What To Pack For An Amazing Trip

If you’re looking for help with what to pack to streamline your travel experience, you’re in the right place!

What to pack for an amazing trip, whether near or far, can make or break your trip. Would you rather have a few handy essentials already with you, or would you like to spend time finding a store for what you need?

I have been a global explorer for over 25 years, and I’ll admit, it’s taken me some time to curate my list of essentials, trying to find what works and what doesn’t. Keep reading to see what I definitely will not leave my home without!

What To Pack For An Amazing Trip

Let’s be honest, when packing for a vacation, most of us want to bring an unnecessary amount of stuff, that in the end, is simply that, unnecessary!

My first rule in packing for a trip is to be sure I don’t overpack. Do I really need it? Do I want to lug this around? Will my trip be ruined if I don’t have this?

Suitcase or Backpack? YES!

My favorite brand of carry-on bag and backpack is eBags. I have had my Mother Lode Travel Backpack for nearly 10 years and it’s still going strong! I loved it so much, I added the Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack about a year later. Depending on the trip we’re taking, decides which bag I take.

I took a one-week, multi-city trip where the backpack option was perfect, whereas, our 12-day trip to Germany and Amsterdam, the rolling carry-on was a better fit.

Once, in the London Tube, we had to exit at a non-accessible station and instead of pulling the rolling bag up the stairs, I took a moment to convert it to a backpack and it made the trek up the stairs so much easier!

Theft Proof Purse

Travelon has a variety of theft-proof purses that I have come to absolutely LOVE! Over the years, their designs are becoming more fashionable. Well, maybe. I have a couple of these purses and, if used properly, will deter even the most experienced thief.

These purses include features like RFID blocking technology, built-in mesh, a cable in the strap to avoid knife slashing, and locking zipper pulls, to name a few.

Air Tags and Tracking Devices

Oh. My. Goodness. The Air Tags have become one of the most valuable travel essentials we don’t leave home without. Every now and then, checking a bag cannot be avoided and the Air Tags let us keep tabs on our bags. I’m an Apple user, but if you’re not, there are tracking devices for you, too!

Remember the summer of 2022 when the airlines were having a baggage meltdown? Well, the Air Tags saved us from that headache, for the most part.

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Bags for Day Tripping

• High Sierra Loop Backpack
• Mancio Vintage Laptop Backpack
• Packable Backpack
• Reusable Shopping Bags
• Packing Cubes for Suitcases

Once we get to where we’re going, it’s time to go explore! I love packing my day pack for the daily adventures. I have a few favorite packs, depending on the activities we’re doing.

High Sierra Loop Backpack

This is a great, all-purpose, backpack that can fit all of your day-trip essentials. The adjustable loop system helps keep the pack nice and compact to fit under the airplane seat, or just on your lap in a crowded train or bus. This pack offers several zippered pockets to hold your laptop, sunglasses, umbrella, water bottle, jacket, gum, and reusable shopping bags.

Mancio Vintage Laptop Backpack

I loved the look of this backpack and actually see it all over the world! I guess other travelers like it, too! It doesn’t have a lot of pockets, but there is still plenty of storage room for your day trip essentials. It has a fun, vintage look to it with magnetic closing straps.

Packable Backpack

This compact, packable backpack is a favorite for so many reasons. Some day trips don’t necessarily require a bunch of essentials, however, along the way, I might pick up some groceries or a must-have item to take back home. This packable backpack is stored in a very small zippered pouch that’s part of the bag. It can be stuffed in a purse or just carried by hand until ready to deploy and wear on the backside.

Reusable Shopping Bags

I received a set of these at our family’s white elephant gift exchange and was so excited, I was glad that no one wanted to steal them away. I use them all the time at home and during a trip. They fold into a pouch that is sewn into the handle and are easy to toss into my purse or small daypack pocket. It’s a great feeling going into a store and having my own bag to carry my groceries in. They are also great to carry wet umbrellas or a grab-and-go lunch from the train station.

Packing Cubes for Suitcases

My love of packing cubes continues to grow! I roll my clothes to fill the cubes and can get my whole travel wardrobe in 1 or 2 of these cubes, leaving room for other essentials.

I haven’t quite convinced Lee to use them until a recent trip when something in his bag triggered airport security to do an extensive search. There, in a busy airport, in front of everyone, the contents of his bag had to be removed. All of his clothes, underwear, socks, shirts, pants…you get the idea. Packing cubes could have saved some embarrassment in this scenario.

Helpful Accessories

• Umbrellas
• First Aid Kit
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Inflatable Neck Pillow
• Bluetooth Transmitter/Receiver for In-Flight Entertainment
• JBL Noice Cancelling Earbuds
• Universal Plug Adapter
• Portable Power for phone charging

Having a few helpful accessories on your trip can really make the experience more comfortable and, in some cases, help out in an emergency. Even if these items are packed and they don’t get used, it’s peace of mind to know they are there.

Umbrellas

One of my very first international trips, back in 2002, was to London with some girlfriends. It was a quick weekend getaway and, none of us packed an umbrella. I can’t remember if we all just forgot, or if we thought we wouldn’t need them. It’s LONDON! Just pack one, you’ll be glad you did!

First Aid Kit

Luckily, the only thing I’ve had to dig out of my handy first-aid kit is a band-aid, but knowing I have some basic first-aid supplies gives me peace of mind. Again, something you may never need, but it’s good to have. I also take it out on the boat at home. If anyone gets hurt, I can temporarily fix them up until later.

Reusable Water Bottle

Gone are the days when the water fountain is the source to re-fill a water bottle. Most train stations, airports, and public facilities will have bottle-filling stations. Find a water bottle that you like and keep it with you all day. It’s great to have hydration when you’re out there exploring!

Inflatable Neck Pillow

This is one item that I have had just about every version and style of. I’ve had the kind that is at every airport newsstand, I’ve had memory foam, I’ve had the kind that velcros around my neck. It’s taken me years to find the one that I like best, that takes up the smallest space and is comfortable.

Look no further than the inflatable variety. This neck pillow packs into a small pouch, taking up a small space and is put away instead of hanging my backpack for all germs to see. The air inside can be adjusted for your comfort level.

Bluetooth Transmitter/Receiver for In-Flight Entertainment

This is one of those items that I didn’t think I really needed, but am so glad that I have. I love using my own noise-canceling earbuds instead of that cheap plug-in style that they hand out on most airplanes. This device plugs into the headphone jack and then transmits the sound to your own personal earbuds. Genius!

JBL Noice Cancelling Earbuds

Speaking of earbuds, sorry Apple, my choice is JBL for this item. These are comfortable, noise canceling, and there’s an app to adjust the sound settings. The charging case lasts for several charges, before needing to be plugged in. I rarely forget to pack these, but if I do, it’s a sad day.

Universal Plug Adapter

On a recent trip to Europe and the UK, my travel companion had a single-use plug adapter which worked great in Europe, but not at all in the UK. Spend the money and get the universal variety that works all around the world. It takes up less space than the individual plug styles and they have USB receivers, too!

Portable Power for Phone Charging

Do not get stuck with a dead phone when you need your navigation to get you back to your hotel! A portable power bank will keep your devices charged all day and night while you’re out exploring!

Breakin’ It Down: What To Pack For An Amazing Trip

We didn’t talk about what clothes to pack, I feel this boils down to the individual traveler, however, the items in this article will help streamline your suitcase for efficient packing and moving about. Don’t overpack and have some basic essentials to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.