with permethrin spray, a bug repellent designed to be used on clothing and shoes (but not skin!) that lasts through multiple washings. This permethrin spray for clothes is effective against mosquitoes, ticks, mites, and other bugs for six washings or six weeks, and it’s as effective as 100 percent DEET. Odorless after drying, it won’t stain or damage your clothes, so you can wear them again after your trip.

Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants

The more covered your skin is, the harder it is for mosquitoes to feast on you. Of course, it’s likely to be warm where the bugs are, which makes wearing long shirts and pants unappealing. Pack lightweight, light-colored clothing like these travel-friendly long-sleeve shirts, which can actually help you stay cooler than short sleeves thanks to their moisture-wicking properties.

Columbia makes a number of high-performance long-sleeved shirts specifically designed to keep you cool even while you’re covered up. Try the Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve, which is available for both men and women; it’s got vents, moisture-wicking fabric, and UPF 50 sun protection to keep you cool and shielded from the sun. Pair it with a lightweight, stretchy pair of hiking pants, such as the Women’s Saturday Trail Stretch Pant or the Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pant.

Bonus: Shirts and pants made from UPF fabric will also protect you from harmful UV rays. I like these pants from Coolibar, specifically designed to be worn in hot and sunny environments.

Travel Mosquito Bed Net

Just because you’re staying in a hotel room doesn’t mean that mosquitos can’t get in—whether it’s via a hole in your window screen or just by flying in alongside you as you enter. That’s why it’s a good idea to pack a mosquito net for your bed if you’re staying in a place at risk for mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquito nets are also useful if you’re camping in an area with lots of bugs.

This one from Universal Backpackers is great for travel, as it needs just a single rope to hang from and folds into a small and lightweight bag.

EPA-Registered Insect Repellent

Not all bug sprays are created equal. Only some ingredients are scientifically proven to repel bugs. Check to see if your insect spray meets the requirements with this search tool from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

One option is Repel 100, a spray with super concentrated DEET for heavy-duty bug conditions. The one-ounce size is perfect for travel and it protects for up to 10 hours, so you don’t need a ton.

For a more natural solution, look for products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (which is one of the only non-chemical repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), such as this option from Repel.

Mosquito Head Net

You might look at the picture of this mosquito head net and scoff, thinking that you’d never be caught dead wearing one, but you might change your mind if your destination is swarming with bugs. Small and lightweight, this mosquito head net is made from a fine black mesh (which is easy to see through) and comes with its own stuff sack for easy packing.

Insect-Repellent Bands and Wipes

If you are flying carry-on only and don’t want to worry about fitting bug sprays into your 3-1-1 bag, insect repellent bands and wipes are a great alternative. For wipes, this 20-Count Repel Mosquito Wipes is affordable and contains DEET, so you’ll be protected without spending a lot of money.

An alternative form of mosquito protection is the Mosquito Repellent Bracelet, which is waterproof and non-toxic, and offers protection for up to 200 hours.

Caroline Morse loves combining practical fashion and travel. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline and on Twitter @CarolineMorse1.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post The Insect-Repellent Clothing and Gear Every Traveler Should Have appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Filtered water bottles can be a little more expensive than regular reusable bottles and may involve a little more maintenance, but they’re worth it for the peace of mind you’ll have with every sip. Here are some of my favorite water bottles with filters for traveling.

LARQ

If you’re the kind of person who would buy a filtered water bottle but never get around to changing the filters, a LARQ could be the bottle for you. Instead of filters, this bottle purifies water using a UV-LED light hidden in the cap. The light is powerful enough to kill germs, and the same kind of light is even used in hospitals to disinfect surfaces. The best part? It’s as easy to charge as your phone, with a universal charging port that will plug into any USB port.

Brita Filter Bottle

Fans of Brita, rejoice: You can take the 36387 Premium Water Filter Bottle on the road. The 26-ounce bottle is sleek enough to slip easily into car drink holders. The BPA-free hard plastic bottle has a carrying loop and an enclosed straw for ease of use. The chlorine-reducing filter improves the taste of tap water, and the filters are easy to replace.

The Escape

Glass isn’t necessarily travel-friendly, but at the same time, every drink tastes better when you’re drinking it from a glass. Why else would airlines go the extra mile to use them when serving their first-class customers? If you like glass but are worried about it breaking, check out The Escape, a glass water bottle that is protected by a silicone sleeve and uses a multi-stage filtration process to keep your water clean and tasting good.

GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier

If you will be spending time outdoors and might need to drink from a fresh water source, consider the GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier. With its press-down filter design, this travel water bottle can filter particulates as well as chemicals and waterborne pathogens without leaving an aftertaste.

LifeStraw Go

LifeStraw is one of the most trusted brands for water filters. Its LifeStraw Go bottle has a heavy-duty filter built-in, making it super easy to filter your water on the go. It is also available with a one- or two-stage filter, so you can choose the one that fits best for the trip you’re planning.

The Outback

If you have an affinity for Nalgene water bottles, The Outbacks’ collaboration with the company might be the best choice for you. This is a sturdy water bottle with a filter that will last, and it has a 100% money-back guarantee.

Jamie Ditaranto is a writer and photographer always looking for her next adventure. Find her on Instagram @jamieditaranto.

The post 6 Must-Have Filtered Water Bottles for Travel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Clothing uses a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) scale to measure the amount of sun protection provided—similar to how sunscreen is rated by SPF. The UPF scale goes up to 50+. A UPF rating of 25, for example, means that the fabric will only allow around 4 percent of UV radiation to penetrate through.

We’ve rounded up our favorite stylish sun protective clothing for travel that will keep you cool and safe no matter how hot it gets. 

Coolibar Café Ruche Pants

Coolibar, a leader in sun protective clothing, was the first clothing company to receive The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. Coolibar continues to make stylish and practical clothing that blocks 90 percent of UVA/UVB rays, so you can stay outside and stay safe. 

Coolibar’s trademarked ZnO fabric is a favorite from the brand. It offers UPF 50+ sun protection, but is incredibly soft, lightweight, and cool. Try it out in the versatile Cafe Ruche Pants—the stylish ruched design means you can wear these on the trail, on the plane, or even to the office—all while being protected and comfortable. 

Toad & Co Sunkissed Maxi Dress

A maxi dress is great for sun protection, and Toad & Co’s Sunkissed Maxi Dress offers UPF 40+. The lightweight dress feels like air, so you can be covered up without overheating. You won’t be too covered though—there’s a cheeky on-trend cutout at the back of the dress. 

Bra-friendly straps, hand pockets, and a quick-drying fabric mean that the Sunkissed Maxi Dress gets packed for all of our warm weather trips. 

Orvis Jackson Quick Dry Pants

Can’t decide between a cropped leg or full length pant? Have both with Orvis’ Jackson Quick Dry Pants. The pants can be rolled up and secured with a built-in tab so you can wear them as a 32” inseam or a 23” inseam. 

The pants offer UPF 50 protection, and were designed for fishing—so they’ll dry in a flash to keep you comfortable no matter what the day brings. 

Kuhl Freeflex Dash

Made from a flexible fabric, Kuhl’s Freeflex Dash pants are stretchy without looking like leggings. In addition to freedom of movement, the Freeflex Dash offers UPF 50+ sun protection, a soft waistband, and pockets that are actually big enough to fit your cell phone.

Use the ankle cinch to change the look of the pants from straight leg to jogger style, or to keep your pants out of the way when biking. 

Kaenon Venice Polarized Sunglasses

Protect your eyes (and your wallet) with a pair of sunglasses from luxury eyewear brand Kaenon’s new Essentials line. This budget-friendly line starts at just $100, but features the quality that Kaenon is known for. Essentials sunglasses are handcrafted in Japan, and use the same lightweight, polarized, and ultra-clear SR-91 lenses that the regular line does. 

Our pick from the Essentials: the Venice Polarized Sunglasses, which are durable, stylish, and work for any activity. 

Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Pant

If you’ve ever been caught off-guard on a sunny fall hike and ended up with a burn, you know the deal—you need sun protection even in chilly weather. Mountain Hardwear’s Chockstone Pants provide both warmth and UPF 50 protection, along with plenty of pockets (two hand pockets plus a secure zip pocket in back).

The pants are available in both a women’s specific and men’s specific fit, with options for short, regular, and long inseams—so you can get the perfect fit. 

Houdini Wadi Pants

Long pants are a necessity on some hikes. You need protection from not only the sun, but also insects and rough terrain. However, finding a pair that won’t make you sweat even harder on a hot hike is a challenge. Fortunately, Houdini’s Wadi Pants rise to the occasion. 

Made from an ultra-lightweight Liquid Rock fabric, these pants will remain dry and breathable no matter how hot it gets. Use the adjustable leg endings to make the pants shorter as needed for water crossings or style. 

The pants pack down into their own side pocket for easy packing. Check out the men’s-specific version of the Wadis here.

Orvis Long-Sleeved Tech Chambray Shirt

Orvis’ Long-Sleeved Tech Chambray Shirt is made out of MarinoWul+, an eco-friendly fabric that’s composed of recycled plastic and reclaimed oyster shells. You’d never guess where it comes from, since the fabric feels softer than silk. In addition to UPF 30 sun protection, the shirt is equipped with Orvis’ trademarked OutSmart Fresh odor control, so you can wear this your entire trip without needing to wash it. 

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