My Favorite Packing Essentials!
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These are my favorite Essentials for my Carry-On Bag! I usually stick to neutral colors so I can mix and match easily. In order to meet my travel essentials criteria, they have to be useful, lightweight and small! There is nothing worse than lugging heavy bags through airports or trying to leverage them into overhead bins on airplanes and trains.
I keep my gadgets simple and functional, only bringing what I can’t live without.
Self- Packing Rain Jacket
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
These are the best I have found and besides performing well, they are super cute! I love the fact that they are wireless so I can wear them anywhere - perfect for riding on trains, flights or breezing through the airport!
Packable Straw Hat
Having a hat for travel sketching is essential! I like that I can scrunch this one up and tuck it in my purse or my carryon and it pops right back in to shape!
Travel Umbrella
My travel umbrella serves two purposes - it protects me from the rain but more importantly, it has a teflon coating that protects agains UV rays from the sun! It packs up compactly, weighs only a half pound, and I can tuck it easily into my pack or purse!
Manicure Set
This little kit has everything you need for your travel grooming needs and is tiny enough to tuck in your purse!
Travel Neck Pillow & Accessories
I have tried a lot of neck pillows and have found this one to be the most comfortable. I like that the cover unzips for cleaning and it has a travel pouch so you can tuck it away instead of hanging it off of your suitcase. This pillow comes with ear plugs and a comfy, contoured sleep mask, both essentials for overnight flights!
Sleep Mask
The cutest and softest mask to catch those important Zzzzzzzzzzz’s on your travels!
Ear Plugs
For added help with your slumber on your journeys, these earplugs are reusable, soft and mold to the inside of your ear helping to block out noise so you can rest. I like that they are a little case to keep them clean!
Compression Socks for Long Flights
These are always a good idea, especially on flights of over 6 hours or more when I can’t move around too much to keep my circulation going. I love these because although they are tight fitting, I can still wiggle my toes!
Keep it Clean
I love this nylon bags from MiAmica! This laundry bag holds so much and is handy for keeping the dirties separate from the clean! When I do laundry on the road, I throw the bag right into the wash and then I can pack my clean clothes right back in it to travel back to my hotel!
Cube Mates
I love keeping my packing organized and light! These packing cubes have mesh on top to keep clothing from getting stale and keeps everything neat and tidy! Only take out what you need instead of digging through the whole suitcase!
Plane to See Bag
The perfect size and TSA approved clear bag for your liquids. How cute is that? Full of little bottles to fill and pre-printed sticker labels.
Passport Carrier
Keep that passport safe with an RFID protective case that holds not only your travel documents, but credit cards as well. Plus, it’s super cute!
Reusable Nylon Tote
Nylon Totes are perfect for tucking into your purse when you are out and about. Great for impromptu shopping and they weigh practically nothing. I always take one on my journeys!
Luggage Tags
Love these adventurous luggage tags - keep your name and address private. Cable closures can’t be ripped off your bags!
Power Bank/Portable Charger
I never leave home without a spare charger for my phone! This Ankar charger can charge my phone up to 2 1/2 times! Travel apps can drain your phone’s battery so this is sure to keep you going!
Travel Case for Portable Charger
Credit Card-sized Portable Charger
USB Car Charger
Cigarette lighters are fairly universal in rental cars across the globe and this little device is the perfect thing to plug into that lighter to charge your phone while driving. Plug in 2 devices at once for super fast charging! *Does not come with cable so be sure to bring your own!
Portable External Hard Drive
Cable Charger
Its always good to have an extra cable in case you leave one behind or it breaks while you are away. Be sure you get the right connector for your device!
Keep those cords organized!
Tech Organization
I keep all of my chargers, cords, batteries and SD cards organized in this Tech Pouch from Bagsmart. It’s lightweight and keeps it all visible and at your fingertips!
Portable WiFi Hot Spot
This little baby is crucial for me while traveling as I need to be connected all the time. The Skyroam Solis has flexible and affordable plans and can be used in over 120 countries. Powerful and fast - indispensable!
EReader
I love to read on my journeys, and although I prefer to have a real book in my hands, an EReader is perfect for travel! I can download books anywhere I have wifi and the Kindle Paperwhite is easy on the eyes in the dark and bright sunlight. The Paperwhite is slim and very light and one charge lasts me more than a week!
Case for Reader
A case is a must for your E-Reader. I have this one, super sleek and hides the dirt!
Universal Travel Adapter with Ground
This handy adapter is essential when traveling internationally. You will be able to plug your devices in anywhere in the world with this handy tool. Although you can adjust the voltage on this model, I am still always hesitant to plug in hair dryers and hair heating tools made in the USA because of the risk of burning them out. I recommend getting a European flat iron and/or hair dryer that is more compatible with these devices. You can order those on Amazon by simply typing “European Plug” in the description.
Jewelry Travel Roll
Lightweight and organized, this jewelry case fits perfectly in bag and keeps all of my jewelry easily accessible!
Cosmetic Bag
I like to use a see-through bag for my cosmetics so I can look and grab what I need quickly. This bag is lightweight, easy to wipe down and holds a lot of stuff!
Travel First Aid Kit
This is a handy little kit, very tiny and lightweight and I love that you can take it out of your carry on and clip it onto your purse, art kit, or anywhere you need to keep it handy!
Microfibre Cloths
I carry a few of these with me to use as face cloths on my trips. Often times you may not find small wash cloths in other countries for washing your face. These are perfect to use because they clean easily and dry very quickly. They weigh practically nothing and are super soft! They are also perfect for cleaning eyeglasses!
Travel Lock
While you wouldn’t think you need a lock for your carry-on, I always have one so that I can lock my bag up when I leave my hotel room! Sometimes things are just too big for your room safe, so your locked carry-on bag can be used as a deterrent for storing things!
Collapsible/Reusable Water Bottle
Bring your water bottle empty and rolled up through security screening and then fill up before you board your flight! Most airports have water bottle filling stations now. This bottle is BPA free, leak proof and lightweight.
Travel Straw
Let’s take care of our environment and lose the plastic straws! I do my part with this reusable, telescoping metal straw with carrying case. Clip it on to your bag so you always have it handy!
