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Writer's pictureMarisa

Travel made easy with these packing essentials!

Updated: May 17

Plus your own printable checklist!!


Traveling is magical - whether you stay near or go far there is so much world to explore!! I grew up traveling a LOT and have picked up a few tips over the years that have made packing and traveling a little easier so naturally, I wanted to share them with you!!


Travel/Packing Cubes

Travel/Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes are a game changer!! You can organize your entire suitcase and actually fit more than you could imagine which makes overpacking not such a big deal!! When you arrive you just move your cubes to a dresser and hang what you need making packing and unpacking a breeze!! Trust me you'll feel SO organized!


This set comes with nine pieces including a bag for shoes as well as dirty clothes (but I have a separate tip for that). You can choose several different color and pattern options too!!

Travel and Daily Use Storage Pouch

Travel/Daily Use Storage Bag

While we're talking about bags let me share this find with you!! This is actually sold as a shoe holder but when I tell you that I used it as my beauty bag!! I was able to put several other bags inside it so that my toiletries, hair, skincare, and make up items were all separated yet packed together. This bag holds SO much and doesn't take up a lot of room!!

Comes in several different colors and patters and is so incredibly functional.

Retro Designer Style Sunnies

Polarized Retro Designer Sunglasses

You always need a good pair of sunnies. I love these because they are great on the daily but also perfect for travel, they are lightweight so they are super comfortable and they come in several different styles - the best part, they are affordable and almost always on deal!! I have shared these before and will share them again - they really are that great!!

Skin Care To Go Sets


One of the hardest parts of packing is optimizing space while taking your essentials with you!! This is why I LOVE these On The Go Sets!! You get a full skincare regimen in travel size!! A little goes a long way lasting most people 10 days or more!! There are different sets as well to help with your individual skincare needs. You can learn more and shop with me using the link below!

Travel Bottles Set ~ TSA Approved Containers

TSA Approved Travel Bottles

Speaking of travel sized, these travel sized bottles are great for taking your own shampoo and conditioner as well as your body wash and lotion. I won't lie some hotels that have complementary beauty products have some AMAZING products, but others... not so much. While I'm not too difficult when it comes to lotion or body wash I'm extremely picky when it comes to hair products. This is just a way to take what I know works for me with me while not weighing down my bag and taking up some much needed packing real-estate. These are also great as this set comes with 21 pieces that all fit into one bag and is TSA approved! Some of the little containers are even great for holding rings or other jewelry or small items.

Laptop Backpack with USB Port

Laptop bag with USB

I'll be honest, in general I am not a backpack girl - but.... when traveling this is SO easy and convenient!! It's more secure than a tote bag, both my arms are free AND it holds so much!! It's water repellent so its easy to wipe down after being in a gross airport and another very important detail - it's super cute!! It comes in 2 sizes and 4 different colors.


adidas Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe

Adidas Cloudfoam Running Shoe

Honestly, I will never not share these!! At this point I am not affiliated with Adidas in any way - but I should be as much as rave about these shoes!! They are by far the most comfortable kicks on the planet and trust me when you're traveling you want comfy shoes but you also need practical shoes. These are easy to slip on and off and should you have to run from one end of the airport other to get to your flight one time - you're not going to fall out of these like you would with a flip flop.

Hard Shell Luggage Set with Spinner Wheels and TSA Locks.

Hardshell luggage set

This is list is full of other goodies but what good does it do you if you have nothing to put it in? I highly recommend a hard shell suitcase - I promise you they are not gentle with your luggage and this helps protect your stuff!! I personally have this sent and absolutely love it!!

You can see my review here and you can find it in my Amazon store here!


Apple Air Tag

Apple Air Tag

These are fantastic and will help keep track of anything you need while you're traveling! Throw one if your luggage and if your luggage is lost - you'll know exactly where it is! Throw one in your beach bag, purse, wallet ~ you get the idea! They are also great as you can put them anywhere even when not traveling, put on your dogs collar, in your kids backpack, your car, they can help you locate anything!!

Flip Flops


nike flip flop

Ok... I know... I know... I said that you do not want a flip flop in the airport - but do you know where you DO want a flip flop?! Your hotel room, Airbnb, VRBO - wherever you are staying you want flip flops to walk around in and especially to wear while getting ready... Trust me you don't want to walk all over your hotel bathroom in your bare feet!! No matter how clean the place is!! Plus if you hit the pool, beach, hot tub or whatever - you will be glad you have your flippies! BONUS that these are SUPER comfortable too!! Once I found these I quit buying any other kind!!

Pillow Case


silk pillow case

So this is something that I wish I had though of sooner!! When you really think about it do you really want to share a pillow with every guest that has stayed where you are staying?! I know they clean them - but still... this just feels better - plus these silk pillow cases are supposed to be great for your hair and come in several colors!!


Denim Jacket

demin jean jacket

No matter what time of year it is - you tend to need a jacket when you travel. The kicker is not wanting to travel with a heavy jacket if you can avoid it. Enter the most comfortable jean jacket I have ever found!! Normally it comes in around $20 but a lot of time you can catch it on sale!! It's soft and stretchy - easy to wear and move around in, easy to pack or throw in your carry on if needed. It's light enough you won't be super hot and if you're going to a cold climate - well, it's not the same as a big puffer coat - but it will help a little!

Water Bottle


stanley tumbler

Taking your own water bottle has a lot of benefits! Obviously it's better for the planet but whether you are flying or driving it's a great way to stay hydrated. Now if you are flying you'll have to keep TSA rules in mind - but once through security you can fill your cup with water/coffee. Also, this is a great way to keep your drink cool on the beach or by the pool or even on a hike!


Downloads to pass the time!!

With your Amazon Prime Membership you have so many amazing benefits available to you and these 3 are perfect for any traveler!


Amazon Audible Plus

audible free trial

With Audible Plus, a brand new all-you-can-listen membership that offers access to thousands of titles, including a vast array of audiobooks, podcasts and originals that span genres, lengths, and formats.


Amazon Prime Music

amazon music and books

Ok this is one of my favorite features from my Prime Membership!!

With Amazon Prime Music You get the following:

*Unlimited, ad-free streaming of over a million songs

*Instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows

*Borrow Kindle BOOKS!!!!


Amazon Prime (if you don't already have it)

amazon prime video

Ok so Amazon Prime is just fabulous and if you haven't signed up yet - free shipping/returns alone is a great reason to join but with Prime you also get Prime Video!! The Prime Membership program offers special benefits for just $99 per year including:

*Unlimited instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows

*FREE Two-Day Shipping on millions of items

*Unlimited, ad-free streaming of over a million songs

*Borrow Kindle Books

*Try Before You Buy and more Prime benefits

Don't forget to pack these items:

There are some items that you just don't want to forget - set reminders on your phone, put sticky notes on your mirror, do what you need to do!!

  • Chargers

  • Ear Buds/AirPods/Headphones

  • Glasses/Contacts with their cases/solution

  • Prescription Medication

  • Money - you will need some cash and you will want to let your credit card company you are traveling so they don't accidentally put a fraud alert on your account. Double check on ATM and international fees too so you can plan that into your budget!

  • Travel documents - yes, everything is on your phone anymore - but... what if your phone dies, what if you don't have service. At least have your hotel/transport information written down. So you can not only get there but call if needed.

  • Passport/ID - you're going to need these to check in anywhere - you do NOT want to forget this!!

  • Extension cord - It never fails you finally get your phone plugged in but then it doesn't reach where you need it! Just keep in mind if you are traveling to a different country you may need an adaptor!

  • Kitchen Trash Bags - these are perfect to put your dirty clothes in for the trip home!! Just neatly fold your clothes and pack them in the trash bag. When you get home just dump the dirty clothes straight into the washing machine!!

  • Resealable Kitchen Bags - I'm talking sandwich baggies and freezer bags. These are great for your liquids should they leak. This way it doesn't get all over your other items and create a mess that you just don't wan to deal with!

  • Grocery Sacks - if you have them, they are great for putting your shoes in so that they don't get your clothes or luggage dirty!

Things you can easily buy if you forgot something:

It never fails - you can do all the planning and organizing and at some point, someone will forget something. Here's a list of items you can easily grab a hotel gift shop or even the airport gift shop if needed. Granted, you'll pay more - but they will be available.

  • Deodorant

  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste

  • Toiletries

  • Hairbrush

  • Sunscreen

  • Over the counter medication

  • Tissues

  • Hand Sanitizer

  • Contact Solution - but you may not have a lot of variety

  • Nail Clippers and Emery Board

  • Over the counter medication

I truly love travel and one of my big dreams is to see the world - hopefully one dayI can start taking you along with me!! I really hope this list helps ~ please let me know what you think!!


Here's my gift to you!! Print your own checklist and customize it for your trip!!

trip/travel checklist

Download the PDF below!!

P.S. I may get a small commission from the links shared in this post so please let me know if you find them helpful! Want to stay in the know?! Sign up for my VIP email list! I promise I won't inundate your inbox! ;)




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