Travel Packing Essentials
Travel Packing Essentials
Heading out for a trip and hunting for the perfect travel bag or packing accessories? You’re in the right spot! We all know a travel bag’s got to be just right—roomy but not bulky, sturdy but not heavy, and of course, stylish! Whether you're jetting off for the weekend or hitting the road for an epic adventure, we've got the deets on all kinds of bags. Think rolling luggage that’s a breeze to maneuver, rugged duffels for those who like to wander off the beaten path, and sleek cross-body bags for folks who travel light. We’ve sifted through the heap, considering things like size, material, and price to hook you up with the best options available.
This guide is tailor-made for the strategic packer—the one who’s always poised for adventure, swears off checking bags, and selects their luggage with their destination firmly in mind. Worry not, these picks are all budget-friendly!
Aluminum Frame Carry On Luggage with Backpack
Category: Carry on
Why I love it: This bag has it all, the security of no zippers, TSA-approved locking latches, reinforced corners, wheels that glide like butter, waterproof separator inside, multiple compartments for organization, and lightweight.
Specs: 21.7x15x9.6 IN, Weight: 8.6 LB, Capacity: 40L
Extras: This one comes with the perfect-sized backpack with multiple compartments to keep your travel essentials organized.
Ideal For: I’ve traveled with this suitcase all over Europe and Japan. It's perfect for places without cobblestone roads and ample sidewalks.
Duffle Bag Backpack with Shoe Compartment & Wet Pocket
Category: Carry on
Why I love it: This duffle is small but mighty. It has a wet pocket area, converts into a backpack, has lots of pockets, a USB port, and a compartment for shoes.
Specs: 22.5x11.5x11.5 inches, Capacity: 50L
Extras: Converts into a backpack
Ideal For: Vietnam, SE Asia, and any place with cramped sidewalks or cobblestone roads/walkways.
Category: Day bag/purse
Why I love it: This bag is so affordable and fits it all. I’ve used this for years and it's my go-to purse while traveling.
Specs: 10.2L x 5.9H x 3.5W (inches)
Extras: Wear it multiple ways, side body like all the cool kids, across the fanny, across the belly or over the shoulder. This bag is small enough to fit easily in your personal item (backpack) so it doesn't count as your 2nd item.
Ideal For: Everyday use
Category: Day bag/purse/personal item
Why I love it: If you're looking for something more stylish and less “I’m on vacation”, this is your bag.
Specs: 11"L x 4.9"W x 14.7"H
Extras: Wear it multiple ways- this bag comes with removable backpack straps that can also be converted into a long strap or use the handle for a purse look.
Ideal For: Everyday use
Category: Day bag/personal item
Why I love it: This backpack has been all over the world with us. It's got many pockets, padded straps, a strap across the chest for added support, strong zippers, and isn't too big.
Specs: L:12 inch*H:21 inch*W:5.5inch,weight:2.6 LBS can hold 15.6-17.3 inch laptop
Extras: This bag is anti-theft, water resistant, scratch resistant, and has a strap with high-density soft foam for added comfort.
Ideal For: Day trips or as your personal item.
Category: Wallet
Why I love it: This wallet is slim and fits easily in the fanny pack listed above.
Specs: 3.15" x 4.6" x 0.25" and just 0.4" thickness after filling 8 cards
Extras: Hook for connection to a lanyard
Ideal For: Travel or everyday use.
RFID & Anti Theft Passport holder
Category: Anti-theft
Why I love it: This passport holder is made so well, it's sturdy and compact which is perfect if you choose to have this under your shirt or clothing. It's big enough for 1 passport, a small amount of money, and a credit card. You can put 2 passports but you won't have room for anything else.
Specs: The website lists this fit 4 passports but I don’t find that to be true.
Extras: This pouch is water resistant, RFID blocking, adjustable strap, breathable material, and compact.
Ideal For: Day trips
Category: Organization
Why I love it: I’ve used this set of packing cubes since 2016. They are durable, and lightweight and I’ve had no issues with the zippers or holes.
Specs: 1 small, 2 medium, and 2 large packing cubes
Ideal For: Travel & Packing
Category: Organization
Why I love it: I have this and a few other small bags that I use to organize all of my things. I use a few for my backpack where I make myself an essentials kit (things like an extra pair of socks & underwear or a bag with a brush, face wipes, etc.).
Specs: S/M/L
Ideal For: Travel
Space Saver Bags (compression)
Category: Everyday
Why I love it: I bring a few of these bags to put all my dirty clothes in. These help keep soiled clothing contained, allows for more room for trinkets, and helps keep my luggage smelling fresh by blocking any stinky sock smells. No vacuum is needed for these bags.
Specs: 4 L seal packing bags - 28x20" (70x50 cm) and 4 M size travel vacuum bags for clothes - 24x16" (60x40 cm)
Ideal For: Travel & Packing
Category: Nightly
Why I love it: This eye mask is one of the few that truly blocks out all light, doesn't put pressure on my eyes (great for those with lash extensions), is comfortable while sleeping, and has an adjustable strap.
Ideal For: Travel/planes
Category: Everyday
Why I love it: This hat is reversible so it's like packing 2 but only taking up room for 1. It's comfortable, has removable straps, fits perfectly (size medium for “normal” size heads), its breathable and lightweight.
Specs: Medium Fit Heads 21.5"-22.5"
Ideal For: Travel
Category: Travel
Why I love it: I use these and the other packing cubes listed above together. Depending on the luggage I’m taking, mixing them or using one or the other is best. These are great for giving yourself a bit more room because they compress down.
Specs: 1 large cube (16''x12''x4''), 1 medium cube (14''x10''x4''), 1 small cube (12''x8''x4''), 1 laundry bag (16.5''x9'')
Ideal For: Travel/Packing
Category: Travel
Why I love it: This set of mini containers is perfect for all your bathroom essentials. They are leakproof and come in many sizes and shapes.
Specs: 4 silicone bottles (3oz/89ml), 4 cream jars (2x10ml 2x30ml), 4 plastic spray bottles (2x10ml 2x30ml), 4 crescent scoopers, 1 funnel, 1 label sheet and 1 zipper bag.
Ideal For: Travel/Packing
Category: Everyday
Why I love it: This is my favorite travel umbrella (and I’ve tried them all it seems!). This has an easy open and close button, it's lightweight, windproof, and is the perfect size for 2 people with a wide canopy.
Specs: 42”
Ideal For: Travel
Category: Everyday
Why I love it: I purchased this raincoat for Ireland in November. It was absolutely perfect, cozy and warm when layered with sweaters.
Ideal For: Travel/Rainy days
Category: Carry on
Why I love it: I have tried so many travel pillows and this has become my most favorite. It's compact which has more than one bonus, I'm hyper aware of germs and can't imagine using a pillow that's been freely strapped to the outside of my bag where it can touch the floor... so this one is perfect because I know its clean and has a removable cover that can be washed after trips. It keeps my head up and from bobbling all over the place as I sleep.
Ideal For: Travel
Category: Everyday (walking or hiking)
Why I love it: My love for these not so cute shoes is huge. I wore these all over Ireland, in the rain, on hikes and in the cities. They were very comfortable and most importantly kept my feet dry no matter what the day had in store. I love that they were easy on if I wanted but had added stability if needed too. They are the most perfect travel shoes.
Ideal For: Travel or everyday use.
Category: Everyday single day
Why I love it: Whether I'm traveling or at home deep in my routine these hydration packs are perfect. They aren't filled with sugars, unnecessary ingredients, are zero calories and don't cost an arm and a leg. While on travel these keep me hydrated and feeling my best.
Ideal For: Travel or everyday use
*There are links included in the above blog. I do receive a small commission if you choose to purchase via those links. All products are used regularly and are truthfully my favorite products.*