8 Things I Always Pack When Traveling
No matter where or how I travel, there are several items that always accompany me. Here are the 8 things I always pack when traveling.
As always, you can click the red text for more info on each item and to shop at no additional cost to you.
Belt Bag
I’ve been traveling with a belt bag for as long as I can remember. They allow me to have all important documents at the ready but keep my hands free to roll my luggage and personal carry-on. The belt bag slips into my other bags once onboard and acts as a clutch throughout my trip. I used this small LV belt bag for many years until I discovered this Lo & Sons alternative. It’s more versatile because it comes with zip closure, an adjustable strap, and is available in 20 colors.
This little convertible belt bag can also work as a crossbody or shoulder bag when needed. It comes in 2 sizes; I carry the large.
I have both the light gray and ivory in the Saffiano leather which has a pebbled texture.
Hat
Rain or shine, hot or cold, I always pack a hat. I often bring several and can only wear one to travel, so here’s how I pack a hat in a carry-on suitcase.
My hats came out of the bag looking brand new without a crease on them.
Tote Bag
Different holidays call for different totes, but mine need to pack flat because I don’t use them as my carry-on.
I’m a big fan of these Longchamp Totes that come in a multitude of sizes in a rainbow of colors and fold into a tiny pouch.
For my latest trip to Mexico, I brought this lightweight straw tote that carries everything I need. I flattened it, then folded it in half between Hola and Beaches. The beach motif fits my location, and it’s large enough to carry a beach towel. I was tempted by this one and this one with the pearls, but they added to its weight and I like to travel light.
Comfy Shoes
Painful shoes can ruin any day, but on vacation, I won’t take a chance. I pack shoes I know to be comfy because I’ve worn them before and know they don’t pinch or cause blisters.
I discovered these Isle Jacobson, perforated sneakers last summer, and now want them in every color she makes. They’re a super soft suede that stretches and molds to your feet then flattens small to pack in your bag. They have no inner seams to press on sore spots and feel amazing on.
I bought gray for this trip to Mexico because they’ll hide the dirt from our dusty walks. I broke my metallic sneakers in over several trips to Canada last year so I can count on them to be as comfy as bedroom slippers. They’ve made the newer model with elastic laces, which would be very nice to have…I’ll have to find some of those laces 🙂
Sunscreen
I wear sunscreen year-round, rain or shine, but when I travel, I bring extra to be sure I have the brands that I like best.
This year I found a new favorite I would order by the gallon if I could. It takes a lot for a new sunscreen to impress me, and this MDSolarSciences has me smitten. This physical block was founded by a dermatologic oncologist using reef-safe and cruelty-free, natural, 100% safe ingredients. It goes on silky smooth and leaves no white pasty finish. The stick is perfect for reapplying on the back of my hands that I wash throughout the day.
Hand Sanitizer
Long before COVID had us more concerned with germs than usual, I traveled with both hand-sanitizing wipes and gel or spray hand sanitizer. When I get to my seat on a plane, I wipe down the arms rests, inside and out of the tray table, and the seatbelt buckles. Wipes are perfect for this. Throughout my trip, the spray gets used often.
Scarf
Some holidays feel more scarf friendly than others, but I always pack a few cotton bandanas. They’re great to quickly cover my neck and chest when getting overexposed and add a dash of color to an otherwise neutral outfit. They’re also handy for days when my hair has been trashed by a hat.
Light Jacket
Layers are always important when I travel. I often pack a cashmere wrap, but for my trip to Mexico this week, I packed a lightweight nylon windbreaker that works for early morning walks and when the temps drop in the evening. This little jacket folds up into a tiny pouch and fills a corner in any bag.
What are your must-have travel items?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Great tips! I always pack a collapsible umbrella because sometimes a hood on a rain jacket/coat is not sufficient.
Great idea
Great tips, Jennifer. Thank you. I’ve been coming back to this page frequently, as I plan a two week trip soon, and I have not been on a plane in the last three years! Yikes! Thank you also to those who commented below with their suggestions. They are all helpful.
My only disappointment in shopping so far was the little belt bag – I thought it very expensive (even though I got it on sale). I’ll wait to see how useful, or not, it will turn out to be.
Hi Jennifer,
I pack all the things you mentioned as well as a power bank and my own tiny alarm clock. Hotel desk neglected to call me on one of my trips.
I tie a coloured string to one of the mirror suction cups, so it hangs down as far as the vanity and my toiletry bag . That way I see it while packing up. I’ve also left several mirrors behind.
A little spray bottle for water. I use it on my hair and to spray wrinkles out of clothing. A blast with the hair dryer helps also.
I pack several cotton bandanas which can be used as a little towel or cooling wrap when wet .
A cheap plastic poncho ; the ones that fold up into a small pouch, and a folding umbrella. I especially need one since I carry a camera , and need to protect it if I’m taking photos in the rain.
A few paper clips, elastics , a bullnose clip , 2 clothes pins , an S hook, safety pins & a few zip lock sandwich bags. You never know when something needs to be held together or pinned up 😉 All those little bits packs into a sandwich bag.
My trips are varied and usually longer than 10 days.
I’m interested in your luggage from the first photo.
That’s my “vintage” Hartmann. I still use the top bag but have replaced the roller bag with a hard sided one with better wheels.
What about your trusty travel makeup mirror? Our Florida condo bathroom mirror was designed for someone 6’4”. I want to add a small mirror to my travel essentials. Your recommendation?
Wow! I can’t believe I forgot that. I swear by a suction cup mirror. I leave them in hotels everywhere but they’re invaluable. This is a favorite
I can’t tell you how many mirrors I’ve left behind while traveling. So I bought myself a makeup bag to hold just the mirror. When I remove the mirror, I leave the bag on the counter to remind me not to forget it. I do the same with my electronics cords…the little pouch doesn’t get packed until I have gathered up what needs to go back inside. Haven’t left anything behind since!
Smart move!!! I’ll be copying you
For the elastic shoelaces… check out RopeLaceSupply, on Amazon too, lots of colors and sizes.😉
Thank you! I’ll check them out
Sneakers and slip-on shoes are great for walking around exploring new places. I found my feet were pretty dirty with sandals after walking around.
Your tips on packing hats are brilliant!
Enjoy your trip!
Funny but I don’t see our one must pack item, a nightlight! These are especially helpful when you have been in several hotels on a trip and are trying to find your way back to bed. I can’t agree more with the other items suggested. Have fun in Mexico!
Brilliant idea!!!
Earplugs and a sleep mask. I never know if a hotel will be noisy or if I’ll have a neon light blasting through the curtains. Of course, they work for long haul flights, as well.
Great tips, Jennifer! For myself for enroute and destination travel, I have always chosen a back-pack over a purse (they do have some lovely ones in leather now) as prefer hands-free with provision of multiple storage and less opportunity of theft or loss, though do pack a small cross-body bag with a removable strap for when an occasion might call for one. Have fun in Mexico and with wishes you enjoy your visit with your brother. -Brenda-
Thank you so much Brenda