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Travel + Leisure
23-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Travel Nurse Who's Been to Over 100 Countries, and These Are the 13 Essentials I Never Leave Home Without
When you've traveled to over 100 countries, you learn to be an expert packer. Cherene Saradar is a travel nurse anaesthetist who spends half the year traveling for contract work at hospitals around the U.S. and the other half globe-trotting for pleasure, having visited all seven continents and 116 countries to date. Her medical background dictates her packing style, as she prioritizes items that focus on comfort and health. And, as a proud carry-on-only traveler (even for three-month-long trips), she knows how to pack wisely to not waste precious space. Saradar shared with me the travel essentials she takes on every trip while packing light. From her must-have carry-on tote to the comfortable sneakers she always wears, keep reading for the 13 non-negotiables she takes with her on every trip. Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag Nordstrom In order to pack for months without checking a cabin bag, it's not just your carry-on suitcase that matters, but also the spaciousness of your personal item. Saradar swears by the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag. She takes this travel bag on every flight as she can fit everything she needs with her on a flight, including her camera and laptop, while still easily fitting it under the airplane seat. It holds her tried-and-true essentials for a comfortable flight, including: silicone earplugs, a soft eye mask, Drunk Elephant lip balm, hand cream, and a light scarf or sweater. When not in use, she can pack it down and store it in her suitcase. 'It's easy to clean, durable, comes in tons of colors, and it gives me a bit of style and luxury without breaking the bank,' she says. 'It's also a great day bag, shopping bag, camera bag, and beach bag.' Travelpro Maxlite Carry-on Luggage Amazon Saradar has been using the same carry-on for a decade. The Travelpro Maxlite Carry-on is one of the lightest carry-on suitcases on the market, which matters for airlines that weigh your cabin bags. It adheres to various internationally accepted carry-on dimensions, standing at 21 inches tall. 'I like the organization of the bag. The outside pocket on the front easily fits my laptop, and the inner lid pocket is very handy,' she says. 'It's a durable spinner bag that's easy to push.' Hoka Arahi Sneakers Zappos As a nurse, Saradar knows that the right shoes are so important. 'They're the base of your wardrobe and also the most important thing for your well-being,' she says. Whether working in the hospital or exploring the world, she swears by Hoka sneakers. When she's traveling, she prefers the Arahi style in white so she can pair them with everything from dresses and skirts to her workout gear. 'I've been wearing the Hoka Arahi for years. I can't believe how good my back feels in these. They're like walking on a cloud and provide pronation support," she says, which is important for maintaining an even stride. They're so good she swears they've fixed the back pain she suffered from for years, and she feels comfortable walking in them all day. Athleta Venice High-rise Wide-leg Pant Athleta It's possible to be stylish and comfy, and Saradar requires that her travel clothes be both. You won't catch her flying in sweatpants. Instead, she always flies in Athleta loungewear that she deems to be nice enough for wearing in public, while still feeling cozy and comfortable on long-haul flights. She basically lives in the Athleta Venice High Rise Wide-leg Pant. 'They're super flattering as there's just enough stretch and the waistband doesn't feel tight, but they still appear fitted and polished,' she says. 'The pants drape beautifully like trousers but feel like soft loungewear. And a major bonus — they don't wrinkle.' Saradar recommends picking up a few pairs in neutral colors like off-white or black so you can pair them with any tops. Athleta Seasoft Quarter Zip Athleta On flights, she's typically dressed in head-to-toe Athleta, pairing this Seasoft Quarter Zip with the Venice wide-leg pants. She loves how cozy and warm the quarter zip is and finds the fleece to be sleek, as it drapes with structure rather than looking slouchy. The cool-to-the-touch fabric is perfect for planes with varying temperatures, as it will keep you just warm enough without overheating. It's super lightweight, so you can easily stow it away in your tote bag when not needed. Born Women's Trinidad Sport Sandal Amazon Not only is it important to have a good pair of sneakers, but it's also useful to have comfy, stylish sandals on hand. 'Shoes that won't give you blisters, allow you to walk as much as you want, don't give you back pain, and still look kind of cute is a tall order,' she says. She's worn many sandals from the brand Born over the years and wears them until they fall apart. 'They're incredibly cushy and soft. They're functional yet still look nice enough for evening,' she says. 'I can walk all day in them, and have even done some light hiking.' With adjustable straps, a lightweight cork sole, and a soft leather upper, these sandals are the perfect comfortable choice for any trip. The North Face Antora Rain Hoodie REI No matter where she's headed, Saradar makes room in her carry-on for a lightweight jacket, especially if she'll be visiting warmer destinations where she could get caught in tropical rain. 'I always bring my North Face lightweight hooded waterproof jacket,' she says. 'It takes hardly any room in the luggage and is handy to throw on for windy or wet days.' With adjustable drawstrings on the hood and bottom of the jacket, this North Face hooded coat will easily keep out wind and rain. 'I always get compliments on the jacket. It packs well as it's extremely light yet still very warm and cozy,' she says. Grace Karin Pleated Chiffon Skirt Amazon Saradar always packs a maxi skirt, which can be easily layered and mixed and matched throughout her trip to create multiple outfits. 'Lately, I've been packing this skirt because I can change up the tops and wear various outfits. You can wear tank tops, short sleeves, long sleeves, sweaters, a sweatshirt, or a blazer with it — it's super versatile,' she says. 'A longer skirt makes you look put and can provide proper coverage in conservative regions.' She owns this pleated chiffon skirt from Amazon in a light khaki color. Because it's neutral, it works for all seasons and matches everything. She's 5-foot-1, so despite the midi cut, it fits her like a maxi skirt. Another one of her favorite Amazon finds is this Zesica floral printed maxi wrap dress. 'I've worn it on so many trips. It's lightweight, easy to pack, and is casual enough for daytime but looks dressy enough for going out to dinner or a party.' Clutch Portable Charger Amazon The battery of Saradar's phone drains quickly when she's on the go all day using maps and her phone's camera. 'Not having a phone to call for help or to use a map is a huge safety concern for me, so keeping it charged is vital,' she says. 'I don't like to carry a bulky, heavy charger, so the Clutch one is perfect as it's tiny and magnetizes to the back of your phone.' It also comes with a built-in cable, so you don't have to worry about forgetting your cord in the hotel room. Bagsmart Makeup Bag With Hanging Hook Amazon After traveling to over 100 countries, Saradar swears by using a hanging toiletry bag. She says it's a total game changer because you don't have to rely on shelf or counter space. She uses one from Biaggi, which operates in the same way as this Bagsmart option. 'It has space to hold everything, including my makeup, toothbrush, deodorant, jewelry, cotton swabs, and more. It has tons of pockets and keeps me organized,' she says. Biaggi Hangmates 3-tiered ZipCube Amazon But it's not just hanging toiletry bags that make organizing her belongings in a hotel room easier—she also uses hanging packing cubes. Since she packs in a carry-on, she uses Biaggi's medium-sized hanging packing cube. 'This makes packing and unpacking in the hotel so easy. All you have to do is hang it in the closet and then fold it and compress it with the strap to put it back in the suitcase,' she says. This is her secret to being able to pack for a month in Europe in a carry-on. Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set REI It's fair to say Saradar is a big fan of using packing cubes. In addition to the hanging style, she also loves this set from Eagle Creek, which comes in different sizes. 'I use the small 1-liter cube for underwear and socks, and the medium-sized pouch to hold my tech, outlet adaptors, wires, cords, and zip drives,' she explains. The Lifestraw Water Bottle REI As a nurse, Saradar knows how important it is to stay hydrated. She tries to drink as much water as possible throughout the day, and says her Lifestraw water bottle is essential. 'Lifestraw makes virtually any water safe to drink. I can drink water from any tap as it filters bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and dirt,' she says. This BPA-free plastic version is lighter than the heavier insulated stainless steel style, making it ideal for taking on the go. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
27-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
12 Wrinkle-free Fashion Finds That Are Fit for Any Summer Itinerary—All Under $50
I'm challenging myself to a carry-on only summer, which means there's no room for non-essentials in my suitcase. While I consider a portable steamer a travel must-have, given my limited space, I unfortunately have to place it in the non-essential column. That being said, wrinkle-free dresses, tops, and pants are at the top of my shopping list for my upcoming summer getaways. Lucky for me, Amazon is overflowing with comfortable travel clothes—no ironing or steaming necessary. From the yoga pants I already own and swear by to new, fashionable finds, including easy-to-wear two-piece sets and flowy maxi dresses, I've rounded up the best wrinkle-free clothing available at Amazon right now—all under $50. As a five-foot-tall traveler, I swear by these petite travel pants, also available in regular and tall sizes. The comfy, wide-leg pants are made with a buttery-soft, wrinkle-free material and have a flattering, tummy-control design. I have them in black, but with 28 colors to choose from, there's an option for every preference. I'm not the only fan of these travel pants, though. One Amazon shopper shared that they wore the bottoms on a nine-hour flight to Italy, raving that they were 'comfortable' the whole time and showed 'no wrinkles.' This two-piece 'instant outfit' is perfect for long-haul flights, and it currently holds the spot as Amazon's top-selling set. It comes with a sleeveless mock neck top and a pair of cropped, wide-leg pants, both made from ultra-soft, wrinkle-free material. One Amazon shopper wrote: 'I had this outfit on for 18 straight hours and it did not wrinkle,' while another person agreed, that it 'doesn't wrinkle at all.' Over two thousand people have purchased this wrinkle-free maxi dress in the past month alone. Not only is it a great in-flight outfit, but it would look just as stylish poolside or on the beach. It features a flattering side slit that's both breathable and allows you to move freely, too. It seems nearly impossible to find a wrinkle-free button-down shirt, but shoppers say this option from Cunlin does the trick. It comes in a preppy striped pattern that's classic and a touch nautical, perfect for an East Coast summer. One Amazon shopper confirmed its wrinkle-free capabilities, writing that 'the fabric is soft' and 'wrinkle-resistant' as advertised. A little black dress is a wardrobe staple, so if you're lacking one, consider picking up this summer's LBD from Bkrive, which requires no steaming. The V-neck mini dress looks effortlessly chic on its own, especially when paired with sandals and a woven bag. Or, throw it over your bathing suit for a stylish cover-up. Who doesn't love a multifunctional piece? You don't need to be hitting the courts to enjoy this wrinkle-free tennis dress. The stretchy nylon/spandex blend dress features built-in shorts with easy-access side pockets and a low, scooped back. Whether you're dabbling in some Pickball on vacation, or out for a day of sightseeing, this athletic dress is the perfect addition to any summer travel wardrobe. Keep cool on all your summer adventures in this wrinkle-free short-sleeved shirt. The breathable, quick-dry shirt features UPF 50+ sun protection, allowing you to stay safe from harmful UV rays whether you're hiking, white-water rafting, or just heading out on a morning run. This maxi sundress from Merokeety is perfect for sipping on an Aperol Spritz on the Amalfi Coast, or simply enjoying an ice-cold lemonade at a backyard soiree. Essentially, you can't go wrong with this flowy, wrinkle-free dress, which features a flattering scoop neckline and functional side pockets. One Amazon shopper raved that they've experienced 'absolutely no wrinkles' after washing the maxi, adding that they 'absolutely love this dress.' Step out on the course or settle into a long-haul flight in these wrinkle-free, moisture-wicking pants. Made with a stretchy elastic waist and an ultra-soft, lightweight fabric, these pants certainly don't skimp on comfort. One five-star reviewer wrote: 'They are great for travel and they don't wrinkle. They also wash beautifully.' What more could you ask for? I've already added this travel-friendly two-piece set to my shopping cart, and you should, too. The throw-on-and-go look comes with a sleeveless top and a tennis skirt with built-in shorts and hidden pockets. Additionally, the flattering skort features an adjustable waistband for even more comfort. I can never resist a striped dress, especially in the summertime. And this wrinkle-free option from Zesica is just my style. The airy, lightweight sweatshirt dress features subtle puff sleeves and an elegant, V-neckline collar. Even better? It's currently on sale for just $34—score! If you're lacking a summer-ready two-piece set, look no further than this Automet oversized button-down shirt and shorts option. Amazon shoppers agree this two-piece set is a must-have for summer, with one person highlighting that it's 'great for travel' and 'packs without wrinkling.' Meanwhile, another reviewer wrote that they received 'multiple compliments' after wearing the set for the first time. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
