We all know that panicked, overwhelmed feeling that comes with packing for a big trip. If you’re like me, you start pulling out everything you can think of or could ever possibly need, make piles, and then realize you’re surrounded by enough junk to fill 3 suitcases.

Over the years, I’ve (slowly) honed my packing down to an only slightly chaotic system. Let’s see if we can’t make this whole experience as relaxing as that pool day you’re waitin’ for! This is part 1 of my travel series.

Pack by type

I like to organize my packing, otherwise I have a jumble of underwear, cables, and snack bars trailing out of bags and I slowly start to lose my mind. There are 3 basic “buckets” to pack for:

In Flight items

Wardrobe

Personal Care

By separating out your items into categories, you can see what you have, what’s left to pack, and mentally cross check that everything coordinates + nothing is duplicative. YAY!

In Flight Essentials

Ok, so let’s focus on what you need for your traveling days. 

Items to get from airport to plane seat:

• ID/passport
• wallet
• boarding passes (digital or paper)
• bag
• apple watch

After years of traveling, my favorite carry on bag has become the backpack. It’s easy to grab, run with, holds everything, + stays closed. Never underestimate how much good bags can ease travel strain, so for good measure, toss in a few pouches too–you want everything to be quickly + easily accessible!

As for tech, you gotta have noise cancelling earbuds–I like Bose. Once you try them, there’s no going back! They soften all the commotion + sound around you, giving you a peaceful bubble to enjoy, or a softer backdrop so you can hear your audio more easily. Don’t forget your charging cables, an external charging pack, and any adapters you need!

PRO TIP: pre-load your phone or tablet with entertainment–those in flight movies aren’t always free or available so save yourself the hassle.

Your Apple or smart watch will track your steps as you scuttle along from gate to gate, seat to seat, and gives you control over your life without having to whip your phone out for every. little. thing. Scan your boarding pass at the gate, tap to pay for lunch, and pause/play audio without getting out your wallet or device constantly.

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Items to make the flight tolerable:

I like to have a collapsible bottle with me to stay hydrated; I also use this for the various drink mixes I pack: Liquid IV electrolyte mix, Evolution18 Debloat Tea, and Starbucks Via are faves. I throw in a couple whole food snacks like KIND bars also, because you literally never know when you’ll be stuck on the runway for 2 hours.

Other items I like to have: hand sanitizer + anti-bac wipes for our post-COVID world, a face mask, bandages (I pick at my hands, especially when I’m stressed or anxious, so these are a MUST), Excedrin, and Tums. I also bring lip serum + this under eye gel that helps combat puffiness + dark circles, an obvious must when you’re exhausted from that red eye.

Flying without a neck pillow is akin to walking on a pebbly sidewalk shoeless –– uncomfortable + frustrating. The solution is too simple. You should have one, just trust me. Throw in a lightweight scarf which doubles as a blanket on chilly flights.

Books are my in-flight treat, and I always bring an extra one, space be damned! Rarely is there an opportunity to sit and luxuriate in a good book, so I take full advantage. 

Ok babe, did you learn something new?

I hope so!

Stay tuned for part 2 of this series, My Secret to Amazing Vacation Outfits! This is the perfect formula to use when you are packing for vacation, and can be customized for any type of trip! I’ll see ya there, babe!