8 Things I Always Pack When Traveling

No matter where or how I travel, there are several items that always accompany me. Here are the 8 things I always pack when traveling.

As always, you can click the red text for more info on each item and to shop at no additional cost to you.

Belt Bag

I’ve been traveling with a belt bag for as long as I can remember. They allow me to have all important documents at the ready but keep my hands free to roll my luggage and personal carry-on. The belt bag slips into my other bags once onboard and acts as a clutch throughout my trip. I used this small LV belt bag for many years until I discovered this Lo & Sons alternative.  It’s more versatile because it comes with zip closure, an adjustable strap, and is available in 20 colors.

This little convertible belt bag can also work as a crossbody or shoulder bag when needed. It comes in 2 sizes; I carry the large.

I have both the light gray and ivory in the Saffiano leather which has a pebbled texture.

Hat

Rain or shine, hot or cold, I always pack a hat. I often bring several and can only wear one to travel, so here’s how I pack a hat in a carry-on suitcase.

My hats came out of the bag looking brand new without a crease on them.

Tote Bag

Different holidays call for different totes, but mine need to pack flat because I don’t use them as my carry-on.

I’m a big fan of these Longchamp Totes that come in a multitude of sizes in a rainbow of colors and fold into a tiny pouch.

For my latest trip to Mexico, I brought this lightweight straw tote that carries everything I need. I flattened it, then folded it in half between Hola and Beaches. The beach motif fits my location, and it’s large enough to carry a beach towel. I was tempted by this one and this one with the pearls, but they added to its weight and I like to travel light.

Comfy Shoes

Painful shoes can ruin any day, but on vacation, I won’t take a chance. I pack shoes I know to be comfy because I’ve worn them before and know they don’t pinch or cause blisters.

I discovered these Isle Jacobson, perforated sneakers last summer, and now want them in every color she makes. They’re a super soft suede that stretches and molds to your feet then flattens small to pack in your bag. They have no inner seams to press on sore spots and feel amazing on.

I bought gray for this trip to Mexico because they’ll hide the dirt from our dusty walks. I broke my metallic sneakers in over several trips to Canada last year so I can count on them to be as comfy as bedroom slippers. They’ve made the newer model with elastic laces, which would be very nice to have…I’ll have to find some of those laces 🙂

Sunscreen

I wear sunscreen year-round, rain or shine, but when I travel, I bring extra to be sure I have the brands that I like best.

This year I found a new favorite I would order by the gallon if I could. It takes a lot for a new sunscreen to impress me, and this MDSolarSciences has me smitten. This physical block was founded by a dermatologic oncologist using reef-safe and cruelty-free, natural, 100% safe ingredients. It goes on silky smooth and leaves no white pasty finish. The stick is perfect for reapplying on the back of my hands that I wash throughout the day.

Hand Sanitizer

Long before COVID had us more concerned with germs than usual, I traveled with both hand-sanitizing wipes and gel or spray hand sanitizer. When I get to my seat on a plane, I wipe down the arms rests, inside and out of the tray table, and the seatbelt buckles. Wipes are perfect for this. Throughout my trip, the spray gets used often.

Scarf

Some holidays feel more scarf friendly than others, but I always pack a few cotton bandanas. They’re great to quickly cover my neck and chest when getting overexposed and add a dash of color to an otherwise neutral outfit. They’re also handy for days when my hair has been trashed by a hat.

Light Jacket

Layers are always important when I travel. I often pack a cashmere wrap, but for my trip to Mexico this week, I packed a lightweight nylon windbreaker that works for early morning walks and when the temps drop in the evening. This little jacket folds up into a tiny pouch and fills a corner in any bag.

What are your must-have travel items?

Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.