A new season often means a refresh in your travel wardrobe, but there are some staples every packing list should include, regardless of when you’re traveling: comfortable shoes, a functional bag, and enough basics to mix-and-match outfits for days on end. When it comes to the pieces that make up those outfits, Condé Nast Traveler readers often turn to Nordstrom. The department store is a one-stop shop for everything from popular Béis luggage to soft, stretchy basics (looking at you, Vuori joggers) to cozy Ugg slippers. To zero in on some of the top Nordstrom products for travelers, we turned to you: Below are 33 vacation essentials Traveler readers purchased most in the last year and a half, after reading our reviews. Keep scrolling to see your fellow readers’ Nordstrom bestsellers, or jump right to the section you’re shopping for.
Shop Nordstrom bestsellers by category:
Versatile tote bags
Longchamp Large Le Pliage tote
We’re all guilty of coming home with more than we left with, and this Longchamp bag is one of our favorite ways to accommodate those souvenirs or gifts for friends back home. It weights under a pound, packs flat, and can be folded or rolled up, taking up just about the least possible room in your luggage.
Cuyana System tote
Traveler editor Jamie Spain takes this Cuyana tote everywhere. “I’ve never really had a work bag that I truly loved; I’d been eager to switch over to something that looked more professional. The System Tote from Cuyana was definitely more upscale than my average canvas tote, seamlessly befitting happy hours, work, and exciting new restaurant openings,” Spain says.
MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe
MZ Wallace is a long-time favorite travel brand of our editors (and our readers, too). We love this tote for its six interior pockets, plus a phone pocket and a key ring strap. It helps keep even the most disorganized travelers in check.
Tory Burch Perry leather tote
Ideal for business trips, a sleek leather tote will always come in handy. Our readers gravitated toward this option from Tory Burch that features a contrasting luggage tag.
Backpacks and luggage
MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe
This super-soft quilted backpack has a polished appearance that makes it a go-to for business travelers heading to a work conference or into the office. It’s extremely lightweight but spacious enough for an extra change of clothes, a 15-inch laptop, a reusable water bottle, and a set of toiletry bottles.
Osprey Daylite Sling Backpack
The sporty Osprey sling is a durable and water-resistant option that features a mesh organizer, key clip, and multiple pockets for plenty of storage for a day full of hands-free travel.
Béis The Carry-On Roller
Our editors tested dozens of suitcases and bags this year to determine the very best for Traveler‘s first-ever Luggage Week. Among our favorite carry-ons is this bestseller from Béis. It’s affordable, lightweight, and looks so sleek zipping through the airport.
Dagne Dover Dakota backpack
This waterproof Dagne Dover backpack is both stylish and functional. It features a removable shoe bag, a padded laptop sleeve, and plenty of separate compartments for keeping the essentials organized.
Calpak Luka duffel
Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny has waxed poetic about the Luka duffel bag. Smart features like the separate shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, and its easy-to-clean water-resistant material make it a standout option for weekend trips or as a personal item on flights.
Béis The Weekender Bag
The Weekender bag from Béis is the perfect duffel for weekend getaways. It has plenty of room for a few pairs of clothes, a toiletry bag, and tech accessories. Our favorite part: the bottom compartment, which zips open to store two to three pairs of shoes.
Dagne Dover Hunter toiletry bag
One of our favorite Dopp kits is this water-resistant option from Dagne Dover. The top zipper snaps down or expands depending on how much you pack, making the bag smaller or larger as needed.
Clothing essentials
Spanx AirEssentials jumpsuit
This lightweight jumpsuit is the ultimate airport outfit. The materials is breathable, soft, and stretchy so you’ll stay comfortable on long flights. The drawstring cinches in to create a more flattering silhouette, so you can feel a little more chic when hanging out in the airport lounge.
Vuori Energy Tee
Activewear brand Vuori has become one of our editors’ go-to’s for comfortable and reliable performance tees. Our readers agree—the Energy tee is ultra-soft and always comes in handy on any trip. Made of stretch jersey material, it’s moisture-wicking, has anti-odor properties, and offers 30+ UPF sun protection.
True & Co. True Body triangle bralette
An uncomfortable bra is the last thing you want to be thinking about during long travel days. True & Co’s bralettes are popular for its smooth, seamless fit and range of sizes and colors.
Skims Fits Everybody scoop bralette
Skims’s Fits Everybody line is one of the brand’s best-selling collections thanks to its ultra-stretchy and smooth material. The Scoop bralette is supportive yet comfortable enough to wear on an overnight flight.
Zella Live In high waist leggings
Zella clothing is always a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale favorite, with the brand’s high-waist leggings among the most popular items. They are opaque, resistant to pilling and fading, and nearly half the price of some other name-brand leggings, without sacrificing quality.
Vuori Performance Jogger
Another pair of joggers you loved this past year is this performance pair from Vuori. The brand’s signature DreamKnit fabric is ultra-soft and moves with you. It offers a relaxed fit and slightly cropped leg—perfect for spring and summer travel.
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic socks
Cozy socks are a travel non-negotiable. And if you’re looking for a nice stocking stuffer, this two-pack from Barefoot Dreams is a smart choice.
Moonlight short pajamas
Our readers loved this comfy pajama set this year. It features a short-sleeve button up and pair of matching shorts that are lightweight and ultra-soft. It’s a great dupe of the popular Eberjey pajama set (and nearly half the price).
Comfortable shoes
Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea boots
This chunky Chelsea boot is a favorite of associate articles director Megan Spurrell. Whether you’re trudging through fallen autumn leaves or the first snowfall of the season, the large platform outsole will keep the cold from reaching your toes.
Sam Edelman Ethyl low-top sneaker
A classic pair of white sneakers is a staple for every trip. These chic white leather kicks are comfortable enough to wear all day long and don’t require a break-in period. Plus, they can be worn with just about any daytime outfit, making them a go-to shoe on trips you want to pack light for.
Ugg Tasman slippers
Come fall, there are few shoes as cozy (and as sought-after) as the Ugg Tasman slippers. These cold-weather classics are easy to slip on and off at airport security.
Veja Campo sneaker
Traveler‘s global digital director Arati Menon swears by the popular Veja Campo sneakers. “I’ve taken my Campos on so many vacations, from rugged national park adventures and European city breaks to using them as workwear staples,” Menon says.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 running shoe
Need a new pair of running shoes? We often turn to Nike for a reliable, lightweight sneaker that’s versatile enough to wear outside of the gym, too, like this one. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 running shoe is packable and provides enough cushioning to comfortably pound the pavement on long runs and longer travel days alike.
Birkenstock Boston clogs
At first glance, these clogs might not look like the prettiest shoe you’ve ever seen, but they just might be the most comfortable. These popular slip-ons are similar in feel to the brand’s classic sandals, but with a closed-toe design, making them better suited for fall and winter wear.
Sling bags and fanny packs
Coach Leather Sling Bag
Great for days exploring a new city in style, this pebbled leather sling from Coach is sleek and functional. It’s made to last for years to come and will look chic with any daytime outfit you throw on.
Luka Belt Bag
Another favorite from Calpak, the Luka Belt Bag is versatile enough for city trips or active days outdoors. It’s easy to clean and fits more than the average fanny pack (there’s enough space to store snacks and sunnies along with the basics).
MZ Wallace Metro belt bag
Fanny packs are one ’90s trend we’re happy to see has returned. Travelers love this quilted nylon option from MZ Wallace—it’s versatile and fits all your small essentials: phone, wallet, keys, and hand sanitizer.
Dagne Dover Ace fanny pack
Our readers also love the Ace fanny pack from Dagne Dover. It’s surprisingly roomy inside and will keep you organized on the go—theres’s a credit card pocket, an elastic loop to hold a lip balm, a key clip, and a zippered front pocket. This is a great option for hikes and flights alike.
More Nordstrom bestsellers
Barefoot Dreams In the Wild throw blanket
The Barefoot Dreams blanket continues to be a tried-and-true cozy pick come gift season. It feels like you’re wrapped in a warm cloud—wear it lounging at home or on your lap for a long road trip. It’s worth every penny.
Ostrichpillow Go neck pillow
Made with memory foam, you’ll get instant comfort the moment you fit this pillow around your neck. The loop closure keeps it from moving while you’re catching some z’s and the cloth fabric makes it easy to clean after you return home.
Dior Addict Lip Glow in Cherry
The viral Dior Lip Glow is often sold out, but it’s currently in stock on Nordstrom’s site. It’s hydrating and gives lips a light, natural-looking pop of color.
Wolf Caroline Travel Jewelry Case
Packing jewelry can be tricky—my necklaces always end up tangled and small pieces like earrings always move around in my carry-on. A travel jewelry case keeps all of your accessories safe and organized, with dedicated slots for necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings. This one makes a great gift, too.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Madison Flager.
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