PACKING ESSENTIALS
Packing doesn’t have to be stressful—or boring! Over the years, I’ve honed my system through trial, error, and a lot of research to make sure I’m as comfy and prepared as possible while traveling. Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend getaway or tackling a multi-city adventure, these essentials will help you pack like a pro. Each item is linked for convenience and saved on my Packing Essentials Amazon List!
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Packing Cubes
Compression Packing Cubes
Compression packing cubes are the GOAT of travel accessories. They keep your clothes organized, wrinkle-free, and make it so much easier to shuffle things around in your suitcase when needed. The only catch? You’ll fit way more in your suitcase, so don’t forget to weigh it before heading to the airport!
Regular Packing Cubes
Not into compression cubes? Regular packing cubes are still a great option. While compression cubes have the edge for wrinkle prevention, any packing cubes are better than none!
Plan Your Outfits!
Taking time to plan your outfits at home saves you time during your trip and helps avoid overpacking. If sightseeing is on the agenda, don’t underestimate the importance of comfy shoes and layers.
Pro tip: Always check the weather forecast before packing. One time, the day before a Europe trip, the forecast flipped to rain all day, every day. Like a madwoman, I dashed to Nordstrom and grabbed a waterproof raincoat. Honestly? Lifesaver. It poured the entire trip, but I was dry and unbothered.
Labels
For longer trips or multi-city adventures, I take packing cubes to the next level by labeling them. Yup, labels are my secret sauce for staying organized.
Here’s the game plan:
Label your packing cubes, e.g., “Paris” or “Amsterdam: Day 1”
Pack cubes by city to avoid opening multiple suitcases at every stop.
Keep toiletries and hair care in a carry-on for easy access at every destination.
It sounds a little extra, but it’s a game-changer for staying sane while hopping from city to city.
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Samsonite Packable Duffle
Before heading to Japan, I made a genius purchase: the Samsonite Packable Duffle. On my previous trip, I bought a bit too much (oops) and ran into issues at the airport. I didn’t want that drama again, so I came prepared.
This duffle is brilliant. It folds down so small it fit into the front pocket of my carry-on. Mid-trip, I used it for dirty laundry, and at the airport, I checked it. Meanwhile, all my new souvenirs stayed safe in my hard-shell luggage. Problem solved, shopping spree secured.
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Jewelry Case
Finding the right travel jewelry case was a journey. My first one? A total flop—like 98% of the designs out there. Here’s the deal: you need a case where the hooks for necklaces snap shut. Otherwise, you’ll waste an hour untangling a giant knot when you arrive at your destination.
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Calpak Terra 26L Duffle Backpack
For domestic trips or weekend getaways, I flat-out refuse to check a bag. Patience? Not my thing. But the older (and apparently more high-maintenance) I get, the harder it is to fit all my skincare and haircare into my commuter backpack.
Enter the Calpak Terra 26L Duffle Backpack. It’s massive but lightweight and fits under the seat. The best part? It opens like a suitcase, making packing a breeze. Here’s what I can fit in it:
Handbag or Dyson Airwrap
Toiletries
Makeup
Medicine
Electronics
It’s my new favorite carry-on hack for shorter trips.
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Toiletry Clear Cubes
I have beef with triangular toiletry bags. They’re awkward to pack and don’t hold as much as they should. The solution? Toiletry cubes. I’ve tested options from Calpak to Amazon, and honestly, the smaller Amazon cubes are my favorite. Here’s why: I love that they’re small enough to organize by category—one for makeup, one for skincare, and one for haircare. Other options I’ve tried are too bulky and take up way more room in your suitcase or backpack than necessary.
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Beis Jewelry Travel Case
No surprise here—Beis nailed it. This case solved all my problems and comes at a very reasonable price. Highly recommend!
Amazon Dupe
Okay, it’s not getting a prize in aesthetics, but this Amazon jewelry case is the only one I found that actually got the functionality right. If you’re looking for practicality, this is it!
Wet Bags
Traveling to a destination where you’ll be wearing swimsuits? I’ve come home with a wet swimsuit in my bag one too many times. In Iceland, I knew we’d be hot tubbing and hotel hopping, so it was the perfect opportunity to finally test out a wet bag. It worked great—no more lugging around musty swimsuits or dirty clothes!
Liquid IV
Travel can be dehydrating, so I keep a pouch of Liquid IV in my Calpak backpack at all times. It’s an easy way to stay hydrated without thinking about it—especially helpful after a long flight or a full day of exploring. Hydration is always the move!
