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Love to travel but hate the stress of packing? I feel your pain! I used to hate the thought of packing and it was always the #1 thing I dreaded right before a trip. I would often put packing off until the last minute, and then end up forgetting something at home.
Over the years, I’ve gotten so much better at packing especially once I moved to New York and had to fly back to Pittsburgh once a month. And, honestly – once you get the hang of it, it’s actually not all that bad!
Having the right travel gear & a few travel essentials can definitely make or break your trip. In this post, I’m sharing all of my favorite travel essentials and also a few travel tips. If you’re looking for a travel packing list, check out this FREE travel packing list that you can use on your next adventure!
Click here to get my FREE packing checklist!
Carry-On Luggage
Your choice of carry-on luggage is probably one of the most important considerations when planning a trip. A lot of factors will determine which bag you end up choosing — your destination, what’s covered under your airline ticket, how long you’re traveling, how you will be getting around at your destination, etc.
ROLLER BAG
This is the classic carry-on suitcase. It can fit a lot of items and is easy to carry around the airport. Look for one with 360-degree wheels for easy navigation.
I’ve owned the Samsonite hard-shell roller bag for 5 years and it’s still in excellent condition after countless trips around the world. I highly recommend getting a hard-shell carry on suitcase for the extra protection it offers. The one I’ve linked above comes at a reasonable price and is compact for overhead bins. My favorite part is that it’s expandable & can fit even more items if you need it to!
BACKPACK
Backpacks are another great choice for carry-on luggage. I usually tend to make this my “personal item” because it can fit a lot of things, is good for carrying laptops, & it also fits under the seat. I also usually end up stuffing my crossbody purse into the backpack!
Backpacks are also great if you’re going hiking on your trip. Opt for one with multiple compartments and adjustable straps for comfort.
The AmazonBasics laptop backpack is similar to the backpack I typically use. It’s great for storing laptops & tablets and has a lot of compartments to accommodate a variety of items.
MESSENGER BAG
Usually if I’m going on a work trip, I like to use a messenger bag as my carry-on or personal item in order to my laptop, notebooks, and folders. It fits comfortably over your shoulder or as a crossbody so you can easily lug it around the airport and at your destination. Plus, it easily fits under the seat so you don’t have to worry about squeezing it into overhead cabin space.
If you have a suitcase or roller bag, you can make the messenger bag your personal item! This messenger bag from Amazon is made of water-resistant material, has a comfortable strap, and has multiple pockets to store items.
DUFFEL BAGS & WEEKENDER BAGS
Duffel bags and weekender bags are great for shorter trips, such as weekend getaways. My go-to duffel bag has been the Adidas Court Lite Duffel Bag because it is compact and fits all my essentials for a weekend trip. It also fits easily under the airplane seat, so I don’t have to worry about stuffing it in a crowded overhead bin. A stylish weekender bag such as this one from Amazon will also fit a lot of items.
TRAVEL ORGANIZATION TOOLS
Keeping yourself organized when packing is SO important to make sure you don’t forget anything at home. Been there, done that – and it’s not fun! Luckily, there are so many different tools & gadgets that can help you keep your stuff organized & neat so you can find it more easily as you unpack.
PACKING CUBES
If you’re an organization nut like me, you need to try packing cubes for your next trip! These are a game-changer. They keep your clothes organized, maximize space, and make unpacking a breeze. I like to use one for tops, another for bottoms, and one for undergarments. Try out this 8-piece packing cube set that is affordable and comes in a variety of different colors.
TRAVEL DOCUMENT ORGANIZER
Keep all your important documents organized and in one place with this Travel Passport Wallet Organizer that holds not only your passport but also boarding passes, cash, travel cards, tickets, etc. You can also use a folder or pouch, but I like this sleek case that fits easily in my carry-on luggage and zips up easily so that nothing falls out.
P.S. It’s a good idea to take photos & email yourself copies of important documents as backups.
CHARGER CORD ORGANIZER
I’m notorious for getting all of my charging cords tangled up while traveling. This Electronics Organizer Travel Case has been a total game-changer for me! You can easily separate and keep all of your cables & cords organized in one place for easy use. Plus, they wont’ get lost as easily!
TOILETRIES BAG
Pack toiletries in a clear, TSA-approved bag in your carry-on luggage. Essentials include:
- Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Mini first-aid kit (including bandages, pain relievers, and allergy medications)
- Reusable razor and travel-size shaving cream
TRAVEL TIPS
- Choose clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Stick to neutral colors and layer for varying weather
- Roll your clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles (this one has been a game-changer for me!)
- Use a checklist to avoid forgetting important items. Scroll below to get my free checklist!
- Research airline restrictions ahead of time for baggage size, weight limits, and prohibited items to avoid surprises at the airport
- Pack important documents, medications, chargers, and electronics in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed or gets lost
- If traveling internationally, a universal adapter can save you from compatibility issues with outlets
- Keep digital copies of your passport, travel documents, travel insurance, and itinerary accessible online in case of loss or theft
- Airport food can be pricey! Bring snacks like granola bars, nuts, popcorn that are nonperishable. Bring an empty water bottle to refill post-security to stay hydrated
- Check forecasts and pack accordingly. Bring layers for unpredictable weather and waterproof gear for rainy destinations
- Pack a first-aid kit that includes basics like bandages, pain relievers, allergy medications, and any prescription medications
- Save offline maps, translation tools, and transportation apps for ease of navigation without Wi-Fi
- Use luggage tags with your contact info and tie a unique ribbon or marker to make them easy to spot
- Don’t overpack! Save space or bring a foldable bag for items you purchase during your trip
- For carry-ons, ensure liquids are in 3.4-ounce containers or smaller, placed in a single quart-sized zip-top bag
- Confirm reservations for flights, accommodations, and activities before you leave (I always go old-school and print out paper copies just in case!)
- Keep a list of local emergency numbers, your country’s embassy, and contacts for family or friends
- Bring items like a neck pillow, earplugs, eye mask, and entertainment to make flights more comfortable
- Wrap fragile items in clothing for extra padding
- Things may not always go as planned—keep an open mind and a sense of adventure!
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE TRAVEL PACKING LIST!
What are your go-to travel essentials? Share your must-haves in the comments below!
