My Favorite Wellness Travel Essentials, According to a Travel Influencer

Figuring out what to pack for a trip is always a challenge—especially when you’re trying to balance comfort, convenience, and wellness on the go. From long flights that leave you feeling dehydrated to jam-packed itineraries that make it hard to stick to a routine, travel can easily throw off your self-care game. That’s why having the right essentials can make all the difference, helping you feel your best no matter where you’re headed.

We tapped Kira West (@bykwest), a travel-wellness creator and entrepreneur, who has packing for self-care down to science. Whether she's exploring her neighborhood, packing for a weekend getaway, or jetting off for a long-haul vacation, West's wellness-travel essentials help her stay balanced and more organized while she's on the go. Below are the products she always brings with her on her adventures.

1. Béis Compression Travel Cubes

West's first pick is a practical one that makes packing so much easier: packing cubes. Specifically, Bèis' compression packing cubes, which feature a zipper that allows for extra space in your luggage. "Bèis' compression packing cubes are essential," says West. "I don't know how I [ever] packed without packing cubes. My husband does it, and it drives me nuts. It's so much easier to organize your stuff... and the compression packing cubes make it easier to maximize the space in your suitcase."

2. Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

West says any brand of small, convenient belt bags works, but she recommends Lululemon's version specifically. "I'll either carry it on and put the essentials in it (passport, charger, phone, headphones) and then put it within a bigger bag or pack it," she says. "It's so slim and easy to use. As much as I want to be a purse girl, I need to know that it's on my body and I won't lose it."

3. APL TechLoom Zipline Sneakers

Yes, the $320 price tag on these sneakers is a bit hefty, but West says they're worth every penny, especially if you're in the market for a versatile sneaker: "They're a little bit of an investment, but I like them because they're good for walking, pretty solid for the gym, and if I want to get a light run, I can run in them," she says. "They're a good all-around shoe."

4. Lucky Honey Grip Socks

"I always have a pair of Lucky Honey-style grip socks in my bag," she says. "You never know when pilates will strike… or you'll find a studio. I worked part-time [at a studio] in New York for a while, so I amassed quite a collection."

5. NapFun Neck Pillow

A memory foam neck pillow that easily squishes down when it's not being used is a must, West says. "It’s an 'attach to your bag' situation, because I think it's helpful on flights when you don't have the luxury of laying flat, which, a lot of times, is not the case." This one by NapFun is made of soft memory foam and comes with its own stuff-sack that can easily attach to suitcases, backpacks, and more.

6. Amazon Kindle

West is a big reader and always packs her Kindle on trips. "I rediscovered my love for reading fiction over the last several years," she says. "I think college ruined it for me for a little while, but having access to books is really nice. I feel like I do that [read] more on vacation than watching things, even on the plane."

7. Portable Charger

"I love a portable charger that plugs into the wall," West says. "I'm really bad at charging portable chargers, so the fact that it can just be charged by itself is very helpful. I tried for so many years to charge portable chargers, and then once I discovered you can get ones that have both the cords and prongs to plug in."

8. Hypochlorous Acid Facial Mist

And finally, West always keeps a bottle of hypochlorous acid mist in her bag to rejuvenate and clean her skin after a long day. "It's dirty in the world, on planes, outside… It’s something that I always have in my bag, too, especially because I've been on a journey of trying to keep my skin calm, clear, and under control." A quick spritz instantly soothes, hydrates, and washes away gunk. Yes, please!

This article is part of our Known Traveler series where we highlight creators who share inspiring travel and lifestyle content. Check out the full edition for Wellness Wanderers.