Space is limited, but adventures aren’t. After countless trips, I’ve learned which essentials consistently deliver and deserve a spot in my bag. These are the pieces that pull their weight every single time.
Sometimes the simplest item can make you feel comfortable anywhere in the world. For me, that item is Snoozies. They’re lightweight, cozy, and I haven’t traveled without them in years. I love the soft fabric, the grippy bottoms, and the fact that they’ve saved me from slippery floors more than once.
I love bags, and I love organizing those bags even more. These toiletry bags are perfect because the separate compartments make it easy to find every item quickly, even in tight spaces. I love them enough that I own several—one for toiletries, one for my first‑aid kit, and one dedicated to tech gadgets.
I’m constantly battling charging issues no matter where I stay. There are never enough outlets, and the ones that do exist always seem to be in the most inconvenient spots. I’ve had this charger for several years, and it’s been perfect for me. It adds a little weight, but the long cord and ability to power multiple devices from one hub have saved me more times than I can count. It’s earned its place in my bag.
Talking about charging, I seem to go through a phone charge in no time at all using it as part time phone, tv, radio, and computer. Even when I’m home, I never go far without a portable charger. This one is my favorite for the extendable cord, smaller size, and larger capacity. Just make sure to follow any TSA guidelines when you’re travelling!
I’ve owned more emotional‑support water bottles than I can count, but this one has officially earned its place. I took it on a 2,000+ mile road trip through three U.S. National Parks and an 8‑night cruise to Alaska, all while it clung to life in a backpack side pocket. Through hiking, tossing it around, and everything in between, it came out more unscathed than I did. I love its durability and the sip‑and‑chug features, and the fact that it never once let me down. It’s definitely a new favorite.
When I think of a personal item for traveling, my mind goes straight to a backpack. This one is durable, roomy, and comfortable to carry around all day. It handles long travel days, airport sprints, and wandering through new cities without ever feeling bulky or awkward. It’s become the bag I reach for every time.
When I travel, especially solo with a backpack, I always feel like I’m checking behind me to make sure everything is still secure, even when I know it probably is. These zipper carabiners give me a little extra peace of mind. They add simple, lightweight security to luggage and bags, and ever since I started using them, I haven’t looked back.
Have you ever been traveling and gone to wash your hands only to find there’s no soap? Me too. These little antibacterial soap sheets have become one of my favorite ways to stay clean on the go. They don’t dry my hands out too much, they’re always there when I need them, and they take up almost no space. Just make sure you never open the container with wet hands. Its a hard lesson learned.
This is a new addition to my travel must‑haves. As I get older, my hair seems to have more and more of a mind of its own. A hair‑dryer brush is the only thing that tames it, but the full‑size versions always took up too much room. This compact brush was perfect during an 8‑night cruise to Alaska and managed to keep my hair under control through the wettest and windiest conditions. It’s small, reliable, and officially part of my packing routine.
As a tall plus‑size woman, it’s incredibly hard to find pants that work for everything: hiking, lounging, wandering around town, or long travel days. These pants pack well, wear well, and have become my recent go‑to in every suitcase. I love the options they come in, letting me mix and match neutral colors for an easy capsule wardrobe that always feels put together.