As someone who travels often on trips of various lengths (from a weekend to 2 weeks to 3-6 months), I’ve gathered my favorite items and personal hacks. I work remotely, so I have the flexibility to work while I stay in destinations and I travel with comfort and ease as my priorities. Beyond a good electronics & cables organizer pouch and packing cubes, here’s what I tend to regularly include in my luggage:

1. Loop earplugs

I always bring earplugs– they’re useful for concerts, loud hostels, or falling asleep in unfamiliar surroundings. They’re easy to lose though because they’re so small, but the case has a little loop you can add to a lanyard or a set of keys. 

2. Privacy screens (for phone + laptop)

As someone who gets inspired to write on long train rides and flights, my laptop and phone privacy screens have been my best investment. They’re also great to have when working remotely in public places. 

3. Portable bluetooth speaker

I’ve had my OontZ bluetooth speaker for a couple years now and also use it daily for my showers, so it’s held up and is pretty waterproof. It easily can be wedged into your suitcase!! For $20, I highly highly recommend this speaker.

4. Light-up travel mirror

I’ll charge this mirror before a trip and pack it in between packing cubes (mine recently shattered when I packed it close to the edge of my suitcase). Perfect if you’re sharing a bathroom too.

5. Compression socks

Compression socks are good for blood circulation, reducing swelling and tiredness after a long day of sitting around at airports or flights. 

6. Downy wrinkle releaser spray

This travel-sized spray worked surprisingly well and has come in handy when I don’t have access to an iron or steamer. The trick is to hang clothes up on a hanger, spray across in an X formation, then use your hands to smooth it out in sections. It works pretty well for cotton shirts and linen pants. The only downside I’ve found is that it does have a strong laundry smell. 

7. Tower 28 SOS spray

Airplane air unfortunately always breaks me out!! I’ll spray my face every couple hours to refresh on longer flights and the SOS anti-inflammatory spray helps ward off big breakouts. I continue to refill my Tower 28 travel spray with the larger-sized spray, because the liquid is clear like water.

8. Hero Acne mighty patch stickers

If I do feel a little blemish popping up, Hero Mighty Patch stickers are lifesavers (and they’re FSA eligible!). 

9. Silk Pillowcase

Sensitive skin + thick curly hair gang! The great thing is that these are thin so they don’t take up much space.

10. Vitamin C + hydration packets

A Vitamin C and hydration packet will go in my tote bag for the travel day, then I’ll pack and a couple go into my checked or carry on bag for the first couple days of the trip as my body gets used to new allergens and climates. 

11. Pill organizer

I’ll label the different compartments with clear tape and sharpie to keep track of what pills and vitamins I bring with me. This small organizer can last me about 2 weeks, and if I have a longer stay, I’ll usually have a ziploc of labeled vitamins.

12. Inflatable knee pillow

As a side sleeper, I find it really hard to have a comfortable nights’ sleep if I don’t have a small pillow to use in between my knees. This travel pillow inflates quickly, without a need for a pump or charging, and packs neatly back into its case. 

13. Travel hair dryer + diffuser

Depending on the destination’s humidity, I’ll bring this lightweight hair dryer with a detachable diffuser so I can better style my curls. 

14. Small Wet Brush detangler

The travel size detangler brush is perfect for quick weekend trips or small carry-ons. 

15. Cutex Swipe and Go nail polish remover wipes

These nail polish remover wipes are super easy to pack and one wipe can take off polish from both hands. 

16. Le Mini Macaron gel set

I take my Mini Macaron with me for longer trips, when I know my current manicure won’t last me throughout my trip. The gel curing pod can fit in my palm, with a small charger cable and at-home gel polish will last me around 2.5 weeks.

17. Chapstick with SPF

We often forget about SPF on our lips with our skincare! I like chapsticks from Sun Bum (Coconut SPF 30) and Burt’s Bees (SPF 15).

18. Trident gum case

I’ve discovered that the large Trident pack plastic case is the perfect container to reuse for Q-tips!

19. Currency conversion app

I like using My Currency Converter! I arrange it close to my Google Translate app so those are easily accessible.

20. Document your outfits + luggage

When I pack for a trip, I’ll start out by putting all the different clothes I want to take in separate categories laid out on my bed. As I decide and eliminate clothes, the piles on my bed get smaller and smaller. I will create a new note in my Notes app and include pictures of possible outfit combinations, as well as pictures of my finalized packed suitcase (just to have in case of an airline losing anything).

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As a plus, I’ve created a packing lists for warm and cold climates you can copy into your own GDrive 📂