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25 Essential New York City Stores to Shop Before a Vacation

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Welcome to Racked's first annual Travel Week. Over the next five days, roughly half of our content will be devoted to everything you need to know about traveling to and from New York City—whether you're entertaining out-of-towners, killing time at the airport, or planning the ultimate staycation.


Tumi via WWD

Let's face it: we've all been guilty of being a last-minute packer at some point in our lives—throwing everything into a ratty old suitcase or duffel bag from a high school sports team a couple hours before takeoff, forgetting a toothbrush or socks in the process, and then having to throw away an expensive hairspray bottle at security because it's larger than 3.4 ounces. But with all the New York destinations for travel shopping, there are more than a few reasons to look forward to packing.

In honor of Travel Week, here are 25 of the best stores to hit up before hailing a cab to JFK or LaGuardia. This list goes waaay beyond the basic suitcase stores to cover everything (no seriously, everything) that might be needed for a getaway—that includes beauty products, reading material, entertainment for kids, and even extra underwear. Check out the map after the jump to see where to pick up the essential travel goodies and more. Is a favorite spot not included? Let us know in the comments section below.


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SpaceNK

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This branch of the high-end London beauty chain opened its doors three years ago, joining locations in Soho and within Bloomingdale's. Stop by for your favorite products from Oribe, Serge Normant, Malin + Goetz, and more, all in FDA-friendly sizes. [Photo]

Longchamp

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We're not sure why this hasn't been made official, but the ubiquitous Le Pliage nylon tote bag is the perfect travel companion. It's lightweight, stores under airplane seats, and folds away for easy packing. But check out the rest of the French brand's offerings for other luxe luggage options, too. [Photo]

Pesca Boutique

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If sun and sand are the purpose of your travel, make Pesca your one pre-flight stop for beachwear. In-store swimwear experts will help you find the perfect fit from brands like Beach Bunny, Trina Turk, and Racked favorite Mara Hoffman. [Photo]

Moleskine

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Why shouldn't your travel diary be as luxurious as your travel? Stop by the brand's first standalone stateside store pre-trip for leather journals and luggage tags, and return afterwards for their photo albums. [Photo]

The Tumi Store

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So maybe luggage brands aren't your area of expertise, but we bet you've heard of top-of-the-line Tumi. Head to this brand new 1,800 square-foot flagship location to get your travel gear monogrammed right before your eyes. [Photo]

Louis Vuitton

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If a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk doesn't scream luxury travel, we don't know what does—however, they're not the most practical option for airport travel these days. Instead, opt for their rolling or soft-sided luggage as well as makeup, watch, and tie cases in the monogram or checkerboard prints. [Photo]

Brookstone

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The chain carries everything and anything you could need for travel: luggage, chargers, passport carriers—the list goes on. But it made our list for their travel accessories, like the Nap travel blanket and the Tempur-pedic neck pillow. You couldn't get more comfortable with these items—even in a middle seat in coach. [Photo]

Rain or Shine

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If you're headed to a notable rainy destination (like Seattle or London), you'll need to shield yourself from the elements in style. Rain or Shine bills itself as the only store of its kind in the country, with all kinds of umbrellas and parasols for both men and women in a bunch of colors and patterns. [Photo]

MUJI Times Square

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This NYC flagship in the New York Times building has the biggest selection of their ultra-affordable travel-size bottles, so you can just squeeze your shampoo into these instead of buying its smaller version. They've also got you covered with luggage, neck pillows, travel cases, and more. If you haven't thought of what you might need for travel, Muji has. [Photo]

B&H Photo Video

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Document your trip with something fancier than your iPhone and Instagram. This New York institution is the first stop for professional photographers to pick out new equipment—and why not use the best, whether you're photographing the pyramids or Pensacola? [Photo]

Journelle

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Heed Mom's advice and always pack extra underwear. This NYC flagship carries top-of-the-line underthings from Cosabella, Elle McPherson, and Hanky Panky, as well as the store's signature line. [Photo]

Kidding Around

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If you're traveling with little ones, the thought of an overseas plane ride might make you run to the liquor store for travel-sized vodka. But instead, head to one of the city's best toy stores and pick up entertainment like travel-sized Mastermind, a travel easel, and mini magnetic sketchers. [Photo]

Shoegasm

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Traveling means lots of walking, and lots of walking means flats. Stock up on everything from ballet flats to brogues at affordable prices. And check out their other locations in Flatiron and Tribeca, since they all carry different merchandise. [Photo]

Casa Magazines

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Sometimes, you just need to hold the glossy instead of staring at a tablet. Come to this extremely small but well-organized West Village store that was included in our magazines map to find reading material from Vogue and Glamour to indie and international titles. [Photo: Laura Gurfein]

Lomography Gallery Store New York

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According to Lomography, the future is analog. Head to the Greenwich Village gallery and shop for all types of film-based cameras, accessories, travel cases, and more. If you're not sure what you're looking for, check out the helpful guide for buying your first camera on their website. [Photo]

Fabulous Fanny's

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If celebrities always wear their sunglasses in airports, you should too—and they should be vintage. This East Village hotspot featured on our sunglasses map offers excellent customer service to help you find the perfect frames to suit your face shape. [Photo]

American Apparel SoHo Factory Outlet

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If you're not sure what weather you'll be facing at your destination, light layers are key, and American Apparel has mastered that concept. The Soho factory outlet has the brand's basics at discount prices—though you'll need to watch for weird fits. [Photo]

The Sock Hop

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Mom also said you need to pack extra socks. One-up her with fancy pairs from this family-owned Nolita shop that can cover your feet in more fabrics and prints than you can even imagine. They also specialize in custom shirting, in case your trip calls for it. [Photo]
The leather goods store just opened this location earlier this year, and they have travel covered with twill and leather duffel bags, rolling luggage, and every size of travel case that you could ever need. Be sure to pick up a bottle of their leather cleaner to keep your stuff looking fresh. [Photo]

Victorinox Swiss Army

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We bet you can picture their red hard-shell suitcases now. They're your go-to for making sure your possessions don't get damaged in cargo. But don't neglect to check out their selection of canvas suitcases and laptop bags at this flagship location. [Photo]
Scarves are an easy way to add warmth, style, and diversity to any outfit when traveling. Pick up a few colors of the Dupatta scarf from this Soho shop—celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Eva Longoria have been spotted wearing this style. [Photo]

Crumpler Soho

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Born from an Australian man's desire to find a sturdy bag to carry home beer on his bike, Crumpler now offers a huge range of luggage, backpacks, and messenger bags that come with a lifetime warranty. Lots of styles come in fun, funky colors that are hard to miss on the luggage carousel. [Photo]

Altman Luggage

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This Lower East Side shop has been specializing in luggage, briefcases, and —for some reason—pens since 1920. Stop by for brands like Briggs & Riley, Kipling, and Samsonite, as well as assistance from their expert staff. And if you find a lower price elsewhere, they'll match the difference by 110%. [Photo]

For The Go

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This Williamsburg shop outdoes itself in providing travel gear that goes beyond luggage. You'll find everything from in-flight comfort items to adaptors to translators to TSA-approved gear to foldable toothbrushes to ... need we go on? [Photo]

Flight 001

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We're obsessed with their selection of luggage tags, including those that look like name tags and ones that say "Get Lost" and "Are We There Yet?" But they've got you covered with everything travel-related here, including luggage, adaptors, travel-sized toiletry bottles, and beyond. [Photo]

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SpaceNK

This branch of the high-end London beauty chain opened its doors three years ago, joining locations in Soho and within Bloomingdale's. Stop by for your favorite products from Oribe, Serge Normant, Malin + Goetz, and more, all in FDA-friendly sizes. [Photo]

Longchamp

We're not sure why this hasn't been made official, but the ubiquitous Le Pliage nylon tote bag is the perfect travel companion. It's lightweight, stores under airplane seats, and folds away for easy packing. But check out the rest of the French brand's offerings for other luxe luggage options, too. [Photo]

Pesca Boutique

If sun and sand are the purpose of your travel, make Pesca your one pre-flight stop for beachwear. In-store swimwear experts will help you find the perfect fit from brands like Beach Bunny, Trina Turk, and Racked favorite Mara Hoffman. [Photo]

Moleskine

Why shouldn't your travel diary be as luxurious as your travel? Stop by the brand's first standalone stateside store pre-trip for leather journals and luggage tags, and return afterwards for their photo albums. [Photo]

The Tumi Store

So maybe luggage brands aren't your area of expertise, but we bet you've heard of top-of-the-line Tumi. Head to this brand new 1,800 square-foot flagship location to get your travel gear monogrammed right before your eyes. [Photo]

Louis Vuitton

If a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk doesn't scream luxury travel, we don't know what does—however, they're not the most practical option for airport travel these days. Instead, opt for their rolling or soft-sided luggage as well as makeup, watch, and tie cases in the monogram or checkerboard prints. [Photo]

Brookstone

The chain carries everything and anything you could need for travel: luggage, chargers, passport carriers—the list goes on. But it made our list for their travel accessories, like the Nap travel blanket and the Tempur-pedic neck pillow. You couldn't get more comfortable with these items—even in a middle seat in coach. [Photo]

Rain or Shine

If you're headed to a notable rainy destination (like Seattle or London), you'll need to shield yourself from the elements in style. Rain or Shine bills itself as the only store of its kind in the country, with all kinds of umbrellas and parasols for both men and women in a bunch of colors and patterns. [Photo]

MUJI Times Square

This NYC flagship in the New York Times building has the biggest selection of their ultra-affordable travel-size bottles, so you can just squeeze your shampoo into these instead of buying its smaller version. They've also got you covered with luggage, neck pillows, travel cases, and more. If you haven't thought of what you might need for travel, Muji has. [Photo]

B&H Photo Video

Document your trip with something fancier than your iPhone and Instagram. This New York institution is the first stop for professional photographers to pick out new equipment—and why not use the best, whether you're photographing the pyramids or Pensacola? [Photo]

Journelle

Heed Mom's advice and always pack extra underwear. This NYC flagship carries top-of-the-line underthings from Cosabella, Elle McPherson, and Hanky Panky, as well as the store's signature line. [Photo]

Kidding Around

If you're traveling with little ones, the thought of an overseas plane ride might make you run to the liquor store for travel-sized vodka. But instead, head to one of the city's best toy stores and pick up entertainment like travel-sized Mastermind, a travel easel, and mini magnetic sketchers. [Photo]

Shoegasm

Traveling means lots of walking, and lots of walking means flats. Stock up on everything from ballet flats to brogues at affordable prices. And check out their other locations in Flatiron and Tribeca, since they all carry different merchandise. [Photo]

Casa Magazines

Sometimes, you just need to hold the glossy instead of staring at a tablet. Come to this extremely small but well-organized West Village store that was included in our magazines map to find reading material from Vogue and Glamour to indie and international titles. [Photo: Laura Gurfein]

Lomography Gallery Store New York

According to Lomography, the future is analog. Head to the Greenwich Village gallery and shop for all types of film-based cameras, accessories, travel cases, and more. If you're not sure what you're looking for, check out the helpful guide for buying your first camera on their website. [Photo]

Fabulous Fanny's

If celebrities always wear their sunglasses in airports, you should too—and they should be vintage. This East Village hotspot featured on our sunglasses map offers excellent customer service to help you find the perfect frames to suit your face shape. [Photo]

American Apparel SoHo Factory Outlet

If you're not sure what weather you'll be facing at your destination, light layers are key, and American Apparel has mastered that concept. The Soho factory outlet has the brand's basics at discount prices—though you'll need to watch for weird fits. [Photo]

The Sock Hop

Mom also said you need to pack extra socks. One-up her with fancy pairs from this family-owned Nolita shop that can cover your feet in more fabrics and prints than you can even imagine. They also specialize in custom shirting, in case your trip calls for it. [Photo]

Ghurka

The leather goods store just opened this location earlier this year, and they have travel covered with twill and leather duffel bags, rolling luggage, and every size of travel case that you could ever need. Be sure to pick up a bottle of their leather cleaner to keep your stuff looking fresh. [Photo]

Victorinox Swiss Army

We bet you can picture their red hard-shell suitcases now. They're your go-to for making sure your possessions don't get damaged in cargo. But don't neglect to check out their selection of canvas suitcases and laptop bags at this flagship location. [Photo]