Packing With a Pro Part 1: The Basics
I’m a big believer that packing should not be stressful, it should be fun. About a week prior to each trip, I try on all of my clothes and put together outfits to see what I’m missing, what definitely has to come and what needs to stay at home. Then, I hang the winning items on my door and look at them over the week to decide if they bring me joy or not. If they don’t bring joy, they stay home.
Here I’m sharing a few of my favorite picks for your packing basics that you can easily (and quickly) get delivered from Amazon (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases). Think of it as packing in black and white.
Briggs & Riley Suitcase - Always a carry on, because nothing’s worse than losing your stuff! I’m obsessed with my Briggs & Riley - the thing is like a bottomless pit. No joke, I have traveled for two weeks out of this suitcase. If you’re like Troy and prefer the spinner wheels, this one’s for you. If Briggs is too pricey, Away makes a nice hard shell.
LV Duffle - My packing combo of choice is always the B&R suitcase with my Louis duffle. And guess what!? Amazon has some pre-loved duffles. So go on, get yourself one. It’s important to look good and feel good when you travel.
White Mesh Packing Cubes - Who doesn’t love a nicely organized suitcase, with all of the things in their places. These are especially great if you’re going to multiple destinations with different clothing needs - i.e. maybe a beach for part of the trip and city for the rest. Pull out only the cubes you need for each destination and leave the rest nice and tidy. If you’re a nut like me and like things to match, Briggs & Riley also makes some lovely cubes.
Apple Air Tags - I’m kind of obsessed with these and want to put them in everything. Put one in your suitcase just in case you have to check it, put one in your purse, put one on your husband if he wanders off. Always makes me feel better.
Mesh Laundry Bag - Yes, I’m a neat freak. Yes, I love having my dirty laundry in a laundry bag so I know what’s what and can isolate it from the rest. You should too.
Hanging Makeup/Toiletry Bag - You must be able to hang your toiletries up just in case the bathroom is too small for a lot of counter clutter. This one is a little pricey, but will last you forever. And, you can wash it. Please wash it every once in a while.
Cashmere Wrap - Another always for me. Cashmere wrap to keep you cozy on the plane when you’re shivering. Black goes with everything you might need to wear it with once you get there.
Ballet Flats - This one’s just for the girls (or Harry Styles) but I always throw in a pair of ballet flats, they’re easy to squeeze in and look great with everything and are a level up from sneakers.
Bose Headphones - I hate ear buds, air pods, whatever. They give you brain cancer. I love my Bose noise cancelling headphones. Put these on with a movie, glass of wine and a nice face mask and tune the world out. Heaven.
A Good Book! - My pick for happy reading, Theo of Golden.
Next up, toiletries. A critical component of a successful trip. Let me know if you have any topics you want to be sure I cover!