My packing list
The things I bring on pretty much every trip
Before I get into today’s post - I have two things to mention!
First, here’s my obligatory shout out to our class on how to earn massive amounts of points! This is for YOU! Please register here and you will receive a recording! Reminder that it’s 50% off for annual subscribers here.
On to the important subject at hand…packing!
I am not a light packer. I said it!
Just like everyone else, I have my strengths and weaknesses — and my Achille’s heel with packing is that I have major anxiety that I’ll need something and not have it. On every trip I carry an entire bag of medicine in case you want to know who you’re dealing with ;)
I love the feeling of a perfectly organized and packed suitcase full of all my favorite things for the season. I feel warm and cozy from the idea of turning up in a new place with everything I need. Because of this, I have trouble packing light!
We tend to pack one carry on suitcase per person in warmer weather and a couple of large suitcases and a medium when the weather is cool and we need layers. My kids have an excellent capsule wardrobe and their clothes are interchangeable between them (they are not twins but do wear around the same size!). I always bring too many shoes, bags and aspirational items I think I’ll wear but don’t.
So, you may not want to read my packing list with this intro but stick with me because these are the actual essentials that I bring on every trip!
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The Away suitcase - I have pretty much every version of this suitcase but my favorite of all is the bigger flex carry on. We can use this as a carry on but, if we end up accumulating more stuff on a trip, we can also expand it and check it in.
My favorite phone case - In Europe, everyone seems to have some variation of these. I like that in the summer, I can wear it as a cross body and not worry about someone snatching my phone. As New Yorkers we are pretty careful but when the kids are having meltdowns and we’re all jet lagged, it can be helpful to know exactly where my phone is!
The Clare V purse - I know, it’s pricey but it holds everything and I never feel like I need to bring another bag. It’s a crossbody when you need it (see #2) and a shoulder bag when you don’t. It’s cute with everything and ages well! I love it and actually have it in black too!
Air tags - This might go without saying but these are a must have. We bring one for each bag and then also put them in the kids’ backpacks. We bring one for our extra bag that we sometimes expand and check on our way home. We once had Henry’s backpack stolen in Cartagena, so we now keep trackers in them just in case (still not sure what that would have accomplished but happy to now use them!).
Kids’ Kindle - This completely changed our lives and saved us from the heavy stacks of books the kids insisted on bringing along on trips. We connected the kindle to the Libby library app and can download books from the Brooklyn Public Library wherever we go! The kids each have one and they are always in hand. We don’t allow screens most of the time (except for weekend mornings and on flights) so this has become their go to. I love that the paperwhite doesn’t have any games or internet. It’s just…books. Best purchase for them ever, hands down.
Apple AirPods - I love that on airplanes, the noise canceling quiets the sound of the plane and makes it easier to hear my movie or music. I also love the Bose headphones on their quietest setting. I actually got the Bose headphones for free by using a credit on one of my business credit cards (happy to share which if you message me!). Both are great!
Pajamas/cute airplane outfit - these Spanx PJs got served up to me in an instagram ad and as much as I tried, I couldn’t resist — they are the softest hands down! I love how cozy they are and they don’t take up too much space in the suitcase. I have these in multiple colors. I have an irrational feeling that once I buy something it will stop the ads and FYI in case you’re wondering, it does NOT work that way ;)
Blackout eye mask - Truly blocks out all the light which is perfect for the plane and for wherever we’re staying. Recently, we stayed at a hotel where the lights randomly all turned on in the middle of the night and I had NO CLUE because these actually blocked out everything.
Coziest PJs - These take up no space and are cute. I got these in three colors and live in them at night!
It took me some time to realize that it was shaving actual time off of my life running around the house looking for cords and chargers every time I had to pack for a trip. I decided to invest in chargers that would only be for travel! They stay in a pouch in my closet until it’s time for a trip and then off we go without having to search for cords, unplug things and still inevitably forget something.
Dual wall charger - Perfect for trips in North America!
Extra phone cables - We have some USB-C, some lighting, watch chargers, kindle, camera chargers and everything in between. All in the closet and waiting for the next trip. I get that it might sound a little wasteful but if ever you try this, you will thank me later.
Euro power adaptor - I love these and we have a few different kinds including this one which has more ports and this one which is great for the UK. Each person in my family has one block and the cables they need. We even label each with everyone’s names. It’s a really easy way to keep everything organized!
Small bag - I cannot stress how often I use these. They are everything bags made by Lalla Marrakech, a company owned by a mom whose home we stayed at in Lisbon! I went to their store in Marrakech and now have various sizes and use them for medicine (see my intro), chargers (see #10-12!), makeup, my wallet and other essentials that I don’t want to get lost in a beach or tote bag, and even as a clutch for a night out. They come in various colors and sizes and I’m obsessed.
Sunblock brush - There was a day my kids used to walk on slathered in zinc oxide, their skin pasty white from the sunblock. Now, we all use this brush on block that doesn’t leave a residue or anything cakey. It’s just zinc oxide and water resistant and I always have it in my purse. Bonus, it is a million times easier to brush this on an ever-moving child than it is to try to put a cream on their face.
Polarized Prada Sunglasses - I got a similar pair as a wedding gift and I’m still obsessed with them. When they broke a few years ago (we got married 11 years ago! they had a good run!) I bought another pair that was exactly the same. I am not someone who cares about lux brands, I just happen to love these so much.
A travel steamer - I have not used an iron since I got this steamer. I love it and take it on every trip.
Cute white sneakers - Mine are still surprisingly white even though I’ve walked in them in many cities (Mexico City, Costa Rica and all through Italy). These are comfortable and supportive and I bring them everywhere. After I broke my toe in December, these were the only shoes I could wear that didn’t leave my foot throbbing. From this 80’s girl, thank you for bringing these back Reebok, I appreciate you!
Bathing suit - Regardless of the suit you like, I love this one and bring it even when I’m not sure if there will be a pool. My weakness is a jacuzzi - I will travel far and wide for a hot tub and always bring a suit just in case. This one by Shoshanna is one of my favorites! Here it is on Amazon with more sizes and a lower price if helpful!
Packable Tote - I cannot get enough of bags like this. They are key if you like to shop on trips and also extremely helpful for carrying laundry back with you (see this post for more strategies!).This one is cute, carries a lot and packs up super small. All very important requirements for a bag like this!
Fig Bars - My kids are both 5’ tall-ish and we can apparently thank this brand of Fig Bars since it’s all they’ve basically eaten since they were toddlers. We pack an entire freezer bag of them on every trip. It’s nice for them to be able to eat something familiar in new places even if it’s still basically junk food. I do not claim to be perfect!
Bose speaker - Music is something we can’t live without it. It’s so nice to be able to play our tunes as we unpack, have dinner, put the kids to bed, etc. Again, see this post! Highly recommend always bringing a portable speaker with you so you have music for wherever you’re staying — plus it’s great on the beach, in a park and anywhere else you end up!
Ok, so now you can see from our essentials list how easy it is for me to overpack. That said, I think some of these are truly game changing and hope you love them as much as we do!
While these are affiliate links that I so appreciate when you use, these are all items that we actually have and use and the commission doesn’t effect my recommendations ❤️
Thanks for being here! Have something you bring on a trip that you can’t live without? Have a question about any of these products?
And ICYMI, here are some really helpful recent points posts:
Which points have the highest value?
One of my favorite ways to earn points
How to get points from paying taxes
Brooklyn Family Travelers in the NYT
Last but not least, don’t forget to register for Tuesday’s class on how to earn points!!
Thanks so much for being here!