One thing I’ve learned over ten years of traveling internationally is that packing can make or break your trip. Over time I’ve narrowed my essentials down to a handful of items I genuinely never leave behind. Whether I’m heading out for a quick weekend trip or a longer multi-country adventure, having reliable, functional pieces makes everything smoother – from staying organized in a hostel bunk to carrying my belongings with ease. Keep reading to learn about the travel staples I personally use on every trip.
Luggage
There’s one thing about my packing routine that never changes – and it’s that I like to travel carry-on only. I completely get why people like to check a bag, but for me, the stress of not knowing if my bag will arrive is not worth the extra space. Instead, I tend to travel with one carry-on and one personal item. Whether I use a suitcase or a backpack depends on the specific trip – both have their pros and cons, so I just try to make the best decision for my itinerary.
Carry On
- Lululemon 2-in-1 Travel Duffel Backpack 45L: This is the backpack I use most often for weekend trips when I want to fit everything in one bag. I also use this bag as my main backpack when I choose to travel with two backpacks (lately I’ve been wearing this one on my back and the Calpak one below on my front)
- Open Story Hardside Carry On Suitcase: Honestly, I haven’t tried the more popular brands of luggage like Away or Beis, so I can’t speak to those. But if you are in need of a solid piece of luggage for an affordable price, this Open Story luggage from Target will get the job done!
Personal Item
- Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack: This is a newer purchase of mine and I am loving it! This works beautifully on top of a suitcase (it has a luggage sleeve) or as a backpack. The number of pockets it has is great for organization as well.
- Calpak Luka Duffel: This personal item also fits on top of a suitcase due to its luggage sleeve, and the straps are actually very comfortable if you need to wear it on your shoulder. If you really need a high-quality laptop sleeve, you might prefer the Terra backpack, but if you prefer a tote, I am obsessed with this one.
Organization
- Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag: A must-have for me when it comes to a toiletry bag is that it has to be able to hang somewhere (when I’m staying in hostels, this is extra necessary). I like that the hanger on this one clips shut, so you have more options of where and how you can hang it.
- Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Organizer Case: I have tried jewelry boxes in the past, but I always felt like they were too bulky. This one is great because it’s fairly small and is easier to tuck into my bag. It even has an area for necklaces, so they won’t get tangled – genius.
- Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes: I’ll be honest – I don’t always use packing cubes. It depends on the trip! I’ve been really pleased with these Bagsmart ones when I do use them.
Electronics
- Kindle Paperwhite: I don’t go anywhere without my Kindle! As much as I love reading a physical book, I can’t justify the space they take up when I’m traveling. I like that this is small enough to throw in my purse so I can read wherever I am.
- Travel Adapter: If you don’t already have one of these, you need one! Even if you never leave the US, I use one of these to have extra plugs in hotel rooms (why do they never have enough plugs?)
- Multi-Charger Cord: There’s nothing worse than going to plug something in just to realize – you forgot the cord. I’ve solved that problem by purchasing this multi-charger. It has every plug you could need, so you only need to pack this one!
- Mini White Noise Machine: This thing is great to have on hand when your hotel room is a bit too quiet (or your travel companion is snoring). This one is super small, so it hardly takes up any space.
Beauty
- Travel Mirror: I use this one all the time when I’m staying in hostels or when I need to get ready but the mirror is already in use. I like that this one can be set up at any angle, so you can still see yourself no matter where you have to put it.
- Dual Voltage Hairdryer Brush: If you have a Dyson or other hairdryer brush but wish you could take it abroad – this is the solution! This one is dual voltage and is a bit smaller than other models, which is perfect for travel.
- Travel Perfume Bottles: This is a super easy way to minimize the liquids you’re bringing. These are refillable and I love being able to throw one in my purse.
- Empty Lipgloss Tubes: This is my best hack for traveling with just a carry-on! I put my foundations and other liquid items in these tubes. I never need more than this amount anyways, so why be weighed down by the full size? If TSA has ever made you throw things away, this one is for you.
Miscellaneous
- Laundry Sheets: Even if I don’t think I’ll need them, I always pack one or two of these in a ziploc bag. One sheet is enough for a full load of laundry, so if I’m just washing a handful of things in the sink I’ll tear off a small piece and use that. It emulsifies as soon as you put it in water, so all you have to do is get your clothes sudsed up, rinse them WELL, and lay out to dry!
- Dock and Bay Microfiber Towel: This kind of towel packs down super small and is perfect for backpacking/staying in hostels or for use as a beach towel! It’s very fast drying which is what you want when traveling.
- Dock and Bay Hair Towel: This towel comes with me no matter what! I don’t always like using a huge hotel towel to dry my hair, so it’s nice to have this one in my bag.
- SYZY Compact Tote Bag: This tote bag collapses down like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I can keep this in my purse since it’s so small, and then I’m ready with my own tote bag when I need it.
- Tide to Go Wipes: Hear me when I say – these wipes work WAY better than a Tide to Go pen. My friend spilled red wine all over her tan pants, and I gave her one of these wipes. Everyone was skeptical but ended up amazed when this got the stain out completely. It was like the wine was never there!
- Sea to Summit Clothesline: This is the smallest clothesline I’ve ever come across. I don’t take this on every trip, but if I think I’ll be doing a lot of laundry, this is nice to have and barely takes up any space.
- Disposable Shower Caps: This is my number one hack for keeping your dirty shoes away from everything else in your suitcase. I pack a few of these on every trip and cover the soles of my shoes with them (you can fit a pair of shoes in one shower cap). Then you can put your shoes in your bag without anything else getting dirty!
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be happy to make a Part 2! Feel free to share your most essential travel items in the comments. Happy traveling!