Are you planning for an upcoming trip but are in dire need of a few last minute items? Are you finding it hard to find travel essentials that were created with you in mind? We’ve come up with a list of 18 black-owned travel essentials that are sure to take care of all your needs.
Hat Umbrella (Hairbrella)
Nothing hurts more than walking out of the salon with a fresh silk press and into thunder and rain.
Tracey Pickett created Hairbella, a fashionable umbrella/hat intended to protect your hair–any style, length or texture. Great for unexpected rain leaving the hotel or restaurant.
Sunscreen
It’s a huge misconception amongst some in the African American community that we don’t need sunscreen. The fact is, we do. Despite having increased melanin, we are still prone to skin cancer if we don’t take care of ourselves. Black-owned Unsun Cosmetics has a Tinted Mineral Sunscreen made for people of color. They also offer SPF 15 hand creams and SPF 18 lip tints to keep the entire body safe from harmful UV Rays. The fact that their products are well under the TSA regulated size limit of 1.9 oz, they are a perfect addition to your carry-on.
Business Card Holder
Want to make a good impression at your work conference this summer? How about a stylish business card holder? These business card cases by Casauri are large enough to fit just about any size card. The company also sells ID cases and accessory pouches.
Luggage Tags — One of Our Favorite Black-Owned Travel Essentials
Pick a phrase: Live, Love, Travel or Keep Calm and #Bookdatisht, doesn’t matter, they both look good on a luggage tag from Traveling Esquire. Each luggage tag comes with a matching passport holder to make it even easier to identify your luggage at the baggage claim.
Naturalista Passport Cover
Speaking of passport covers, I’d love to shock a TSA employee when I hand them this bold natural hair passport cover that somewhat resembles me. Gem From Rock uplifts women through art with items you can take just about anywhere–pillows, tote bags and personalized makeup bags with your name on them.
Backpacks
The #ICanDoAnything backpack is the perfect accessory for kid travelers who like to see themselves in their accessories. Blended Designs’ founder Casey was inspired by the idea of her son wanting a backpack that looked just like him, so she created these awesome bags to motivate and support students of color. Some of the backpacks can be customized as well as their other blankets, lunch boxes, fanny packs, totes, and compact mirrors.
Waterproof Travel Bag
Kingdom of Melanin travel bags come in different styles and for those who want to represent where they’re from, you can get one of their waterproof travel bags with your nation’s flag. Current flag designs include Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Grenada, and many other countries around the world. Enjoy their large duffle bag suitable as a carry-on for size purposes. Check out Tami Roman modeling one of their signature Queen bags.
Pins, Patches & Keychains — One of the Best Travel Essentials
Do it for the culture wherever you are with one of these unapologetically black pins and patches from Coloring Pins. Founder Essence Hayes wanted to create pins and keychains that she, as a Black woman, could actually connect with. My favorites are the Don’t Touch My Hair keychain, the Deadass patch, and the coconut oil pin, which would look great on my denim jacket.
Clutches & Fannypacks
Travel with this one of a kind clutch from Kashmirviii. The hand-drawn illustrations inspired by your favorite movies, musicians and sitcoms are sure to turn heads. Designs include Insecure, Beyonce, Girlfriends, House Party, Wakanda, Lil Kim, Notorious BIG, Tupac, and more. The I’m a Lady Clutch Bundle features the “You Ain’t Gotta Lie” Craig bags from the movie Friday and three others for $90. It’s on sale so you better grab it now!
Wet Bathing Suit Bag
You never know how much you need something until someone makes it. Take this wet bathing suit bag from Effie’s Paper, for example. No more walking back to the hotel in your wet bathing suit or putting your wet bikini in your beach bag with all of your dry clothes. It’s also perfect as a clutch or small back for your toiletry items. These wet bathing suit bags are multi-functional and super cute.
Burke Avenue Moisturizing Shave Cream
The Burke Avenue skin collection offers real results with real ingredients like avocado oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and aloe vera. The moisturizing shave cream comes in a TSA-approved size, so it’s great to throw in your carry-on. Their 3-1 face balm is just a few inches bigger, but you may be able to get away with it at certain airports.
Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Two years ago, I wanted to start using more natural, plant-based products on my skin and body, so I picked up Native’s aluminum-free deodorant. Aside from staying dry and keeping fresh, there are major health benefits to aluminum-free products. Their sample pack has five scents – Cucumber & Mint, Lavender & Rose, Aloe & Eucalyptus, Vanilla & Rose, and Coconut & Vanilla – and comes in a convenient travel size for $25. They’ll surely last you for a few trips.
Headache Relief
Ease your headache or migraine on vacation in a natural way. Try the “headache eraser” by Urban Serenite, an herbal, chemical-free roll-on that helps relieve stress tension, migraines, and sinus headaches. Just apply a few dabs to your temples, massage it in and get back to the fun.
Hot Head Deep Conditioning Cap
After hitting the beach for hours, my natural tresses could use some nourishment. I can do all of that and more with the Hot head microwavable deep conditioning cap by Thermal Hair Care. It doesn’t get as hot as your at home stand-up dryer, but it still leaves your hair soft and manageable.
Rose Gold Razor
If I ever wanted to purchase something for the sole purpose of having it, it would be this beautiful Rose Gold Single Blade Razor from Oui Shave. For $75, it’s lightweight, easy to use and great for sensitive skin. This razor gives a glamorous look to shaving compared to the cheap store-bought brands.
Daily Aloe Vera Gel Moisturizer — Another of Many Black-Owned Travel Essentials
Rejuvenate and protect your skin with this water-based face jelly moisturizer from Base Butter. It’s made with nutrients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, lavender oil, and primrose oil. For best results, make sure you shake the 2 oz jar before each use.
Nude Undergarments
It’s time to slip on your sexy dress for the captain’s dinner but your bra is still showing through your white dress and your department store “nude” tights are too light for your skin tone. Nubian Skin hosiery and lingerie is changing the definition of nude with more inclusive colors for women of color. What’s your color – berry, cinnamon or caramel?
Customizable Journal
This personalized hardcover journal reminded me of the jar of motivational quotes and sayings I received from my family before I went off to college. I couldn’t take the jar everywhere, but to have a journal as a constant reminder for inspiration is great. It’s also the perfect way to jot down those special travel memories.
