I’ve compiled a list of the must-have extended travel essentials that I liked so much, I’ll now utilize for my shorter trips as well.

As a notorious over-packer, I set the goal to travel light. I visited five cities in four countries and used a combination of trains and planes to travel between each one.

Picking the right travel luggage

While I planned to check a bag for flights, I needed to be able to lift my main luggage for the train. This meant I wanted a suitcase between a carry-on and a full-size.

• I found the TUMI – Tegra-Lite 4 Wheel Luggage in this beautiful Blush color that fit my requirements. I admit – this is an investment, but I’ve found the TUMI brand to be high quality and reliable.
• I also grabbed their Just in Case Tote that I ended up using as my 2nd carry-on when flying. I was so impressed with this tote – it folds up into a pouch that also doubles as the inside pocket when in use. It’s a large size and made of thick, durable material.
• The LOVEVOOK 35L Carry On Travel Backpack opens like a suitcase and was my personal item for flights. It fit under the seat in front of me and it held my in-travel entertainment, wellness bag, snacks, and electronic accessories. While it comes in larger sizes, I researched the various airline size restrictions and found this one complied with all.
• These BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes were a lifesaver. I wouldn’t be able to pack my capsule wardrobe into my smaller suitcase without the use of compression cubes.
• The TSA-approved Bagsmart Clear Toiletry Bags were a last-minute find that made separating my liquids easy. This 2-pack came in handy when my European bathroom had limited counter space to unpack, as well as when I wanted some liquids with me on flights.
• I’ll be honest – I forgot to bring my Luggage Scale with me for the trip, but I did use it before leaving for my initial flight and found my luggage was too heavy. This is when the TUMI Just in Case Tote became my second carry-on bag. I’m glad I saved myself the embarrassment of re-packing at the check-in counter!

Doing laundry on vacation

I asked Chat GPT to make me a capsule wardrobe packing list based on all the different countries I planned to visit. If you’re unfamiliar with capsule wardrobes, it’s bringing a limited number of clothes that all mix and match.

I started with a main color scheme – black, white – and supplemented other colors to match everything. This included:

• 4 pairs of pants – 1 jeans, 1 black slacks, 1 black, and 1 off-white wide-leg joggers
• 2 long-sleeved shirts – 1 black, 1 white
• 2 t-shirts – 1 black, 1 white
• 2 tank tops – 1 grey, 1 burgundy
• 2 sweaters – 1 grey, 1 cream
• 2 long-sleeved button-up shirts – 1 black & white, 1 white
• 1 sweater vest
• 2 light jackets – 1 black, 1 off-white
• 3 pairs of shoes – 1 black, 1 white, 1 tan

As someone who likes having options, I was impressed with the numerous outfit combinations a capsule wardrobe provided. I felt as if I barely scratched the surface, and I plan to use capsule wardrobes here on out.

A smaller wardrobe means washing clothes throughout the trip.

• I researched many clotheslines and finally went with this Tri-Braided Cord Clothes Line. I loved using this. The twisted line provides places to hold your clothes, and the ends have both velcro straps and hooks, providing versatile attachment options. I may never overpack again when I bring this with me!
• The Rebel Green Eco-Friendly Laundry Sheets were great to use because they could be split in half for light travel, were dry (not a liquid that might spill in your bag), and quickly dissolved in water.

Clothes line in action!

Sleeping well while traveling

I don’t sleep well when traveling, but I’ve found these items have helped me feel rested in both hotels and on long flights.

• The Loop Quiet 2 Plus Ear Plugs are comfortable to wear while sleeping, even when on my side. I also love that I don’t need to mess with rolling them small before inserting. These earplugs keep their shape while you easily put them in your ears.
• Many eye masks put pressure on my eyes, but MZOO Sleep Eye Mask adds a cushion around the eye socket to prevent this. Not only is it soft and comfortable, but this helps to block out light.
• To save space, I wanted an Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow that was also comfortable and closed in front. This pillow checked off all of my boxes. You can even adjust the firmness based on how much air you blow in or release.
• I admit, this next item shows just how bougie I’ve become with age, but I’ve always HATED touching hotel sheets. My husband bought me a silk sleeping sack years ago, but it felt too small. I found the Browint XL Silk Sleeping Sack, and it was a game changer. Now I’m surrounded by silky smoothness, and my tactile senses are happy.

Useful to have travel accessories

These last 2 travel essentials proved to be more handy than I initially imagined.

•  TikTok introduced me to the Hero Clip, which I used in every hotel I stayed in. It provided additional storage space as a hook for hanging coats and bags (while also adding items to be stored inside the bags). It can also be used to hang your bag in bathroom stalls that don’t have a hook. This clip should be a travel staple for everyone!
• The Hair Tie Bracelets served a dual purpose. I generally limit the amount of jewelry I bring when traveling, so these ties doubled as my bracelets and as functional hair ties.

How to become an expert packer

Traveling for 1 month was easier than I imagined. My key takeaways for becoming an expert packer are:

1. Simplify your items. Start with your essential items first to determine how much room you have for non-essentials. Remember, you can always buy items at your arrival destination as needed.
2. Use a capsule wardrobe. I recommend starting with a color palette and going from there. It felt overwhelming at first, but ChatGPT made my initial packing list, which I modified.
3. Use compression cubes to maximize luggage space and also organize your clothes. Some lodging locations don’t have much storage, making the compression cubes handy to put on a shelf.
4. Use a travel clothesline to wash clothes during your trip. This allows you to bring fewer clothes (i.e., less bulk) in the first place.

I hope that helped! As with everything in life, you learn through experience. The more travel you do, the more you’ll understand what works for you.

Do you have any travel essentials that I missed? Find me on socials and let me know!

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