2024 Travel Must-Haves
It’s round-up season, friends. I’ve traveled more in the past couple of years than I have traveled most of my life and while I’m super grateful for that, I’ve also never been more appreciative of just being home, ha. Along the way, I’ve found some travel faves that are now nonnegotiable - and we don’t gatekeep around here, so let’s review.
For anything to be successful, a good foundation is key. This is the foundation of all foundations. I’ve had this suitcase since 2019 and have (lovingly) abused it ever since. Tossed it, sat on it to get it to close, you name it. Aside from a few scratches, this thing is indestructible. The lining on the inside still looks new and is perfectly intact. Yes, this one is pricey, but it’s worth it. Going on my 5 year anniversary with it and have many more years to go.
P.S. I got the one with the charger insert - if I could go back in time, I likely would have saved a few dollars and gone without. Since I fly carry on 90% of the time anyway, it needs to be removed, so its a cool feature in theory, but usually not functional for me. Easy to remove though, but had to give you a heads up.
I very often, get stopped at TSA for going overboard with the liquids - I blame this bag for being deceptively spacious (in a good way). I have the large, but it does come in a medium size. First of all, the cognac color makes this bag look infinitely more expensive than it is, and it feels like butter. Storage-wise, it is so spacious, yet when closed barely takes up any suitcase space. The best part about this bag is how it opens - no need to pour things onto the bathroom counter, this opens completely flat for easy visibility and access to whatever you need. It has various pockets for easy storage and seriously makes packing my bathroom items and makeup infinitely easier.
A personal item that puts in the work! This bag opens all the way down, which is what makes it the star of the show. It opens in such a way that it’s easy to stuff every single corner - which I absolutely do. It has the pass through sleeve and comes with a long strap if you wanted to sling it over your shoulder. I got this bag maybe 3 years ago and the material still looks brand new. Again, a pricey piece, but it's really earned its keep. One more thing - its quite structured, so no matter what you have in it, it looks poised and upright, very into that from an aesthetic standpoint.
This is actually a purse staple that snuck onto this list, but there’s a reason. If you are on a trip and switching between bags often, this clear pouch is small enough that you can just grab it and switch bags with minimal effort. In this bag I usually keep things like lip gloss, oil blotting pads, a Tide Pen and a glasses cleaner, etc. Keeps the essentials organized and easily accessible but without taking up too much space - win/win.
P.S. Comes in tons of pretty colors, too!
I purchased this after learning (or realizing, really) the hard way that Apple is torturing us by changing the charging port what fees like every 5 minutes. This is relevant solely based on the phone you have, but this cable has ended up being quite the multifunctional tool, even outside of the airport. The Amazon Basics one charges super quickly, is surprisingly long, under $10 and takes up minimal space. Not an exciting pick, but a necessary one for sure.
When I first got AirPods, I thought my life was changed - then I dropped one on an airplane one time half asleep and was so irritated by the experience of trying to get them back from rows behind me, I knew I had to make a change. I use these every single day, and for the price, they sound incredible. Most importantly - never lost it in an airplane half asleep. The sound quality is super clear, they fold up to be surprisingly small (seriously) and the battery lasts forever. I charge them overnight about once a month and that’s more than enough. They’re comfy, adjustable and the case has thoughtfully designed pockets to house the charging cable - everything you need in one place. You can keep your AirPods, I’m never going back.
Radical honesty moment - I had seen this advertised forever, but didn’t really get what it did, what it was for, etc. I finally saw a great TikTok that sold it to me as an acne fighting godsend, so I bought the mini to test before committing. Fast forward: I totally get the hype now. This one can get pricey if you use it as often as its promoted, but its saving grace for me is purely travel-based. I use it on the plane (or right when I get off) and after I wash my face every night on a trip. I skip my long skincare PM routine when on a trip, so this makes it quite easy after a long day to ensure my face stays breakout free with only a few generous sprays post-cleansing balm. I now have the large one that I use to refill the travel one (gotta stay TSA compliant), but this one is sticking with me for the longterm.
P.S. There is a more inexpensive version of this - see here. I’m using that one to refill my bottle now. Same no breakout outcome for less money!
I wasn’t a big perfume gal - I know how that sounds. I don’t think I smelled bad per se, but just didn’t expand further than a body spray at Bath & Body Works. I’ve recently upped my perfume game but needed a way to not be buying tons of travel bottles to keep wearing the scents I enjoyed while out of town - this hit the spot. It’s super compact (very purse friendly) and takes me less than a minute to fill, which when full, supports about 130 sprays - pretty damn good. With all of the fun color options and unparalleled convenience, this one is a no brainer.
I used to get sick, without fail, every single time I traveled. Between the lack of sleep, trash eating, excessive drinking and being around way too many germ carriers (a.k.a. people), it seemed inevitable. All of that changed when I tried these electrolyte packets. They come in individual serving sticks, so super convenient to throw in your bag. Not only do they keep you hydrated (and ease the torture of a hangover) due to their electrolytes, but they also have vitamins that work wonders added in. Could be a placebo effect, but ever since I take one a day while traveling like a preventative vitamin, I have never gotten sick again - I’ll take it.
P.S. I like the variety pack to switch up my flavors, but if you want to commit, that’s an option too.
This one is weather-dependent, for sure. That being said, if the weather is right, these heel sandals are a must-have. You have a heel to dress any outfit, but the heel is low, so say goodbye to the temptation to turn into a Pata Sucia towards the end of the night. Again, coming from a carry on gal, multifunctional pieces are key - these with the clear straps and nude heel match with everything. They also give you a great excuse to ensure your pedicure is the star of the show. These going out shoes take up minimal bag space, are super comfortable and yet, go with everything - you can’t go wrong.
P.S. I have these in brown too, they’re just an awesome all-around pick!
Say hello to your new travel and everyday sneakers. We all know a white sneaker is a classic for a reason, but the styling and comfort of these are what make them the standout choice. As we know, as I’ve gotten older, sacrificing comfort for looks is no longer something I’m willing to do. That being said, I’m not quite ready to rock retirement home fashion yet, either. These are hands down, the most modern and normal presenting orthopedic sneakers I’ve ever seen. V logo aside, there’s no way to distinguish these as something your abuelos may wear, pinky promise. They match with everything and can withstand major walking days. They’re also quite easy to clean! I wipe them down with a Clorox or Lysol Wipe and they’re back in action.
P.S. Look, let’s talk honestly for a second. Hokas (I have these) are super comfortable, the hype is real and they have more cushion than these. They didn’t make the list though because they’re super bulky and not packing friendly. Secondly, they aren’t as versatile styling-wise. We love you Hokas, but you can stay home.
‘Tis the season to gift your loved ones, too - let this be some inspo for your friends infected with the travel bug. Happy Traveling!
