The demanding nature of contemporary culinary journalism, which involves identifying premier dining establishments and accommodations for gastronomes worldwide, necessitates extensive travel. For professionals like the Bon Appétit (BA) team, weeks on the road are not uncommon, often involving rigorous schedules that blend professional scouting with personal well-being. Joseph Hernandez, BA’s culture director, for instance, maintained such a frenetic pace zigzagging across the country to scout for BA’s 2026 Best New Restaurants list that his presence in the NYC office was a rarity between March and May. This relentless pursuit of culinary excellence underscores the critical need for travel gear that is not only robust and practical but also contributes significantly to efficiency and comfort. Over the years, the BA team has accumulated an impressive arsenal of travel hacks and product recommendations, born from countless miles logged and diverse experiences encountered. These insights, shared by senior editors and scouts, highlight a strategic approach to travel that prioritizes preparedness, comfort, and the ability to seamlessly transition from airport to esteemed restaurant.
The Intensifying Demands of Culinary Travel
The role of a culinary editor or restaurant scout has evolved beyond mere appreciation of food; it requires an acute understanding of global trends, logistics, and the ability to perform under pressure across various time zones. With the global culinary tourism market projected to reach significant figures, and business travel for media professionals a constant, the need for optimized travel solutions is paramount. The meticulous process of compiling prestigious lists like BA’s Best New Restaurants demands that scouts are always at their best, meaning their travel experience must be as streamlined and stress-free as possible. From enduring long-haul flights to navigating bustling cityscapes and arriving fresh for high-profile reservations, every element of their journey is scrutinized. The collective wisdom of the BA team points to a curated selection of items that address common travel woes, ensuring they remain productive, comfortable, and presentable.
Strategic Luggage for the Modern Globetrotter
A fundamental aspect of efficient travel, especially for professionals on tight schedules, is reliable luggage. The BA team emphasizes the importance of durable, lightweight, and intelligently designed bags that facilitate a carry-on-only approach whenever possible. This preference is often rooted in past experiences, such as Abbey Stone, shopping and reviews lead, recounting a trip to Amsterdam where her checked luggage was delayed in Moscow for four days. Such incidents highlight the tangible benefits of keeping essentials close at hand.
Olivia Tarantino, senior shopping and reviews editor, champions Quince suitcases, owning both carry-on and large check-in models. She attests to their exceptional maneuverability and capacity, noting how her carry-on once "took off down the street" due to its effortlessly rolling wheels. Beyond mobility, the interior organization, featuring "smart pockets and sturdy interior dividers," ensures contents remain secure and rattle-free, even when packing for extended trips requiring varied attire, including black-tie ensembles. This capacity for organization and robust construction, while remaining "shockingly lightweight," aligns with the needs of travelers who must pack diverse wardrobes and tools without incurring excess baggage fees or physical strain.
Echoing the carry-on imperative, Abbey Stone relies on the Portland Gear Cascade collection. Her choice underscores the dual requirement of ample storage and ease of navigation through busy airports. The lightweight nature of the suitcase and the top-opening design of the backpack for quick access to essentials are features that minimize friction in fast-paced travel environments. This strategic selection of luggage reflects a broader trend among frequent flyers to invest in gear that supports agility and independence, mitigating the risks associated with checked baggage delays.
Maintaining Professionalism and Personal Well-being En Route
The transition from a long flight to an immediate professional engagement, such as a restaurant reservation, demands attire that is both comfortable for travel and stylish enough for public appearances. Kate Kassin, restaurant scout and edit operations manager, addresses this challenge with her "perfect plane pants"—Reformation Olina Linen Pants. These trousers, with their elevated linen fabric, drawstring waist, and soft texture, offer the comfort of athleisure without compromising on a polished aesthetic, allowing for a seamless shift from air travel to a multi-course meal. This sartorial choice highlights a practical solution for professionals who need to maintain a sophisticated image even after hours of transit.
Physical well-being is also a critical consideration. Abbey Stone integrates versatile workout apparel into her carry-on, opting for Left On Friday bike shorts that fold up compactly. This dual-purpose gear allows her to maintain a fitness routine, providing a necessary balance to an itinerary often filled with "multicourse tasting menus." The emphasis on small, multi-functional items reflects a mindful approach to health and luggage space.
In-flight comfort is further enhanced by specialized accessories. Ali Inglese, senior director of video, extols the Trtl Neck Pillow, crediting it with transforming her ability to sleep on planes. Its unique design provides secure head support without bulk, and its packable nature makes it an ideal carry-on item. Coupled with Abbey Stone’s Quince Bali Polarized Acetate Sunglasses, which serve to "keep the vibe mellow and relaxed" during unwanted cabin lighting, these items collectively contribute to maximizing rest and minimizing jet lag, crucial for maintaining peak performance. The airline environment, characterized by dry air and confined spaces, often exacerbates skin issues. Kate Kassin combats this with Tower 28 SOS Spray, a hypochlorous acid mist that revives "decrepit skin" and offers a refreshing sensation. This targeted skincare solution addresses a common, yet often overlooked, travel ailment, emphasizing holistic self-care. Furthermore, Kassin’s choice of Salt & Stone Mini Deodorant Discovery Set illustrates a meticulous approach to space-saving toiletries, crucial for adhering to carry-on liquid restrictions while maintaining personal freshness. These mini deodorants offer variety and convenience, taking up "a fraction of the space of a regular-size deodorant."
Connectivity and Global Power Solutions
In an increasingly connected world, staying powered and entertained is non-negotiable for frequent travelers. Kelsey Jane Youngman, senior cooking editor, relies on the Twelve South AirFly Pro 2, a wireless headphone adapter that seamlessly links her wireless headphones to in-flight entertainment systems. This small device eliminates tangled cords and provides consistent audio quality, enhancing the travel experience by allowing uninterrupted access to media. Its compact size and long battery life make it an indispensable tech accessory, reflecting the modern traveler’s preference for wireless convenience.
For global connectivity, Youngman also highlights the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter. This single device features four built-in plugs compatible with over 200 countries, alongside multiple USB-A and USB-C ports. Its ability to charge up to six devices simultaneously transforms hotel nightstands or airport lounges into personal power hubs, a significant advantage given the often limited charging options available while traveling. This universal adapter minimizes the need for multiple bulky chargers, streamlining packing and ensuring devices remain operational across international borders.
Curated Culinary and Hydration Essentials
For individuals deeply entrenched in the food industry, personal culinary preferences and routines extend to their travels. Chris Morocco, food director, exemplifies this with his AeroPress Coffee Maker Go. This portable espresso maker guarantees a consistent, high-quality cup of coffee, irrespective of hotel amenities or local coffee shop availability. For a food director whose palate is finely tuned, leaving coffee to chance is simply not an option, highlighting the professional’s dedication to maintaining sensory standards.
Hydration is another critical component of mitigating travel fatigue. Kelsey Jane Youngman tackles the dehydrating effects of flying with True Citrus True Lime Powder packets. These TSA-friendly packets provide an "acidic punch" to plain sparkling water, offering a refreshing and flavorful alternative to sugary drinks and addressing the common phenomenon of dulled taste buds during flights. Kate Kassin further reinforces the hydration strategy with Plant People WonderHydrate Electrolyte Gummies. These lychee-flavored gummies, combined with regular water intake, help combat dehydration, reduce headaches, and minimize puffiness, allowing for a more refreshed arrival.
Strategic snacking is equally important for maintaining energy and warding off sub-par airplane food. Kate Kassin’s Modern Picnic Snacker, an insulated zippered pouch, keeps her "edible travel essentials" organized and fresh. This includes her preferred Simple Trail Cardamom Crunch Granola Mini, a nutrient-dense blend of buckwheat groats, seeds, and spices that provides sustained energy. For those who prioritize specific dietary habits, Kassin also packs Pique Organic Sun Goddess Matcha single-serving packets. These pre-portioned, easily dissolvable matcha powders ensure she can maintain her morning ritual, providing access to "good matcha" even when traditional coffee shop options are unavailable or unsatisfactory.
The Broader Implications for Modern Travelers
The meticulously chosen travel essentials of Bon Appétit editors offer valuable lessons for any frequent traveler, irrespective of their profession. Their selections underscore a broader evolution in travel philosophy, moving beyond basic packing to a more strategic, comfort- and efficiency-driven approach. The emphasis on multi-functional items, robust yet lightweight luggage, personalized comfort solutions, and reliable tech connectivity reflects a growing demand for products that enhance the overall travel experience.
The implications of these choices extend to improved productivity, reduced stress, and enhanced personal well-being, all of which are crucial for professionals whose work involves constant movement and critical assessment. By sharing their tried-and-true items, the Bon Appétit team not only provides practical recommendations but also illuminates the intricate demands of their high-stakes profession, demonstrating how thoughtful preparation and the right gear are indispensable tools for success in the dynamic world of global culinary exploration.
