I’ve been known to pack WAY too much and not even touch about half of what I take. I’m one of those people who wants options once I get to where I’m going. Well…that was the old me! Don’t get me wrong, I still want options when I travel but I decided I was going to make it a goal of mine to be a smarter packer.
I’m a very organized person in every aspect of my personal & business life so I told myself, I should also be an organized packer. Make my travel life more streamlined. Actually for once in my life, go on a long weekend trip and be able to take a carry-on suitcase instead of checking a big ole bag.
Okay, I get it…many people have much loftier goals in life BUT this is one of mine. Don’t worry, I have others as well that I work on daily, weekly, monthly & yearly but this packing lighter goal has been something I’ve worked on for awhile now.
Here are a few MUST HAVES that made my traveling light possible and for the first time in my life, allows me (the girl who can’t do without tons of skincare & hair products) to take a carry-on suitcase instead of checking ANY bags.
*The links below are affiliate links which means if you click on a link & make a purchase based on my recommendation, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I personally like and choose. Making purchases from my links allows me to continue to recommend my selections to my readers and again, at no extra cost to you. Enjoy!
If you’re a hopeless over packer…start with this little book linked above (click photo to shop). ‘How to Pack’ Travel Smart for Any Trip by Hitha Palepu is a game changer for any traveler. No matter how far the trip and whether it calls for checked bags or a carry-on…this book has the answers, the tips, the process of being a great packer.
It’s a fun little read! Hitha shows us in this little precise edition that what & how we pack is who we are. Very interesting indeed. There are packing lists (I LOVE LISTS!). There’s the accessory math secret (yes, there’s math but it’s fun math that makes sense).
For me, planning my trips are equally as important as the trip itself. I love the whole planning process. Where I’ll go while away. What I’ll want to see & do. This means I need to think ahead in my packing process as to what I’ll need to bring. This little book is perfect in helping anyone be a better packer. It makes a great gift for a recent graduate, a soon to be newly married couple, a birthday or holiday gift, the globe trotter in your life. Just add this little book in with a bit of cash, a new backpack or even a new suitcase to make the perfect gift.
This is what is referred to as a 3-1-1 bag by TSA. IF you’re taking a carry-on suitcase instead of checking your luggage (my new goal in life for every trip possible), you will have to abide by the 3-1-1 TSA Rules. *Check to make sure these rules have not changed before packing your bag. As of the time of writing this blog post, this was the rule in the USA. Other countries may differ.
I love this 3-1-1 bag because it has a top zipper & a front zipper compartment. The zippers are nice & sturdy too. It also has a little loop handle. This 3-1-1 bag will have to come out of your carry-on while going through security at the airport and placed in a separate bin. After you go through security, pop it back in your carry-on and well…CARRY ON to your gate!
Be sure and check the TSA website and/or your airline for up-to-date information on ounces allowed, etc. At the time of this writing, you could put as much as would fit in the 3-1-1 but any liquids, gels, creams, etc,. couldn’t exceed 3oz per container (a bit over actually but most containers I found held 3oz max to be on the safe side).
That means, you may want to buy certain items like toothpaste, deodorant, lotion after you go through security or once you get to your destination. That will save room for your favorite skincare or hair products which you’ll have already safely packed in clear 3oz containers & stowed in your 3-1-1.
*PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE, THE TSA AND WHATEVER COUNTRY YOU ARE TRAVELING TO & FROM FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION AS TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME & COUNTRY TO COUNTRY.
Whether you have carry-on luggage or you check your luggage, you’ll want to take your jewelry with you at all times obviously (in your purse or carry-on bag). I love the piece above. I have two actually!! They come in several different colors and did I say…they’re leather? They come in black, pink, green, creme, brown, purple (like shown here). They make travel SO easy AND they make great gifts too.
For years, I carried my phone charger, portable charger, earbuds, etc., either in a ziplock baggie (classy) or in various nooks & crannies in my purse while traveling. SO embarrassing AND annoying whenever I tried to find anything.
I finally found this handy “cord keeper” (as I call it) and life is so much more organized. This photo shows a cell phone stowed in it. I’ve never put my phone in it, although you could. I also have never put a mouse in mine either, although you could. I store my all of my chargers & cords for any electronics I’m taking with me.
I also slip my backup portable charger in (just in case). My AirPods fit neatly in too. ANY AND ALL CHARGERS & THEIR CORDS BASICALLY, fit neatly inside and then I keep it with me in my purse or carry-on for easy access.
This item comes in black & blue as well so they are great for the guys too to keep them organized! Would certainly make a great gift for anyone who travels OR for anyone who just wants to have all of their cords & chargers in a handy place. Buy multiples for different areas. Keep one at the office, one in the kitchen, etc.
*chargers, cords, etc., are not included you must supply your own accessories as shown.
Okay, full disclosure…this set of 3 pair of women’s no-show socks are a bit pricey compared to similar no-show or low cut socks BUT, CALL ME CRAZY they are my absolute favorite.
I have lots of similar socks for wearing to the gym and whatnot and those are okay for the gym. After all, I’m trying to get in & out of the gym as fast as possible. So who cares which gym socks right? I can tell you that IF these aren’t in the wash…they are my go to for the gym as well. I could care less about a sock brand. Trust me, it is NOT about that for me.
When it comes to traveling, I personally don’t want to walk through security barefoot (after putting my shoes in a bin). I normally wear slip on shoes for easy on/off through security. My go to (if anyone cares) are Converse no-tie tennis shoes and these linked socks shown & linked above (click on photo to purchase).
These socks are so thin & light, you forget you have them on and my feet can breathe while traveling. No…I’m not one of those people who feels it’s okay to take their shoes off mid-flight (SO gross) or in the terminal (what the?). Who are these people?!?! Anyway…I digress.
I’ve recently started wearing these socks to my PT Sessions too (another story for another day). Again, much like airport security…my PT sometimes wants my shoes on & sometimes wants them off. Also, not okay with bare feet at PT (yikes). Bare feet I save for the beach and my home.
These have no slip grips on the heel area too which makes them really nice. They stay put and don’t get lost down in your shoes. I love mine! They come in various colors too btw.
Use the size chart to best find your size.
This steamer is considered a travel steamer due to its size but don’t be fooled, it’s very powerful and great to use at home as well. I love mine! It’s been a life saver. A game changer. Definitely not just for travel. You’re welcome (wink). Click photo link to purchase.
I put collagen in my coffee every, single morning & have for YEARS! I’ve always used a brand that comes in a huge container. Not so great for travel. I recently found the brand linked above. It too is available in a huge container but also offers these handy travel packets.
I took several packets on my last trip and it was so easy to keep the portion servings correct. You can use them in hot or cold beverages. I can’t miss my collagen & these packets are SO much better than taking a bunch of powder in a ziplock baggie?!?! Talk about going through security! A big bag of powder (collagen) could lead to some interesting conversations for sure. YIKES! No thanks. These little packets are great.
I hope you find my Travel Must Haves helpful. I hope my “Travel Finds” help make your travel more organized & therefore WAY less stressful. Happy & Safe Travels to you.
Happy Sprucing!
Scarlett