For my last few trips, I have tried refining my absolute necessities and favorite things to pack on trips – short and long! I keep a list in my Notes app that includes items from self-care to photography to basic necessities. I’m always seeking to save space and bring as few items as possible, which I’m sharing with you today. I’d also love to hear what your recommendations are! I’m always looking to revamp my style and bring what makes the most sense!
1. Monos Carry-On Pro in Terracotta – Our Favorite Carry-On Suitcase
- We both have the same roller carry-on suitcase and we love it. The Monos Carry-On Pro has a special compartment for laptops that we both find so useful. It also glides easily throughout the airport and the size fits for all carry-on requirements across airlines.
- If you aren’t up for splurging on a Monos suitcase, here is a similar one on Amazon in a variety of pretty colors. I like the yellow and green ones!
2. Alice & Olivia Duffle
- A duffle bag or a backpack are best to bring as “personal items”. I prefer duffle bags that I can just throw over my shoulder or place on my carry-on suitcase when gliding through the airport. Myles and I both have this Alice & Olivia Duffle, which has been a great size for traveling.
3. Glow Recipe Pink Juice Water Gel Face Moisturizer
- Glow Recipe Pink Juice is my everyday moisturizer, and now I always travel with it too. Glow Recipe’s oil-free moisturizer has hydrating hyaluronic acid and is a radiance booster. It’s adapted from long-lasting Korean skincare and is great for oily skin. I always have the standard size with refills at home and travel with the smaller 25ml version, pictured below
4. Supergoop! Sunscreen
- Always start your day with sunscreen! I like this Super Goop option because it serves as a great make-up primer and has a smoothing effect. It is matte and oil-free, which prevents extra shine on the face.
5. Summer Friday’s Lip Butter Balm
- I keep vanilla lip butter balm on hand, but I also love the bright colors for tropical and warm destinations.
6. Noshinku Refillable Pocket Hand Sanitizer
- Traveling on a plane or train requires sanitizing your station to prevent getting sick and cleaning the areas. I discovered this brand not too long ago and it’s my new favorite. I love the clean, botanical scents.
7. SALT & STONE Deodorant (2.6 oz)
- With natural deodorants, I can get irritation and hadn’t yet found one that worked for me, but I’ve been using this for six months and have had no issues. It’s long-lasting and smells as good as a cologne. This one is a natural deodorant for Women & Men that is aluminum-free with seaweed extracts, shea butter, and probiotics. It’s free from parabens, sulfates & phthalates with 24-hour protection. And did I mention it smells heavenly! My favorite is the Bergamot and Hinoki, but they’re all refreshing, natural scents.
8. Holga 135BC 35mm Bent Corners Film Camera
- I love traveling with my little red Holga. It is light-weight and fits into any bag, plus it takes awesome photos that offer a new perspective from each trip. You can see some shots featured in a few of my previous posts – Review of the Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour in the Netherlands | Travel Tips for Amsterdam, Netherlands and Howth and Ireland’s Eye: Easy Day Trip from Dublin Spent on the Coast
- Don’t forget to bring film for it! Kodak Gold is a go-to for us.
9. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera
- While I love the Holga, you do have to wait to see your photos when you develop your film. I recommend an Instax if you want that instant gratification from a Polaroid. It’s like a little present every time you snap a photo and free souvenirs! The mini polaroids are perfect for journaling during any trip. I love bringing both my Instax and Holga together.
- Don’t forget film for this one either.
10. Portable Charger Built-in Cables and AC Wall Plug
- Finding outlets, and finding working outlets in general can be difficult when traveling. For backups, I always like to bring a portable charger. This one is pretty compact and also cute.
11. Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneaker
- Another matching item for both of Myles and myself. We LOVE our Dr. Scholl’s sneakers. They have a subtle platforms style, and are so comfortable. It’s like walking on a cloud, which makes long travel lines, tours, and standing around much more bearable.
12. Super Soft Adult EarPlanes® Ear Plugs or Alpine Fly Fit Earplugs
- We both have issues with our inner ears since one flight we took in Alaska long ago. Since then, we always travel with decongestants and Earplanes or Alpine Fly Fit Earplugs (if you have smaller ears) to help prevent painful air pressure changes.
13. Beats Studio Pro – Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Noise-cancelling headphones on airplanes are a game-changer. Once you start using them, you won’t be able to go back to regular earbuds. I recently got the Studio Pro version and I love them so much.
14. TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter, International Power Adapter with 4 USB Ports (1 USB C)
- A universal adapter is a travel must. This one is great because you can switch the settings depending on where you are.
15. Bonine Non-Drowsy Motion Sickness Relief – 32 Chewable Tablets with Meclizine HCL 25mg
- Motion sickness is also not our friend, but Bonine helps us cope and doesn’t make me as groggy as other travel medications might.
16. Passport Holder / Luggage tags
- Rifle Paper Company always has the cutest like the one in the below photo.
17. Last but not least, a cute travel journal
- I’m always on the hunt for cute journals to document my trips. I use them as a pseudo-scrapbook, photo album! It can also be fun to pick one up wherever you are traveling to, but I will do this then save it for my next trip!
Happy traveling!
❤ Natalie Anne
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