Good morning from sunny California! As we try to do every year, my husband and I jetted off for a fun sans-kids vacation. With two January birthdays, we enjoy getting away to celebrate, rest, and gear up for a busy semester of sports and all the school things (which includes a high school graduation in May!).
We’ve enjoyed several fabulous destinations over the years, but this is our first time in Santa Barbara. We’ve planned a mix of fun and downtime, and I’ll share a full report when we return.
In the meantime, I’m sharing my travel essentials. As a frequent traveler, these are the must-haves that I cannot live without.
(1) Away Larger Carry On: We bought our first Away bag seven years ago and immediately fell in love. Now, every member of the family has their own. We did 10 days in Italy last year, never checking a single bag, and our Away bags were key.
(2) TSA-Approved bags: When you’re not checking bags, these are a must. This comes in a set of 3 for $14.
(3) Packing cubes: Packing in a carry on requires organization. I love this set because it includes several sizes that fit perfectly in the Away bag and my favorite carry on bags below.
(4) Ear plugs: Honestly, I sleep with ear plugs every night because my husband snores (I know many of you can relate). I keep a pair of these in my toiletry bags so I can continue to sleep well when we travel.
(5) Makeup bags: I love this set of three, and I keep the small one in my purse at all times. I use the larger two for my skincare, makeup, and hair things. They are machine washable!
(6) Compression cubes: Like packing cubes, but these really compress things so you can squeeze every inch out of that suitcase. All 5 of us used these for Italy because we packed bulkier things like sweaters, pants, and jackets.
(7) Kindle: I never travel without it. I’ve had a couple over the years and really like this new Paperwhite version. I love the smell of real books, but I don’t like them taking up space in my luggage.
(8) Hanging makeup bag: My daughters love these! They hold a ton and are great for sharing a bathroom because you can hang them on the towel hook or back of the door. When they get dirty, we throw them in the wash and air dry.
(9) Travel tote: This is my go-to for shorter trips. It is beautiful and holds enough for a weekend, but can also be your “personal item” when you use the Away bag.
(10) Steamer: Yes, I know I could just allow shower steam to eliminate wrinkles and most hotels provide irons, but this steamer is so easy to use. I use it regularly and don’t travel without it.
(11) Deluxe travel bag: I love everything about this bag. It’s great for shorter and longer trips alike and you can stuff it to the gills, and it will still fit under an airplane seat. Tons of pockets, comes with three extra bags for organizing, and fits over the handle of suitcase. For beach trips, I put my beach bag in this first and then then pack it full. Worth it!
So tell me—what are your travel essentials? Do you use any of these?
