Travel brings about both excitement and anxiety. What will I pack? How will I fit everything into my suitcase? Do I even have a suitcase?! I've created a list of 10 travel essentials to make your next trip easier. Let's eliminate the stress of travel so you can focus on the fun!
Luggage / Suitcase
The travel essential of all travel essentials; luggage! I've tried a few over the years. My absolute favorite is Béis. It is durable, has amazing storage compartments and a built in lock, comes in many sizes and colors, and is super cute! The carry on size is my go-to, but I also have the 29" for when I have additional items to pack. Monos is another great brand of luggage that is very comparable to Béis. I've linked individual suitcase options from each brand above.
Luggage / Suitcase Cover
Luggage is an investment, so it would be a shame for it to get scuffed and dented. If you've checked a suitcase for a flight you know that it takes a pretty harsh beating. An easy solution is to purchase a suitcase cover. A clear cover still allows the beauty of your luggage to show through, or a colored cover adds a little bit of fun. I've linked both options above.
Personal Item / Backpack / Duffel
When on a flight you are allowed one personal item to store under the seat in front of you; usually a backpack or small duffel. These travel essentials are also handy to keep with you in the car on road trips while the rest of your luggage in stored in the trunk. My two favorites are the Béis Mini Weekender and Calpak Terra Backpack Duffel. Both come in many colors and have amazing organization features. Though I love my Terra Backpack Duffel, I have had a negative experience with Calpak's customer service. I've linked both items above and use them very regularly!
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are life changing. I first used them when my mom and I took a week long trip where we each only had a personal item to pack in. The amount of outfits we were able to fit into our little duffel bags was amazing! It also keeps my luggage super organized. You can use regular or compression packing cubes. I've linked a few options above.
Luggage Scale
Have you ever gotten to the airport only to find out your luggage is over the weight limit while checking in? Then, you're awkwardly sitting on the airport floor trying to rearrange your luggage to meet the weight requirements so you don't have to pay the hefty fee? And, this is all happening with a line of annoyed people behind you? Never again! A luggage scale has been one of the best travel essentials I've acquired. I've linked a digital and manual version above.
Cosmetics Case / Toiletry Bag
Calpak Small Clear Cosmetics Case | Calpack Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag | Amazon Large Hanging Toiletry Bag
Toiletries are one of the main components of packing, so I love to have a good quality and functional case to keep them organized. My favorite TSA approved case for liquids is my Calpak Small Clear Cosmetics Case. For non-liquids, my Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag (liquids can go in this too). And, when I want everything in one case yet still organized I use my large hanging toiletry bag from Amazon. These all come in multiple colors. Again, my experience with Calpak's customer service was not great, but their products are fantastic. All options are linked above.
Reusable Travel Toiletry Containers
Most brands sell travel size containers of their products, but they can be pricey. Why not do a one time purchase of reusable containers that you can fill up with the products you already have? I've linked a couple options for TSA approved reusable toiletry containers above. These have saved me so much money over the years, which make them amazing travel essentials!
Travel Steamer
I started packing a steamer for travel about a year ago and never looked back. Clothes get wrinkled during travel no matter how neatly you pack them, but a regular steamer takes up too much space. I've tried many, but the travel steamer linked above is the absolute best! It is small, compact, and works incredibly well. Actually, it works so well that I got rid of my regular steamer because this one is better!
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Noise cancelling headphones have been one of my best investments to date. As someone who has a very tough time focusing with any type of noise, they've helped me become much more productive during work. In addition though, they are fantastic to take during travel! Whether on a plane or as a passenger in the car, you'll be thanking yourself for packing them. I use Apple Airpod Max headphones, but I've also linked additional options above.
Reusable Water Bottle
I'm big on staying hydrated as well as environmentally friendly practices. Even if water is available for purchase at your destination, it is expensive and uses wasteful containers. Pack a reusable water bottle for your next trip so you can stay hydrated and save money! I've already mentioned in my previous blog post how much I love my Stanley Quencher, but because it isn't leak proof it's not the best for airplanes or packing in general. I've linked leak proof options above.