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The Best Activewear for Women to Travel In, According to Our Editors

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When it comes to travel, our editors know the value of wearing activewear that moves with us—whether we’re on a long flight, hiking through the mountains, or casually strolling around a new town. Unlike loungewear, which leans toward cozy comfort, our favorite activewear pieces are designed to support a range of activities, from quick workouts to all-day wear. And as editors who are constantly on the go, we’ve learned that athleisure, especially for women, needs to be adaptable—working just as well for a Pilates class as it does for the airport lounge or a coffee run.

From breathable leggings and supportive sports bras to versatile tanks and performance jackets, we’ve found well-made activewear that is just as functional as it is fashionable. Our go-to athletic pieces are designed by top-rated brands we love and trust—to name a few, Athleta, Lululemon, and Vuori—and deliver ultimate comfort without compromising style. Below we’ve gathered the travel-ready athleisure our editors pack on every trip, whether we’re headed on a cross-country flight or a weekend getaway.

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Hollister Gilly Hicks Active Cinch dress

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Tees and tanks

437

The Square tank

Four Three Seven makes some of my most-worn activewear. Among my favorite pieces is this square tank in navy that I wear on hikes and to workout classes. The full-length tank has a flattering fit that is made with a bra inside for support—and its moisture-wicking fabric does wonders for sweat control on the go. Jessica Chapel, commerce writer

Lululemon

Align tank top

I mean, they’ve gone viral for a reason: Lululemon’s Align tanks are made from some of the butteriest material I’ve ever put on my body, so even though there’s a built-in bra, you barely feel like you’re wearing anything at all. You’ll always find one of these in my bag on vacation, whether for a hike, a day of adventuring, or just to wear on the plane ride home. Hannah Chubb, senior commerce editor

Athleta

Transcend V-Neck top

I’m a new fan of Athleta’s V-neck top that has a built-in cami bra and is long enough to hit the top of your leggings. It wicks up sweat pretty well and isn’t too restrictive. Thanks to its stretchy fabric, it’s great for Pilates and yoga classes. Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor

Hollister

Gilly Hicks graphic T-shirt

This cute and casual workout tee is sweat-absorbent and comes with a built-in bra. I often wear it on flights, to workout classes, or even to my neighborhood park and back (especially when it’s humid, and I want to optimize comfort). It goes with anything from flared leggings to an exercise skort. —J.C.

Beyond Yoga

Impulse tank

I own several of Beyond Yoga’s Impulse ribbed tanks in neutrals, which are just the right blend of dressy and functional. With a versatile design, supportive material, and flattering fit for all body types, these tanks are a ready-to-go option on my packing list for any kind of trip. Alexandra Sanidad, research director

Vuori

Energy T-shirt

I fly in this shirt all the time—it’s so incredibly soft, and since it is moisture-wicking (though not as much as a true performance tee), it doubles as an exercise shirt if I’m popping into the hotel gym for a light workout, or going on a hike in cooler weather. Madison Flager, associate commerce director

Abercrombie & Fitch

YPB tank & mini skirt

This slim-fitting active tank is a top pick for taking advantage of any on-site fitness amenities, or playing pickleball or tennis outside with friends. The breathable fabric is ideal for warm-weather destinations and makes for a buttery-soft and cozy wear—all while looking effortlessly cute and ready for movement. While I own it in green—to complete the set, paired with the YPB studio flex active mini skirt—the site currently offers more size variations in the flirty and bright red colorway. —J.C.

Outerwear

Hollister

Gilly Hicks Active Cooldown off-the-shoulder top

Ideal for flights or beginner trails in cooler climates, this Gilly Hicks Cooldown sweater is a no brainer for my packing list. It’s somehow as cozy and it is breathable—and I can match it with any pair of shorts or sweats. (It’s the perfect set for flying with the matching cooldown pants below.) Not to mention, this glacier green color is one of my favorites—it feels unique! —J.C.

Free People

My Time layer

Trust me, this is the ultimate layering sweatshirt. The super-soft fabric flows like a dream, and the open back detail is super chic while keeping things breezy. It also isn’t too bulky, so it won’t take up much room in your suitcase or weigh you down if you want to tie it around your waist or across your shoulders on the go. —H.C.

Paired fabulously with the square top I mentioned above, this curve jacket from Four Three Seven is an ideal layer for outdoor activities or on the way to or from any workout class. Along with its flattering curve-hugging fabric, it offers a double-ended zipper for wear versatility—and it’s as soft as it is stretchy. Another plus? It’s made with recycled polyester. —J.C.

Leggings and yoga pants

Set Active

Sculptflex Power high-rise leggings

My go-to workout sets for the gym and Pilates classes are from Set Active—they’re nice and tight in all the right places and have a thick waistband that smoothes your mid-section. I like to mix and match my pieces from the brand, but I find myself reaching for its high-waisted leggings the most. —M.K.

Janji

Transit tech pant

These are a go-to flying pant for me—the zippered pockets are especially handy when I’m dashing through the train station and want to keep my keys, ID, or AirPods case handy but not at risk of slipping out—and I like that they double as a solid pair of hiking pants when needed, thanks to the breathable material. —M.F.

Abercrombie & Fitch

YPB leggings

There’s nothing quite like a pair of flare leggings that fit just right. These YPB studio flare leggings pleasantly surprised me with just how well-made they are. These bad boys are lightweight, buttery soft, and nonrestrictive—providing a barely-there feel that’s perfect for all-day wear. I especially love the smoothing waistband (with no top seam for added comfort), the mini-flare detail at the hem, and the flattering V-shaped back. —J.C.

Aerie

Offline high-waisted crossover leggings

I rarely travel in anything other than my super-soft Aerie crossover leggings, so if I’m packing light, I usually toss these on for morning strolls or light workouts. The pair was designed for support and helps smooth the tummy area, without being at all restrictive or uncomfortable to sit in for hours. The crossover design on the waistband makes them ultra-flattering on every body type, and they are so lightweight. —M.K.

Beyond Yoga

Spacedye Out-of-Pocket midi legging

I’m a huge fan of Beyond Yoga for everything from running gear to a lunchtime stroll. Its Spacedye line has tanks, leggings, and sweats in vivid colors that other brands just don’t have. I especially like these high-waisted leggings in Summer Thyme Green Heather, a shade which just makes my eyes happy. —A.S.

Hollister

Gilly Hicks Active Cooldown top & pants

For red-eye flights and post-workout gear, these cooldown sweats are as flattering as breathable “baggy” pants come. The ultra-comfortable pants are made with the brand’s super-soft cooldown fabric with a soft drawstring waist, flattering baggy silhouette, and deep pockets. According to the brand, the fabric is made from a natural and renewable raw material carefully sourced from responsibly managed forests. —J.C.

Exercise dresses and skirts

Beyond Yoga

Score pleated dress

Beyond Yoga’s Score pleated dress is cute enough to wear out to brunch after park activities. I have it in Home Court Green, which is as flattering as it is fun! It’s a go-to on my packing list given its versatility and functionality. I love its open back cut-out for breathability and style, too. —A.S.

Halara

Softlyzero Easy Peezy active dress

This exercise dress is called the Easy Peezy dress because it’s made with built-in bike shorts that are detached from the sports bra in the back—meaning I don’t have to take the whole dress off to go to the bathroom. I first tried out Halara’s exercise dress last summer on a girls trip to Montauk, and I wore it everywhere—to grab coffee in the morning, on an afternoon walk with my friends, and to lunch with a pair of cute sandals. It will be in my weekender bag for all of my trips down the shore this summer, too. The A-line dress is so flattering and the material is buttery soft, making it comfortable enough to wear all day long. —M.K.

Hollister

Gilly Hicks Active Cinch dress

I’m obsessed with active dresses because—if you pick them right—they look just as cute worn out on the town as they do for some light physical activity. This pick from Hollister is one of my favorites—the cap sleeves elevate the style, and the built-in spandex shorts never ride up. —H.C.

Hollister

Gilly Hicks Active Ballet skortie

I pack this sweet and airy ballet skortie—especially for girls trips—when I know we’ll be prioritizing fashion while staying active all day. It’s best worn on an outing to play pickleball, tennis, or padel—all the while, allowing me to feel empowered in my femininity, given its ballet wrap silhouette style. For function, it offers breathable, built-in shorts with a pocket and a soft banded waist. —J.C.

437

The Sculpt onesie

I’ve never been a onesie girl when it comes to athleisure—but this sculpted version completely changed my mind. Inspired by Four Three Seven’s best-selling Ballet Tank, it features a flattering scrunch neckline, open cross-back straps, and a subtly flared leg that moves gracefully. It’s incredibly supportive yet feminine, perfect for yoga, Pilates, or easy walks while traveling. (Given its onesie nature, though—maybe not for the flight itself.) —J.C.

Aerie

Offline by Aerie mini skirt

I love a good skort for travel days with lots of walking, especially when it is sweat-wicking. This one is a new favorite, and I’ve found over the summer that it’s great for playing tennis, hopping on a bike, or just walking around. I wore it recently to an outdoor concert on a very hot day in NYC and stayed comfortable throughout. —M.F.

Sports bras

Set Active

Sportbody Sporty scoop bra

Set Active’s Sportbody Scoop bra offers great high support and a flattering scoop neckline. Its sleek and soothing performance fabric is ideal for staying comfortable while running, walking, and stretching.. —M.K.

437

The Micro bra

While I usually opt for a tank with a built-in bra when it comes to athleisure, this micro sports bra has proven its supportive nature on plenty of hikes and in workout classes alike. Designed with the softest scoop neckline and delicate straps, it offers a double-layered fit for ultimate functionality. It’s super breathable—and with removable padding, it lets you adjust the fit to your liking. It’s best paired with the brand’s Essentials legging, which are high-waisted and have a supportive fit, too. —J.C.

Accessories

Alo Yoga

Pulse Grip sock

I’m not really a “workout on vacation” person, but when I do, it’s likely because there’s an amazing local barre or Pilates studio I want to try out. These unique grip socks are perfect for those occasions—and the unique mesh cut-outs add a little something special. —H.C.

Alo Yoga

Half-Crew Throwback socks

Alo Yoga’s half-crew Throwback socks are just the right length—and they are so cute! I’ll admit I love them for their sporty-chic look, but they’re also extremely comfortable. I workout in them, but also usually slip them on during a long flight when my feet get cold. —M.K.



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Are the world's most beautiful islands in danger?

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The scenery and 24-hour sun on these Norwegian isles are no longer a secret



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The Best Ear Protection for Kids to Wear at Concerts, Fireworks, and Sporting Events

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There’s a reason your child covers their ears every time you walk past a construction site. Little ears are sensitive—and they’re especially vulnerable in the presence of fireworks, race cars, and screaming Taylor Swift fans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels (dB)—the typical volume of a hair dryer—can cause permanent hearing damage, even for adults. Now imagine your child at a Fourth of July firework festival, where pyrotechnics displays can top 150 dB, and you understand why packing ear protection is just as crucial as sunscreen and snacks.

“Our ears are always on,” says Dr. Brian J. Fligor, a pediatric audiologist, author of Understanding Childhood Hearing Loss, and president of Tobias & Battite Hearing Wellness in Boston. “Hearing is crucial for our language development and navigation of the world. That’s why we must protect children’s hearing from birth.”

The good news? Today’s earmuffs—over-the-ear headsets that help block noise—are lightweight, comfortable, and stylish enough that most kids won’t put up a fight over wearing them. They’re also designed to lower the decibel level without muffling or distorting sound entirely. (The goal is volume reduction, not total silence.)

Dr. Fligor advises using protection any time an event is loud enough to startle a child or requires shouting in order to be heard. He also recommends it when riding ATVs, snowmobiles, or other powersport vehicles where engines are not particularly well-muffled. And while hearing protection is not necessary on commercial flights, he absolutely recommends muffs for smaller bush and prop planes, or when attending a jet flyover show. If you’re not sure how to gauge the noise risk in any given situation, there’s an app for that: Decibel X sound meter for iOS and Android offers a real-time frequency analyzer for spot checks.

We asked Dr. Fligor, a father of four, along with other travel-savvy parents about the muffs that work best for their kids and why. Below, the best kid-approved picks for the ultimate ear protection.

FAQ:

What should I look for to find the best ear protection for kids?

Aim for a minimum noise reduction rating (NRR) of 22 to 27 dB for general use, says Dr. Fligor. For especially loud environments—like fireworks shows or racing events—higher is better.

What ages need ear protection?

Exposure to loud noise—anything over 85 dB—can cause permanent hearing damage in children and adults alike, which is why it’s so essential to protect our hearing from birth onward. Proactive protection for kids is especially important because they are less likely to self-regulate and move away from noise if it gets too loud.

Which type of ear protection is better for kids: earplugs or earmuffs?

For babies, toddlers, and grade schoolers, over-the-ear muffs are the safest and easiest option. They’re more comfortable, stay in place better, and don’t pose a choking hazard the way earplugs might. Dr. Fligor advises against using earplugs for children until they are old enough to report accurately on their comfort and effectiveness, typically around age seven or older. For tweens and teens, high-fidelity earplugs like Loop or Etymotic work well because they dampen volume without distorting sound (ideal for concerts).

How can I tell if the ear protection fits correctly?

“Earmuffs should form a snug but gentle seal around the ears without any gapping,” says Dr. Fligor. That means the cups are large enough to fit around the entire ear— including the flap of cartilage around the edge, called the pinna—and sit along the jaw. If they slip forward or the ears poke out, it’s not tight enough. If they leave indentations or the child complains about pressure, it’s too tight. To double check the fit, ask your child to shake their head while wearing them: If the earmuffs shift easily or slide off, they’re too loose.

Dr. Meter

Noise-canceling earmuffs

These have been my earmuffs of choice since my three-year-old son, Julian, begrudgingly wore them trackside at the Indy 500 earlier this year. The snug fit took some getting used to (my toddler hates winter hats, too, which is unfortunate considering we live in Minnesota), but he later requested—no, demanded!—the 27 dB muffs during a 20-minute Fourth of July fireworks display in Waunakee, Wisconsin.

Caroline Lewis, a luxury travel advisor in Boston, reported similarly positive experiences with these for her four-year-old son, Grant. “We use them every year for our town parade, which has a lot of revolutionary war reenactors shooting off muskets,” she says. Grant also wears the muffs when Lewis’s husband uses a blender or vacuums the house. In addition to being comfortable, she says Grant liked that he could choose his own color. He chose safety yellow, she says, so he could “be like a construction worker.”

Puro Sound Labs

PuroCalm earmuffs

Designed for ages 3 to 16, these earmuffs offer an NRR of 27 dB. They only come in one color (Halloween orange), but the craftsmanship is top notch. My son has flung them across the room in several fits of iPad-all-done rage, and they still function like new. We’ve also begun experimenting with Puro’s JuniorJams, kid-scaled headphones that limit harmful volumes above 85 dB. The built-in mic is helpful for online learning and the headphones last up 22 hours before needing a USB-C charge.

Dr. Fligor is a fan of kid muffs made with the same high-quality materials as adult muffs, particularly for activities where firearms are heard. Peltor has been around for ages and it’s his go-to brand for his own children. “Comfort is king,” says Dr. Fligor. “If it’s not comfortable, it’s not going to be used.” These cushioned muffs are designed for kids ages five and up and feature low-profile cups, a soft wire headband, and protection up to 27 dB.

Alpine

Muffy baby ear protection

Maria de la Guardia, the Bangkok-based principal director of The Big Picture Bureau LLC, has been using these muffs on her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Sophia, since she was six weeks old. The ultra-comfy style is specifically designed for children up to 48 months, with a safe attenuation of 24 dB and an adjustable, non-slip headband that does not put pressure on the fontanelle (the soft spot on a baby’s skull). The muffs come in a lovely selection of pastel colors as well as basic black. De la Guardia says Sophia has worn the muffs on numerous flights, during an outdoor concert in Abu Dhabi, and while watching a fireworks display in Malaysia. As an “independent, headstrong toddler,” she even tries to put them on herself. Alpine also makes a Muffy Kids version for ages 5 to 16 with an NRR of 25 dB and an even broader range of colors.

Sari Bellmer, an herbalist and founder of Heilbron Herbs in Asheville, North Carolina, has owned Banz muffs since her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Ursa, was a newborn. “We were actively remodeling our house when I went into labor—and she still wears them and loves them,” says Bellmer. They came in handy, too, after Hurricane Helene stormed through her region last year and the family was “running chainsaws nonstop” in the aftermath. The Banz models have a foam-cushioned adjustable headband designed specifically for little ones up to two, offer a NRR of 26 dB, and come in more than a dozen colors. Banz also makes kids’ earmuffs for ages 5 to 10 in a variety of prints, including stars and stripes, graffiti doodles, and butterflies.

Brian Bavido, a Michigan-based audio engineer for Ringo Starr, spends a lot of time at concerts, and these child-sized earmuffs with a soft padded headband and NRR of 25 dB are his top choice for protecting his seven-year-old daughter, Stella. “They’re from Vic Firth, a drumstick and accessory company, so they’re designed to really block out harmful high sound pressure but also be comfortable for extended wear,” he says. Stella, who has worn them to many Ringo shows, as well as Bruce Springsteen and Garbage concerts, loves them as much as her dad. Though she owns other brands, she always comes back to Vic, he says.





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Renting a Camper Van for a Road Trip of Stargazing, Cook Outs, and Red Rock Hikes

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For Jo Piazza and Nick Aster, a camper van trip through the national parks of Colorado and Utah wasn’t just a summer escape—it was a way to reconnect with the adventures they loved pre-kids. “It was time for a trip out west,” Jo says. “We’d visited a lot of these national parks when we lived in San Francisco, but now it was about showing our kids—Charlie, 5, and Beatrix, 3—what makes these places so special.”

The couple, who live in Philadelphia and were expecting their third child at the time (Eliza, now born), mapped out a 10-day loop that started and ended in Denver. Along the way, they visited Rocky Mountain National Park, Steamboat Springs, Dinosaur National Monument, Moab, Arches, Canyonlands, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Breckenridge. “It was a bit of an epic romp,” Jo laughs. Here’s how they spent their family vacation—and how much it cost.

Dead Horse Point State Park at Moab National Park

Karl Hendon/Getty

Why rent a camper van?

Pregnant, outdoorsy, and realistic about the physical demands of camping with two small kids, Jo knew she needed more than a tent. “Sleeping on the ground just wasn’t going to cut it,” she says. “A van gave me a good place to sleep—and full disclosure, Nick often slept out in the tent with the kids to give me a bit of luxury.”

They rented their “cabin camper” through Outdoorsy—a fully tricked-out truck with a massive cap in the back that felt like a log cabin on wheels. “People commented on it everywhere we went,” Jo says. “We’d get high fives, people asking to take pictures. At one point, someone said, ‘Hey man, we saw you in Canyonlands two days ago! That thing is awesome.”

Planning a flexible route around national parks

Unlike their usual meticulously planned vacations, this one was intentionally open-ended. “We had a general loop in mind,” Jo explains. “We knew we wanted to hit Rocky Mountain right away since it’s so close to the airport, and we knew Charlie would go bananas for Dinosaur. But the rest we figured out as we went. That’s the beauty of traveling by van—you don’t need to lock in hotels every night.”

This flexibility came in handy during a July heatwave in Moab. “We broke up the camping with a stay at the super-unhip Marriott,” Jo says. “It had a fake red rock pool and a mini water park. It flew in the face of the National Park ethos, but with 100-degree heat and two little kids, we just leaned in. They loved it.”

Jo Piazza and Nick Aster with Charlie, 5, and Beatrix, 3

Jo Piazza

Dinosaur Monument Quarry wall shows visitors dinosaur fossils still half buried in stone.

Peter Unger/Getty

Top highlights for parents and kids

The kids’ favorite moments weren’t always the ones Jo and Nick would’ve picked, but they rolled with it. “They’re still talking about the pool in Moab and the fossil quarry at Dinosaur National Monument,” Jo says. “Also, they were weirdly into how much attention the van got.”



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