Must Have Travel Accessories
The holidays are quickly approaching which means many of you (myself included) will be making your way via trains, planes, and automobiles to spend time with family or take a much-needed vacation. Whether you're headed over the hill and through the woods to Grandma's house or jet-setting around the globe for relaxing getaway nothing is more stressful than wondering if your bag is going to make it to your destination. I'm not a fan of spending an extra 30-40 minutes at the airport waiting at baggage claim, so I've vowed to always pack just a carry-on and small backpack or shoulder bag. Here are my must-have travel essentials that help me pack everything into two pieces of luggage.
This will be my forever piece of luggage, no seriously, they have a lifetime warranty, and they mean it. The carry-on have an ejectable battery pack that comes in handy when you need to juice up before hopping on your plane, train or bus. No one likes hunting for outlets and being tied down to that one spot while your phone or tablet charges. I love the compression system inside that keeps everything snug (by that I mean you can squeeze more things in!), the laundry bag that rolls up and lives in its own pocket when not needed and the hard shell case is unbreakable. After a year of jealousy of my Away Carry-On, we finally outfitted my husband with his own, and he couldn't be happier. There are plenty of colors options, monogramming and various designs of the bag you can choose from. Invest in this piece of luggage because it will be the last one you'll need to purchase.
I am a firm believer in the divide and conquer method in all aspects of my life. Packing is no exception. These were life-changing for my packing routine. They organize everything into their own compartments and they eliminate digging around for that pair of socks or sweater. I use the smaller cubes for bras, underwear and socks and the bigger cubes for tops and jeans. Away makes a set that fits perfectly in their Carry-On or you can find a bunch of different options on Amazon.
If you like a lot of outfit options and are still determined to pack everything in a carry on these are for you. We actually used these vacuum bags on our trip to Europe last winter. We had some bulky winter items with us since the last leg of our trip was to Iceland. You throw everything in, zip it up and roll out all of the air. No vacuum required.
Lo & Sons O.M.G. Overnight Bag
This lightweight bag carries all of my business travel essentials for every trip. Remember earlier when I mentioned that I love things that help me organize my life? This bag has a compartment for my laptop, a large middle space and two smaller pockets that help keep things organized. There's a front pocket with a key chain to keep your keys secure, and a zippered compartment to keep your items like your phone and wallet easily accessible. It's the perfect size to fit under airline seats and slips right over the handle of your suitcase. The sleek lines and classic look will last you a lifetime.
I never travel without my S'well water bottle. I am one of those people who drink way more water if it is cold and water stays just that in this water bottle (24 hours according to the website). Staying hydrated will help you feel refreshed after a long travel day. Plus, I am on a mission to not purchase a plastic bottle of water again if I can help it which is easy when I have such a cute reusable one.
I am a lover of books, actually books with paper pages to turn. I have a library card and still check books out like it's 1992. As much as I love books I am a huge fan of saving space when traveling so I finally broke down and purchased a Kindle Fire tablet. My husband is a huge movie watcher on planes so he's able to download movies to watch on flights so it's a two for one electronic.
This is my secret weapon when I go a little crazy with souvenir shopping or treating myself while on vacation. It folds up into itself into a small package when not it use. It comes in handy when you come home with more stuff than you left with (which is me when I come back from international destinations). I'll usually throw my dirty laundry and shoes in and pack my new purchases in my carry-on. Best thing is if you don't need it the bag takes up so little room in your bag it's not an extra burden to have.
What are your can't live without travel accessories? Are you a minimalist packer or are you bringing the kitchen sink and then some? Share your thoughts here with me on the blog or on Instagram @eat.drink.wanderlust. Happy traveling, y’all!