You'll need: moisture-wicking clothes, portable fans, and more
Disney Travel Agent-Approved Packing Essentials
- Portable Cooling Relief: TriPole Mini Handheld Portable Fan, $10 (orig. $12)
- Expert-Loved Walking Shoes: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Shoes, $51–$165
- Breathable Fabric: Bjy Basic T-Shirt, $9–$10
- Thigh Chafing-Proof: Santiny Tennis Skort, $30
- Nonnegotiable Accessory: Charmast Portable Charger, $22 with Prime (orig. $26)
There’s a bliss that comes with going on vacation, but before you can kick back at the pool or tackle rides at a theme park, you need to complete the most daunting task: packing your suitcase.
If there’s anyone who knows how to plan a seamless vacation, it’s Disney travel agents — specifically, Michele Schwartz, CEO of Jet Setting with Me (and a previous Disney park cast member), as well as Amanda Reed, a travel agent for White Gloves Travel Co. who specializes in Disney trips. Whether you’re planning on going to Disney World or a destination where you’ll be on your feet for long periods of time, we learned all about the items they never go on vacation without, from walking shoes to portable fans. Bonus: Everything’s available at Amazon starting at $9.
Related: A Flight Attendant of 47 Years Shares Her Travel Essentials, Including Sandals She Can ‘Walk Miles in’ on Layovers
TriPole Mini Handheld Portable Fan
$12 $10 at Amazon
Reed and Schwartz say you can’t go to the park without a portable fan. This exact model is Reed’s go-to, but Schwartz prefers the Playhot Handheld Fan, adding that you should prioritize handheld models with adjustable speeds over neck fans. That way you can target specific areas on your body that are overheating and easily slip it into your purse when not in use.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 Shoes
$165 $51 at Amazon
Both travel agents rely on New Balance sneakers for long days on their feet and warn that you should stay away from sandals to avoid blisters. Reed swears by this sleek style, which she was able to wear straight out of the box and while walking 20,000+ steps.
“I usually tell my clients to never wear brand new shoes to the parks since it’s a sure way to end up with blisters, but these New Balances were like literal clouds on my feet,” she says.
Bjy Basic T-Shirt
$10 $9 at Amazon
Reed is at her “happiest” at the parks when wearing outfits that are simple and comfy. Cotton T-shirts, she says, are “key” for staying cool, especially in humid climates. Other fabrics like cotton-polyester blends or jersey knits can end up being a “nightmare” for trapping body heat, she explains. Plus, you can easily mix and match this top with other pieces in your suitcase, like a maxi skirt, denim shorts, or a skort.
Santiny Tennis Skort
$30 at Amazon
In terms of bottoms, Schwartz and Reed love skirts with built-in shorts, which can help prevent chafing and keep you cool (unlike thick denim). This style has a quick-drying material and pockets that allow you to keep your phone within reach — no purse necessary.
Grab these expert-approved travel essentials before your next trip, and keep reading to stock up on the rest of their picks, including a portable charger, a Popsocket (which Schwartz says “genuinely helps you take better photos”), sweat-proof sunscreen, and more.
Charmast Portable Charger
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Wiholl Two-Piece Skort Set
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PopSockets MagSafe Phone Grip
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Albry Disposable Rain Ponchos $9 at Amazon |
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen $19 at Amazon |
Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
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