A friend of mine is going on an exciting two week trip to Australia in just a few short months. She asked for some helpful travel tips, and I sent her a list of my packing essentials for traveling. These are some of the things I always bring, and please check out which seat I always book!
In my carryon
First, for my carryon, I love a good nylon bag. They are lightweight and flexible, unlike a more structured and heavy leather bag. I’ve used both, and I much prefer a nylon bag. My bag of choice lately is a Tumi that I was gifted, unavailable now as far as I can tell. If I were in the market for a new bag, I’d get this Longchamp bag.
- Healthy snacks – My go-to’s are carrot sticks, dried fruit, nuts, and jerky. There’s plenty of junk food available at the airport; pack some protein and nutrients.
- Comfortable headphones – No skimping here, this is essential. I like ear buds because they take up less room in your bag and don’t interfere with any sleep you might possibly snag. Mine are an older model of this pair. That ear piece feels AMAZING. Kiss your Apple buds goodbye. You can spring for noise canceling, but it’s not worth it for me.
- Entertainment – Always, always bring some combination of book, magazine, iPad, crossword puzzle, etc., whatever might interest you when staring at an endless stream of movies fails. I’m partial to a good book and magazines you can pass on or trash when you’re finished.
- Freshen up kit – Never underestimate the refreshed feeling you can have after a quick lavatory cleanse on a long flight. I like to have a mini kit with toothbrush/paste, moist towelettes, eye drops, chap stick, and lotion.
- Pen/journal – Helpful for so many reasons, including these.
- Chargers – inevitably you’re going to need them. Tie them up with these for easy storage!
- Another layer – I’m always cold on planes. I always bring a layering piece that I can wear, use as a blanket, an extra pillow, etc. Multi-functional!
- An extra change of clothes and sunglasses – I’ve had the opportunity to be prepared and unprepared for lost luggage. Take the clothes, trust me.
In my suitcase
- Packing cubes – I prefer these lightweight, flexible ones. The more structured ones don’t compress as easily, and thus add unnecessary bulk. These win for best organizational travel item.
- Pharmacy kit – Someday maybe I’ll write about the time (OK, I’ll be honest, two times in one summer) as an expat I got too cocky with my in-country survival skills and didn’t prepare to get sick on our travels. Take some medicine, just in case. A few doses of a variety of things will help immensely if you need them. Send me a note if you want to know what I take.
- Clothes – More another time on specifics, but definitely pack to mix and match. Plan to re-wear at least some pieces (Have you washed laundry in the sink before? It adds to the adventure *wink*). Be sure also to keep a clean outfit for returning home. I’ve accidentally not done this. On our January honeymoon I got my only pair of jeans dirty, suupeerrr dirty, and it was freezing at home. I ended up wearing a pair of my new husband’s jeans home, hahahaha. It’s a good story, but I don’t recommend it.
And that’s it. A few accessories and multiple pairs of comfortable shoes tailored to the trip’s specifics, and I’m good to go! What are your travel essentials?
