Travel Must-Haves
Packing can be super stressful!! Even when I am planning a small weekend trip it can take me days to pull everything and pack. Often I find myself going back and re-packing haha. I finally created a closet of all my “goto” travel essentials. Every trip is a little different, but knowing I have one place to pick and choose what I may need for each individual trip takes a lot of stress off.
Below are my travel essentials with direct links:
3 Piece Suitcase Set
THIS! I CANNOT RAVE ENOUGH ABOUT THIS SUITCASE SET. I have to admit it took a while to get use to using hard-case suitcases, but I absolutely love this set. I have had them for over a year and I traveled every single month. Yes, that is over 12 uses and they are holding up!
Upgrading to a four wheel suitcase was a game-changer as they are so much easier to walk through the airport with. I also love how these stack inside of each other because sometimes I will travel one way with one suitcase and back with two. This bright LIME GREEN makes it super easy to find! Don’t worry, if you hate the obnoxious color, they have other color options.
Packing Cubes
These make packing and finding things so much easier! You can use them to pack outfits into each bag or separate out each bag with different types of clothing (i.e. one with shirts and one with bottoms) so you can easily find what you need in your suitcase.
There are tons of packing cube options online and some even have a smaller bag for laundry. I tend to just use one of the bags as dirty laundry when it gets empty throughout my trip.
Toiletry Organizer
It took me a really long time to find the perfect toiletry organizer. My number one requirement was to have a hanger on it so I could hang the bag anywhere in the bathroom. For a while I had one without this and I found it to be such a nuisance to find a place to put my things in smaller bathrooms. Different pouches were also important for easy organization. I don’t travel with a lot of toiletries, but this easily fits everything.
This organizer comes in both a medium and large size based on how much space you are willing to sacrifice in your suitcase!
Mini Aquaphor
Aquaphor is my “goto” for dry skin and lip balm while traveling on the plane. These mini sized aquaphors are perfect for traveling as you can also use the ointment for sunburn and even minor wound care if you are in a pinch.
I love finding products that can provide so much in one small size - which makes it the perfect travel companion.
Flip Flops
You do not want to forget to pack these. My favorite flip flops are Havaianas because they are durable and come in tons of color or fun design options.
Walking around a hotel room barefoot may not always be ideal and these come in handy when you just want to slip something quickly on your feet. Some places you might need them for the shower and if there is a pool or hot tub.
Silk Eye Mask
There is nothing quite like a silk eye mask for sleeping. I use this on the plane for better sleep and every night I am traveling to blackout all the random lights in my hotel.
Type C Plug Adapter
Most of South America and Europe use the Type C plug. This adapter is super useful because it not only has two standard American outlets, but also has three USB ports and a USB C port so you can charge multiple devices at once.
Charging Station
There are a lot of things I love about this foldable multiple charging station. Ditch all the cords to charge your phone, airpods and watch all in one place.
It also has a stand for your phone, which is super useful to watch movies hands-free on the plane!
Passport Holder
I am not going to lie, I would see people at the airport with these and wonder what in the world the hype was, so eventually I bought one and - I GET IT. These passport holders are such a great way to keep your passport safe (aka avoid bending it) and all your essential travel cards, money, tickets all in one place.
I put this in my handy dandy fanny pack and can pull one thing out that has everything I need. When I get to my final destination I do split everything up so it is not in one place (i.e. take one credit card out and just a bit of cash) and put the holder with passport in the hotel safe.
A Fanny Pack
I am a huge “Fan” of the good ol’ fanny pack. First of all, traveling through the airport is super easy with this as I can put my passport, money and phone in it and have easy, quick access to the essentials. I also can wear it on the plane knowing I have the important things on me, no one has ever told me to put it under my seat or in the overhead bins.
It’s always a good idea when traveling to have your bag/purse in front of you to lessen the risk of getting pickpocketed!
Fanny packs are becoming super popular again so you can find plenty of options online now that fits your style.
Kindle
I am a lover of books and am still a huge fan of holding a physical book in my hands when I am reading. However, I finally transitioned to traveling with a Kindle and I don’t regret it.
You can download tons of books, easily read in the dark with the light up feature and it doesn’t hurt my eyes to read on it for hours at a time.
Planning your next adventure? Check out GET YOUR GUIDE! My new favorite online resource for finding tickets and top attractions around the world.
IF I HAVE THE SPACE I ALWAYS ADD THESE THINGS:
Reusable Water bottle
For space saving reasons I have tried the foldable water bottles and I just didn’t love them. So I will travel with a reusable water bottle if I can fit it in my carry on.
A lot of airports and hotels have places you can fill up your bottle which is a great money saver and better for the environment.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
I am sort of old school when it comes to headphones and still travel with the white ones that connect directly to my phone. Don’t ask me why, this is the one thing I am not picky about.
However, if I am going to be on a long flight and I can make the space in my carry on I do pack these noise cancelling headphones. They are not overpriced like Bose and provide 100hrs of listening time.
Crossbody Purse by SG SUGU
This company has great crossbody purses that are decently priced, come in fun colors and are super cute! So you can easily pick a few favorites and not worry if they get damaged while traveling.
I also love how almost every purse has a few pockets on the inside and outside. You can never have too many pockets to stash all your goodies.
Monopoly Deal
This card game is a quicker version of Monopoly and let me tell you, it is FUN! I haven’t met one person that hasn’t liked playing this game.
I almost always have space for this so I can pass time at the airport or have a game to play later in the evening when unwinding at the hotel. It has been a great ice-breaker when traveling in groups too!
All photos above are from Amazon.
Don’t forget itineraries and guides!
And of course - I never forget guides that I create based on recommendations and a lot of research. Usually I create google docs with all the information, but the last few trips I have taken the time to create beautiful detailed guides to share with everyone with photos and links. View my Mendoza Guide Below!
A 15 page guide for planning your trip to the wine region of Mendoza, Argentina.
Including:
Get to Know Mendoza
Winery and Hotel Recommendations
Top Tips
Where to Stay
Detailed 4 Day Itinerary
Packing + Prep
A link will be provided for instant download of this guide and 4 day itinerary. Exclusive access to tips and recommendations gathered from friends who have visited and lived in Mendoza and also my own experience of visiting one of the great wine capitals of the world!
FOR THOSE THAT ARE PCSING:
To all my other military friends and those who have to move with their household belongings these are my must-haves:
Jewelry Organizer
I love this hanging jewelry organizer so much that I actually keep most of my jewelry here instead of in a box. It has individual zip up slots for earrings, watches, necklaces, rings or whatever you would like to put in there.
It is perfect for traveling as it folds up and can fit in a carry on so you know all your jewelry is safe during your PCS.
Expanding File Organizer
For all the important paperwork and printed orders you have to carry on, this does the trick. It is light weight and is an accordion style that folds up and you can label each section with stickers.
Comment below with any of your must-haves!!
I always love finding new travel tricks and trip to make flying and exploring the world as simple as possible <3