My Travel Essentials
There are a few things that I consider ride or die products that I simply WILL NOT travel without. Below you will find all of my travel essentials and why I think they are necessary.
Packing Cubes
I swear using packing cubes helps me make the most of my space in my suitcase/carry-on. They also help keep my organized while on my trip. I will typicalling organize the cubes in one of two ways. First, may choose to group together similar items. I will have a cube for tops, bottoms, dresses, etc. The other method I use is having a cube of pre-planned outfits. I may have a cube for daytime outfits, going out or nice dinner outfits, leisure outfits, etc. Both ways work out great for me because I am always able to find exactly what I am needing at any given time. I have also found that by using cubes, I am able to take more items which I personally love. I am a girl who likes to have options. Lol
2. A Tote Bag
It is essential for me to have a tote bag, especially when traveling by plane. My bag is the catch all place for all the items we may need before, during and after flight. I keep everything organized in various smaller bags/pouches. I typically have a punch for electronic necessities, self-care and hygiene, snacks, sanitization, documents, change of clothes, etc. I also keep water bottle, travel blanket, and my electronics in the tote as well. There are so many good options out there but I will link my personal favorites. One of my major preferences when selecting the perfect tote is it must zip!
3. Tech Case
Having a tech case has been an absolute life saver in so many different scenarios. I actually keep this case packed at all times and through it in my carry on before each trip, that way I know I have everything I need. It is perfect for organizing any and all electronic chargers (computer, phone, camera, iPad, etc.), There is also a spot to store SD cards safely. I always make sure to have two pair of headphones in there (one with each jack), this really comes in handy on airplanes. A few other things I typically always have are: audio splitter, sd card reader for my iPhone, and extra USB adapters.
4. Pouches
Pouches are an absolute MUST for my organized girlies. I cannot travel without all of my pouches. I have a pouch for snacks, self-care and hygiene, medication, tech case pouch, a change of clothes, sanitization and documentation. Pouches are my best friend when traveling because they keep all of my necessities neat and organized and because I use a variety of different sizes, colors and designs, I am able to grab what I need without having to dig through my bag.
5. Back Up Charger
If you take my advice on one thing in this list, please let it be this! This Anker backup charger is LIFE CHANGING. I can charge my phone 6 full times (from dead to 100%) without recharging. This has been so useful on flights, car rides, and full days of site seeing. When you are on vacation there are lots of things you will use your phone for: taking pictures and videos, making phone and facetime calls to friends and family, maps for directions, and maybe the occasional social media browsing. You phone will fail you and die, do not let this be you. There is nothing worse than trying to capture a moose in Rocky Mountain National Park and your phone dying. Yeah, I am still a little salty BUT I will never travel without my backup ever again.
6. Clear Toiletries Bag
These are so convenient and nice to have. TSA requires you to have your liquids in a clear bag when using a carry-on suitcase. These bags are TSA approved and awesome because it allows you to see what you have. They actually fit a good amount of product. I am always impressed with how much stuff I can fit into these.
7. A Small, Portable Clothing Steamer
I literally cannot travel anywhere without my steamer. It does not matter how I fold and pack my clothes, they always have at least a few (usually a ton) of wrinkles. I personally do not believe in the wrinkle releaser spray because it has never worked for me (maybe a user error lol). This small, compact steamer works wonderfully on our clothes. It is actually impressive how well it works for the size of it. NOTE: if you are traveling internationally make sure you buy a converter for this. My husband fried our first one within two days of our honeymoon because he just used the adapter.
8. Converters & Adaptors (International Travel)
If you are traveling abroad, you will need to purchase a converter and an adaptor. A converter converts the voltage found in the foreign outlets to match that of your device (ex. hairdryer). An adaptor helps the plugs on your electronics fit into the outlets in foreign in counties. There are multiple types of converters and the one you need depends on the country you are visiting. I am going to link my FAVORITE converters that we have used all over Europe.
9. Sound Machine
Alex and I have slept with white noise for years and rely on the sound so much that we have a sound machine for travel. Having the white noise when we are traveling is awesome because it really helps our room feel as much like home as possible. We are able to fall asleep with ease and often get quality sleep throughout the night. Having a sound machine is also really nice because it drowns out all of the noises that may keep you up throughout the night (aka noisy neighbors) as well as unwanted noises too early in the morning allowing you to sleep in. Although we do not have kids, I would highly recommend having a sound machine when you travel if you do have children. If it helps two adults adjust and feel well rested on vacation, I cannot imagine how much it would help a child.
