Let’s be honest — packing can be overwhelming. I’ve learned over years of airports, road trips, and red-eye flights that having the right few things makes all the difference. These are my tried-and-true, can’t-live-without travel companions — the ones I always reach for first.
🖤 1. My Everyday Travel Wrap
This one goes with me everywhere. It’s like a cozy cardigan and elegant wrap rolled into one — lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and instantly elevates any outfit. It’s perfect for planes (hello, built-in blanket), dinner out, or even as a cover-up at the beach.
👉 Shop the Everyday Travel Wrap
🖤 1. TowelTopper
This is one of those things that once you start using it, you are going to be like, "whoa, how did I get buy without this?!" It's a super simple solution to keeping your towel in place as you get ready. It's especially handy if you are sharing a hotel room or in a location that doesn't allow as much privacy as you wish. Plus, it will wrap around your beach chair and hold that towel in place, too.
👉 Shop the TowelToppers
🖤 2. The Bamboo Blanket Scarf
If I’m not wearing the wrap, I’m wearing this. It’s oversized enough to be a blanket on the plane, but still chic enough to wear out with jeans or a dress. It’s one of those pieces that becomes part of your travel uniform — simple, beautiful, and endlessly useful.
👉 Shop the Blanket Scarf
📚 3. My Kindle
Books are my escape — but carrying three or four in my suitcase just isn’t practical. My Kindle solves that beautifully. I can switch from a travel memoir to a novel without adding a single ounce of weight.
👉 Find my favorite Kindle here
🧳 4. Vacuum-Sealed Compression Bags
I swear by these. They keep everything neat, make packing feel like a game of Tetris, and save so much space — especially when packing for me and my daughter.
👉 Check out my go-to compression bags
✈️ 5. Airplane Pockets Seat Back Organizer
If you’ve ever dropped your phone or snacks into that grimy seat pocket, you’ll understand why this is genius. It slides right over the tray table, keeps everything clean, and folds up tiny when you’re done.
👉 See the one I use here
🔗 6. Gear Aid HeroClip
I don’t know how I traveled without this. It’s a hook that becomes a clip — perfect for hanging your bag off a bathroom door, stroller, or suitcase handle. It’s one of those simple, smart inventions that makes travel life so much easier.
👉 Grab one here
The Bottom Line
You don’t need a million things to travel well — just the right ones. Each of these items earns its place in my bag because it works hard. Travel is easier (and a lot more fun) when you’ve got gear that makes sense — and clothes that go everywhere you do.
So tell me — what’s your can’t-live-without travel essential?
