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 and I love having handy checklists of everything I need to bring on a trip.
Today I am sharing items you should consider packing – no matter the type of trip you’re going on. These items will make you a more prepared traveler and likely lead to a better experience while away from home.
What to Bring On A Trip
What to Bring on a Trip
Suitcases
I also swear by my Away suitcases. I have both the bigger carry on (a god-send that fits so much!) as well as the Medium and the Large that are great checked luggage 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.
Mix and Match Wardrobe
Your life will be made so much easier when putting together outfits if you bring a wardrobe you can mix and match in a coordinating color palette.
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!
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.
Forms of Payment
Be sure to have your debit card in case you need to use an ATM and don’t forget your credit cards of course.
I usually order currency of the destination in advance from my bank to ensure a better exchange rate than doing so at an airport as well. It’s an easy way to save money in advance of your trip.
It’s crucial to have cash on hand for tipping, small businesses and other vendors who may not accept card payments.
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. These fit so many more travel size toiletries than you’d imagine!
Cuyana Cosmetic Cases
You’ve heard me talk about this toiletry bag set 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.
Related: 12 Best Travel Makeup Bags
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.
I find a Kindle especially key for solo travel.
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.
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.
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.
Makeup
Pack minis of your favorites! A few favorite minis I always, always travel with? This Saie primer I can’t be without + the Charlotte Tillbury Flawless Filter I love to layer over it before I apply my beloved Erborian BB Cream and/or my favorite Armani Luminous Foundation , the best One/Size setting spray that makes makeup last all day on long travel days spent out exploring, this bronzer/highlighter duo that does double duty, my favorite little contour stick, my favorite cream blush (+ this powder blush that layers well over it!), one of my go-to lip combos of this liner + lipstick, my favorite setting powder and this little eyeshadow palette that’s versatile.
Check out my full guide on How to Pack Makeup for Travel.
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.
Comfy Pajamas
A must when sleeping away from home.
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.
What to Bring on a Three Day Trip
Carry On Luggage
A good carry on bag is a must for a long weekend. The Away Bigger Carry On is perfect for three day trips. It fits plenty and if you need a bit of excess room, pair it with a weekender bag (see below) as your personal item.
Tumi Weekender
This chic duffle bag 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.
Packing Cubes
I’m not personally a fan of packing cubes but I do know others that swear by them to save space when traveling. Instead I rely on my compression Away suitcases and then opt to roll all my clothing items.
Related: How to Pack for a Long Weekend
What to Bring on a Trip to Europe
International travel requires some additional items you won’t want to forget to pack. Don’t miss my International Travel Checklist.
Visas
Many international destinations require you have a visa – even for a short stay. Be sure you research each country you are planning to visit to see what visas and other travel documents are required and be sure to apply well in advance to ensure it arrives in time.
Passport
Of course you’ll need your up to date passport to travel internationally. You’re going to want to ensure you’re familiar with any entry requirements as well. For example, France requires your passport is up to date up to six months in advance of its expiration date.
Consider a chic passport holder, too.
Travel Insurance
Things can go wrong when you travel internationally and purchasing travel insurance is an easy way to give yourself some peace of mind to be reimbursed when it does.
A Universal Charger
This is my charger for all overseas trips. Love that it has a USB port for easy phone charging.
Dual Voltage Curling Iron
Across the world you’ll encounter different voltage so your Dyson Airwrap you use at home in the States will not work (and will in fact, blow and break forever) if you try and use it abroad. So instead, pack dual voltage hair tools.
This inexpensive curling wand works wonders and is dual voltage so once plugged into my adapter while overseas it is ready to go.
Electrolytes
I am someone who gets very thirsty on flights and doesn’t want to arrive to a new destination feeling dehydrated. Carrying low sugar Electrolyte packets like Liquid IV or these from LMNT that taste great is a good solution.
You mix one of the travel friendly packets in a bottle of water and you’ll be treated to sodium, potassium and magnesium and get hydrated without having to drinks even more H2o which could lead to many annoying trips to the bathroom on the airplane which I personally find disruptive to sleep on long flights.
I’ve heard flight attendants swear by these for their regular long haul trips!
AirFly
If you’re like me and like to watch a movie in flight as you enjoy dinner before dozing off, but want to do so wirelessly, you’ll want to have this handy device. It allows you to wirelessly transmit audio from in-flight entertainment USB port to your AirPods or other wireless headphones.
Compression Socks
If you tend to swell on flights, compression socks will be a game changer for you. I usually change into them once I’m in my seat as they can be intense to have on for long periods of time.
Related: What to Wear on a Long Flight
What to Bring on a Beach Trip
Hat
I like to have a ball cap in my suitcase always in case of rainy days or sunny days and of course a wide brim sun hat for days spent at the beach or pool.
SPF
I always, always pack SPF and this is my favorite one for on the go face touch ups in particular.
Swimsuit
I like those from Summersalt and this flattering one piece that’s been one of my favorite Amazon Fashion finds.
TopTote
This heavy duty magnet makes traveling with a hat a snap! It is a game changer.
Anti-Nausea Bands
If you’re planning on a boat day during your beach trip, these bands are a lifesaver.
What to Bring on a Road Trip
First Aid Kit
This travel first aid kit is perfect for storing in your car.
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.
Vacation Packing List
Use this handy packing checklist by saving it to your phone to ensure you don’t forget to pack any of the essentials.
I hope you find this post helpful and can bookmark it for all your future travels. Shop even more of my Travel Essentials on Amazon. Wheels up!
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