11 Things I Always Pack

While I like to think I have packing down to a science, what I bring along is so different from destination to destination. My bikinis and sundresses for Saint Lucia would never work in rainy, cloudy London; my heeled booties might look chic in Paris but would be brutal with all the stairs in Santorini. Aside from the essentials like a passport, charger, or adapter, it seems like there’s nothing else these packing lists have in common.

However, I’ve noticed there always seems to be some items that make it into my suitcase regardless of where I’m going. These tried-and-true favorites have made packing simpler, travel woes nonexistent, and life on the go easier. Today, I’m sharing the 11 things I always pack – from tropical paradises to European city trekking.

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1. Mini First Aid Kit Traveling is not without its snafus. Whether it’s blisters from logging miles while sightseeing or rogue slivers, bumps and scrapes happen. I always have a mini first aid kit stashed away in my purse or carry on – it’s smaller than a phone and has bandaids, anti-bacterial wipes, and gauze. You can pick these up for about a dollar from the travel-sized product bins in Target or in a multi-pack HERE.

2. Lightweight Coat Maybe I just have bad luck, but I’ve encountered rain, wind, and cooler temps in even the most tropical locations. A lightweight, windproof, and water-resistant coat is at the top of my packing list no matter the destination. I usually bring it on board the plane with me to save space in my carry on – it also makes for an excellent “blanket”. This packing essential makes unpredictable weather bearable while on the go.

3. Book Most of us rely on the in-flight entertainment to survive long haul flights. Unfortunately, I’ve been on more than one flight where the screens or system was down. For some, it meant HOURS of flying without anything to do. Packing along a book means you’ll always have something to keep you busy. Plus, we all could do with a little more reading in our lives, right? Need some reading suggestions? Some of my latest favorites are THIS, THIS, and THIS!

4. Water Bottle Single-use plastic water bottles are expensive and horrible for the environment. So long as I’m traveling to a destination where tap water is fine to drink, I’ll pack along my reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is important while traveling – bringing your own water bottle is a big help at getting your water in! PS - this electrolyte powder has been a LIFESAVER at keeping me extra-hydrated, especially for hot destinations or more action-packed itineraries!

5. Tylenol Jetlag fueled headaches, sore muscles from walking – being a tourist can take its toll. Having an over-the-counter pain reliever with you can make a world of difference. It’s easy to find travel-friendly sized bottles at your local drugstore, too. Bonus: if you’re like me and tend to get a little sick after a flight, Tylenol can help reduce your fever and other flu-like symptoms! 6. Statement Earrings

I pack light – paying for a checked bag is SO not worth it – and stick to my capsule carry on wardrobe. This means picking outfits that are versatile (aka more basic colors and prints). However, I like to dress up my outfits for dinner or nights out. Statement earrings add a splash of color and fun without taking up a lot of space in my carry on. I’ve recently been digging BaubleBar’s line at Target, SUGARFIX and the sparklers from Olive + Piper.

7. Snacks I LOVE to eat while traveling and seeking out amazing food is one of my talents. But constantly eating out – especially when it’s just a snack – can add up quick. I tend to pack along a few granola bars whenever the munchies strike. They are especially helpful when at the airport, hiking or walking along a park, or when I just need something small to tide me over until dinner.

8. Cozy Socks To save money and really explore a city, I prefer to walk everywhere I can. That usually means achy, tired feet at the end of the day. Nothing is more relaxing than slipping on a pair of cozy socks at night! I’ll also throw these on for the plane ride. Pro tip: soak your toes in some hot water, then slather on some hotel lotion for an ultimate DIY-hotel room foot spa treatment!

9. Undereye Cream Nobody likes to look back on their travel photos and see dark circles and undereye bags. Jetlag, drinking, and a busy sightseeing agenda can leave your eyes feeling heavy and tired. I always pack along an undereye cream or gel to wake up my eyes – for me, it’s better than heavy concealers or foundation I’ll just sweat off during the day. Check out my recent post on my travel beauty routine for my current go-to brand.

10. Pens Clearing customs can take ages and everyone wants to get it over with as quickly as possible. You’ll have to fill out an immigration form upon arrival for most foreign destinations, which is passed out on the plane. By packing along a pen, you can get a head start on completing the form while still onboard. This means you can get into the customs line (they check that the form is completed first) before all the other people scrambling around for a pen.

11. Laundry Bag Towards the end of the trip, you might have a hard time remembering which socks are dirty and which are clean. Avoid the confusion by packing a compact laundry bag. Throw your dirty clothes in the bag throughout the trip to make sure you never have a laundry mix-up. Plus, it might help keep the musty sock smell from spreading to all your clothing. Bonus: the laundry bag is perfect for storing dirty shoes to keep your packed clothes clean and stain-free.

Packing for a trip can be tricky since you can’t plan for everything. But tucking along these 11 essentials can make anything you encounter – regardless of the destination – a breeze. If you’re the type of person who always feels like you’re forgetting to pack something, this list will come in handy! Easily shop this list HERE!

PS – you can check out all my packing guides and tips HERE!

Do you have something you always seem to pack? Let me know in the comments!

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