Next week we will be in Maui, Hawaii for my brother’s wedding! The last time we were in Maui was for our honeymoon which you can read about here. We are so excited! And on top of that, it’s about time for holiday vacations, warm weather getaways, and adventure, y’all! With everything opening back up, our calendar is quickly filling with travel and quick weekend trips for the next few months and I am so excited. Traveling always reenergizes me and gives me something to look forward to. But while being on-the-go, it’s important to stay prepared in order to head from one place to the next with ease. So, today I’m sharing all my top travel essentials you won’t want to go anywhere without this year. From portable tech to travel accessories, here are the things I keep in my carry-on bag at all times. You know, to make frantically packing the night before go just a little smoother…
Let’s start with the critical item that’s going to carry all the travel essentials I have listed below: a good travel bag. V important. I look for a travel bag that’s durable, versatile, and large enough to hold everything. But not too big to be hard to handle. And of course, if it manages to hold all of its convenience together with a beautiful visual presence, then that’s a cherry on top. That’s why this Paravel luggage here has such high reviews. I’ve had my eye on this baby for the past year and I am so glad I finally pulled the trigger and bought it. The quality is amazing, it’s sturdy, beautiful (obviously), and the perfect size for checked luggage.
But, of course, there’s about a million other travel bags, toiletry cases, and luggage that we all know and love. Here’s a few of my favorites that make the perfect travel companions below!
Because let’s face it… nothing is worse than having a dead phone while traveling. Plus, 9/10, my phone is looking for service or being used as the GPS whenever we travel somewhere new. Best to be prepared, friends. Trust me. So, having a portable phone charger and long cable like this one to keep in my travel bag at all times is #1 on my packing list and worth every penny!
Nothing will make me turn around and go back home quite like a pair of forgotten earbuds. I’m not sure if it’s the travel noise, but for me, a trip is incomplete without being able to tune out and listen to your favorite podcast, music, or show. So… ear buds: non-negotiable.
Obviously the new Apple AirPods Pro are the gold standard. I got Justin a pair for his birthday and he LOVES them and he got me a pair last Christmas. The noise cancellation feature is a GAME CHANGER. But this more affordable Amazon option has great reviews too!
For long flights and red-eyes, I love this travel pillow, these compression socks, and this sleep mask – all of which are washable. Although I personally have a hard time falling asleep on planes, these things are smart to pack to help make you more comfortable while traveling on long flights. And speaking of smart. Is there anything so genius as a “Road Trip Kit?” No, I don’t need to carry a full-sized bottle of Shout or first aid kit with me in my carry-on, but when unexpected events occur, I’m thrilled to have tiny versions of several different problem solvers tucked inside a cute little case. In addition, I always have a small cosmetic bag in tote with everything else I might want on-hand during travel. ALL the essential beauty and hygiene products: hand sanitizer, chapstick, bandaids, dramamine, mini eyeliner/mascara, concealer, hair spray, etc.
So will you be traveling this season? Where are you headed next? Will you be packing my top travel essentials? Share in the comments below!
I'm Madison - a northern gal planting roots down south. Musings by Madison is your guide to classic style, beauty, home decor & more. Rooted in passion for encouraging others to curate a closet, home, and life they’re proud of and inspired by each day.
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