A Practical and Stylish Guide to Packing Your Travel Bag

With travel season upon us, far-off wanderings are on our minds. Frequent flyers have their travel items down to a science, knowing what they need to make their flights as comfortable as possible. But if it’s been a while since you took to the sky, we’re sharing our favorite finds so you can pack your bag with purpose and make your next trip a smoother one.

Bags and Pouches 

Do-it-all Travel Bag: Bloomingdales, $155

Some airlines allow for a personal bag in addition to your carry-on, and this tote is a favorite of many travelers, including yours truly. You can fit plenty of your travel day essentials inside, and then plan to use it as a beach bag, shopping tote, or stylish diaper bag once you’re back on the ground. Leather straps elevate this tote so that it can also serve as a daily commute bag for work. The best part is that it folds nicely into a little square, allowing you to stash it in a suitcase or drawer when not in use. Plus, the French brand’s nylon material is lightweight yet sturdy, and you can easily wipe off accidental splashes from your to-go coffee order!

Easy Access Wristlet: Lands End, $23 / Mark & Graham, $39

Keeping your passport, ID, cards, or cash handy is helpful when juggling children and/or bags in the airport. Placing everything together in an easy-to-reach pouch will save you time at TSA and airline checks. No need to rummage through different compartments and hold up the line! Choose a small one that can be thrown into your bag when you’ve finally boarded the plane. We’ve picked options in canvas and leather to suit your style.

B.Y.O.Tea: Portland Leather, $48 / EcoHip, $10

Yes, I travel with a couple of tea bags! Planes usually have only one selection of tea. It may not be the kind I like, so I carry my favorites with me (usually chamomile or a fruity green tea). My sis, a fellow tea fan, introduced me to the idea of a tea wallet, and it is a game-changer! 

01. Bloomingdales, $155 / 02. Lands End, $23 / 03. Mark & Graham, $39 / 04. Portland Leather, $48 / 05. EcoHip, $10

Personal Care Items

Lip Balm and Moisturizer: Burt’s Bees, $8 / Kiehl’s, $26

Dry airplane air can leave your lips and face feeling taut. Regularly applying lip balm and moisturizer—travel-sized, of course—can help you feel ready for adventure once you’ve disembarked the plane.

Hand Sanitizer: Dr. Bronner’s, $5

Thanks to the pandemic, I’m now in the habit of carrying a bottle of hand sanitizer everywhere. There are lots of potentially dirty surfaces you’ll encounter in the course of travel, and no one wants to get sick on vacation. When the spray is lavender-scented, all the better.

Collapsible Water Bottle: Free People, $20

You won’t be able to bring a beverage from home on board, but you can fill a bottle once you’re past security. With a compact, collapsible bottle, you won’t have to overpay for a disposable bottle at the gate. It’s easy to carry in your bag throughout your trip, too.

Multi-tasking Toothbrush: Amazon, $17

Travel delays can make it tough to feel fresh once you reach your destination. One way to combat feeling gross upon arrival is stowing a couple of these 4-in-1 travel toothbrushes in your bag. Eco-friendly and individually packaged, each piece includes a toothbrush, floss pick, toothpick, and tongue scraper.

01. Burt’s Bees, $8 / 02. Kiehl’s, $26 / 03. Dr. Bronner’s, $5 / 04. Free People, $20 / 05. Amazon, $17

Comfort and Entertainment

Endless Reading Material: Amazon, $99

I love a good old-fashioned paperback book as much as the next person, but sometimes they’re too bulky for carrying on. With the Kindle I have the option of different books in one slim little gadget. The screen lights up just enough to not need overhead light, should I be flying in the evening.

Travel-Friendly Earbuds: Target, $30

When my eyes are too tired to read, I enjoy relaxing with an audiobook. I prefer earbuds that won’t fall off easily. Though these are technically for working out, I find them to be great for traveling, as they stay on well and are far less expensive than others on the market.

Cozy Shawl: Etsy, $69

If you know you’re going to feel cold on the plane, but don’t want to carry a jacket, try packing a soft shawl instead. It feels like a blanket, but looks better! It can also be folded up into a makeshift pillow, should the need arise.

01. Amazon, $99 / 02. Target, $30 / 03. Etsy, $69

Wherever this summer takes you, a well-packed bag will help you travel well and not waste any of your precious time away searching for the essentials. Bon voyage!