Travel & Packing Must Haves
I’ve spent about ten weeks of the last year travelling (aka endless hours in airports & living out of a carry on + backpack) Since I tend to move around a lot and do a lot of walking I try to pack only the essentials, but also I have long curly hair and can’t go anywhere without all of my products (and find it super hard to find the products I like in certain places I travel) so I’ve had to learn to be as effective as possible in my packing. I’ve compiled a list of my absolute essentials for anyone interested, as well as the items/memberships that have made travelling so much easier overall
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
Travel Essentials
Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card
Apply here: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19/X1C9CMMFKK
This credit card is absolutely my top recommendation for anyone who travels regularly! The point system is incredible for travel purchases, additional perks are seemingly endless, and the customer service when travel disruptions or cancellations happen is amazing! The $550 annual fee may seem high (it did to me at first) but when you consider all the benefits, and the annual travel credit, you end up making back your annual fee + so much more in no time. Read my full review here.
Top benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit (towards flights, hotels, ubers, etc.)
- 50% bonus points when redeemed for travel (for example, 60,000 points = $600, but when redeemed for travel they are worth $900)
- 5X points on flights
- 3X points on dining and other travel
- Credit for TSA pre check and Global Entry application fees (see below)
- Free Priority Pass access (see below)
- No foreign transaction fees
- $0 delivery fees on Doordash
- 10X points on Lyft rides
- Bonus points for $4k spend in 3 months when first opening a card
**see Chase website for most up to date benefits as they’re subject to change and certain restrictions apply)
TSA Pre Check
Apply here: https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/workflows?servicecode=11115V&service=pre-enroll
$85 for a 5 year membership (free for Chase Sapphire Reserve card holders)
TSA pre-check is a life saver at US airports. TSA pre check gives you access to expedited security lines (I’ve never waited more than 5 minutes with pre-check) In addition to the expedited lines, you don’t have to remove your shoes & jacket, you don’t need to take electronics and liquids out of your carry on. It makes the entire security process so much smoother and prevents you from needing to be at busy airports hours early. I recently flew home from Orlando and the regular security line was taking more than 90 minutes. I made it through the pre check line in less than 5!
To get TSA Pre Check you’ll need to complete an application and go to an enrollment center in person for proof of identity and fingerprinting. Once your application is approved you’ll receive your Known Traveler Number – this will need to be added to your info when booking a flight. When you receive your boarding pass you will see the TSA pre check indicator on the boarding pass. If you forgot to add your known traveler number you can add it at the boarding pass kiosk at airports and re-print your boarding pass.
Global Entry (for international travelers)
Apply here: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/how-apply
$100 for a 5 year membership fee – includes TSA Pre-Check (free for Chase Sapphire Reserve card holders)
Global Entry is a game changing for those who travel internationally. It allows for expedited lines through Customs when returning to the United States, and can literally save you hours depending how long customs lines are when your flight gets back to the US. The application and interview is a little bite more time consuming than TSA Pre-check and you’ll need to go to TSA at a supported airport and interview in person. Some airports let you complete the process when you’re going through customs on a flight home (you need to have already applied) I did this at Logan.
Priority Pass
Join here: https://www.prioritypass.com/en/join-prioritypass
Priority Pass is great for anyone who regularly spends a lot of time at airports. Priority Pass offers you access to over a thousand airport lounges all across the world. Each lounge has slightly different offerings, but in general the lounges offer free food, beverages (regular and alcoholic) free Wifi, comfortable seating, etc.
Membership fees vary based on the plan you select (some allow you to bring guests for free for example) The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers cardholders free Priority Pass access, including the ability to bring a guest to any airport lounge for free.
Luggage Essentials
Carry on suitcase – Away Luggage Bigger Carry on Flex
Buy it here: https://www.awaytravel.com/suitcases/bigger-carry-on-flex?color=asphalt
This carry on bag has literally made my life SO much easier! It’s the perfect size for a carry on (but also expands if you buy some extra stuff on a trip and need more space OR your stuff just seems to expand.. because that always happens to me) It’s durable, has compartments that make it easy to organize your stuff, and has 360 spinner wheels that make it so easy to navigate. I’ve used this bag to balance my larger luggage on for long walks (like an entire snowboard bag with boots and all my gear in addition to my board) also my carry on purse fits over the handle and sits on the top of the bag making it one less thing I need to carry! I honestly love this bag.
If this bag is out of your price range Amazon has some good equivalents for a slightly lower price tag
Carry on personal item/purse – Aloha Zipper Tote
Buy it here: https://aloha-collection.com/products/pinstripe-zipper-tote?currency=USD
I will admit I fell for an instagram ad and bought this bag 100% thinking it was some sort of scam and that I was paying $64 for what was surely going to be terrible quality, but it was cute so I gave it a shot. I have gotten so much use out of this bag. It’s the perfect size for travelling and fits my laptop, camera, all other electronics, in addition to my wallet, passport and any other random items I want to have easily on hand. It’s also a waterproof-ish material, so it’s awesome for bringing around once you’re already at your location. I’ve used it as a beach bag, brought it on short hikes. It’s durable and the material keeps it clean, even though I bought a white one.
Toiletry Bags/Storage –
Aloha Mid Size Pouch
Buy it here: https://aloha-collection.com/products/mid-pinstripe-pouch
Continuing my plug for Aloha products (I’m not sponsored by them I promise) but these mid-size pouches are the perfect size for toiletries (even full sized ones) they’re the same waterproof material which makes them perfect for storing toiletries and really easy to clean out when one of your toiletries eventually spills (is it just me that always happens to?) I have two of them and travel with them basically everywhere
TSA Approved Clear Toiletry Bag
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3nIU93w
These are absolutely perfect for your carry on and for travel sized toiletries. Some airports (especially in Europe) are very strict about the 3-1-1 rule (3oz liquids that must fit in 1 bag sized 1 quart or less. This means all of your liquids must fit in one of these bags. Having these bags clear and pre-sized makes getting through security so much easier, and prevents you from needing to collect all your various liquids and try to squeeze them in one small plastic bag airport security gives you while you’re trying to navigate through a security line with all of your stuff!
Glass Travel Size Cosmetic Jars
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3ONzib4
These are perfect for hair products, lotions and creams you can’t find in travel size and that you can’t fit into mini travel squeeze bottles. These are perfect for a lot of my hair supplies that come in similar jars and can’t be easily transferred into traditional travel size containers. These are durable and fit perfectly in both toiletry bags mentioned above!
Backpack –
I’ve had my travel backpack (pictured above) since I studied abroad 10 years ago and I still bring it on every long trip I take. I think a backpack is so much easier when travelling, I find it so much easier to get on and off trains, busses, ferries, etc. with a backpack and a small carry on suitcase, rather than a carry on suitcase and another large suitcase. I tend to move locations a lot so I try to make it as easy as possible to get around with all my stuff! Sadly, it doesn’t look like they make this backpack anymore, but there are tons of other great options out there
Electronics Essentials
Power Adapters (for international travel)
Europe Buy Here: https://amzn.to/3Rg1HZ5
UK Buy Here: https://amzn.to/3RkRHxs
These are essential for any trip abroad where the plugs are different than in the US. I suggest buying a few, because you’ll definitely want to charge a few things at night and not only have one adapter!
Portable Charger
Buy it Here: https://amzn.to/3Ricou9
A portable charger that works for your phone, Kindle, camera batteries, headphones, etc. is absolutely essential for me when I travel. I spend so many hours away from my hotel or vacation rental and need a way to charge my phone particularly (I usually rely on it for Google maps!) I never go anywhere without a portable charger just in case
GoPro Hero10
Buy Here: https://amzn.to/3IlQ4vs
I recently bought a GoPro Hero 10 and am loving it so far! It’s great for getting action content (like snowboarding) but also awesome for using for water shots & wide angle shots. It’s also small and super easy to pack. The one linked above comes with an extra battery and SD card (these need to be bought separately depending on where you buy) Also, you can buy the same package for cheaper at Costco if you have a membership!
GoPro Hero10 Accessory Kit
Buy it Here: https://amzn.to/3IlQ4vs
To take full advantage of your GoPro you’re going to need all the accessories to go with it. I bought the kit linked above, which comes with a TON of stuff. So far, I haven’t used all the accessories, but the tripod, the selfie stick, the floating device and the mounts have all been super useful. This kit is super affordable for how many options it provides!
HIPPOCKET Wifi (for international travel)
Rent or Buy one here: https://hippocketwifi.com/en/
HIPPOCKET Wifi is available for many countries, I’ve used it exclusively in Europe. It’s wifi you carry in your pocket that you can connect your devices to. You can connect up to 5 devices and it offers a variety of different packages depending on how much data you need. I find this option to be cheaper than enabling my Verizon plan to work internationally, and I get more data than Verizon offers for a cheaper price. For my trips, this has been a no brainer. If you travel a lot you may want to purchase the HIPPOCKET wifi device, and you can add data as needed. If not, you can rent one for the timeframe of your trip and select the data plan that suits your needs. The device is small and easy to carry in a purse, backpack or in your pocket! I just rented a HIPPOCKET wifi for six weeks for 210 Euro. Verizon was going to charge $10 a day ($450 for the trip) for me to have less available data!
Kindle
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3U5lDiM
I love bringing my Kindle with me when travelling, especially if I’m on a solo trip. It’s small, lightweight and easy to throw in a backpack to read in the airport, at your hotel/AirBnb or even at a restaurant. There are tons of book options, fast downloads and you can even sign up for Kindle Unlimited to pay a low monthly fee for access to thousands of books for rent!
Misc.
Sand Cloud Towel
Buy Here: https://www.sandcloud.com/collections/towels
Sand Cloud towels fold up super small, making them perfect to pack for a trip. They’re lightweight and dry quickly. These are so easy to have in your bag on a hike or when you’re just exploring and decide to go for a quick swim
Travel Size “Curl Talk” Products
Buy it Here: https://www.ulta.com/p/curl-talk-go-mini-styling-kit-pimprod2013923?sku=2561013
This is very much a plug for anyone with curly hair who knows how many products you need to have “natural waves” I had never been able to find travel size mouse, gel etc. before but Ulta now makes a travel sized kit that has made my life so much easier
