Must-Have Travel Essentials
Not my Louis Vuitton carry-on, but one can dream...
When it comes to packing your carry-on, less is definitely more. But how do you decide what makes the cut? Whether I’m jetting off for a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, I have one rule: carry-on only. Having the right essentials within arm's reach can make all the difference, and so can only packing what you can carry.
From keeping cozy to staying fresh and organized, I’ve rounded up my must-haves whenever I travel—those necessities broken down by fitness, skincare, tech, and of course, what to put it all in.
Going carry-on only isn't as difficult as you think. Here's everything I always pack, which might seem like a lot, but you'd be surprised.
And for all my pet-related travel essentials, I have you covered in this list: What to Pack: Pet Essentials
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PACKING
I swear by packing cubes—they make all the difference from departure to coming home, whether it’s unpacking at your hotel, when you get home to do laundry, or if you’re forced to take everything apart at the security checkpoint! Also I love everything by Paravel—very high quality.
Not all clear plastic toiletry bags need to be basic or ugly. I like these because they’re both durable and classy.
I’ll admit that Lo & Sons bags sometimes have too many pockets, but they’re really built for the go-getter on-the-go.
If I can’t have the LV bag, then I just want a minimalist carry-on suitcase that is sleek but durable.
This is a holy grail skincare product that has been one of my favorites since pre-pandemic times. And you don’t need to wash this mask off—I prefer to use it as an overnight mask after going out or recovering from a long flight.
Many of these skincare products are all about recovery. I slap these on right before landing on an overnight flight, and they make a world of difference helping me wake up and feel as refreshed as humanly possible after a trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flight.
There are a lot of skincare products worth investing in, but Cerave is one of those that is accessible to everyone for very affordable prices. Don’t overlook this one just because it’s at your local drugstore.
Traveling is so dehydrating, including for your eyes. Do not leave home without this.
This one undersells itself because it’s really good for both your cuticles and your nails. If you’re someone who picks at your nails or cuticles when anxious (as I do during flights), apply just a little of this before bed and you will actually see an improvement by morning.
I hate having chapped lips, and I’m constantly reapplying lip balm when I’m using any other brand. But ever since I underwent Accutane treatment more than a decade ago, I’ve never found a better lip balm or gloss better than this one.
There are many good sunscreen brands out there, but none are quite as good for oily skin (in my experience) as Supergoop. They really are as light as they describe. I’d also recommend the mineral matte screen for a really flawless look without having to do any extra face makeup.
Another great brand with quality, well-made products. And all leggings should have pockets.
If Victoria’s Secret pivots to making more fitness clothes as well as this, then they’re poised for a comeback much like Abercrombie & Fitch or even Gap.
I have tried many, MANY brands of running shoes. And there are a few I like. But ON is the one I swear by. This Swiss brand really knows what it’s doing for runners. They’re the only running shoes I can wear immediately and comfortably for long runs right away without having to break them in by walking several (cumulative) hours in them first.
This has become a bit of a cult classic among Lulu fans. I’m not one of them, but this is a great and simple belt bag that is great for running as well as walking around on a long travel day.
One of my favorite places to read is on an airplane. I also love reading at the airport, by the pool, and anywhere in between!
Guess where I’m writing from this right now?
I don’t go anywhere without headphones. Given my sensory needs, they’re a must. Also I like listening to podcasts while walking or music while running to soothe my anxiety.
CANON EOS RP Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera
It’s not a top of the line camera, but it gets the job done. And it’s relatively light and compact for a camera of this quality. (Not to mention durable—I’ve dropped it many times…)
ANKER USB C Charging Station for Macbook & iPhone and ANKER MagGo Power Bank
Anker is on here a few times, and for good reason. There are few tech accessory brands that churn out an insane but versatile amount products for charging devices that are as high quality and sleek as these.
OTHER BITS & BOBS
These brushes are light and can breeze through even the messiest of tangles on my head. (Speaking for someone with wavy hair, so I can’t speak for everyone.)
I prefer to sip through a straw whenever possible, so I love this water bottle that already has it built in.
Never travel hangry. As someone once told me, airport calories don’t count. And what I have added: eat what you need to in order to survive getting from Point A to Point B. And treat your flight attendant with kindness and respect, too, while you’re at it.
Even if I don’t wear these as frequently as I used to, I still like to have masks on me. Sometimes I just can’t stand breathing amongst a crowd. Or the air quality could be poor. Or I just want to avoid someone I see from a distance and put this on as a disguise.
