Having traveled to over 20 countries, I know that packing can sometimes be very stressful and time-consuming. To help make your journey smoother and more enjoyable, I’m sharing my top travel essentials. With the right items, you can simplify your preparations and focus on the fun parts of your trip. In this post, I’ll cover my must-have travel items and offer tips to ensure you’re well-prepared. Highlighted items are linked to the products.
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Luggage & Bags:
Delsey Expandable Carry-On 21 with Spinner Wheels. Our family has used this carry-on for over 8 years, and it’s been fantastic. It’s incredibly lightweight, durable, and resistant to cracking or breaking, for under $100.
If you are looking for a fancier and stylish design, DELSEY Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 is perfect. It is both elegant and functional. This lightweight option is highly resilient and comes in 19 and 20-inch carry-on sizes. I’ve had mine for 6 years, and it still looks brand new.
Other Great Options:
Amazon Basics Expandable Affordable and durable, available in both carry-on and checked sizes.
3 Piece Luggage Set - TSA Lock Spinner Wheels, similar look to the Delsey designer
Personal Item Bag - Whenever I don't check bags and only bring a carry-on only + a personal bag, this is my go-to choice. It is incredible spacious with multiple pockets, USB charging cord, and a bottom zipper compartment that can fit several pairs of shoes
Must-Have Add-Ons:
Luggage Strap and Tags Perfect for securing and identifying your suitcase, carry-on, backpack, and handbag.
Digital Luggage Scale - Weighs up to 110 lbs to avoid those pesky overweight fees
AirTags - Keep track of your belongings with ease and peace of mind. Pair it with AirTag waterproof holder & Wallet AirTag holder
Delsey Expandable Carry-On 21 with Spinner Wheels, Personal Item Bag and DELSEY Paris Chatelet Air 2.0
Organizers & Accessories:
Traveling is much more enjoyable when you can easily find and access everything you need. That’s where clever organization comes in. Keeping your belongings in order is key to a stress-free trip. Packing Cubes are essential to keep your stuff in order, available in different sizes. Compression Cubes are ideal to save that valuable suitcase space. Shoe Bags keep your footwear separate and clean
I recently discovered a foldable duffle bag, and its a game changer! When folded, its very small and doesn't take up room, but it’s perfect for extra purchases while traveling. Use it to store dirty laundry and keep your new souvenirs in your main luggage. On your way home, you can check the duffle!
Packing Cubes Set - 4 Sizes (Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small). They help sort, organize, and locate items quickly.
Compression Packing Cubes - These cubes compress to compact pieces when zipped up, saving space and fitting more portably in your suitcase/luggage.
Foldable Travel Bag - water resistant duffle, when folded, it barely takes up space. Perfect for extra purchases while traveling—store dirty clothes in it and keep your new items in your main luggage. Check it on your way home!
Passport Holder - hold all your documents in one place
Travel Size Bottles - TSA approved 3oz bottles for shampoos, body wash, etc..
Shoe Bags - Breathable cotton fabric, works well as a home and travel storage bag.
Cable Organizer - Compact Electronic Accessories Waterproof case. Doesn't take much space in your backpack
Makeup Bag, Makeup Brush Holder, perfect organizers for your beauty products
Hair Tools Travel Bag and Heat Resistant Mat - fits many different accessories such as flat irons, curling irons, hair straighteners, curling wands, etc..
TIP Maximize your packing space by putting items inside each other. For example, you can tuck six pairs of socks inside your sneakers. If you’re bringing a hat, fill it with clothes to save space!
With these organizational tools, I travel with confidence and ease, knowing that everything has its place
Travel Size Bottles+ case, Hand Sanitizer and Personal Bag, bottom fits 4 pairs of shoes. Link to shoe bags
3 pairs of socks in one sneaker
Plane Essentials:
Comfort on the plane can set the tone for your entire trip. Pack a Travel Pillow for neck support and a Sleep Mask to block out light (this one comes with earplugs), helping you rest better during flights. Wear a comfy lounge set or jogger and a sweatshirt with a knit camisole underneath. These essentials ensure a more comfortable and pleasant journey from takeoff to landing.
Soft Travel Blanket and Pillow - I like to bring my own, which doubles as a pillow and blanket. It’s super soft and cozy.
Hand Sanitizer Spray - when traveling, I tend to sanitize my hands non stop. This spray is moisturizing, doesn’t dry out your hands, and smells amazing—no harsh alcohol scent.
Toiletry Travel Bag - fits a ton! There are multiple compartments with zipper and pockets for great organization
Reusable water bottle - A silicone foldable bottle that takes up almost no space once you’re done using it.
Noise canceling headphones - Hybrid, noise canceling and Bluetooth wireless with memory foam ear cups
Packing Cubes Set - 4 Sizes
Tech Gadgets:
Having the right gadgets can make a huge difference when traveling. From keeping your devices stay charged to capturing the perfect photo, these tools enhance my convenience and connectivity on the go. I also have multiple of each (just in case one gets lost or stops working)
Mini Portable chargers or Magnetic Portable charger - Compact and wire-free, perfect for on-the-go charging
Travel Plug Adaptor to charge electronics and Voltage Converter - perfect for high voltage items like hair curlers compatible with the local voltage
Flash, Stabilizer (videos will never be shaky), Tripod - Great for capturing stable, high-quality photos and videos.
Tiny Pump - A game changer at the beach—pumps and deflates all your floats quickly! It’s tiny but mighty. I've had people come up and ask me about it all the time.
Label Maker - I use it to label my toiletries
Wireless Bluetooth Speaker - love this water resistant speaker. Perfect for travel (beach, pool or hotel)
Airplane Phone Holder - hands free, perfect for flights
Happy and Stress Free Travels!
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