Hello hello!
After completing 16 international trips in 2023, if there's one thing I've learned (besides how to say hello/thank you in a zillion languages), it's that the secret to seamless travel isn’t just about the destination; it's also about packing the right stuff, in the right suitcase.
As someone who's always on the move, I can attest that the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one often comes down to the small details: the perfectly sized backpack that fits under the seat in front of you, the headphones that transform a noisy environment into a personal zen retreat, or the travel pillow that actually allows you to get a miraculous 5 hours of sleep in seat 40B.
I perfected my travel system last year, and it has a made a world of difference for me. Packing for a 2 week trip no longer takes hours, it takes 30 minutes. I never check a bag unless the airline forces me to. I can now sometimes sleep on planes which is HUGE for me!
None of this would be possible without the following precious items, which I have raved about to everyone I’ve come across willing to listen, and I’ve converted a handful of people to my entire insane system (but they’ve thanked me!!). So here I am, converting you.
Luggage
Away Bigger Carry-On Flex - This is my main suitcase, my ride or die. I know everyone has this suitcase, but it’s for a reason. I recently upgraded from their other “bigger carry-on” that isn’t expandable, and the zipper expansion is so nice to have for longer trips. Some airlines are weird about this and make you compress it all the way down, but I’ve flown on plenty of airlines that allow you to stuff it to the gills and benefit from the 2.25” of extra space. Ever since switching to Away suitcases 7 years ago, I haven’t checked a bag (unless the airline has gate checked it). I can pack for a three week trip to Europe in this bad boy, and to me, that’s a miracle.
Dagne Dover Caryall weekender bag - I have this in an XL and I typically use this as my under-the-seat personal item on longer trips where I know I might be shopping and bringing back goodies. Note that it is a tight squeeze, and I typically under-pack it so it fits, but it holds SO much! I usually put my electronics, toiletry case, and anything I’ll need to access during my flight in here.
Dagne Dover backpack - I use this backpack in size medium for my personal item on shorter trips. Although smaller than the weekender bag, it still fits so much— my laptop, camera, kindle, water bottle, all chargers, and my toiletry case. Officially a Mary Poppins bag!
For Sleep
Tempur Pedic travel pillow - 60% of the time, hotel pillows destroy my neck. They always seem to be too soft for me, so I’ve started traveling everywhere with a pillow in my suitcase that I know will be kind to my neck.
Neck pillow for the airplane - I’ve tried every viral neck pillow for sleeping on planes, and this is the only one I can use. You can twist it into various configurations, and as a side sleeper, it’s the most comfortable option I’ve encountered.
Eye mask - I use an eye mask all the time on flights, and at hotels where the blackout shade situation is less than desirable. This eye mask is so light I forget I’m wearing it.
Travel noise machine - As someone who needs brown noise to sleep, I use this portable, compact white noise machine when I am away from home. It does an excellent job drowning out hallway hotel noise.
Melatonin - I find this so necessary when traveling, especially if I’m crossing time zones or trying to sleep on flights.
Travel scarf - This scarf packs easily, and if I’m freezing on a flight, I use it as another blanket layer. I cannot sleep on planes if I’m cold, so this is a lifesaver.
Electronics
Universal power adaptor - this takes the guesswork out of packing the correct adapter for where you’re going!
Note: I always have this packed in my electronics case, along with all of the chargers I’ll need on a given trip. I have “home” chargers and “away” chargers, so I’m never forgetting the chargers I need at home. This adapter is handy for domestic trips too, since it also acts as a power brick that you can plug 4 things into at once!
Airfly - This allows you to use wireless headphones with the in-flight headrest entertainment. Some airlines already have bluetooth compatibility built into their systems, but it’s rolling out slowly and I like to be prepared and cord free.
Airpods Max - In addition to my Airpods Pro, I love flying with these because they really block out the outside world. I love blasting brown noise on these while also wearing earplugs underneath when I sleep on planes.
AirTags - If you check a bag, you better put an AirTag in it in case the airline loses it. I also have one in my carry on bag, just to be safe!
Kindle - I read a book a week, so traveling with multiple bulky paperback novels isn’t ideal. Although I understand the allure of reading words on physical paper, I’ve found that I’ve been reading much more since switching, since it’s easier to always carry my “book” with me.
Fujifilm X100V - This is by no means necessary, but I recently bought a used model of this to have on me while traveling, especially with our South African safari honeymoon coming up. iPhone photos do the trick, but it’s been really nice to have this on me so I’m not constantly staring at my phone and taking it out for photos. The quality is wonderful, and it’s been a lot of fun to re-learn photography.
Organization
Tech organizer - Tangled cords in my bag send me into a panic, but this keeps all of my chargers nice and neat.
Toiletry bag - This is my absolute favorite toiletry bag, as it holds SO MUCH and keeps everything super organized. It’s more utilitarian than pretty, but it really gets the job done.
Note: I also purchased the mini travel sizes of all of my full size products I use everyday. I keep them packed in my toiletry bag, so whenever I leave on vacation, I can just throw my toiletry bag in my suitcase without needing to pack it!
Other Must Haves
New Balance 530s - Yes they’re dad shoes, but they’re also the only shoes that keep my knees from screaming when walking 10+ miles on city exploration days.
Travelan - Necessary if you have a weak stomach and always eat street meat, like me! It’s a great preventative probiotic and it’s not harsh on the stomach.
Sweatpants - These are the softest and are amazing for super long travel days. They’re also not super thick, so they’re perfect for flying from one climate to another.
Uniqlo crossbody bag - Packs down to nothing, but holds everything you need for a day of exploration. I can fit my phone, wallet, sunglasses, kindle, and more in here.
Ultra light down jacket - Packs down into a small pouch! I plan on bringing this to South Africa, where mornings will be chilly and afternoons will be more mild. It’s great for layering on the go.
Dry bag / Waterproof phone case - Great for boat days/beach days/snorkeling excursions! I’ve gotten more use out of this than I thought I would, to be honest.
Ok, that’s it! Let me know if you have any essentials I should add to my system.
See ya next week!
Love,
Bella