If there’s one thing travel has taught me—besides how to sprint in heels through Charles de Gaulle—it’s that what you pack and how you pack it matters. After years of bouncing between continents, weather patterns, and hotel check-in lines, I’ve honed my list of absolute travel must-haves. Whether you’re jetting off for work or wandering through Europe for a month, these items will keep you chic, sane, and unbothered.
Listen—I love an oversized designer tote as much as the next woman, but after one too many airport marathons and a few too many times my bag tumbled off my carry-on, I made the switch. I now swear by totes with a trolley sleeve—those genius little bands that slide right over your suitcase handle.
My personal favorite is the lululemon City Essential Tote. It’s lightweight, has multiple compartments (perfect for keeping your passport away from your protein bar), and comes with a removable shoulder strap. Chic and functional? Yes please.
I used to be the woman with the custom monogram cosmetic bag set in the TSA line. That is, until an agent in Paris made me dump $300 worth of skincare because all my items didn’t fit in the clear pouch provided to me. Lesson learned. If your toiletries are going in your carry-on, ditch the designer case and go for a clear compliant bag. Some airports (especially in Europe) are strict, and they’ll only give you one tiny bag if you’re not prepared. Save yourself the heartbreak.
Accidents happen. Whether it’s red wine at a layover lounge or espresso in the cab, a travel-sized stain remover stick or wipes can be a total lifesaver. You don’t want to be stuck in your room waiting for laundry service (if that’s even an option). This little fix has saved more outfits than I care to admit.
I am a firm believer in packing cubes. Not only do they keep your wardrobe organized, but they make it so much easier to unpack at your destination (especially if you’re living out of your suitcase for a week or two). But please, for the love of fashion—pack your shoes in dust bags. Nothing irks me more than shoes tossed in with clean clothes. You wouldn’t rub the soles of your sneakers on your cashmere sweater at home, right?
If you’ve ever pulled a wrinkled silk dress out of your luggage and cried inside, this one’s for you. A portable steamer is a non-negotiable in my suitcase. But here’s the kicker: make sure it’s dual voltage. Even if you have a plug converter, using a single voltage steamer abroad will either fry it… or your hotel room’s electricity. Trust me, I’ve done both.
Not every hotel offers adapters, and you really don’t want to be stuck with a dead phone and no way to fix it. A universal power adapter is small, inexpensive, and has saved me more times than I can count—especially during international layovers or when you’re trying to curl your hair in a bathroom with one outlet.
Last but not least, the obvious: luggage. I swear by hard-case suitcases—durable, waterproof, and structured enough to protect that silk blazer you definitely needed to bring. My go-to? Tumi. The brand’s reputation for quality is well-deserved, but it’s their warranty policy that really seals the deal. I’ve had zippers break mid-trip and handles go rogue, and Tumi has always come through with repairs or replacements. Bonus: TSA-approved locks are built in. No more fumbling with combo locks in front of TSA agents who are already giving you the side eye.
Travel is meant to be enjoyable, not a chaotic mess of spilled lotions and tangled chargers. With the right essentials, you can glide through security, breeze through long layovers, and always arrive looking like the effortlessly polished, jet-setter you are.
Happy travels!
