On a long journey even a straw weighs heavy.
Spanish Proverb
You’ve made your itinerary. Your hotel reservations are set, and you’re 100% sure your passport doesn’t expire within the next six months (this time). But despite your diligence, something’s unaccounted for . . .
Oh yeah, you still have to pack.
Type A as I may be, packing still gives me heart palpitations. What if I forget something? How can I possibly fit a week’s worth of outfits into a 50 lb. weight limit? And what the heck is the hack to looking well-rested when I land?
Fear not, weary travelers! Today I present a wealth of answers to your wayfaring woes: my ultimate essentials for any trip.
Whether it’s a weekend away in your home state, or a whirlwind adventure overseas, this packing list of the tried essentials for the truest travelers covers all the items that have taken me from amateur to expert voyager more times than I can count.
So get comfy, grab and pen and paper, and prepare to set your mind at easy, my sightseeing sisters (and brothers). I’ve got you covered!
Luggage Essentials
No matter what you do to gear up for your next amazing trip, first things first: prepare for the worst.
When you’re on the go, it’s so easy to forget your valuables. I’m no stranger to the sinking feeling that accompanies the realization that my laptop bag got left in a taxi, and that’s a horrible way to end an otherwise perfect trip.
Cover your bases (and your belongings) with Rifle Paper’s AirTag Luggage Tag. Teeny-tiny and totally adorable, this travel-sized key ring is your best defense against theft or jet-lag induced amnesia.
Crafted with colorful vegan leather, a secure snap closure, and gold features, keeping tabs with your AirTag has never looked so good!
Price: $15
Though fanny-packs have made quite the comeback, I must admit that I prefer crossbody bags for the hustle and bustle that comes with travel. Usually on the larger side, they achieve the security of the fanny pack while offering all the spaciousness of your favorite purse.
The Sports Sling by Beis brings the crossbody to new levels of versatility with microfiber lining, a water bottle pocket, and key leash. Plus, with five amazing colors to choose from, you can’t go wrong.
Price: $58
There are two types of packers in this world: Type A Assemblers and Chaos Crammers. Though I’ve tried my hand at countless organizational systems, I’ve only ended up frustrated and further procrastinating a process I was seeking to simplify. Then I found Cotopaxi‘s Packing Cubes.
The eye-catching, colorful hues and unbeatable features have perpetually streamlined my packing. I promise once you try one trip with these babies, you’ll never go back! From toiletries to tech, the Del Dia cubes make organizing easier than ever.
Price: $50
Beauty Essentials
Long gone are the days when catching z’s is as easy as 1, 2, 3. In the yesteryear of my youth, I could sleep just about anywhere: plane, train, or taxi; it just didn’t matter. If I was sleepy enough, I could knock out in the blink of an eye. Now, I’m lucky if I can grab a little cap nap in transit! That is, until I found nodpod‘s Weighted Sleep Mask.
Described as a “weighted blanket for the eyes,” this strap free mask will lull you into much needed rest of any length, in any position, anywhere. Light sensitive? Look no further. Scalloped edges and polyethylene beads provide total darkness and comfort. Hot-flash attacks on the horizon? Reversible jersey cotton will keep you calm, cool, and collecting z’s!
Price: $34
In a pinch, your local drugstore should have an acceptable array of travel-sized toiletries. But why not think ahead and ensure your skincare routine doesn’t suffer on your travels?
Scrub away the sweat and plane smell with Oui the People‘s travel-sized Lactic Acid Body Wash and get smoother, brighter, more balanced skin right after you touch down. Natural antioxidants will nourish your natural skin barrier while orange blossom and geranium leave you smelling fresher than a daisy.
Price: $10
Body Wash is only one piece of the skincare puzzle! Give your face the travel-loving care it needs with Oak Essential‘s Mini Routine in a box.
Complete with Cleansing Balm, Balancing Mist, Ritual Oil, Moisture Rich Balm, and Restorative Mask, you can indulge in self-care anywhere! Small enough for your purse and busting with skin-loving ingredients, this kit is one travel buddy you’ll never regret bringing along for the ride.
Price: $68
Clothing Essentials
For many of us adrenaline junkies, risk-taking is part and parcel with any good vacation, but even the biggest daredevil should be mindful of the dangers of long flights. If you’re traveling anytime soon, you may want to consider that deep vein thrombosis is 1-4 times more likely on long-haul flights.
I don’t know about you, but getting a blood clot isn’t on my itinerary.
Don’t leave your health to chance. Grap a pair of compression socks by Comrad to keep your blood pumping regularly. The medium compression level controls swelling and offers circulatory support, even on the longest of travel days (plus, they come in two super cute color variations).
Price: $19.20
When it comes to packing, it’s all about layers, layers, layers. No matter where you’re headed, I guarantee you’ll find yourself in need of some cozy coverage from time to time.
With the Cashmere Travel Wrap from White + Warren, you can get the comfort of a shawl, blanket and scarf all in one sleek accessory. Cloud-soft cashmere provides versatile and unisex protection from cooler temps—and in 17 different colors, there’s a shade for everyone. (And note to self: this is one item you’ll find wearing nearly all year long, like me!)
Price: $350
The most imortant item on your packing list? If you ask me (and I assume if you’ve read this far, you are), it’s shoes. But not just any shoes will do! They’ve got to be cute yet comfy yet somehow appropriate for a variety of activities and terrains . . . .
No small feat for a foot covering.
Unless you want to pay an additional $100 for the extra weight of five different pairs, you’ll have to pick a couple of perfectly versatile options, and at this point, I don’t go anywhere without my Allbirds. The 3,500 4.5 star reviews don’t lie. These seamless, flexible, and adorable sneakers look just as great with your favorite airport ensemble as they do in a casual seaside cafe. Offering optimal ankle support and soft padding, these babies feel as good as they look.
Price: $135
“Just in Case” Essentials
Practicality may not be the spice of life, but it is certainly the key to sustainable travel!
These travel pods by Cadence will provide you peace of mind knowing that all your favorite products are close at hand no matter how far away from home—or a drugstore—you may find yourself. Magnetic labels keep everything organized and their 100% leak-proof guarantee keeps your luggage dry and damage-free. (Available in several colors.)
Price: $76
As travel-savvy as I am, I can’t count the number of times I’ve spilled coffee on myself as I traverse the many transportation stations I’ve encountered in my time. No matter how many pockets our purses contain, we unfortunately only have two hands and mine are perpetually full when I’m on the go.
That’s where riemot‘s Luggage Cup Holder comes in. Capable of securely holding various cup sizes with its compact, foldable design, this is the ultimate travel hack. With seven different designs to choose from, simply slip the cup holder between the pols of your suitcase handles and discover hands-free transit in style.
Price: $15.99
