Must-Have Travel Essentials: The Ultimate Packing Guide written by a Travel Blogger
Looking for the must-have travel essentials to help pack for a trip? I got you covered! Overpacking is a problem many people deal with when getting ready for a trip. It can be overwhelming to narrow down the necessities. Being the avid traveler that I am, I have perfected my vacation packing list with items that will make your life much easier when traveling. Forget overpacking and let’s get streamlined for your next destination! Below you’ll find my “The Ultimate Travel Essentials List: Packing Tips For Your Next Trip” so you can be well equipped to hop on that flight.
While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for products I recommend. This means I get a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking one of these links at no additional cost to you. As always, I am so thankful for your support and will continue to share only products I truly use and love!
Best Carry-On Luggage
As a travel blogger, I am constantly on the go. When it comes to the dilemma of “to carry on or to not carry on” I always choose the latter. Who wants to deal with the drama of missing luggage? Not I! That’s why I always bring a carry-on suitcase (as well as a checked one, because a girl needs her options). Above is my personal sleek carry-on luggage that has never let me down! I’ve also included an affordable amazon version that has great reviews.
Best Checked Luggage
I would love to be the type of traveler to only bring a carry-on but I need options. If you prefer to check your luggage then purchase the Monos large check-in. I packed 2.5 weeks of a Europe adventure into this one suitcase alone. I love that it has compartments and zipper pockets.
Monos 30-inch Large Checked Bag
Best Travel Bags for Every Type of Traveler
Travel Tote
A travel tote is a great addition to your packing list and will help carry those extra items that didn’t fit in a carry-on. I love this one from BEIS because it’s black so it goes with everything. Also, it has an insert that fits on your suitcase handle and a crossbody strap. All the options! PRO TRAVEL TIP: Don’t pack out the tote before leaving. The reason being is you’ll never know what you’ll pick up on your travels so leave space for a few souvenirs.
Beis Travel Tote $132
Travel Backpack
If you’re traveling from city to city with multiple stops then a travel backpack is the way to go! Don’t get me wrong, traveling with a tote is chicer however traveling with a backpack is more comfortable. I personally use a backpack on most trips and have loved this Lululemon Backpack for years. It fits way more than you would expect it to! For a more affordable option check out this one from Amazon.
Travel Weekender
If you’re in need of more space than a tote or a backpack then pick up this Weekender Bag. This weekend bag from Beis is great because it not only fits under the seat but is made of cloth fabric which makes it super durable. It has a padded laptop pocket and zippered shoe pocket at the bottom to bring that extra pair (because we always need that extra pair right ladies?).
Travel Essentials Gear
Best Packing Cubes
If you have never packed with packing cubes before, I urge you to try (and then thank me later). When packing, using packing cubes not only help with organization, but you can simply transport the cubes from your suitcase to a hotel dresser with much ease. Finally, I purchased two sets (two different colors) to help organize my husband’s items and my items. I’ve been using packing cubes for years and can not leave home without them!
Travel Containers for Liquids
Who wants to lug full-size beauty products on a trip? Not me! When purchasing travel containers it’s the perfect way to save space. These containers I swear by, come in a pack of 4 and a bag for only $12. Talk about a steal! Finally, I always like to purchase travel-sized items when I see them in the store to keep in my travel cosmetic case.
Cosmetic Case
Having all of your cosmetics in one place is the only way to do it, ladies. Who wants to scramble to find their moisturizer when you have a new destination to explore? Not me! By purchasing a roomy cosmetic case you are saving time by digging through that pack. This case fits all of my makeup and skincare items needed and the hanging option is a great option to have!
Travel Portable Charger
Nothing is worse than running out of phone battery while you’re in a foreign city or even traveling domestically. Do yourself a favor and purchase this portable battery charger so you never have to worry. My go-to comes in a pack of two so you never run out of juice and it charges your phone so fast!
Noise Cancelling Headphones
These are my most used item when on a long flight. Nobody wants to hear babies crying or loud people in the midst of conversation when on a long flight. The worst is when someone chooses to watch their phone without headphones cue the eye roll. Do yourself a favor and get these Bose Noise Cancelling headphones so you can sit back and relax. For a less expensive version, albeit with similar qualities, check this one out!
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
Travel Water Bottle
Don’t spend money on overpriced water bottles at the airport. Instead, bring your own reusable one. Every airport has fountains that are free. Make sure it’s empty before going through security! For my favorite version, choose this Amazon water bottle that collapses for extra space-saving.
Silk Mask
Ok, it seems as though masks are going to be needed for travel indefinitely, and a silk mask is a GAME CHANGER. For those that suffer from maskne having a silk mask helps. It does not irritate the skin as much. I also find that it’s extremely breathable and never leave home without it. It can be pricey but if you pick anything from this list let it be this!
Travel Wrap
One of my most used essentials for travel is a cashmere wrap. It can serve many purposes on a flight. You can wear it as a scarf, roll it up to use it as a pillow, or simply wrap yourself up in a cozy blanket when the cabin gets chilly. It’s a little bit of a splurge (think investment piece) but you’ll have it for years to come! I included a more affordable option below as well.
Cashmere Wrap $199
Silk Eye Mask
This Silk Eye Mask is perfect for overnight flights. Not only does it cancel out light, but it helps you get a more restful sleep with noise canceling as well. You’ll love the way this silk feels on your skin!
Travel Adapter
If you have ever traveled abroad and were not able to use your curling iron, I feel for you! When traveling to other countries it’s always smart to bring a travel adapter so you can use your electronics with no issue. This one from Amazon has 4 international adapters for multiple countries.
A Straw Hat (Spring/Summer)
Packing a hat is high on the travel essentials list, especially when traveling to warm weather climates. If you want to lay by the pool and protect that precious face or just sightsee and stay nice and cool – make sure to pack a hat! The Brixton fedora is a great one, I own it in 3 colors.
Baseball Cap or Beanie (Fall/Winter)
For colder weather climates I always have a beanie or baseball cap on hand. For multiple reasons. One of which is that if my hair is greasy from traveling long days I can throw it on and look put together. Shop my favorite baseball cap here and this beanie that is only $19!
Visor
For trips where I’m active and outdoors, I always pack my oversized visor. It protects my face from the sun and I don’t have to worry about running it because it was only $17. Sure it may be a little dorky but your girl is a skincare queen so I’d rather that than get sun on my face. Shop it here!
Magnetic Hat Holder
For the absolute easiest way to travel with a hat, you need to pick up this magnetic hat holder that clips to any bag or luggage. I can’t tell you how easy it is to travel with a hat with this new invention. My biggest travel hack right now!
Face Moisturizer
Being on a plane for multiple hours can dry anyone out. Don’t arrive at your destination with dry skin! Instead, use this Kiehl’s moisturizer to keep your skin looking nice and refreshed. I don’t leave home without it.
Kiehl’s Ultra Hydrating Moisturier
Disinfectant Wipes + Hand Sanitizer
One word: Coronavirus. Let’s not forget 2020, the year that took the travel industry by storm. These are a MUST when traveling on an airplane and it’s best to wipe your entire seat, TV, window, and tray table with disinfectant wipes BEFORE sitting down. I’m also linking my favorite shields for those that want extra protection.
Sunscreen
Warm-weather or not, outside or inside, sunscreen is a necessity that everyone needs to use on a daily basis. For face sunscreen, I couldn’t recommend Elta MD more. You want to make sure you are always using broad-spectrum sunscreen because it protects against UVA and UVB rays. Elta MD is a dermatologist approved and ever since I started using it, I have never broken out. It’s my holy grail skincare item and if I could only pick a few essentials for travel, this would be top of my list!
Sunscreen Brush
Ok, this is my new favorite item! When traveling, I tend to have a full face of makeup, and reapplying sunscreen in the middle of the day is tough when you are wearing makeup. Cue the SuperGoop sunscreen brush, the easiest way to re-apply sunscreen on the go. It’s truly a lifesaver and has come in handy during my recent travels.
Lip Balm
Another travel packing list to check off is lip balm. This Summer Friday Lip Balm is the best for chapped lips. Which always happens to me when traveling.
Body Lotion
Ladies, how much do you spend on skincare products? Now ask yourself, how much do you spend on body products? If you are like me, you would pick up whatever lotion was on sale at Target. But let me tell you when I started using Necessaire products the skin on my body never looked better! Not only does this lotion have niacinamide in it but it’s fragrance-free and it’s a must when packing my bags. You can shop all the goods here. DON’T FORGET TO USE CODE “LETRAVELSTYLE” FOR 10% OFF.
Must-Have Travel Essentials Checklist
Below I covered the ultimate trip packing list for you to check off before your flight. Screenshot this travel packing checklist to help you plan:
Best Packing Tips from a Travel Blogger
Being the avid traveler that I am I have learned quite a few packing tips over the years. I’m spilling the tea below!
- Use packing cubes! It’s the best way to organize and save space and time while traveling
- Roll your dresses altogether. Start by laying them all flat on top of each other and fold in the corners then roll and pack in a packing cube. You will save so much space!
- The same can be applied to tops.
- Pack socks and accessories inside shoes.
- Consider travel compression bags for heavier items. I use these when I travel in the fall/winter to pack sweaters and I’m always pleasantly surprised by how good they work.
- If you’re not using a travel-safe container then use plastic wrap underneath the caps of your toiletry items.
Well, there you have it. If you use this “The Ultimate Travel Essentials List: Packing Tips For Your Next Trip”, you will be more than prepared! Thanks for reading this post and check out more of my travel guides!
XO,
Courtney
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