Travel Essentials and Packing Tips

We’re leaving for Colorado tomorrow, and I couldn’t be more excited. We’ll be there for a week, and if you want to join the fun, follow me on Instagram! I’ll be sharing everything over on Stories. In the meantime, I’m finishing up last-minute packing, so I figured it was the perfect time to share some of my travel essentials and packing tips.

Tank | Leggings | Sneakers | Suitcase

Travel Essentials

  • SuitcaseThis is an updated version of my exact one; mine has held up beautifully for years without any issues.
  • Tote — I love using a tote because it holds a ton. If I bring a clutch or smaller bag, I typically throw it into my tote while traveling. However, I almost always carry my keys, wallet, cosmetics, agenda, Airpods, and a good book in my bag.
  • Makeup bag — I’m obsessed with this leopard makeup bag. It holds all my skincare and makeup products and has a matching brush holder.
  • Travel outfit — Travel outfits can be cute and comfortable. Whether going through security or trying to get comfy in the car, I prefer shoes that can easily slip on and off.

Packing Tips

  • Make an itinerary. Before packing or even making a packing list, create an itinerary (as much as possible). I like to plan down to the details, but it’s good to have a broad idea of what activities you’ll want to do, whether hiking, swimming, working out, etc. That’ll help identify specific items to pack like hiking boots, swimsuits, or workout gear.
  • Plan outfits. I’m Type A and like to plan my outfits ahead of time because it helps prevent me from overpacking. I usually jot them down in my Notes app because I create them before I even pack, but some people prefer snapping pictures of the outfits. Don’t forget to check the weather and pack accordingly. If you need to buy a few items, try to stick to pieces you’ll also wear once you return.
  • Choose a color scheme. If planning outfits feels too limiting, pick a color scheme instead. That will allow you to mix and match and get the most wear of each piece.
  • Bring a dirty clothes bag.
  • Customize your luggage. I use a pink pom-pom luggage tag, which I look for at baggage claim. It’s much easier to spot than try to discern which black suitcase is mine.

I’m always looking for new tips and tricks, so please comment and share your travel essentials and packing tips. Happy traveling! xo

Leave a Comment

25 Comments

  1. Shea Hulse wrote:

    Make an itinerary! Something I need to do for sure!

    Posted 4.18.22 Reply
  2. Katrina wrote:

    That’s so smart to bring a dirty clothes bag! I’m going on vacation next month and I totally would have forgotten to bring something like that if it weren’t for this post. Thanks for the tips!

    Posted 4.18.22 Reply
  3. Paige wrote:

    Great tips! I have my luggage decked out in customization; even though I thought I had a uniquely colored suitcase that didn’t look like anyone else’s, someone has mistaken it for theirs and almost walked off with it before!

    Posted 4.18.22 Reply
  4. Biana wrote:

    I always have such grand ideas with my outfits but overpack ALWAYS! Have a great trip!

    Posted 4.18.22 Reply
  5. Carol wrote:

    These are actionable tips for traveling and packing. Hope you enjoy many wonderful journeys!
    Carol
    http://www.scribblingboomer.com

    Posted 4.18.22 Reply
  6. Titra wrote:

    These are some great tips. Love the idea of writing down outfits or snapping pics of them first. Saving these for later. Thank you for sharing!

    Posted 4.20.22 Reply
  7. Adrian wrote:

    Traveling to Hawaii in 3 weeks, so I’m checking out ALL the packing posts. I’m sticking with a carryon, so I’m trying to be super efficient with my clothes, but I’m also type A who wants every outfit totally planned. Plus I have to lug a CPAP everywhere, so I try to travel light. Wish I could miniaturize all my favorite outfits!

    Posted 4.20.22 Reply
  8. Amanda wrote:

    I like the unique luggage tag idea! I’ll definitely be doing that from now on.

    Posted 4.21.22 Reply
  9. Erin wrote:

    This is great! I love how simple and easy to read your Post is. It is the perfect guide for travel packing. Thank you for sharing.

    Posted 4.21.22 Reply
  10. Nury wrote:

    I always plan my outfits before I go on a trip, but I never thought about choosing a color scheme. That’s great advice! I’ll remember that the next time I go on vacation. Thanks for the idea.

    Posted 4.21.22 Reply
  11. Hope you have a great time!

    Posted 4.22.22 Reply
  12. Kristina wrote:

    great tips! I’m such a planner, such good ideas!

    Posted 4.23.22 Reply
  13. Really like the color scheme tip!!

    Posted 4.23.22 Reply
  14. I love this post! I love travelling as well and it’s always fun to see how to improve packing. I always pack way too many shoes!

    Posted 4.24.22 Reply
  15. Samantha wrote:

    These are great packing tips. I love my leggins, I could love in them. I hope you guys have lots of fun!

    Posted 4.24.22 Reply
  16. Sue wrote:

    Great tips! I love picking a color scheme, it helps limit the amount of clothing I bring since I can then mix and match things

    Posted 4.25.22 Reply
  17. I love to travel with all black and a touch of color with a scarf. I was able to travel for 8 weeks that way with little clothes and a very light luggage and when you have to go up and down the stairs of train stations, it comes very handy

    Posted 4.25.22 Reply
  18. Pat M wrote:

    Great tips for packing! I also like to plan my outfits in advance–makes packing so much easier!! And a bag for dirty clothes is a must! Thanks for sharing!

    Posted 4.27.22 Reply
  19. These are great packing tips!

    Posted 4.27.22 Reply
  20. erika wrote:

    I never thought of creating a color scheme for my outfits. Such a good idea!

    Posted 4.27.22 Reply
  21. Carolyn M wrote:

    I’ve started using packing cubes. They save space and keep things organized. For example: I’ll put everything electronic in one, so I don’t have to tear apart my personal item to find the charger, I know exactly what bag it is in.

    Posted 4.27.22 Reply
  22. Love the layout of your whole blog! This post is super reader-friendly and very much appreciate all the packing tips ☺️

    Posted 4.27.22 Reply
  23. I might have to suggest the color scheme to my wife! That’s a genius tip!

    Posted 4.27.22 Reply
  24. Amber wrote:

    You’re so right about bringing a dirty clothes bag! I also like to keep my shoes in separate bags to keep my clothes clean.

    Posted 4.28.22 Reply
  25. Great traveling ideas and tips! What a fun, interesting blog. It’s fun to read about the places you are exploring. Looks like you’re having the time of your life!

    Posted 4.30.22 Reply