What Nathan Lump of ‘Travel + Leisure’ Can’t Fly Without

For most travel, I use this Aero tote bag that qualifies as vintage now, but it’s a great carry-on. It’s a super-versatile bag that ages beautifully. It actually works for most quick trips as the only bag I bring.

If I really need a larger carry-on roller, I use my Rimowa, which is super simple and lightweight and actually attractive — and then if I’m on a longer trip where I do need to check a bag, I’ll use my Tumi international expandable carry-on.

I’ve been using these earplugs for years. I have trouble sleeping on planes without being very careful and came upon these years ago — they’re the most effective in terms of creating a true silent space on a plane. A lot of the editors at T+L use them. They’re comfortable and more effective than foam earplugs because the silicone molds to your inner ear in a more complete way.

I don’t always travel with a portable speaker, but when I have a bit of extra space, I use this one. I spend a ton of time in hotel rooms, and it’s nice to be able to customize your space. What I like about this one is that it’s relatively small and has good sound. Plus, it’s lightweight and waterproof, in case you ever bring it near a pool or beach.

I wear glasses and travel with a lot of devices, so I always have to clean surfaces. I like these because they work so nicely and come in these attractive pouches in lots of different patterns, like stripes or camo.

It’s very important to moisturize on planes because the air can be so dehydrating. I like this for a few reasons: It’s lightweight and comes in a little flat pouch, as opposed to a tube or bottle, which makes it very packable because it’s flat. Also, you have zero wastage compared to a tube, which doesn’t let you squeeze out every last bit.

I don’t travel with makeup, but I like this case because it helps me keep everything I want to keep at the ready. I’ll put my passport, earplugs, sanitizer, and a wipe or two in this pouch, so when I get to my seat, all I have to do is pull the pouch out and I’ve got it right near me, instead of in my carry-on.

I have tested a lot of Dopps over the years, and I have a preference for ones that allow you to easily see and access all the things inside without rummaging. I like that this one sits flat and can unzip all the way around. I move hotels a lot and don’t really get to unpack and settle, so it’s nice not to have to take everything out and put it back in.

I’m reasonably obsessed with staying healthy, and probiotics are helpful not just for digestion, but for the whole body (I believe). This stuff I take around with me actually needs to be refrigerated, so you know the bacteria are still alive, but it keeps me on form and virus-resistant.

I dress when I travel and always wear a jacket to make myself presentable, but you still have to stay comfortable. This is actually a knit that looks like a blazer, but feels like a sweater, so you can fold it up and stow it without having it wrinkle. You could also wear it with a shirt and tie and dress trousers, for a business look that’s great for going straight from the plane to a meeting.

This is what I’m traveling with now because with travel reading, I like things that are relatively easy to dip in and out of (short stories work well). Gaiman did this retelling of famous Norse mythological tales that are really engrossing and entertaining. And a relatively little-known fact about me is my university degree in folklore and mythology, so I have an abiding love for those.

On a long flight, I like to change clothes because psychologically, it gets you into sleep mode and keeps your clothes fresher if you’re not sleeping in them, obviously. Hanro makes some of the best undergarments in the world — they’re so comfortable, and not too formal, and not too “old man.” The jersey wears nicely over time, too.

For me, I’ve traveled with a shoe horn for many years because they’re so helpful. Even at TSA pre-check, you have to take your shoes off, and then when you’re on an airplane and your feet swell, you need assistance getting your shoes back on. I wear good shoes (see my earlier comments about dressing up), so I’d rather not ruin my Crockett & Jones trying to jam my foot in. This one is simple and not plastic, which I like, but not big, which a lot of men’s shoe horns are. It’s great for travel.