Whew! We just got home from our annual visit to Grand Haven, MI, for the Fourth of July right on the heels of our trip to Rome. To say I’ve been living out of a suitcase for several weeks would be an understatement. I can honestly say that I have perfected my packing methods over the years. The best advice I can give for the frequent traveler? Always have your toiletries, makeup and chargers ready to go. I cannot emphasize enough how much stress is removed from the equation when one does not have to put any thought into what toiletries need to be corralled for a vacation. I’ll share my thoughts below, but first let me show you what I work with at home.
At Home Makeup and Product Storage
Now here is what comes on vacation with me…
Travel Toiletries
Everything I need is in these two bags. I have TSA pre check, but I still keep my liquids in a separate clear bag. It’s seldom an issue, but since it’s not an inconvenience, I stick with my tried and true ways. The last time I was asked to scan my liquids was in Tortola last summer. No problem! Other passengers were scrambling to put their items in ziplock bags provided by security, but I was ready to go. One less thing to worry about. That being said, it’s probably not necessary. But as my dad always says, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
As I mentioned above, I never unpack these bags. I am ready to go at all times. I have duplicates of my tried and true favorites (foundation, mascara, Dibs stick) so I am never caught without. Yes, this is a bit of an expense on the front end, but totally worth it in the long run. I try to buy travel sizes whenever possible to offset some of the cost and also to save space (and remain TSA compliant). The trick is to replenish as soon as you return from a trip if you notice you are running low on something. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE PACKING FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP. I keep a list on my phone.
Small Products
I even have a set of travel brushes that Cassie from Hi Sugarplum shared. They fit in the zipper pocket of my makeup bag so the interior stays nice and clean. These are the brushes: https://amzn.to/44l46JL
My Travel Brushes
For hair, I typically use whatever products are in my hotel. If I do need to bring my own, I have travel size Ouai shampoo and conditioner that I refill at home. However, I rarely bring them. I have Amika travel size hair spray and dry shampoo in my liquids bag that I replenish from time to time. These are the things that I need to stock up on during Prime Day sales. Someone please remind me of that during the next sale.
If I am going on a long trip and need to check a bag, I typically bring a first aid kit with me (read all about what is in my first aid kit here: https://emerybodie.com/travel-tuesday-giveaway-win-a-fully-stocked-travel-first-aid-kit/). For shorter carry on only trips, I keep a few bandaids in my makeup bag as well as this little pill case. This is a fun gift to give (fully stocked) on a girls trip. Read all about my love of these pill cases here: https://emerybodie.com/travel-tuesday-medicine/. Shop them here: https://amzn.to/4vTTXzL
Travel Pill Case
I am the queen of leaving chargers in hotel rooms and on planes. I don’t know what is wrong with me. I recently purchased this travel power strip and my problem is solved. This has been on three trips with me and it’s still in my possession. BONUS: when traveling overseas, only ONE adapter/converter is needed. I can charge all of my stuff (headphones/Kindle/phone/Macbook) at once while also using a hair tool. BRILLIANT. The cord wraps around the base. I am buying everyone in my immediate AND extended family one of these for Christmas. https://amzn.to/4baxOVy
Travel Power Strip
In other charging news, I always keep a converter that works for many different countries in my charger bag, as well as a portable charger. I’ve shared this exact portable charger before. It’s been a lifesaver at Disney and also in Rome and Florence. Since I used my phone to navigate in Italy, it needed a recharge by midday. At Disney, using Genie all day sucked the life out of my phone. Trust me, get this charger. In fact, get several. I buy these all year long for stocking stuffers, graduation gifts, etc. Shop here: https://amzn.to/4bhMlyJ
Best Portable Charger
The only adapter you’ll ever need is available here: https://amzn.to/4p9z9lc
Adapter for Multiple Regions
I managed to fry my curling iron during my last trip to Europe, despite using an adapter. Some research this go around indicated that hair tools (and electric toothbrushes) simply do not handle the voltage differences very well unless they are dual voltage. I checked and my lovely T3 iron is NOT dual voltage. Rather than ruin it, I purchased an inexpensive travel hair device with good reviews for travel outside of the US. It’s small and light and I liked it so much that it now has a permanent spot in my travel bag even when I’m stateside. BONUS: it’s a straightener and curling iron combo. Does it work as well as my T3? Not quite. But it is an excellent compact option for packing. Click here if you’re heading across the pond or simply want something smaller for travel: https://amzn.to/4bz8GYG
Travel Curling Iron/Flat Iron
Last, but certainly not least, one must use packing cubes. I’ve talked about these until I’m blue in the face, but they really are a game changer. They keep your clothes organized and create space. I’ve had several, but I keep going back to my Travel Wise set. Each member of my family has two sets of a designated color. They’re available here: https://amzn.to/44ST6n2
Packing Cubes
If you need a good spinner carry on suitcase, I am a big fan of Quince. I love Beis as well, but they are frequently sold out. Quince is almost identical and comes in more colors. Shop here: https://liketk.it/6hYyn
Quince Suitcase
That should cover everything. Please let me know if I’ve missed any items that you feel are essential. Remember the rules:
- Replenish as needed, NOT before a trip
- Buy duplicates of your favorites (in travel size, if available)
- Use packing cubes
Safe travels!
