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Everyone has Baggage.
It’s all about how you carry it. Below you’ll find some tried and true pieces of luggage that take the weight of worrying about whether or not you have everything you need off of your shoulders.
Goplus 3pc. Luggage Set
These are a great quality for the price and selection. I did have one break on my way back from London (from Dulles to Raleigh... ugh). But overall, these are a great "beginner" suitcase set.
★★★
Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade
I bought this as a replacement for the GoPlus medium sized suitcase that I broke. It is so sturdy, so well made, and I basically love it. I'm really tempted to buy a full set!
★★★★★
Canway 65L Foldable Travel Bag
This guy folds up to about the same size as a packing cube and is HUGE. There's nothing worse than running out of space for your souvenirs and this bag prevents that from ever happening again!
★★★★
Carry-On Garment Bag
This is perfect for a quick work trip or a nice weekend getaway. I bought this for a 4 day conference that required business dress. I fit 2 blazers and a nice dress in the “garment bag” part, zipped it up, and fit the rest of my clothes, shoes and toiletries.
★★★
Mini Backpack
The only thing better than a dress with pockets is a backpack with ALL THE POCKETS! This little guy holds my 13” MacBook Pro comfortably (for work, not travel), but will be the best, compact travel companion. Check out the color options, you’re bound to find something that fits your personality.
★★★★★
Vanguard Havana DSLR Camera Bag
Business on the bottom, party on top. The bottom half of this bag is a super padded, easy to access camera bag that fits your camera and two lenses. The top part give you just enough room for your e-reader, travel journal, snacks, wallet, passport, etc. There's even a laptop sleeve in the back!
★★★★
I got it in the Bag
Packing is the one thing about travel that brings me the most anxiety. I am not a light packer, but there are a few things that have helped me become an efficient packer. I use packing a packing cubes to stay organized while on the road and to control my need to pack for every possible scenario.
5 Piece Packing Cubes
These are a really good staple if you are interested in trying out packing cubes.
★★★★
7 piece Packing Cubes
Super versatile! I love that these come with more small cubes options AND clear toiletry bags.
★★★★★
4 piece Compression Packing Cubes
Organization AND space saving. Can you ask for any more? Just be careful with the "compression" zipper. I might have (definitely did) over filled the cube when I tried to compress it, the zipper came off the track. Oops!
★★★
Space Saving Bags
These Space Savers don't require a vacuum to get that airtight seal, making them ideal for travel.
★★★★
What’s Jet-Lag?
Let’s be honest, the only bags you should leave the airplane with are your carry-ons, not the ones under your eyes. With the right tools, getting some pre-trip zzz’s can be a breeze.
Portable Memory Foam Pillow
SO SQUISHY. I do wish that it would roll up smaller and that the carrying case had some form of strap or clip.
★★★★
Ultra-Light Inflatable Pillow
Do I feel a little bit like a clown making balloon animals while I try to inflate this on a plane? Yes. Does it roll into such a tiny traveler bag that I don’t even care? Also yes.
★★★★
Bluehills Premium Soft Travel Pillow/ Blanket
Perfect for the “Always Cold Traveler”
★★★
Cloudz Bamboo Travel Blanket
This blanket is the perfect weight and size. It is so soft
★★★★★
Toiletries
Hair Gemz
Words cannot describe how much I love these! They are small, compact, and leave my hair feeling silky smooth. I don't get a weird waxy film, like some shampoo bars do and they smell great.
★★★★★
Yes To- Tomatoes Face Cleanser & Scrub
Keep it in the carry-on. I am a sucker for good products that I can easily travel with. This container was a little bit bigger than I expected, but this scrub kept my face clean and clear while I took a break from my normal regiment. This also comes in coconut and coffee "flavors". I want to try them all!
★★★★
TSA Approved Containers
Ok, so you can get these pretty much anywhere. What I really liked about this pack, though, is that it came with the tools you need to fill them up (a funnel, spatula, a suction thing). I make messes, I need all the help I can get.
★★★★
2 in 1 Straightener and Curling Iron
I have sort-of-straight hair that tends to have a mind of it’s own depending on the elements. Typically I resort to braiding my hair at night and let the waves carry me through the day, but sometimes I want to be a little more put together. This little guy (and I do mean little!) has saved my day time and time again. If you have extra long, extra thick hair, it might be a struggle, but in my experience, it has more than exceeded my expectations. It does not have a temperature control, but it does come with it’s own, heat resistant packing case.
★★★★★
Take on the World, Fully Charged
Omars Battery Pack
Anker Mini Battery Pack
Unidapt Universal Travel Power Adapter
Europe USB Power Strip
Better in Picture
Google Pixel 2 (and 4)
I know that I am a Google Pixel Girl living in an iPhone world, but hear me out. The camera on this baby is SO GOOD. Like, so good that I am seriously debating not taking my big DSLR on my next trip. I upgraded to the Pixel 4 when it came out and that camera just keeps getting better and better!
Moment Lenses
For anything the Google Pixel cannot do, there is a Moment Lens that can. And for my Apple or Galaxy friends out there, Moment also has cases and lenses for you!
Camera Bag Insert
Sometimes a full backpack is too much. They’re bulky and put the “tourist” target on your back. I wanted to find a nice shoulder purse that had enough protection to house my DSLR. Well, that was harder to find in the price range I wanted so I had to adapt. I found this padded camera insert pouch that fit perfectly while keeping my favorite travel companion safe. Double bonus, it adds extra pockets, nooks, and crannies that make pickpocketing extra difficult.
For Your Feet
Tom’s TRVL LITE Sneakers
Or any style of Tom's, honestly. I’ve brought their Cabrillo Sneakers on a trip, too. But let me tell you about these TRVL LITEs. They have “OrthoLite® Eco X40 insole for high-rebound, long-term cushioning made with plant derived and recycled materials”, cute colors, and are stain resistant. I love them so much, I already own two pairs!
★★★★★
Powerstep Orthopedic Insoles
When I spend a ton of time on my feet, my whole body begins to ache. It starts in my hips, then it spreads to my shoulders, and I'm a mess! Well, I learned that I have some pretty high arches and when they aren't supported properly, it throws everything off. When I have these in my shoes, I can instantly feel the difference, making long days meandering through new cities way more enjoyable.
★★★★
Sperry's Women's Saltwater Rain Boot
In Edinburgh, our local guide (Hey, Hannah!) had never seen these before. She said that these shoes were the epitome of Scotland- equal parts hiking boot and wellies. Well, not only are they super waterproof, they are incredibly comfy. Extra bonus, you can dress them up or wear them casually.
★★★★
Wool Socks
Mostly to be used with my Sperry Boots. These are soft and moisture wicking- meaning blisters are never something you have to worry about. Be smart…Do not brings these to Greece.
★★★
It’s not a Matter of When, but Wear
☂ L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Anorak
❅ Packable Puffer Jacket
Maximum amount of warmth, ITTY BITTY bag that it rolls up into. It's water resistant, comes in multiple colors, and won't take up your entire suitcase.
☀
On the Record
A few years ago, I got hooked on Bullet Journaling. I love being able to customize my journals/planners for whatever life throws at me. I also find that, without a journal, I have a hard time going back and reliving moments from my trips. I don’t bring my full bullet journal stash with me (it would require a full suitcase on it’s own!) but I do like having a small set of things designated for recording my trip.
Dot Grid Bullet Journal
This journal in compact and sharp. I love the elastic band that keeps my pages protected and the pen holder that keeps my favorite writing utensil at hand.
★★★★★
Sharpie Pens
One of my biggest pet peeves: Pens that bleed through paper. These little beauties eliminate that problem while providing a whole new dilema: which color?
★★★★
Washi Tape
You can find this at any store that sells craft supplies. Amazon is a great source, too! I like to pick a couple of rolls that fit my trip. Washi Tape helps me separate my spreads, attach picture and postcards, and gives my pages an extra pop of color.
(Example- Shamrocks for Ireland, Tartan for Scotland, Pretzels and Steins for Germany)
