7 best cooling travel essentials to stay fresh against heatwaves, humidity and hair drama in 2025

Heatwaves, humidity, and unruly hair, traveling in 2025 isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’re jetting off from the UAE or anywhere else, staying fresh and fly is an absolute must. Sweat, frizz, and sticky discomfort? No thanks. That’s where these seven cooling travel essentials come in. From neck fans that keep you chill hands-free to anti-frizz creams that help your hair. Pack smart, stay cool, and say goodbye to travel meltdown drama, your summer adventures just got a whole lot fresher.

No one looks their best, when they’re melting. That's where the Zienstar Neck Air Conditioner, your personal breeze machine enters: It's disguised as a wearable gadget. This bladeless beauty wraps around your neck and delivers 360° up-and-down airflow, so you can strut through souks or hike that a trail without turning into a sweaty mess. With 5200mAh of cooling power, three wind speeds, and actual semiconductor refrigeration tech (yes, really), it chills you. Quiet, rechargeable, and utterly hands-free, it’s the kind of travel flex that you wouldn't mind flaunting.

Humidity has a way of turning even the best hair day into a halo of frizz — but OUAI’s Anti-Frizz Cream keeps it under control without the weight or stiffness. This travel-friendly essential smooths flyaways, softens strands, and offers built-in heat protection, making it ideal for days spent in hot, sticky climates. So, you can walk through tropical streets or survive a layover, without looking frazzled, a small amount is all it takes to keep your hair looking polished and put together.

Sunscreen for your scalp? Yes, and it’s about time. Coola’s lightweight Scalp & Hair Mist offers SPF 30 protection without weighing down your roots or leaving behind that greasy residue we all dread. With a subtle salted sage scent and a non-aerosol spray that dries quickly, it’s designed for hot days when hats aren't enough and sunburned partings are not on the itinerary. A few spritzes shield both your scalp and strands, keeping your hair protected and your skin irritation-free.

With a generous wide brim and UPF 50 sun protection, this lightweight straw hat shields your face, neck, and shoulders without sacrificing style. It rolls up neatly into your tote or suitcase and bounces back into shape, making it ideal for travel days when space is tight but sun exposure isn’t optional.

When space is limited and quick-dry matters, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel delivers. Lightweight, compact, and ultra-absorbent, it’s the kind of travel essential you don’t realize you need—until you do. Whether you’re hitting the beach, going for a sweaty hike, or dealing with unexpected downpours, this towel dries fast, packs small, and comes with a convenient carry pouch. Soft on the skin and available in multiple sizes, it’s a no-fuss, all-function fix for staying dry without taking up precious space in your bag.

For long travel days, humid layovers, or when a proper shower just isn’t in the cards, these deodorant wipes are a quiet lifesaver. Infused with coconut milk and natural essential oils, Pacifica’s Underarm Deodorant Wipes help neutralise odor and refresh skin without any harsh ingredients. Compact and TSA-friendly, they slip easily into your carry-on or day bag.

When it comes to packing light without compromising on performance, the TYMO AIRHYPE LITE delivers. Weighing just 380g, this compact powerhouse features a 110,000 RPM brushless motor, 12 styling modes, and an impressive 23m/s airflow speed—all while emitting 100 million negative ions to smooth frizz and add shine.