As a long time blogger sharing travel content and the founder of travel atelier En Route to Rêverie, I’m a pretty seasoned traveler at this point in my life. Packing and preparing for a trip is rather formulaic for me nowadays. With all my recent travel I’ve had this year, I went ahead and gave my travel essentials a refresh.
Today I am sharing my travel essentials that I almost always have with me on any given trip. These travel items will no doubt make your next trip a breeze.
Meghan’s Travel Essentials
My Travel Essentials
Tumi Weekender
This is my secret weapon for long trips or for trips I may want to do some shopping on. I bring it on the plane with me with any valuables I don’t feel comfortable checking but I also leave some room to spare for any items I may pick up on my travels that may not fit on my suitcase.
Bose Noise Cancelling Wireless headphones
I haven’t gotten on a plane without my noise cancelling headphones in a decade. They work to drown out background noise on plans and help me be able to get some sleep and also lower my anxiety on flights that have a lot going on (loud talkers, crying children, etc, etc, etc.)
I love that this pair is wireless, too.
Mobile Hotspot
When I don’t want to rely on having wifi provided by someone else, and especially when traveling solo or overseas, I always have this handy device in tow. The data packages are cheap and I love that it is so easy to carry around. They’ve since given it a makeover but same reliable internet and super cheap data packages. It definitely gives me peace of mind when I travel.
Powerstation
A god-send! This is great for days where you don’t want to deal with the anxiety of finding an outlet to charge your phone. It lasts for several hours and goes to work quickly.
I also always bring this one which has a magnet to attach to your iPhone for easy re-upping a charge while on the go.
Travel Umbrella
A lightweight, durable umbrella is a must and this is the one I always bring on any trip. It’s served me very well many years over!
Truffle Clarity and Jet Set Cases
This pouch may not look like much but it is a god-send for packing liquids. It fits so much and easily is wiped out if any liquids happen to leak. I also love that I can easily see what all is in there and find what I need right away.
It’s been a toiletry game changer for my travels and I now have one in nearly every size they make. I use them to store cords, small electronics and other travel accessories. I also own their Jetset Cases which are also so good. They fit so much more than you’d imagine!
Kindle
Buying a Kindle revolutionized my ability to breeze through books while traveling. I absolutely love how lightweight it is, how easy it is to download books and that it is waterproof which makes pool and bath reading a possibility.
Band Aids
For any issues with blisters while walking in shoes I always pack these blister Band-Aids and then my favorite Nexcare bandages for any additional needs I may have while on the road.
Wellness Complex
I swear by bringing this stuff when I travel. You can take up to 3 every few hours for maximum immune support and I swear it has helped me kick the onset of colds.
Cuyana Cosmetic Cases
You’ve heard me talk about these for forever but they are the best. I use the larger one for my makeup and the smaller for any medicine or must-haves on the plane in my carry on tote. I also have things packed in at least one or two of the Cuyana Leather Pouches every trip, too. (Can you tell I love pouches!?) They hold so much and truly beautifully made.
Dual Voltage Curling Iron
This inexpensive curling wand works wonders and is dual voltage so once plugged into my adapter while overseas it is ready to go.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
Ball Cap
I like to have a ball cap in my suitcase always in case of rainy days or sunny days.
SPF
I always, always pack SPF and this is my favorite one for on the go face touch ups in particular.

Passport Holder
This is more for looks than practicality but I love having my passport tucked into a chic holder. I think a passport holder makes a great gift for friends who love to travel as well.
Smythson makes some very chic ones as well.
A Universal Charger
This is my charger for all overseas trips. Love that it has a USB port for easy phone charging.
White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap
I am generally always cold on airplanes so I got this wrap and now bring it on every flight with me. I own it in two colors – it’s that good. It’s also great to have on days where the weather may change and you want an extra layer to wrap around you. It is so soft and I love that it wraps entirely around your body to make sure you’re warm and cozy on flights.
Eye Mask
I never leave home without an eye mask. I use it on red eyes religiously and sometimes in hotels too.
Earplugs
Given you never know what sleeping conditions you’ll get when traveling, I always have earplugs with me. This pair is particularly good at noise reduction and I love that they come with a carrying case making them extra travel ready.
Comfy Pajamas
You guys know I love these PJs from Target. They are usually the pair in my suitcase when I travel.
Downy Wrinkle Releaser
Given how I loathe ironing and use this stuff around the clock at home I never leave without a travel size bottle in my suitcase. I have gone through bottles and bottles of this stuff and converted every friend I have ever traveled with, too!
Leather Tote
My Celine Phantom tote is my go-to bag when I travel right now. It fits everything I need and is super durable. I find it is better to travel with than a more structured tote. I also have the more affordable Cuyana one in a few colors and love that they can be monogrammed.
TopTote
This heavy duty magnet makes traveling with a hat a snap! It is a game changer.
Lumify Eye Drops
Dramamine Non Drowsy
I’ve had motion sickness in cars and on planes, trains and boats since I was little. I am never without several tubes of non-drowsy Dramamine.
Anti-Nausea Bands
Also for fighting motion sickness and nausea from traveling, these bands are a lifesaver.
Olly Sleep Vitamins
I don’t always sleep well when I travel so rely on these for improved sleep when on the road.
Airpods
Always on hand for podcast and music listening when I don’t want to use my Bose or don’t need major noise cancellation.
HydroFlask Water Bottle
I’m so glad I have always started carrying a reusable water bottle with me. No more plastic bottle waste and I can ensure I always am hydrated.
Cuyana Leather Laptop Case
I almost always travel with my laptop so I ensure it is tucked away safely in this beautiful case. I love that it has two front pockets as well for cables/cords or I use them usually for receipts and one for my Kindle.
Sony Alpha a6000 Camera
This camera definitely lived up to its reputation. I love how compact and lightweight it is and the quality of photos is spectacular for the affordable price. My favorite feature is the wifi syncing so I can instantly upload photos from the camera onto my phone to post to Instagram. I also love that the screen pops out so you can get better flatlays. This camera is great for first timers, too.
Common Projects Sneakers
Suitcases
I also swear by my Away suitcases. I have both the bigger carry on (a god-send that fits so much!) and also the Medium and the Large that are great for longer trips. I’ve been using mine for nearly ten years and have been really happy with how they’ve held up. I like how much they compress items to really maximize space and the built-in locks, too.
Travel Wallet
And as for a travel wallet, I don’t use cash much these days so I just use my normal every day wallet which is this YSL card case that has held up so well with lots of use.
. . .
Hope you find this a handy resource for your future travels! Several of these items would make great gifts for the traveler in your life, too!
Shop even more of my Travel Essentials on Amazon. Wheels up!
Heading to France or England? Book En Route to Rêverie and get customized recommendations based on your travel preferences to make your next trip the best one yet.
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So stinkin’ chic! I need all of this. I bought an amazing big scarf during the NS sale last year, but that wrap is tempting! I wish I had those probiotics on the trip I just went one… needless to say I’m going to be getting those for the future! Have you done a review of your AWAY luggage? It’s one of those things I see all the influencers with but I don’t know if it’s worth pulling the trigger!
Not a formal review but talked about it more here: https://witwhimsy.com/2016/11/01/packing-and-travel-hacks-to-swear-by/ It is TRULY AMAZING luggage! I’ve had my Bigger Carry On and Medium for years now and am so happy with both!
Thank you! That’s great information to have!
The Truffle cases, a good tote, and comfy sneakers are a must for traveling!!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
You know what’s up, Rachel!!
Cheaper near-“dupe” for the Eberjay pajamas – the Stars Above brand “Beautifully Soft Notch Collar Pajama Set” (https://www.target.com/p/women-s-beautifully-soft-notch-collar-pajama-set-stars-above-153/-/A-54223369?preselect=54159313#lnk=sametab). They’re insanely comfortable, and I ended up buying different versions in multiple colors this summer. I packed them for Maine and London, and they’re going with me to Nassau next month for sure!
LOVE this tip! Can’t wait to check them out – thank ou!
I traveled pre covid 40 weeks a year and have just started again and wow I was off my a game. I use a cashmere silk scarf during warmer months and forgot it and a few other things as I did not have a list! I now have a list but will add to it from what you’ve suggested here. Thank you!
I’m so glad you found the post helpful!
Love this post! Could you go one step further and help guide us on how to pack carry on only. I’m doing this first time soon and I need help. In particular toiletries for carry on.
Ordering that tote really love it!
Thanks,
Cathy
Sadly don’t have plans for that in the near future but I’ll keep it in mind! I think packing a carry on is SO specific to the trip you’re taking especially based on weather.
I’m an overpacker, so not only do I always have a suitcase and a weekender bag, but I have a foldable duffle that is teeny tiny when it’s not in use to bring stuff home in. It has saved my butt countless times. And never without an eyemask! Life changing once I finally discovered them.
xo Jessica
an indigo day
ooo I like this idea!!
What a helpful post! I’m going to London in the spring and I will definitely be picking up some of these items!
Does the mobile hotspot work while you are on the go during the day? Or is it more something you use when you are at a hotel?
Yes you turn it on whenever you want wifi! You can use it till your data runs out so I just use it as needed while on the go.
Brilliant and comprehensive- but realistic!- list. I’ve never thought to pack wrinkle release, and now I’m wondering why ever not. I’m just starting to travel again post pandemic, taking my first short break and a flight next month. Kinda feel excited to be packing again!
Safe travels!!
Ok so I am like the one person who does not own AirPods or wireless headphones. Can you please help me understand why someone would need earbuds and over-ear headphones? Is the noise cancellation on over-ear headphones so much better than airpod pros or ear plugs that it’s worth the additional space? Would you bother with the over-ear headphones for a shorter flight?
Also, what are your thoughts on packing cubes (if any)? What about the Cuyana tote insert?
Hi Minnie – I prefer the Bose for planes because I think they are superior at drowning out the airplane noise and I never have to worry about an Airpod falling out while sleeping and getting lost on the plane!
I don’t do packing cubes personally and I don’t own the Cuyana insert so can’t speak to it unfortunately!
I Just love the Wellness Formula tablets. I’ve used them while traveling but also at home, I tend to alternate a few weeks of taking these instead of my usual multivitamin.
Agree with the kindle, and the downy release spray!
I had no idea you got motion sickness on planes since you seem to effortlessly fly so much! This inspires me a lot. Does the Dramamine help completely with motion sickness or do you still feel it (but don’t let it bother you)?
Lisa
http://www.theelevatedesthetician.com