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As we close up another year and start daydreaming more about our future travels, gear up with the most popular travel products with the TFG community from 2022!
2022 Travel Must Haves
Table Of Contents
TFG readers spent 2022 focusing on basic staples for travel as well as helpful gadgets, such as tees, cross body bags, luggage trackers, and more. Here are some of the bestselling products that have been trending this past year:
Shop Macy’s Charter Club Sweater: Sizes Regular XS-XXL | Plus 0X-3X
Cashmere – Top Favorite of the Year!
While merino wool reigns supreme for many travelers, some are allergic or don’t like wool; cashmere has always been a suitable replacement but a costly option in comparison.
It seems things have now changed, with new brands emerging and offering products with these natural fibers at relatively affordable price points. This includes the Quince Crewneck Cashmere Sweater and Macy’s Charter Club Cashmere Sweater (also available in plus sizes too) – which have become two of the most talked about cashmere products in the community this year!!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweater
Since at TFG, we don’t work with sponsors, and I prefer to buy the products we write about and feature on the blog, I took advantage of the Black Friday sales to stock up on reader must haves, but was still surprised to see quite a few cashmere items in my shopping cart!
Besides picking up the Macy’s Charter Club and Qunice crewneck, I also bought the Macy’s Charter Club 100% Cashmere Striped Sweater (similar) and the 100% Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater. Plus, I couldn’t resist the All Saints Ridley Wool-Cashmere Blend Funnel Neck Sweater, which is more of a personal favorite than a reader must have. Read this post to discover more cozy cashmere sweaters!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Terramar Thermasilk Pointelle Top | Pant
Silk Thermals for Winter
This past year, the TFG FB community had many fascinating discussions about the best fabric for thermals. Essentially, two sides were emerging, “Are you Team Silk, or are you Team Wool?” See that fun thread here (join the community if you haven’t yet!).
Long-term followers of TFG will know; I’m totally Team Wool. I LOVE my merino wool thermals and swear by them!
But all those discussions had me thinking, when did the Terramar Pointelle Silk Scoop Neck Top and matching Pants become SOO popular on the TFG blog and beat out thermals from established brands, such as ibex, Smartwool, and Icebreaker?
When it comes to silk, it’s an alternative fabric option, especially if you’re allergic to wool. Silk is a hollow fiber, making it warm despite its lightweight feel. Much like merino wool, it keeps you cool in spring and summer while emitting warmth in the fall and winter.
Read this winter packing list for cold weather!
I still swear by my fave merino wool set: the ibex Thermal Top and Bottom!
Overall, silk is not bulky, so easy to pack and wear beneath clothing while delivering an enormously warm punch, especially when paired with other naturally thermoregulating materials, such as a merino wool sweater or merino wool leggings.
I’ve owned a set of Terramar for over five years since I lived in the UK, and they’re always a must in my winter travel packing list to be layered under my all-time favorite ibex Merino Wool Thermal Top and Bottom. Read this post to see an extensive roundup of warm silk thermal underwear.
Chic Crossbody Purses
The popularity of cross body purses has not slowed in recent years due to the fact they make travel hands-free, and for safety reasons, they stay close to the body. New gems like the chic Lo&Sons Pearl Convertible Crossbody emerged as a reader favorite, with multiple pockets to organize items, the ability to wear it over the shoulder or dangle it from the wrist, and a gorgeous, sleek design makes this bag ideal for travel or for everyday use. Interestingly, sling bags also took off this year, mainly because they’re so versatile! Wearable as a belt bag or as across the body, they are ideal for general sightseeing.
Here are some tips on how to choose the best in-flight travel purse!
The Travelon Sling Bag combines safety features with style!
However, purse theft is still a safety concern for female travelers, especially when visiting Europe. So, while a cross body bag or slings are recommended by TFGs, ones with anti-theft features remain the top choice. For this reason, year after year, the Travelon Classic Messenger bag is always the most popular travel purse, according to readers. For something more compact, the Travelon Mini Shoulder Bag is the next favorite.
While an anti-theft purse isn’t necessary for travel, many women feel more comfortable knowing they have a slash-proof purse to protect their valuables. Read this post to learn more about anti-theft purses.
Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Bootie
Comfortable Boots
Readers have been loving boots, period! The biggest seller in 2022 is the Blondo Villa Waterproof Booties. They’re cute and comfy and will protect feet from inclement weather. The other sleek winner was the SUN + STONE Cadee Ankle Boots from Macy’s, which was a huge seller during the Black Friday Sales.
Find out what our TFG readers chose as the best womens waterproof leather boots!
Shop Sorel Hi-Line Lace Boot: Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos | Sorel
The TFG community also couldn’t get enough of trendy lug sole ankle boots, such as the military-style Sorel Waterproof Boot that’s pictured above, with a fun, chunkier sole. And while I was in Rome during the summer, I noticed a lot of locals wearing combat boots and mid-calf boots. I personally love my moto type boots and the combat style, and if it wasn’t so hot and I didn’t have too many destinations to hit, I would have worn a pair!
Overall, readers still love the classic styles, such as the Sorel Emelie Chelsea Boot and the Sorel Cate Chelsea Boot, both highly popular, plus waterproof and comfortable! But let’s not leave long boots out of the picture. Two popular ones in 2022 were Dr. Scholl’s Brilliant Riding Boots and Sam Edelman Penny Riding Boots. To explore more boots, read about women’s combat boots and top Chelsea boots.
J.Crew Long Sleeve Cotton T-Shirt
Versatile Long Sleeve T-Shirts
Tees are a staple for just about everyone’s wardrobe, and a chic, classic style can work extremely well for travel because you can mix and match it with just about anything. While classic short sleeve t-shirts are consistently popular with readers, this year, the long-sleeve tee popped up on reader must have lists month after month!
Dress it up or down; the readers adored the J. Crew Cotton Crewneck Long Sleeve. It’s soft, cozy, light, and excellent for layering. Review this post for a whole round-up of long sleeve tees.
Shop Sizes XXS-3X: Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee
But, if you want some popular short-sleeves to close out the year, must-have styles are the Madewell Cotton Pocket Tee and the L.L. Bean Prima Cotton T-shirt (available in regular, petite, and plus sizes), made from merino wool were standouts! You also can never go wrong with a timeless white t-shirt; see this roundup of clean white tees for the best!
Apple Airtags | Also at: Target
Must-Have Travel Accessories
2022 became the summer of revenge travel, and TFG readers also took advantage and booked trips. But with overrun airlines and airports, one concern that popped up was lost luggage. That’s when the Apple Airtag luggage tracker and the Airtag 4-pack became popular in the community.
It’s easy to use, too; simply connect it to the Find My app, and it’ll track any belonging with incredible precision – even if you’re on a different continent! For non-iPhone users, TFGs recommended the Galaxy SmartTag or the TilePro tracker (compatible with both Android and iOS). Read this post to see a full range of luggage trackers and tags!
During the Prime Sale in October, this Anker portable charger was a massive hit! It’s one of the most popular portable chargers for its lightweight and slim size, fast charging capabilities, and durable design. A travel must-have for sure!
Readers were also obsessed with the Face Shadow eyeglass pouch, which is not only protective and absolutely adorable (with a huge range of colors and patterns) but has slots for two pairs of glasses! And we can’t forget about the trtl pillow, the ultimate travel pillow that’s scientifically proven to support your head and neck as you snooze at 36,000 feet!
Cute and Comfy White Sneakers
When I was traveling around Europe last summer, white sneakers continued to dominate what locals and tourists were wearing. They’ve been popular globally for some time now, and the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
By far, the biggest seller on the blog is the Taos Footwear Star Sneaker!! The canvas leather and removable footbed make them ideal for travel or everyday wear. There’s also a leather style of Taos sneakers that are slightly more polished looking and a bit easier to keep clean!
Other popular ones are the Allbirds Merino Wool Piper Sneakers, the Cloudfoam Advantage Sneaker, and the Vionic Aura Paisley Lace Up Sneaker, which is a bit more sporty looking but still stylish. See this post for the best white sneakers readers adore!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Quince Australian Merino Wool Sweater
Quince – Fresh New Travel Brand!
Every so often, readers will sing the praises of new finds, and this year’s breakout is Quince. Why you may ask? This company specializes in quality clothing, and it’s well-known that travelers turn to reliable products that have longevity. Quince’s cornerstone is affordable cashmere.
If you’re a die-hard wool fan, these merino wool sweaters won’t let you down when it’s cold out!
Shop Sizes XS-3XL: BALEAF Fleece Lined Leggings
Cozy Fleece Lined Leggings
When chilly weather comes around, TFGs turn to thermals, but a newly talked about item amongst the community is fleece lined leggings! They’re quite versatile for the fall or winter months and make a terrific layering item too!
The BALEAF Fleece-Lined Leggings are super popular with readers due to their brushed, soft lining and cozy, warm feel. You can wear these by layering them with lightweight thermals or wear them alone.
Take a look at these reader favorites to find the best travel leggings for your next adventure!
Shop Sizes XXS-XL: Carovia Fleece Lined Yoga Pants
I ordered the Carovia Fleece Lined Leggings for a winter trip to Deer Valley, Utah. I wasn’t planning to go skiing, so I wanted clothing that would be cozy to wear inside the cabin, and this fit the bill.
I prefer these fleece leggings to the Angelina brand because the fabric is smooth on the exterior, so the fabric feels more durable, and they can double up as regular leggings. Read this post for more warm fleece lined leggings for winter!
Shop Travelpro Maxlite 5 19”: Amazon | Travelpro
Lightweight Luggage
Readers were back into traveling full swing and grabbing up favorite luggage, such as the Travelpro Maxlite 5 softside 19” and the Delsey Paris Helium Aero hardside 19” suitcases being the most popular.
We’ve rounded up the best lightweight luggage. And the best part? They’re all under 5 lbs!
With my Lo& Sons O.G. Tote, Away Carryon Suitcase, and wearing Agolde Jeans with Nike Sneakers
The Lo&Sons O.G. 2.0 Tote Bag was also a must-get item for its trolley sleeve, organizational pockets, and 13” laptop sleeve. I bought the O.G. 2 tote in the Grey/Silver Azure color in the Large size. Another huge draw in 2022 is the luggage brand Away. I finally went ahead and purchased their suitcase that’s a hot topic in the TFG FB community: the Away Expandable Small Carryon! I went for the Coast color.
I was excited to try it out when I was going to travel for a speaking engagement, and I did an Away carryon suitcase unpacking video featuring my easy packing hack for conferences! A few readers were asking to see inside the bag so I put this video together to show you the interior of the bag plus the clothes I brought for a 4-day conference in Memphis as well. Read this post for all the international carryon suitcase recommendations!
Product Comparison Chart
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What travel products did you discover in 2022? Share your picks in the comments!
If you enjoy reading about the latest and greatest travel products beloved by the TFG community, look back at the archive of Reader Must Have Posts that are published monthly!
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