Packing Tips & Essentials for Traveling

I was fifteen the first time I used my passport. Reluctantly I made my maiden voyage to France the summer of 1984. For a young girl who loved the idea of overnight camp but loathed the reality of being away from home I was in over my head. Besides, living in France for the summer meant I was going to miss MJ’s Thriller Tour. Ah the priorities of a teenager.

The essentials for international travel have changed overwhelmingly in the last thirty years. Who knew clunky word processors would morph into the sleek and portable iPhone 5 commanding a new generation of carry on bags? We’ve come a long way since the first duffel bag I slogged across the Atlantic. Stuffed with grosgrain and Izods and too cumbersome for words, I managed to haul everything but my princess phone across the pond.

Husband and I are traveling to Ireland soon. We are good about sneaking away for long weekends, but this will be our first journey of notable length and distance since the Littles were born. I’m sure Ireland will be spectacular, but I have to admit I’m having a jolly old time just getting ready for the journey. Clearly, I don’t get out much.

If the old saying is true that everything you learn, you learn in kindergarten, I would add and from good girlfriends. My savvy friends always have the best tips, in this case essentials for traveling.

Here are my favorite packing tips & must have accessories for traveling. Most of these inspired and recommended by my besties.

Zuca Pro Travel Carry On 

When the Littles saw the Zuca box delivered, my savvy eleven year old squealed, “You got a Zuca bag? No fair.” I was so overcome by the fact that she trumped my Zuca knowledge that I overlooked her whiny entitlement issues. She says, “all my friends have them.” Whatever. I waited forty-four years for a perfect carry on. And this is it, friends. The bag is super light, slim enough to wheel through even the tiniest of plane aisles, and clearly must have been designed by a woman, probably a mother of many children. The bag zips opens vertically, like a locker, and you pack your wares in a stacking system. The bag comes with 5 stackable mesh bags that will hold just about everything. I’m taking three camera lenses with me, plus my Nikon and battery pack so I will use a generous amount of space keeping my glass safely packed and near me. {Image courtesy of Zuca}

eBags Packing Cubes

My friend Lulu told me about the Zuca bag and these fabulous packing cubes. Y’all – I’m totally smitten with these cubes. For years, Husband & I have used the air shrink plastic travel bags. The zippers bust, probably because I always overstuff them. These cubes have revolutionized our travel. Not just for this trip, but for our entire family. I ordered each of the Littles a set in their favorite color and will use the brilliant and color coded system for our summer trips to Colorado. I bought the tangerine color for myself, just incase you were wondering. {Image courtesy of Amazon}

Jambu Ocean Shoes from REI 

I was heading into Anthropologie one day when Mrs. Kravitz called. I told her where I was and she asked if I could pick up her favorite shoes from REI, next door. This is what neighbors do for each other, pick up travel shoes. No sense both of us making a trip downtown, right? Rather than just covet my friend’s new shoes, I decided I’d try on a pair just to see what her fuss what about. These sturdy, maryjane-esque shoes are the most comfortable shoes ever. Good thing REI had my size, too. My new Jambu’s will be too cold for Ireland’s weather, but I’ve been dashing around town for a week in these kicks and I love them. Husband says I’ve gone a bit Euro meets Colorado, but I think they are kinda cute. {Image courtesy of REI}

Taxi Cab Tote by Lug

I have a small obsession with totes. This new one goes perfect with the Zuca bag. Like peanut butter and chocolate good. It has smartly designed pockets and pouches, but not so many that you get overwhelmed and can’t find your iphone in your own purse! There’s a side compartment with a zipper that fits my ipad and keyboard perfectly. An interior insulated pocket for a large water bottle makes me super happy, too. Smitten with the chartreuse color shown, I was sad it was sold out and settled on ocean blue. I love the functionality much more than the color. {Image courtesy of Luglife}

Gin Gins by The Ginger People

I always travel with these yummy ginger chews. I’m prone to travel related vertigo and while there is little scientific data to prove these ginger chews ward off the head spins, I justify savoring one after another by claiming medicinal purposes. {image courtesy of The Ginger People}

Be sure to check out the playlist I created for our trip, too. I listed a few of my favorite songs.

What are you favorite packing tips and must-haves for travel?

Love,