After spending two weeks in Europe, I’ve become something of a travel expert. Two countries and four cities later, I’ve mastered the art of packing the perfect vacation wardrobe. So, I'm sharing the must-have vacation essentials I found hiding in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
To make sure you look good on the go, I perused more than 40 pages of discounted finds in Nordstrom's massive sale. Capsule wardrobes are great when you’re filling your suitcase, but there are a ton of other essentials you need that you may not have thought of. The Anniversary Sale is running through Sunday, August 4, so you still have time to stock up before your end-of-summer travel plans kick off.
My picks include carry-on suitcases and weekender bags perfect for a quick getaway. But because what goes in the suitcase is equally important, I also rounded up comfortable sneakers you can wear to the airport; luxury beauty sets that include enough travel-sized minis to upgrade your skincare routine on-the-go (hello, Tom Ford perfume set!); and a few other accessories you need, like a cell phone purse that keeps your essentials close.
Keep scrolling to shop 44 of the best editor-approved finds. If you find something you love, don’t wait—these deals tend to sell out within a few hours of going live.
Best Travel Essential Deals (So Far)
- Best Travel Clothing Deal: Nordstrom Pull Through Travel Scarf (Was $69), $50
- Best Travel Beauty Deal: NuFACE Trinity+ Smart Advanced Facial Toning Starter Kit ($395 Value), $265
- Best Travel Luggage Deal: Nordstrom Initial Rectangular Jewelry Box (Was $25), $15
- Best Travel Accessory Deal: Franco Sarto Matera Sneakers (Were $120), $70
Best Travel Clothing Deals
Upgrade your airport outfit rotation this summer. Silk pajamas from Lunya easily pass as a chic matching set, and slender black sweats replace black leggings as a travel go-to.
This scarf-sweater hybrid is made from lightweight, wooly cotton that will keep you warm on chilly long-haul flights.
Eschew your regular leggings with pocket look at wear this set from Lunya instead. Yes, they're technically pajamas, but they're cute enough to be worn outside of the bedroom.
This crease-proof cropped jacket from Rails is perfect for layering or throwing over your shoulders on a flight where temps vary.
Slim sweats like these are basically the comfier version of black jeans. The cropped silhouette is perfect to wear with chunky socks and sneakers.
Barefoot Dreams' selection is what, excuse the pun, dreams are made of. Shop this set in four colors.
Layer this oversized sweater from Topshop over a white tee for a chic travel ensemble. It's also available in white and lilac.
Give your all-black travel outfit a day off with this gray shacket. This design is great for travel because it's more lightweight than a traditional sweater or hoodie and can be layered more easily.
If you're traveling for work, this pair of pants from Open Edit is perfect for going from the plane to meetings. They won't wrinkle and are comfortable enough to travel in or wear to the office.
Layer on this chunky sweater from Treasure & Bond, available in a few colors. You can tie it around your shoulders, too, if the temperature changes.
Bras might not be a travel essential, but this one is. I own it in a few colors and swear by it for long days. It has a virtually invisible look and feel that won't dig in, rub, bulge, or bunch, and it's full-coverage enough that I don't ever have to worry about a wardrobe mishap.
Traveling in leggings or sweatpants isn't for everyone. This pair of trousers from Treasure & Bond are comfortable enough to fly in but also work for the office.
How luxe do these cashmere pajamas look? They're like cashmere socks but for your whole body.
Best Travel Beauty Deals
Your on-the-go beauty routine has never looked so good. Sets from Tom Ford, Augustinus Bader, Jo Malone and more will guarantee that. Now is the best time to stock up on light fragrances for the summertime, sheet masks that keep your skin in top shape, and eye creams that fight dehydration.
I packed this NuFACE with me for my wedding and used it on the day. It was lightweight and easy to pack (and really worked to snatch my jawline). Nordstrom also has a smaller one on sale, too.
If you can't stand to part with your Tom Ford perfume while you're on vacation, this mini set of three is perfect. It contains a travel-sized Lost Cherry, a travel-sized Electric Cherry perfume, and a travel-sized Cherry Smoke perfume.
Yves Saint Laurent's Libre Eau De Parfum is a spicy orange blossom and lavender blend. This set includes a full-size bottle, a travel bag, and a chic companion clutch.
Elevate your travel skincare routine by opting for this set from La Mer. It includes favorites like the iconic The Moisturizing Cream and the The Renewal Oil Face Oil to keep skin looking its best.
I gifted these Augustinus Bader to my bridesmaids and they were the best part of my prep routine. This set of five is perfect for applying on the plane to combat the dry air.
Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair range is second to none, so invest in this eye cream set and give your under eyes new life.
Sunscreen is a must-buy in the summer, but it's especially important if you're going to spend time in the sun on vacation. This duo from Supergoop will keep your skin safe.
Another day, another Jo Malone fragrance I love. This floral scent one is a favorite of Sofia Richie Grainge.
These deodorants are just like perfume in solid form. Keep one in your carry-on, or split it up so you have one stashed in each bag.
Fashion insiders love Le Labo, and this set of three lets you test-run some of their best-selling perfumes on-the-go.
Travel beauty is all about ease, and it doesn't get easier than these eyeshadow sticks from Bobbi Brown. They blend quickly and can be used as a liner or a shadow.
Packing a hair tool on vacation might seem silly, but this one is versatile. You can give yourself a gentle bend in the hair (or even a more structured curl) and boost volume at the root.
Use the Nordstrom sale to update your home and travel skincare routines. This duo set from La Mer is on sale (the luxe brand never is).
I love this Tom Ford eyeshadow palette even when I'm not traveling. This set also includes two pint-sized lipsticks for day-to-night appeal.
Show your hands some love this travel season with this set from fan-favorite brand L'Occitane. It includes cuticle oil and two hand creams.
Travel Luggage Deals
When was the last time you bought a new suitcase? Or when was the last time you even thought about the state of your luggage? it's (probably) been years. Tote bags from Longchamp and duffels from Beis and Herschel Supply Co. are here to help.
Step away from the tangled mess that is your jewelry collection and organize it with this jewelry box from Nordstrom's own brand.
Or, play with some color via this baby pink Béis tote. The long silhouette will expertly conceal your laptop and other essentials.
Longchamp is the brand behind my favorite laptop backpacks, but this expandable tote from the line has been a favorite of mine for years. It's downright massive when it's fully un-zipped, but can neatly fold away when needed, too.
If you're in the market for a new carry-on suitcase, I recommend this one from Monos. The silver color and hardshell finish are the perfect combination between sturdy and chic.
This duffle is perfect for shorter trips on its own, but it easily slides onto your carryon thanks to a sleeve at the back.
On the luxe end of the travel spectrum sits this silver option from Tumi. The inside is designed for organization, and the lightweight silhouette makes overpacking a distant memory.
For a classic look, consider this duffel bag from Herschel Supply Co. Its bottom has a dedicated sleeve for shoes, so your clothes don't get crinkled or dirty.
If you're a bonafide light packer, this Herschel Supply Co. duffle is perfect. It comes in two colors: bright pink and this black flora print.
Travel Accessory Deals
I've found every travel accessory you didn't know you needed, like phone purses and crossbody travel bags. Also on this list are leather phone cases and trendy sneakers that will upgrade your experience en route.
Or. opt for a pair of white sneakers to keep your outfits looking fresh. This pair from Franco Sarto is perfectly priced.
Leave your wallet at home with confidence. This matching leather Magsafe wallet keeps everything you need at the ready.
Never worry about losing your phone again. This phone case from MAISON de SABRÉ is made from luxe leather and has a length that can keep your phone close.
A crossbody bag makes traveling hands-free a very real possibility. This one is in the same gray nylon material as the above duffle so you can easily match your look.
Silk hair ties make any day feel more elevated. This set from BLISSY also includes an eye mask so you can imagine you're at home, not in a hotel room.
Crossbody bags are the best option for traveling because they hold a lot without adding bulk. This one comes in black or white.
If you want a bag that works for day or night on vacation, consider this woven one from Madewell.
Or, opt for a tote like this one from Allsaints. Available in two colors—tan and white—it's the perfect companion for long-haul trips.
Having a belt bag like this one can guarantee your items are kept close to your chest—literally. Made from lightweight nylon, it won't add weight to your luggage.
