During the holiday season I only travel once a month but they rest of the year I travel every other week, so you can say I am quite the frequent flyer. Over the years I have come up with a list of essentials that I can't leave my house without when I travel, this list changes every year so I figured I needed to write an updated version of the travel necessities blog post I wrote back in 2017. I broke it down in two categories; carry-on and luggage.
1. Rolling laptop bag - I love this bag, it has a pocket for your laptop in the front (it actually fits 2 or 3 laptops.) In the back it has a big compartment with straps that fits A LOT! I once traveled with two pairs of booties there and two mugs. I really like the fact that it has wheels, that way you won't have to carry all the weight of the computer on your shoulders. The floral pattern version of this bag is on sale for $100 off.
2. Portable charger - I've had a lot of portable chargers throughout the years but this is by far my favorite one. It has a built in wall plug, two USB connections and one micro USB. The charge also lasts a very long time, I can charge my phone 3 times before I have to recharge the portable again.
3. Portable apple watch charger - This is a newer find and in my opinion a must if you own an apple watch. I hate traveling with a lot of cables and this was the perfect alternative to charge my apple watch. I usually keep it in my purse even when I am not traveling. I also have this portable watch charger but it is more expensive and I don't like it as much because the charge lasts less than 24hrs.
4. First aid kit - My husband makes fun of me for traveling around with a first aid kit, but it has actually come in handy a couple of times especially when I get blisters from uncomfortable shoes. You can get travel first aid kits pretty much everywhere and you don't have to spend a lot of money on them.
5. Crossbody bag - I also carry a cross body bag inside my big travel bag that way I don't have to carry the heavy bag when we walk around places or even when I go to my office. The one I brought with me this week is this one but any cross body bag you have in your closet would work.
6. Reusable zip lock bag - I learned this trick from my sister, zip lock bags come in handy for multiple reasons - when you don't want your snacks to spill in your bag, if your make up breaks, for faces masks, etc.
7. Noise cancelling headphones - I invested in these noise cancelling headphones about 4 years ago (they are on sale right now) and it was the best decision I've ever made, they are truly life changing especially for long flights. I recently got the AirPods Pro and I like them so far but I have only traveled with them twice so I don't know if I love them as much as my Bose yet.
8. Amazon fire stick - Let's be honest hotels don't have the best tv line up so it is nice to be able to watch your own movies/shows when you hang out in your hotel room. I love the amazon fire stick since our amazon library has most of the movies we have bought, but I have friends that love the roku and I wish apple would make a smaller portable apple tv.
9. Extra underwear - I learned this tip from one of my friends, always pack extra underwear in your carry-on in case you luggage gets lost. Pretty self explanatory.
10. Reusable water bottle - I've been trying to drink more water and carrying my own water bottle helps me accomplish that, also it saves you money and it's better for the planet. This is my favorite one right now but I also love this one and this one.
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1. Jewelry Case - If you are anything like me you like to travel with your jewelry, because after all accessories truly complete an outfit. I like jewelry cases instead of jewelry pouches because that way I can prevent the posts on the earrings from being bent or broken, it is also a little more organized in my opinion. This is a really nice option but if you don't want to splurge this one and this one are really good as well.
2. Duffle Bag - I always pack a duffle bag in my suitcase in case I end up buying too many things at my destination, or if I end up going somewhere else and don't want to take my big luggage.
3 - Portable Humidifier - This is specially helpful during the winter when hotel rooms are really dry due to the heaters kicking in, you can also put essential oils in your humidifier if you have trouble sleeping/relaxing when you are away from home. My husband actually has one of these at his office and it has helped his allergies tremendously. This one is also a good option and it is wireless.
4. Sock Slippers/Slippers - I hate when my feet are cold so I always pack a pair or slippers in my bag, I love sock slippers because they take up less room but these loft slippers are so comfy (my sister got me a pair for Christmas and they are amazing!)
5. Manicure Set - A manicure set always comes in handy, whether you break a nail or have to take a tag/thread off of your clothes.
6. Portable Steam-Iron - This is my newest addition and probably my favorite one. It is a steamer but it has a flat end like an iron that leaves your clothes so smooth, it is small enough to travel with and you can even get a case for it.
7. Packing Cubes - Packing cubes are like primers, you don't believe they work until you try them. I didn't start using packing cubes until last summer and let me tell you I am never going back! I can fit a lot more in my bag and it is easier to repack once my trip is over.
What are some of your travel essentials that I did not mention here? I would love to try some of your recommendations.
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