Packing Essentials for Every Trip!

I always pack only a carry-on and a backpack and I’ve put a lot of research into finding just the right ones! (PSA, if you have to shove and shoehorn your carry-on into the overhead bin, it is actually NOT a carry on!!) I pack my carry-on to the gills so it’s important that it’s light. I prefer a 4-wheeled spinner because I can push it with no strain on my wrists when it’s heavy, but the wheels do add to the overall dimensions of the bag. And finally, it must be able to support a backpack on the top. The Lipault Plume Cabin Spinner is the best that I have found. It weighs less than 5lbs empty, and it has held up great over 4 years. Unfortunately, it’s no longer available in the U.S. unless you find it on a resale site such as eBay. It is available outside the U.S. and my Canadian friend just got lucky on the Samsonite Canada site. If you are able to find one, snatch it up! Lipault has replaced it with the Lost in Berlin Cabin Spinner, but it’s heavier and does not fit the carry-on size requirements of 22” x 14” x 9”, so I won’t be purchasing it when my Plume gives up the ghost (or at least a zipper)!. If you have a carry-on you swear by, please drop the name in the comments!   

I have tested out numerous travel backpacks to find this Matein Laptop Backpack as the clear winner.  It has 3 primary compartments and two small zippered pockets in the front. For me, this is just the right number to keep your stuff organized without getting confused about where you put it. There are internal pockets for pens, your phone, and keys, as well as an anti-theft pocket on the back to protect cash or your passport. There are water bottle sleeves on each side and a strap to slip through the pull handle of your carry-on, which is essential. Take care with overpacking as this backpack is large enough that it won’t fit under the seat if it’s stuffed. Also, don’t pack it so that it’s make it front-heavy because then it may tip over your carry-on when you put it on top. At less than $30, this really has been a winner!

While some people prefer a tablet case with a built-in stand, I prefer a zippered case that keeps me from losing my accessories. The one I have is not longer available, this iKammo Sleeve looks similar. My necessary accessories are a stylus, a lightweight foldable stand, and a portable keyboard. I was really excited to find this Echaar Folding Keyboard. It folds in half and weighs just 4.5 oz. This keyboard and my tiny, trusty Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 were all I needed to create this blog and write my first post while spending 3 weeks in Belize!

Packing cubes

Packing cubes are invaluable both for maximizing packing space and keeping your stuff organized. Without them, my suitcase ends up looking like it threw up a basket of laundry 🙂 I like the Amazon Basics cubes. I first bought the multi-size 4-piece set, but later realized I only need the 14×5 slim size cubes. I typically pack 2 for a short trip and 3 for a longer trip. You can toss them in the washer if you spill on then or if your friend’s dad uses them for his dirty laundry on his trip home from Europe. (Hypothetical situation, of course! 😉)

If you are using a Ziploc quart size bag for your TSA size toiletries, you are missing out on a lot of space! These TSA approved bags are square and they don’t taper at the bottom, so they fit a lot more. Also invest in these leakproof bottles for your toiletries.  Even if you buy travel size toiletries, you’ll never fit everything you need if you use the original packaging. Using the small refillable bottles also makes your “go-bag” always ready to “go”! I find I only need 1oz or 2oz sizes. I’m sure there is a perfect labeling system for them, but I have not yet found it! Scotch tape or nail polish has served me well.

I miss my electric toothbrush when I travel, especially on the longer trips. This Philips Sonicare One rechargeable toothbrush is awesome. It has enough power to clean your teeth, comes in its own case, and is charged via USB. One charge will last weeks.

Lightweight water bottle
Because our oceans need saving!!! Please stop buying water in throw-away plastic bottles! I like these Camelback bottles because they weigh nothing, fit in a backpack side sleeve, have a locking top, and are insulated.

Mesh bags
This 12X18″ mesh equipment bag takes up no space and is great for dirty clothes or toting wet shoes around. I also really like the small mesh bags by Outman. They are handy for everything from hair ties to Q-tips and especially good for keeping things organized in your backpack.

Carabiners
Biners are definitely a secret pro tip! I keep them attached to every bag I own. I use them to attach stray articles to my bag, join zipper pulls on my backpack to keep them closed and provide a small bit of security. The most creative use I have found was hanging a non-foldable fedora from my tray table on a flight so that I wasn’t kicking it under my seat! Small biners are here and larger metal ones are here.