So I'm by far not the most experienced world-traveler there is, seeing as I've only gone on two vacations that required air travel, but I feel like I learn pretty quickly what I should and shouldn't ever pack again depending on where I go next.
There have been a couple of items that I thought I would pack and thought it would be pretty useful to have but never actually ended up using it. However, they were essential for me to have on a different trip and I couldn't have imagined not having it. It's kind of strange how some things work like a dream for certain times and places but on other trips, it's just something that's taking up space in a suitcase.
So, since there are endless amounts of articles and blog posts detailing what you should be packing in your suitcase for your next vacation, I decided I would share what I tend to pack in my own luggage that I found personally worked for me. Maybe you'll end up throwing a couple of these things in your own bags too.
1. Power Bank (and extra phone cord)
This thing has come in handy way more often than I thought it honestly would. I first purchased this power bank to be able to have with me at the airport and on the plane whenever I was preparing for going to Paris, France so that my phone didn't die if I was unable to find a wall plug to charge my phone. Especially since we were going to be doing quite a lot of sight seeing so I probably wouldn't have time to sit down and charge my phone like normal. This little power bank not only charged my phone throughout the trip, but also my sister, and brother-in-law's phone quite a few times. It was a huge plus that I had this with me as it holds four full charges for an iPhone or Android and I still carry this with me in my purse when I'm out and about. It's handy to have on a trip but also quite nice to have in every day life.
And I got this baby on Amazon while it was on sale so I saved about $10. It's probably the cheapest power bank I was able to find with this high of a charge capacity. Definitely recommend!
2. Backpack
This one is probably a no-brainer and a lot of people travel everyday with a backpack. However, I think that having a bit of a more "fashionable" backpack was actually pretty helpful for me while walking around and sightseeing. For instance, my backpack matched pretty much everything as the one I have is a really pretty cognac color and the perfect size for a laptop with a big pocket in the front and lots of room leftover inside. Of course, I didn't actually bring a laptop with me but being able to have a backpack as my carry-on and later use it to have my power bank, a mini first-aid kit just in case, an umbrella, my wallet, while also having just a nice stylish backpack to put any souvenirs or things I bought into it without it making me look like too much of a tourist was an unexpected upside. Who knew my little Steve Madden backpack would be a life saver for my outfits and traveling.
3. Wallet Purse
It's obvious that having a purse with you for all your everyday essentials like credit cards and cash can't really be avoided. Usually, if I feel like my purse is too big or want to carry just my credit card, keys and my phone if I'm going out, I'll often change my purse just for the night to one of my many tiny purses that I own. But when traveling, I realized I could actually utilize my addiction to tiny purses in a different way. I have a few wallet purses, pretty much because I love that they double as a purse and wallet, and having one of these with you is really convenient. It holds everything that your wallet usually does while also having a pocket or two for your phone or passport so you're only needing to carry what you need on an everyday basis while also not being so much weight to carry. I usually even like to throw my wallet purse into my backpack when I'm boarding the plane so it's very versatile and easy to handle. I got one of my favorites at Wal-Mart for $12 so they're very affordable if you're interested in purchasing one for your next trip!
4. Jean Jacket
I cannot stress enough how much I love a good denim jacket. My favorite denim jacket that own is one I found at Forever 21 during their crazy 60% off sale a few months back and nearly died. Not only was it really cheap, but of course it was part of their collab with one of my favorite groups, CNCO. Being the fangirl I am, I was on cloud nine. But, this jacket has been one of my biggest go-tos in my closest. It's a bit of an over-sized jacket (I got it in a women's small) but it's basically the perfect denim wash. It's not too thin or thick, it's a bit longer and it's also a very good weight. Not too light and not too heavy. It goes with everything and it's so effortless to throw on over any tee, any dress, and brings the outfit together while also adding a little bit of edge with the distressing and graphics. In conclusion, find yourself a good denim jacket, it will be an essential when you only have so much space in your suitcase.
5. Packing Cubes
I really really love these things. I didn't even know these existed until I started researching what other people use for traveling and long flights. I don't have a big set like the one in the picture since I didn't need one but I did order separate packing cubes for the things I wanted to keep as organized as possible. I bought one for my undergarments and socks, one for my shoes and one for all my toiletries. It makes packing my suitcase so much easier because I know exactly where all the little things are and it keeps them organized and available for easy access. It also makes it easier to see just how much room you have left in your suitcase and you can utilize the space a lot more without worrying about having to dig through your entire bag just to find a pair of socks or your deodorant. I'll have links down below for the packing cubes I use as well as the one in the picture. They come in different colors too!
Packing Set (As Shown Above: Amazon
So those are my top five personal picks for travel essentials. If you have any suggestions on things I should look into getting for my next trip, please feel free to let me know. Thank you so much for reading and hopefully I helped at least one human. Until next time!
