October 5, 2024

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Traveling Around the World

16 Women-owned Travel Essentials

16 Women-owned Travel Essentials

Travel + Leisure is made up of a team of savvy female travelers. And for many of us, our adventures simply wouldn’t be complete without our beloved travel products. As March (a.k.a. National Women’s Month) comes to a close, we’d be remiss to not take a moment to stop and show our gratitude for some of our favorite women-owned travel brands that we rely on. 


From durable luggage that one of our editors never travels without from the ever-fabulous Shay Mitchell to comfy activewear that is not only sustainably made, but “pays attention to what women want,” according to another one of our editors, these products make our team’s travel days easier, and will hopefully do the same for yours. Keep reading to discover our favorite women-founded brands for travel. 





Baggu Duck Bag

Baggu





With sustainability in mind, founder Emily Sugihara set out in 2007 to create a line of reusable shopping bags to eliminate single-use plastic: Baggu. Since then, the brand has emerged as the maker of some of the most popular accessories and travel bags on the market — starting with the T+L-loved Baggu Duck Bag. 


“This Baggu tote is one of my favorites to pack while I travel. It’s lightweight enough that it can easily be folded down into my suitcase so I can break it out during my trip, while a zipper at the top makes it secure enough to function as my personal item if need be. I brought this tote with me on my first solo trip to Portugal last year and used it as everything from a beach bag to my purse for a day of sightseeing. It certainly helps that it’s stylish (and sustainably made).” — Merrell Readman, Senior Commerce Writer



Dagne Dover Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag (XL)

Dagne Dover





Founded in 2013 by Melissa Shin Mash, Deepa Gandhi, and Jessy Dover, Dagne Dover has revolutionized the world of luxury, eco-conscious travel accessories. All of its products focus on ethical manufacturing by using recycled materials and non-toxic chemicals throughout production. Even Dagne Dover’s New York City flagship store located in SoHo was majority constructed with recycled materials. 


“For a weekend getaway or road trip, the Dagne Dover Landon Neoprene Carryall in XL is my immediate go-to. First off, I am a fan of the brand’s popular neoprene designs, and own a few other products they make in this material. The Landon Carryall in particular is super impressive to me because it’s extremely durable yet lightweight. What I love most about the brand is that they never sacrifice functionality for style. Inside the Carryall, there’s a ton of convenient pockets where I can store toiletries, chargers, and even my portable speaker (which I bring everywhere). Even more, the bag features an internal mesh laptop sleeve, which makes this perfect to take along on work trips. I own this bag in the color dune — a muted dusty rose — and I can see myself purchasing this bag in a smaller size for everyday travel.” — Jasmine Grant, Senior Commerce Editor



Kulfi Free the Brow Brow Gel

Kulfi





After founder Priyanka Ganjoo saw how South Asians were underrepresented in the beauty space, she took it upon herself to create a more inclusive beauty brand: Kulfi. Kulfi, which refers to an ice-cream adjacent dessert associated with celebration, aims to create a space for those not as represented in the beauty sphere with playful hues and quality products. 


“I’ve tried a few things from the brand, and beyond enjoying its concealer (that actually understands brown skin tones) and eyeliner, what I’m most in love with is its latest launch: the Free the Brow Brow Gel. It features a gel-oil formula crafted with vitamin E and sunflower oil to not just brush your brows, but nourish them, too. I love my naturally thick brows and am thrilled to support a brand that feels the same.” — Alexandra Domrongchai, Commerce Writer



Apothékary Rose-Tinted Tincture 

Apothékary





Shizu Okusa began her career on the trading floor of Goldman Sachs before venturing into her own entrepreneurial projects. And that spirit channeled into her founding Apothékary, a wellness-based brand that makes science-backed herbal remedies, which have been used for thousands of years, into effective, convenient tinctures and powders. 


“A major ethos of the brand is to eat your skincare rather than wear it, and with its easy-to-transport packaging and products that work, I’m all in. I personally keep its Rose-Tinted Tincture in my travel bag at all times to fend off breakouts due to travel (and found that it actually works), and even got the best sleep of my life on a crammed overnight flight to Sweden thanks to the Do Not Disturb sleep support formula. I’m a huge fan of the brand and the founder, and am excited to keep traveling with these products that genuinely make my trip easier.” — Alexandra Domrongchai, Commerce Writer



Amada Brielle Leggings in Latte

Amada





Switzerland-based clothing brand Amada was founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Lesley Ryf and, in my opinion, makes some of the most comfortable and stylish activewear on the market. Each of its items go through rigorous testing and are made with buttery soft, durable materials to give women the comfort and support for anything life throws at them. 


“I’ve found that the best way to look put together on even the most hectic of travel days is with a stylish matching set. I’ve tried plenty of activewear pieces throughout the years, and few feel as close to wearing nothing than this pair of leggings and its matching tank top. I always get compliments whenever I wear it out, and I can’t wait to keep wearing it on all of my future adventures.” — Alexandra Domrongchai, Commerce Writer



Béis The Carry-On Roller

Béis





Actress and entrepreneur Shay Mitchell launched her travel and lifestyle brand, Béis almost six years ago, and we’ve been thankful for that ever since. As an avid traveler herself, she sought to curate a collection of sleek suitcases, weekender bags, and other accessories that are durable, minimalist, and affordable. She’s done just that and more, and has earned the trust of many of our editors in the process. 


“How did we ever travel without Béis? The Shay Mitchell-founded brand is like a fairy godmother for luggage — always one step ahead with the perfect, thoughtfully designed suitcase or backpack to solve any travel woe. And each piece is incredibly sleek and stylish, too. My ride-or-die product is the Carry-On Roller, which is expandable and stocked with useful pockets, compression straps, and more to ensure a smooth packing experience. I’m an overpacker, and my Carry-On was the M.V.P. of my recent Denver trip; I had to pack tons of bulky, winter gear plus several outfits and shoes, and it zipped with no problem.” — Emily Belfiore, Commerce Editor



Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

Sephora





Few beauty brands are as buzzy right now as Tower 28, and it’s thanks to its genius founder, Amy Liu. Before launching her clean beauty brand, Liu worked as a beauty executive for nearly 15 years until she embarked on a goal to create an inclusive beauty brand for all skin tones and types (including sensitive skin). The mantra that the brand follows is: “We like our beauty products the way we like our beaches: clean, full of sunshine, and for everyone.”


“It goes without saying that everyday SPF is a must. And with this tinted mineral sunscreen, Tower 28 makes it quick and easy to protect yourself. It absorbs into the skin without leaving a white cast, unlike many zinc oxide-based sunscreens I’ve tried. One layer provides light coverage to even out my tone, and I apply a little more when I’m concealing a blemish or going for a more full-glam look.” — Lydia Price, Senior Commerce Editor



Car.ē.on En-route Essentials Kit

Amazon





Motivated by a passion to carve out a spot in the beauty industry for clean and sustainable skincare, fashion model Madison Headrick left her job after a decade in the industry to design Care.ē.on, which offers on-the-go self-care moments for yourself, whether you’re a jet-setter, working mom, or simply looking to fit great skincare into your daily routine. 


“By jet-setting model Madison Headrick, this clean, sustainable skincare line was created for women on the go. I love the En-Route Essentials Kit because it’s everything I need in one easy grab-and-go pouch: a hand sanitizer, facial mist, caffeinated hydrating pads that fight puffiness, and a moisturizing mask to keep you dewy in a dry airplane cabin. If you’re not ashamed to wear a beauty mask on a plane (I certainly am not) and want to arrive at your destination feeling like a model (who doesn’t?), this kit is worth your suitcase space.” — Nina Ruggiero, Editorial Director



Aday Easy Days Pants

Aday





Aday, the sustainably made clothing brand, was co-founded by Meg He and Nina Faulhaber with functionality and comfort at the forefront. Their garments are intended to be effortlessly stylish, and made with the intention to not only last, but be worn and reworn thanks to their versatility.


“One of my favorite women-owned brands to shop right now is Aday, which makes my go-to travel pants that never wrinkle and go with everything. I just got my box of the lightweight Easy Days Pants that have a flattering tie-front — and right off the bat, I can really see them fitting in seamlessly with the rest of my closet. As with all of the pieces I’ve tried from this brand, I love that these pants are comfortable, versatile, and easy to care for, making them an essential travel capsule wardrobe piece. Co-founders Meg He and Nina Faulhaber really pay attention to what women want in clothing and make them in a sustainable way — plus, according to their website, they employ more than 90 percent female, 40 percent BIPOC team members, which makes me feel good about supporting them.” — Kayla Becker, Senior Commerce Editor



Epoque Evolution Jet Set Trousers

Epoque Evolution





During founder Nancy Taylor’s years spent designing clothes and working as a stylist, she felt as though there was a real change that needed to be made in terms of the sustainability of the industry. As a result, she launched Epoque Evolution six years ago to create a line of fashionable, functional, and eco-friendly products for every occasion.


“I’m a firm believer you can be both comfortable and stylish while traveling, so I’m a big fan of these trousers that feel like leggings but look a lot nicer. The pants are made with buttery recycled nylon and spandex, and they don’t have seams, so I never have to worry about my legs having indentations after a long flight. Epoque Evolution was founded in 2018 with sustainability in mind, and I’m also a big fan of the company’s push for eco-friendly clothing.” — Anna Popp, Commerce Writer



The Lip Bar Skin Trip Kit 

The Lip Bar





The Lip Bar began as a vegan lipstick brand helmed by entrepreneur Melissa Butler back in 2012, but since then, it has grown into a beauty powerhouse. Butler focuses on non-toxic products for as she remarks on the brand’s website, “non-toxic people.”


“Just like a flight, Melissa Butler’s moment might have been delayed when Shark Tank rejected her idea, but her adventure wasn’t denied. As CEO of The Lip Bar, Butler has turned that delay into a multi-million dollar brand sold across the country in stores like Target. The Skin Trip Kit is a must in my carry-on because it has everything you need to maintain a healthy skin routine on the go. From the makeup remover balm to the serum, drops are nourishing, hydrating, and gentle on your skin. It comes in a TSA-friendly clear case, too.” — Danielle Pointdujour, Senior Editor



Topicals Like Butter Kit 

Topicals





Topicals founder Olamide Olowe has been making a name for herself in the beauty industry ever since she launched her skincare brand back in 2020. After growing up with sensitive skin, Olowe took it upon herself to create a brand that prioritizes treating skin conditions without shame with its outspoken, joy-filled, and effective skincare. Oh, and as if she couldn’t be anymore impressive, she was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 List in 2022. 


“At just 27 years old, founder Olamide Olowe has already made a name for herself with her inclusive skincare brand, Topicals (actresses Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji, and the CEOs of Harry’s are among her investors). I can’t imagine traveling without Topicals’ Like Butter Kit. The mist and moisturizer are full of healthy ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, which keep my skin silky smooth, protected, and feeling like, well, butter.” — Danielle Pointdujour, Senior Editor



Wyatt Outdoors The Merle Fay Shirt

Wyatt Outdoors





As an outdoor enthusiast, Colleen Tuohy left her job in corporate America to create a travel garment brand, Wyatt Outdoors, which seamlessly combines fashion and functionality. As a result, she crafted a line of quick-drying, UPF 50+, and performance-driven clothes that are made to keep you cool, comfortable, and protected. Even more, she prioritizes the environment with her nature-first initiatives that include a portion of sales going back to Mother Nature. 


“Being outdoors, active, and looking good without having to fuss — that empowers me. I came across the female-owned Wyatt Outdoors at The Resort at Paws Up in Montana, and was immediately impressed. These pearl-snap shirts have a classic Western look, but — I love this part — they are actually UPF 50+, moisture-wicking, quick-dry sun shirts, and super soft to the touch. I can wear these on any outdoor assignment, from hiking with my dog upstate to riding a horse out West to reporting under the sun in Patagonia. Strong women supporting strong women — and to cap it off, these shirts are made in the U.S.” — Samantha Falewée, Senior Editor



Ceremonia The Waves and Curls Travel Kit

Ceremonia





Babba Rivera never saw herself represented in mainstream media growing up in Sweden. As a Latin American woman, Rivera sought to enact change in the beauty industry by connecting with her own Latinx roots to create the widely popular natural hair care brand: Ceremonia


“Founder and CEO, Babba Rivera, is no stranger to healthy, luxurious hair, being the daughter of a Chilean hairdresser — and she’s created my favorite natural hair care brand. Ceremonia was created to celebrate the richness of Latin culture, using ingredients that are clean, free of harmful toxins, and primarily sourced from the countries it represents. That’s why I never take a trip without The Waves and Curls Travel Kit, complete with the Champú de Yucca and Witch Hazel Shampoo, Acondicionador de Cupuaçu and Castor Conditioner, Pequi Curl Activator, and Aceite de Moska Scalp Remedy Oil. These products put me on a hair wellness journey, and now, can do the same for you.” — Editorial Assistant, Jessica Vadillo



Beek Finch Leather Toe Ring Sandal

Beek





Kenna Florie and Brigit Klett were friends long before they created their California-based sandal brand Beek in 2015. Klett, a designer, and Floire, the business mastermind behind the brand, came together to make comfortable and stylish sandals for anything from exploring a new town to jet-setting around the world. Even more, each sandal is hand-made in Mexico and Brazil and includes a molded arch for extra support on busy days.


“There are few things I love more than a tropical vacation, so I’m never not looking for a cute pair of sandals. Female-founded brand Beek makes unbelievably simple yet striking pairs, and they can be worn pretty much anywhere with anything. Plus, almost all the styles have flat soles so they’re an especially perfect option for cobblestoned destinations. I recently traveled to Rio and only packed these platinum Finch sandals and the sneakers I wore on the plane. You can’t go wrong whether paired with a swimsuit for beach mornings, a sundress for shopping afternoons, or a strapless dress for nights out. I’m eyeing the strappy Seriema ones next.” — Associate Editorial Director, Morgan Ashley Parker



Toptote

The Fileist





Regarded as the most notable invention for hats since the hat box, entrepreneur Lindsay Albanese created (and patented) the Toptote Hat Clip to make travelers’ days a bit easier. In fact, her brand, The Fileist, makes stylish travel accessories that aim to bring a bit of luxury to your travels or everyday routine. 


“When headed to all points south, where suncover is essential, I always bring a wide-brimmed hat. But I hated having my hat in hand or schlepping a hat box, no matter how elegant. With Toptote, I attach the hat holder to my carry-on and clip my bonnet in, leaving me free to carry more important things like my tickets, passport, iced coffee, and magazines.” Lisa Greissinger, Research Editor


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