*Updated from a previous post on 8/2020

While I would not necessarily consider myself a “professional” traveler, I have traveled quite a bit over the last couple years. College tours were the beginning, then my daughter decided to go to school in Tennessee, let’s add in regular vacations and long weekend getaways. I looked back and realized that I had spent a lot of time packing my bags, racking up car and air miles, staying in hotels, booking car rental cars, dinner reservations, tours and excursions and that everything I did while I was gone needed to fit into the size of a suitcase. I wanted to plan for the “what ifs” but I also didn’t want to deal with heavy, over-packed bags and multiple suitcases. I also wanted to be able to get through the airport checkpoints with ease, especially if I only had carry-on bags. Through my travels I have discovered items that have made packing and traveling so much easier and carefree, aside from the travel-sized, TSA approved items.

My Top Eight Favorite Travel Essentials

Go From Liquid to Solid - One of my favorite switches was going from liquid moisturizer, shampoo and conditioner to the solid versions. Solids eliminate any worry about leakage, especially during air travel. They are carry-on friendly, plastic free, easy to pack and they have come a long way in terms of efficacy. I’ve been traveling with Kate McLeod’s Mini Body Stone and loving the compact, small size and I was surprised to find that my skin was still moisturized at the end of the day. On my most recent trip, I tried HiBAR shampoo and conditioner bars and was really pleased with how easy they were to use and how soft and manageable my hair was. I haven’t fully explored the world of solid beauty products but there are solid facial moisturizers and cleansers available as well that would be great for traveling. Those are next on my list to try! Kate McLeod Mini Body Stone Moisturizers $14 and HiBAR Solid Shampoos and Conditioners $26.50 (for both).

Facial Mists - I completely forgot to bring my facial mist on my last trip and totally regret it. My face gets so dry on the airplane, in the hotel and at the beach and facial mists do a great job of temporarily replacing moisture and alleviating that dry, tight feeling I despise. I’ve been loving Ilia’s Blue Light Mist ($18 for .47 oz. travel size or $38 for 1.7 oz.), it moisturizes but also protects against blue light and other pollutants. This travel size fits perfectly in your purse or luggage.

Lightweight Drawstring Bag - One of the most versatile things I pack is a drawstring bag I received as a freebie. It takes up no room, weighs next to nothing and I have used it for everything from wet clothes, excursions, dirty shoes, a beach bag and as a purse. I just turn it inside out, give a good wipe down and it’s ready to use again. They are also incredibly inexpensive (every single one we have in our house was a freebie) so if I need to replace it, it’s not a big deal. If you don’t already have one hanging around your house, here’s one for $10 on Amazon.

Individually Packaged Towelettes - I generally try to avoid individually packaged items because of the extra waste, but these are a must for me when I travel. They are great for refreshing after a long plane or car ride, wiping down surfaces and for cleaning hands when a sink and some soap are not immediately available. I keep a couple in my purse, beach bag and my toiletry bag. I love both Herban Essentials $16.00 for 20 wipes and Giovanni $12 for 20 wipes, both on Amazon.

Convertible Lip, Cheek and Highlighting Palette - Anytime I can find a multitasking product, it makes packing and traveling so much easier. I especially love multitasking beauty products like this lip, cheek and highlighting palette by RMS Beauty. It includes a bronzer, highlighter, two colors that can be used for both lips and cheeks and a balm for skin and lips. It all comes in a slim, easy-to-pack compact. RMS Beauty Pop Collection Signature Set and Mod Collection Signature Set, both under $45 on Amazon.

Cord Snaps/Keepers - I kept passing by these in my local Anthropologie and thinking they were a good idea but did I really need them?? I finally ended up purchasing them when I received a gift card and I’m so glad I did. They are the perfect way to keep all of my tech cords organized when I travel. No more tangling, knotting or digging around my bag. The Anthro cord keepers are no longer available online but you can find a similar version on Amazon for about $7.

A Versatile Pair of Jeans or Denim Skirt - I used to be a terrible “over packer” because I had no strategies for efficient packing. While I’m not as minimalist as my husband (that’s never going to happen), I am much better than I used to be. One of my strategies is to pack a pair of jeans or denim skirt that can be used for a variety of uses like shopping, sight seeing, casual dinners and other events. Denim is a good material that can typically stand up to multiple wears and it looks good with everything. I’ve really been loving the AGOLDE’s Riley Straight Jean. It comes in several washes and they are super comfortable and flattering. Our recent trip was to an area with a warmer climate so opted for a denim skirt to keep me cooler. I hit the jackpot when I found an awesome Rag & Bone denim skirt on Poshmark, but I also love Madewell’s collection of denim skirts in a variety of lengths and washes.

Washi Tape - Washi tape is a great little tool for giving toiletries and other potentially leaky items an extra seal before they go into your bags. The nice thing about washi tape is that it’s easy to tear off of the roll (no scissors necessary) and easy to peel off your items when you’re at your destination. I keep a small roll in my toiletries case when I travel so I can re-seal before I head home. Try this set for under $10 from Amazon or buy individual rolls at your local craft store.

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