10 Things I Never Travel Without
What little things do you always pack when you travel? My long-time personal checklist includes a gripping book and simple alarm clock, and I’d love to hear yours. Here goes…
1. Alarm clock. I like turning my phone off at night, so for an alarm, I just bring along my regular clock from my bedside table. It’s super simple and foolproof to use, even when you’re jet lagged.
2. Sunscreen (duh). Confession: Back in college, I used to go to the tanning salon, gahhhhhh. Now I’m older and wiser and a stickler for sunscreen. This stick lives in my bag all summer to reapply on the go, especially to the boys’ faces. And as I’ve mentioned before, I also LOVE the scent of Vacation and wear it on my arms and legs every day.
3. Self-tanning lotion. So, when I’m in the mood for a warm sun-kissed glow, I just turn to self-tanner. Over the years, I’ve tried dozens of different ones, and the stand-out winner is St. Tropez. It’s easy to apply without streaks and gives a very natural look. I put it on the night before a trip and feel ready to go.
4. Stamps. Okay, I’m a nerd, but! I like sending postcards on vacation, and it can be weirdly hard to track down stamps in a new-to-you place. So, I bring stamps to stick onto postcards for my dad, mom, and bff niece.
5. Deck of cards. Always and forever up for playing Gin Rummy on the beach, at the pub, whenever/wherever. My one cousin famously hates it, but everyone else has fun!
6. Quick-dry nail polish. My beauty friends all swear by Dazzle Dry, and here’s why: you have to swipe on multiple coats, but it dries quickly (like, 10 minutes) and lasts forever without chipping. I love painting my nails a fun color and then completely forgetting about them during the trip.
7. Hairspray. This tiny spray is the MVP of my suitcase. I use it for flyaways, humidity, frizz, a braid or bun after swimming, etc. A CoJ reader also recently commented that if you spray Elnett on the collars of your shirts, it helps prevent makeup and sunscreen stains. Who knew??
8. Great book. What books have you enjoyed on vacation? I’m currently in the middle of A Private Man, a debut novel by a poet, and her beautiful sentences keep making me gasp and clutch my heart.
9. Chocolate. You know when you get back to the rental house or hotel, and you wish you had something sweet at the end of the night? I always pack some Tony Chocolonely (winner of our taste test) or Reese’s for that exact moment.
10. Sunglasses. My doctor sister always begs me to wear sunglasses whenever I’m outside — the sun can really damage your eyes! I have transition lenses, so my regular glasses darken in the sun, but Alison was recently wearing these from a new-to-me California brand, and they were so cute. Now I’m tempted to get the cherry red. :)
What little things do you pack for trips? I’d love to hear. Please share below…
P.S. The trick for enjoying family travel, and what’s your #1 travel tip?
(Photos from past family vacations.)
Tags: personal
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148 commentsToilet paper! Since traveling to a country where it was advised to bring toilet paper, it’s really nice to have the thick soft toilet paper you are accustomed to at home instead of the scratchy1 ply you sometimes get in hotels.
I swear I looked at this post a few days ago and the book recommendation was a ‘funny book’ that I was excited to check out. But now I can’t find it. Does anyone remember? I think the title started with the word “good”? I need a funny book please!
I’m writing this from Europe, where we visit annually to see family. Our must-haves include a bar of soap for washing clothes in the bathroom sink, bandaids for the inevitable blister, sunblock, plastic refillable water bottles (lighter weight than stainless), and turkish towels (blanket, headscarf, beach towel, etc).
As someone who is married to an Australian-native and having to take a 24+ hour trek at least once a year I have finally figured it out. This travel pillow: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CMJ5186?tag=travelandleisure-paid-20&ascsubtag=5427115%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7Cpc This instant coffee, because lets be honest – airplane coffee sucks – just ask for hot water: https://bluebottlecoffee.com/us/eng/collection/craft-instant?gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=bbc_search_21366336141&utm_content=162105751366&utm_term=blue%20bottle%20instant%20coffee&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21366336141&gbraid=0AAAAADfbFSOX_CsfeDvk0BEpqtAyuz0vV&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz9_QBhD_ARIsADnSCfCKtopFtmAXZDOmb0LFJCQmGdjLAfx2jsOiWIScNlLgFJXMLinhxxIaAjCyEALw_wcB These face masks: https://www.sephora.com/product/bio-collagen-real-deep-mask-for-pore-minimizing-firming-care-P515952?country_switch=us&lang=en&skuId=2865137&om_mmc=ppc-GG_17791296883___2865137__9028772_c&country_switch=us&lang=en&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17798721803&gbraid=0AAAAADnIXb3lUGRGjcGUnNFQOEePl5Oz6&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz9_QBhD_ARIsADnSCfBkyweeIvDvqGMpadWBvzyjIKLVPGh4LniPiT0oT5bgZhZHgol9oLgaAo-NEALw_wcB And then the non negotiables: candy, book light + a great book, eye mask, Tower 28 SOS Spray, and noise cancelling headphones.
A silk pillowcase! Super easy to pack (takes up virtually no space), protects my sensitive skin from harsh hotel detergents, keeps my naturally curly hair virtually frizz-free, and helps me sleep cool (hello menopause!) Just don’t forget to take it home! I recommended choosing a bright color that obviously contrasts with the typical hotel whites
I am forever trying to get us all to travel journal. We road trip through Europe every summer and usually manage a bit of it on the way there at least. Whether you’re into journaling or not – I bought a fun little portable photo printer a few years ago and it is so fun to have along on a trip. It’s the size of a small mobile phone and prints small photos with a sticker backing. My kids love being able to get a print of a photo right away. I also always have a teeny tiny deck of cards in my bag – has come in handy so many times! And for road trips etc – a small permanent marker like a sharpie! Works so well to be able to write an initial on each of the kids water bottles etc.
I always pack a plug-in nightlight for my son… the condo we stay in at the beach every year has an interior living room with a pullout that he sleeps on and it is pitch black! He’s 13 now, so doesn’t technically need a nightlight, but still appreciates the little assist, lol…For me, I always pack slippers and a throw blanket… I need to take the coziness wherever I go :)
Ooh those sunglasses are so cute! Wish they weren’t so expensive!
I try to poshmark things when I know the specific brand.
Loop earplugs and headband style headphones to play white noise depending how loud the sleeping situation is. (2 summers ago, family reunion, the big upstairs loft was 4 families–8 couples, 11 children from ages 1 to 14, still got good sleep with those headphones). I like reading a real book most of the time but an e-reader is for traveling–multiple books so I can choose for my mood, I have the e-ink kind so I don’t need a reading light but it’s not bright like bluelight. And when my kiddo was little and a pickier eater, I packed packets of instant oatmeal figuring I could easily get hot water anywhere, they were filling for any meal and would stave off any hangries if she didn’t like the menu somewhere. We rarely had to use them but knowing we had a back up plan actually let her be more willing to try something new.
You are BRAVE lol. I would need to retreat to a hotel because I really could not do that loft situation haha
Yes to Loop ear plugs! I have a pair that just stays in my toiletries bag for all trips.
Glad someone mentioned prunes, and I’ll take it one step further by adding some stool softener capsules and psyllium husk powder. Yes,I likely need all three when I travel…
A couple of unsexy things we bring as parents with little kids: 1. A grocery bag to collect our trash on the plane. It’s so much easier to put everything in the bag and pass it to the flight attendant when they come by for garbage collection. 2. Small pack of tissues. 3. Two laundry bags. One for white and one for colours. I dump one bag at a time directly in the wash when we get home.
My surprisingly essential travel item is a clip-on book light. Not glamorous, but SO useful. I use it on long flights when I don’t want to be that person turning on the huge overhead light, and it’s also perfect for older hotels where the bedside lamp is somehow both too far away and not bright enough. I have one from http://www.86lux.com that feels surprisingly well made for such a small thing. The battery life is great, and I’ve gone a whole trip without charging it. It now just permanently lives in my carry-on with my earplugs and lip balm.
I am chuckling to myself because I think I may be the one person in the world who truly cannot stand white noise. I can handle train whistles, sirens, traffic, a party downstairs, babies crying, thunderstorms, actual ocean waves… but the ongoing noise of a fan stresses me the eff out. My sister and I cannot sleep together when we travel because she requires a fan for white noise, and I will lie awake in slowly growing rage. Ha! Good for you all, not for me, and I’m glad there are so many awesome white-noise solutions out there for all of you :)
I am the same!
When traveling with friends or family, a vibrating alarm wristband! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V5Q8YXH?th=1 This way I never worry about my alarm waking someone up — can just get up and enjoy my early mornings all my myself.
So many good ideas here! I travel for work a ton and feel like I have it down to a science for myself, AND… this summer we’re going on a big UK trip with our kiddos ages 5 and 9! There will be trains, buses and of course, a very long flight (we live in Colorado). Banking on in-flight entertainment for some of it, too, as our kids do not have tablets. I’m wondering what parents of elementary kids pack for big overseas adventures (this is our first one) and I’m also wondering if anyone has thoughts on these easy-to-wash undies in a tube?! https://10best.usatoday.com/travel/lipstick-underwear-paire-overview/ Space will be at a premium for us and it’s essential we are smart with packing and can be highly mobile. IE, we adults can handle all luggage and still have open hands to grab when kids are tired and need a break. Thoughts on luggage, entertainment and best tips for traveling with kids this age are SO welcome and appreciated!
For what it’s worth, I’ve noticed more planes recently that don’t have in-flight entertainment. I think they’re banking on everyone having phones or tablets. Might be worth checking what plane is usually used on your route and whether it has what you hope for, and maybe checking out some ultra-cheap tablets just in case.
Hi! Have done similar trips with this age group! A blank sketch notebook and stickers, [quiet] fidget toys, post it notes, Spot It card game, regular deck of cards, small plush toy (a small Squishmallow makes a decent pillow!), small notebook to be their Travel Journal, lightweight paperback book, back issue or two of a magazine (your library might sell older issues for very cheap), MAD LIBS. For clothing, accept the re-wear, but be smart. Each pair of shorts/pants should work with several tops, and consider colors that will hide the grubbiness that kids pick up getting around. For packing, the kids can likely handle a small backpack (an old school pack that zips shut!) for their “entertainment”, water bottle, and airplane essentials. You should pack something like a baggu reusable shopper or two – they are great to hold all the coats and such no one wants to wear, but easily tuck into a purse or men’s clothing pocket. You’ll have a blast!
If you’re not morally opposed to tablets for your kids, I would consider getting them for the occasion! I did a 9-hour flight from Seattle to London with my 3 and 5yo earlier this year, and at least for my kids nothing occupies them quite like a tablet. I packed a few physical things to occupy them in case they got tired of the screen (post-it notes, stickers, scratch-off papers, etc.), and that ended up being nice for the 3yo toward the end of the flight, but it was 90% iPads. If you’re worried about them being locked into screens the rest of the trip, just make it clear from the beginning that the tablets are only for the plane—not for the bus or train or gate area or hotel, only the plane. Then the long flight becomes something they look forward to instead of dread. You’ll have the rest of the trip to make memories; make the flight easier on yourself if you can!
Agree with everything JJJ said. I will also add that we travel everywhere (everywhere!) with dog poop bags (is that what they’re called?)? I always have a roll in the car or in our bag when traveling on planes or overseas. They’ve been really helpful for car sickness or sea sickness, and we’ve used them a ton for actual poop (or pee) accidents when we haven’t been near a bathroom to clean up. They are small but easy to tie up and dispose of properly later. We use them as mini garbage bags for wrappers, apple cores, etc in rental cars. We’ve used them as “gloves” when needing to pick up or touch something gross. So many uses for us with small kids.
Also, wanted to add that we did 2 adults and 3 kids, ages 4, 7, and 10 in Ireland for 11 days with 2 carryon size suitcases and 2 personal items. We used packing cubes for everything. We each packed 5 outfits – 5 shirts, 5 bottoms, 5 socks, 5 undies for each of us, and planned to do laundry halfway through. We only had sneakers as footwear (the pair you were wearing), and everyone had a raincoat. It worked great, but we had a car the entire time so even when traveling from one place to the next, we just left our luggage in the car. The following sumner, we did 12 days in the UK, and because this time we were doing a combo of car rental, trains, buses, Ubers, we decided to try using our backpacks. So everyone had a backpack to be in charge of. My husband’s and my backpacks were large backpacking packs and the kids used their regular school backpacks. We opted for this thinking it would be easier – we still wanted to explore new places before being able to check in to our accommodation, or just making stops along the way and thought it would be easier with packs instead of rolling suitcases around. There were a few instances when I wished we had our suitcases instead of the packs – our youngest wanted to be carried a few times when she got tired and we just couldn’t bc of the packs. But overall it worked out ok. So maybe something to think about depending on your travel plans.
I haven’t read through the comments but I pack some things I can throw away at the end of the trip. It’s not fun or sexy, but I pack old pjs and socks. At the end of the trip I just throw them away to make room for whatever new thing I bought. I also always pack a pair of very thin fabric slippers (also throw away-able) bc hotel floors are gross.
That sounds so wasteful :(
Why would you need to throw them away – is doing laundry not an option? This sounds absurdly wasteful. At the very least, donate the clothing.
Oh I get this. For me it’s stuff that genuinely does need to be tossed. Undies with holes, pjs that are so worn they are practically rags, etc.
I do this too. When my kiddos were in the going through shoes like Kleenex stage, we would leave their tatty sneakers behind after an adventure filled trip. No need to bring home the holey sneakers filled with sand. It also helps, if you aren’t bringing your favorite things, if you happen to have some sort of luggage apocalypse. Thieves would be very disappointed in the contents of mine.
yes! ratty underwear and socks that needs to be thrown out anyway.
I always have to bring my own specific tea that I drink every morning. I didn’t check a bag for a week long trip to Costa Rica and you know a ziploc bag of my tea bags made it into the limited space! The only place I don’t bring it is my sister’s house in Austin, because she always makes sure she keeps it on hand for me. If I recall correctly, Jo said once that her dad did the same thing so I was happy to know I wasn’t the only one that specific about my tea!
1. Tea! 2. Burt’s bees original lip balm 3. Chocolate! (I like it REEEEALLLLY dark) 4. Gum I could survive with just these things even if I forgot to pack all of my clothes.
Once in early mother hood, with a baby and a toddler in tow,I tried my best to plan for a coast to coast flight to visit family. I brought SO Many extra sets of clothes for the kids, but even still, I ran out and had to buy a t shirt at one of the shops on a layover. So now, even though I am not a baby, I pack twice the amount of underwear- just in case. And let me tell you ladies, it feels so nice to put on as many clean pairs as you want instead of doing laundry math.
Noise cancelling headphones! I absolutely cannot fly without them – I used to be so scared of flying, and these really helped me push past that to do the thing I love most in the world – travel! I have a Bose over ear pair, and you can almost forget you’re on a plane, minimises plane engine noises and crying babies! Also, I live in Australia so to get anywhere is a really long flight, I cannot recommend highly enough!
Extra rx meds just in case bc it’s the only stuff I really can’t buy where I’m going (Zofran I’m looking at you!). Sometimes I “forget” things on purpose so I can buy it when I get there…love a souvenir sweatshirt! For practicality, a small power strip! https://amzn.to/4uitWcy!)
Ear plugs! and an extra pair for my friend or sister. :)
Food for sharing for when I run into a cute guy. It works line an opening line: ‘Do you want a candy? I can’t possibly eat this entire bag of candies on my own.’ Works like a charm. It gets the conversation started.. Sunscreen lotion (I love SunBum SPF50). Wet wipes for using after having applied sunscreen for the gazillionth time. Multiple sun glasses (a cheap one and a fancy one-even though I usually end up wearing only the cheap one with dents and scratches in it). Euro coins for when public bathrooms ask for coins. My entire blue wardrobe so I can mix endlessly and only need one load of washing, since it’s all blue. I usually buy a Lonely Planet city guide of the place I go to. They usually come with a fold out map. Then I go to the library and rent more books on that city. Do research. Then before I go, I mark all the places I want to visit while there, on the map with a pencil. I also mark them with different colors of the tiny post-it flip thingies. So like yellow for restaurants, blue for sights, green for shopping. So that way I can easily see where I’d like to go shopping and where to eat. Saves me from using the internet, plus it makes me feel prepared. The map is usually torn up by the time I get back home but that doesn’t matter 😊
Politely requesting a glimpse of this blue wardrobe.
This is so smart! The physical map. I have so many destination folders with pins in Google maps and it gets confusing!
I always bring a pashmina for the flight, I have a super light weight one for summer and bit heavier for the rest of the year. Those airline blankets are gross! Some healthy snacks/fruit. My kindle loaded (I was so surprised on a recent flight from San Francisco to Maui that Hawaiian airlines doesn’t have an entertainment system! )It’s a six hours flight. I don’t enjoy watching things on a phone. A travel size bottle of Aloe vera gel ( too much sun, a rash, irritated skin) its the answer.a some cleaning wipes to wipe down my seat belt and tray table ( plus myself if needed). My few medications (yay HRT!). Small gifts ( usually edible) for whomever I’m visiting. A small toiletry bag with the essentials. A healthy meal ( if the flight is over 4 hours, snacks are not a meal) Sugarless gum or a toothbrush. All my charging cords.( I have doubles of all I need in ” go bag”).Sunscreen! This all goes in my carry on.
I travel with a night light! I HATE turning on overhead hotel lighting in the middle of the night when I wake up to go to the bathroom. The night light glows bright enough so I don’t stub my toe in an unfamiliar space but gentle enough so I can quickly fall back asleep!
Yes! I do too. I am super picky and even have warm toned and red nightlights so I can see but it won’t really wake me up.
if traveling with small children, balloons. They take up no space but if you get stuck at an airport, super easy to blow up and then you have instant entertainment for the kids!
What a great idea!! I’d also recommend for kids with littles to pack a spare outfit for the baby AND YOU in your carry on. Learned this from a mom who’d just gotten puked on mid-flight!
The things I always keep in my suitcase are a nightlight (too many trips to the bathroom in the dark), a collapsible duffle in case I buy too much and need to check a bag (I put my dirty clothes in the duffle and use it as my carry on), a quick dry towel, small, compact and I’ve used it from Puerto Rico to Tuscany and multiple sizes of Ziploc bags. I usually pack a little tote for grocery shopping but if I can buy one there I always do. There’s nothing better than shopping at my local supermarket and pulling out a bag from a Spanish grocery store to remind me of where I’ve been.
great idea! I don’t always remember the zip lock bags.
Both my parents are pilots, and although this is the exact opposite of what you’ve asked, I find that it stops packing anxiety in its tracks. When trying to push a last minute trip on me that I always initially reject due to lack of planning/packing: “all you needs is a passport and your wallet, everything else you can buy!”
Ok I will win the award for Most Unsexy List but -my “house” crocs because I have terribly painful feet and can’t be barefoot but won’t wear outdoor shoes in the house -Metamucil, in a container marked “Vacation Fiber!” -a knitting project And as a bonus, my packing list is a color-coded Excel spreadsheet
As a fellow Excel nerd, I would love to know how you color-code your packing list!
@SG Not sure if this reply will get to you but here goes – My spreadsheet is color coded by what bag an item will go in (carry on, checked, personal item) and then shades of each bag color are for what individual pouch an item will go in within the bag. So for example the cells in the personal item column are pink and then like medication will go in a pouch in the personal item and the cells with the list of meds will be in a shade of pink. Knitting will also go in the personal item and the knitting pouch items will be in cells colored a different shade of pink.
I always pack a mini sound machine so I can sleep soundly, whether there’s a holy racket or deathly silence where I’m staying. The one I have is called Snooz Go. It’s small and flat-ish, lightweight, has several different soothing sounds, good sound quality, aaaaaaaaand doubles as a bluetooth speaker! It’s The Best.
added to cart immediately! I hate sleeping in dead silent rooms, gaaaah
I do a mini humidifier because my nose always bleeds in dry air. Mini appliances for the win!
Lori, could you please share what mini humidifier you use. I bought something you could stick into a glass of water. It worked once and that was it. Something better would be great! Thank you!
There’s an app for that! Actually newer phones have background noise options without having to download anything else. We use an air filter as a “noisemaker” at home, but the phone works when on the go.
I just listen to an ocean sounds playlist on Spotify – no need for more devices.
I have anxiety and nothing calms my mind like having something to do with my hands, so I always travel with a coloring book and colored pencils. Both are small and easy to travel with & so comforting on a plane or in a hotel room. Also a book light, I always read before bed and sometimes when I’m staying with family there isn’t a lamp on the bedside table.
Extra pants for everyone, even for a short trip! I’m always afraid I’ll dump a cup of coffee on myself and be SOL if I only have one pair. Can be a pair of leggings! Extra pair of pants for my son stays in my bag or backpack the whole trip ever since we were hiking in Yellowstone when he was three and had a potty accident and we had to turn a long-sleeve shirt into a pair of pants with my ponytail holder…
This is so timely for me! I just got back last night from a work trip, and I’m fairly new to the whole work travel thing. I am definitely still trying to get the hang of what to pack, and what not to pack – especially when it comes to clothes. But in general I keep a little makeup bag on my person at all times that contains: tweezers, a nail file, a small touch-up hair trimmer, a Cora heat patch, a couple of tampons/pads, face wipes from Ursa Major, hand sanitizer, ear plugs, a hair tie, band-aids, mints, floss, and mouth wash tabs. That kit has saved me a few too many times and doesn’t take up a lot of space in handbag. I will be eagerly reading everyone’s answers here and taking notes!
Love all these ideas. One to add: a portable carbon monoxide (CO) detector. After losing dear friends to CO poisoning (while they were traveling), I never travel without one. Be well.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friends. This is such a good reminder, since CO is colorless, odorless and deadly. I work in the field of injury prevention and we always recommend taking safety with you when you travel (CO alarm, medication lock bags, portable cribs, etc.)
I’m so sorry for your loss, Bliss. I second this. I travel a lot for work and have started traveling with a portable CO detector this past year. It was less than $30 but the peace of mind it gives me has been invaluable. I hear that single chirp and know it’s on and working and then I can sleep like a baby.
This is so sad, I’m sorry. I recently read an article about how most carbon monoxide detectors do not go off until they reach a certain level, which could be well after you are in danger of CO poisoning. For example: 0 to 9 ppm: Normal, healthy indoor background level. 10 to 35 ppm: Long-term exposure is not recommended. Check gas appliances (furnace, stove, water heater) for leaks or improper ventilation. 70 ppm: Symptoms like mild headaches may start after a few hours of exposure. Standard UL-listed carbon monoxide (CO) monitors are designed not to alarm until they detect 70 ppm for at least 1 to 4 hours. You want to make sure the one you choose will detect much earlier than that. Defender makes low-level detectors that can detect at 5ppm or 10ppm. On the 10ppm model, it notes: Auto-displays from 5 PPM, audible alarm at 15 PPM.
On sunglasses: I would love to know how other glasses-wearers handle swapping glasses out all day long. I have grown to loathe switching from (Rx) sunglasses to glasses to sunglasses to glasses. I tried the WP self-darkening kind, but they don’t darken in cars so that didn’t really help. And then if you buy some from this cute Sardine shop, I guess you’d wear them with contact lenses only? Do clip-ins work? Or those big sunglasses you wear over your regular glasses? Someone help!
I buy the cheap clipons, and yes, they work. They don’t look cool, but they work. But everything except transition lenses (which I refuse to wear) requires solving the “carry a thing around and find a way to keep track of it” issue.
Yes! Help me with this please!
I really like my glasses from Pair – they have add-on frames (clear or sunglasses) that magnetically attach to the front of my prescription glasses. It’s SOOOO much easier to carry around a thin sunglass-frame than a whole other pair of glasses and it’s so easy to add/remove it as needed
I got myself prescription sunglasses and they’re the best thing ever. I have 2 sunglasses from warby parker – regular sunglasses and then the exact same ones, but with prescription lenses (though i did get one in silver frames and one in gold frames so i could tell the difference!). If I’m wearing contacts, I use the regular sunglasses, and if I’m wearing glasses that day, then I switch to the prescription sunglasses as needed. This sorted out the issue of having to choose 2 different “favorite” glasses and ending up not wearing one of them bc it’s less good. Instead, same exact style – one regular, one prescription.
I got inexpensive progressive glasses with polarized sunglass magnet attachments on payne glasses—great for travel and keeping in the car!
I wear the big sunglasses that go over your regular eyeglasses. Bought them at Walmart and they work a treat.
I bring a garbage bag for dirty clothes and a reusable bag that we always end up finding a use for (makeshift tote, grocery bag, etc.). Simple, but very helpful!
Travel scissors that are TSA friendly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088YCH3J9?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k2_1_15&=&crid=1EU4E2D6X6XZ5&sprefix=travel%252Bscissors&t Corded and wireless headphones Baggu bag (always) Socks or Birks for the hotel floor
Woah!! The scissors. I’ve been looking for one. Thank you.
Omg!!!!! Where have these scissors been, I would say all my life, but really since 9/11???? I’ve had several tiny Swiss Army knives confiscated by TSA. Love! Thank you!
Speaking of alarm clocks — does anyone have a rec for a RADIO alarm clock? one that ideally looks kind of cute? I hate waking up to my phone alarm, but my actual alarm clock is so harsh (that classic buzzing beep). I used to wake up to the radio in high school and I want to bring that back, but they seem so hard to find!
etsy. vintage radio alarm clocks. that’s what i did and i wake up to my local NPR station every morn (usually a weather report)!
According to lifehacker… “There’s an app for that”, the “RadiOn” app for iPhone or Android! https://lifehacker.com/how-to-turn-your-phone-into-the-ultimate-alarm-clock-fo-1247925652?test_uuid=zXnWOLjQQwkYjMVwrvo5w&test_variant=B
I’m on the hunt for a good bedside or kitchen radio as well! I actually listen to the radio (shout out to WNYC/NPR) and want to go back to the analog era!
Yes! My kids both have this one which is exactly what you need: https://www.bestbuy.com/product/sony-icf-c1-radio-alarm-clock-black/J7XSRHWZH6/sku/6010016
I have a sunrise alarm clock that has a radio option! It’s also handy as a nightlight (navigating to bed in the dark). I like the Philips one.
I love my ancient clock radio – I got it from my ex when his grandfather died like 10 years ago. I love that my alarm clock has nothing to do with my phone, I don’t have to fiddle with a touch screen or a WiFi connection. It just works! There are tons of clock radios on eBay – that’s where I’ll go if this one ever dies, which it is not showing signs of doing!
I recently found one (likely from early 00s) at a thrift store and have loved it!
– A few ziplocs and plastic containers (empty or with snacks from the plane) for stashing extra snacks / picnic leftovers**Containers also work well to pack delicate things home. – A few familiar snacks (nut protein bars etc), for at least the first couple of days** – Compression knee socks (flights > 5 hours); legs feel fresher and they bridge the gap if you are wearing slightly cropped pants – a rain jacket [hopefully never to be worn] – a black dress. You never know what you might end up doing. **grocery shopping in foreign countries for fun snacks is the best.
New book recommend: Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About by Isabel Klee. If you follow rescues you have probably heard of her. She’s an amazing woman and writer. I cried a few times and cheered on the dogs – especially Tiki (IYKYK!) It’s a thoughtful look at her childhood and 20s, how relationships of all kinds shaped her to be the woman she is today.
A small watercolor set my friend Britt (fellow CoJ reader!) gifted me. I throw it in my carry-on and watercolor a couple of scenes from the trip. They’re such fun mementos to bring home, and the bonus is I get to remember the warm love of a friend everywhere I go.
I travel a lot for work, so I always keep certain things packed and ready to go. I have a toiletry bag with everything I need and I fill up the travel size containers when I am unpacking after returning home so it means one less thing when I’m packing for the next trip. The exception is that I keep an old medication bottle in my toiletry bag and decant what I need the night before, with an extra day in case I get stuck overnight. I also have a travel backpack and the front pocket contains a phone power bank (this one is excellent: https://www.amazon.com/Azmuth-Portable-10000mAh-Magnetic-Charging/dp/B0G6D9SPND?th=1); a small bag that keeps all of my travel chargers (three-in one for phone, watch, and ipods works best for me); eyedrops; and my Verizon wifi hotspot. I pack a few snacks in it the night before, including a Tony’s Choc bar and mini bags of pistachio nuts. Finally, I always leave my travel Manduka yoga mat (very thin!) in my suitcase so I don’t forget it. It’s good for stretching, yoga, or doing Peloton workouts in your hotel room if the gym doesn’t have what you need.
I loved reading through these! At home my husband and I sleep with a fan for white noise and air movement (not just a ceiling fan, like a shop fan…lol) so now we bring a portable Milwaukee brand fan on pretty much every trip. It has an adapter so it can be plugged in but when we’re camping we bring a bunch of batteries and the charger, so we can charge if necessary. Too many Airbnb’s promise a fan and it’s either non-existent, is *too* quiet, or makes a weird squeaky noise. The “White Noise Box Fan” on Spotify works in a pinch but the little fan is the best. We also travel with our senior dogs a lot and they have their own little bag of essentials: calming treats, wipes (for when they roll in something weird or slobber water all over), Thundershirt, etc. We don’t have kids but I think it’s similar to packing for a toddler, lol! I saw many others suggest a Ziploc bag or something similar – I’ve started doing this the last couple years! Perfect for stinky socks, wet swimsuits, or the inevitable bag of pretzels that gets ripped open. I’ve also started bringing a few chip clips in the snack bag for this reason as well. We have a travel cribbage set that I throw in my purse now, for every trip. Perfect at the bar or coffee shop!
Binder clips also are handy — and can be used for smaller uses (like holding your pants together when your button and fly break)!
I travel often for work and these are my packing must-haves: -used dryer sheets stuffed into my packing cubes to keep my clothes smelling fresh -sunglasses (because I always end up wanting them) -wire headphones for airplanes with faulty tech -shower cap -silk wrap for my hair -nail file -aquaphor or vaseline (I’ve never put this in my liquid bag) -apple air tags in each piece of baggage -lunch bag that seals so there’s no chance of food items spilling onto my stuff -extra shirt in its own ziploc bag -a sponge soaked in dish soap -a rag soaked in laundry detergent -ziploc bag with napkins in it to protect the napkins from absorbing a spill ahead of the spill
Genuinely curious if you mean used or unused dryer sheet? I do unused but intrigued if there are advantages to used?
The advantage of used dryer sheets is no white residue transferring onto my clothes!!
The dish soap and laundry detergent hacks are blowing my mind, genius!
I’m currently on a six month backpacking trip and some of the best things I’ve brought in a 12kg backpack (with limited space for a trip that covers lots of different climates) are: 1. A kobo – all the books, none of the weight! I use the libby app to borrow them from my library back home. 2. Pegs and rope – for the endless handwashing. 3. Trail runners – used for hiking and city walking. I have around 1000km in them over 4 months! 4. Sunscreen – no explanation needed 5. Packing cubes – these keep things organised in a backpack. Socks in one, undies in another, cold weather clothes in another and warm weather clothes in the final one!
I always, always pack my yoga toes, like these: https://yogatoes.com/ With all the walking during any trip, I inevitably get a Charley horse in my long second toes (I can’t help that I’m so glamorous, please, no photos, I’m with my family).
LOL
— a power bank for my phone because I use the maps app a lot while traveling and it drains that sucker — disinfecting wipes to wipe down my plane tray table and other areas — make up remover wipes to freshen my face after a long flight — melatonin for jet lag — a little fold up tote that takes up no space in my purse for farmers markets, a make-do beach bag, etc.
I am saving so many ideas here! Question for Jo and readers: I really want to take my daughter to NYC, but I’m struggling with lodging.Our key sticking point: I want a separate bedroom! We usually do an AirBnb or a hotel suite when we travel. But NYC hotel suites are insanely pricey and short-term rentals are limited, so I’m struggling to figure out a reasonable solution!
We’ve stayed several times at Radio City Apartments. Great location. 2 small bedrooms with couch, table/chairs, and a kitchenette for what we felt was a reasonable price considering other lodging.
Consider a short term rental in Hoboken or Jersey City–the PATH train gets you to NYC in minutes (its a quicker trip than getting to midtown from any other boro of the city), and although not super budget-friendly, it’s definitely more affordable than a hotel suite with a separate bedroom. If you have any late nights in the city planned (Broadway, etc.), you can Uber back and it will still be less expensive than staying in midtown.
Hoboken Airbnb with PATH into city is how we did it for family with three teens. Was great and actually nice to step out of the bustle into somewhere a little more chill
Look at the rooms and suites at Hotel Beacon NYC. Great location.
Hi Hilary – We just started using a home-swap-ish app called Kindred – stayed in Manhattan for a fraction of the price of an Airbnb or hotel. We’re traveling so much more now as a family! We’ve hosted 20+ nights in the past year and it’s been great. If you’re interested (zero pressure), my code to get 5 nights to travel before you host, once you’re verified: cor.zam https://livekindred.com?invite_code=cor.zam
Embassy Suites! Man, I loved that bedroom door when my babies were wee.
No travel tips that have not been mentioned but instead of Reeces, try Trader Joes Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter cups. Small bite size with the best flavor of any peanut butter cup.
This is 100% o travel tip…we travel from the store to our house…sometimes I get low blood sugar 😉
Yes, I always bring an alarm clock as well as a couple of night lights for my kids’ rooms. :)
Three unglamorous essentials if I’m traveling by plane, as someone who doesn’t check bags: 1. Pepto tablets and anti-diarrheals – I do NOT want to be on a plane or any other mode of transport with an upset stomach or worse. 2. A travel neck pillow *cover.* I bought a travel pillow with a zip-off cover, and I fill it with t-shirts and other small, soft, tightly-packable items of clothing to save room in my suitcase. It’s a little lumpy but it works just fine! 3. A roll-top compression bag. It takes no room to slip into a suitcase but it can be a lifesaver to pack down clothing on the return trip if you need space for souvenirs and other purchases.
I’m away at the moment, and forgot to pack one of my essentials – a tub of charcoal tablets! Is that a thing in the States too (I’m an honorary Brit, i.e. not technically but have lived there all my adult life)? Anyway, they help with bloating and I soooooo needed them last night. You know how it goes, you fly you fart. But I’m obviously not at home and can let rip as usual (like I said – honorary Brit) it got really bad. Which also why I also pack an extra pair of underwear because shit happens (apologies). I also always bring TWO books, especially if I’m starting a new one. I made the mistake of packing ‘Guns, germs and steel’ by Jared Diamond on a skip trip, which I was of course too wiped out to read before falling asleep ( I can’t fall asleep unless I read), and was then stuck. Earplugs are a must, as is a sleep mask, and a hot water bottle (unless it’s a summer holiday), because I feel the cold more than most people. Oh – and of course tea bags – Clippers Organic Everyday Tea just for the best taste of home. Honorary Brit 4 life 👊🏽
So many typos! Obviously I meant SKI trip – not skip trip, although maybe that could be a thing?
Where is that photo of you and the boys under the umbrella at the beach? Looks Mediterranean?
Italy last summer! https://cupofjo.com/2025/07/23/family-vacation-tuscany-where-to-stay/
I always make a grocery list in advance, because after a long trip, a foreign supermarket can be overwhelming. Especially when your kids ask a million questions about crisps and sweets in strange flavours. If I don’t bring my list, I tend to forget essentials like toilet paper and oil for baking and/or will loose it somewhere around the 5000 choices of desserts (hypermarché in France). After 14 family holidays, I come prepared.
YES! I do this to pass time on the plane. Even if I’m traveling within my own country, I get flustered in a grocery store and can’t remember what we buy. On the way home, I plan meals for the upcoming return week.
Black electrical tape and a tiny pair of scissors to cover all the bright points of light from all the appliances. I can’t sleep with all that!! I don’t press it down, just lay the tape over whichever lights then lift them off again before I leave. I really need to bring a binder clip like the other comment above for the curtains!!!! There’s always a gap with light city lights shining in.
Gwen, I do this too! I also have my BonCharge blackout sleep mask that my husband calls my snorkel because of the bulky resemblance to a scuba mask..but guess who’s eyes are comfy and protected and who still has to hunt for a dark t-shirt to cover his eyes!
The electrical tape trick is genius! Next trip I’ll cut a few pieces and stick them on a toiletry bottle to use as-needed. I’ll add – for curtain gaps, bobby pins or hair clips work well too – double duty!
Yessss
Use the pant and skirt hangers for hotel curtains!
I pack strips of blue 3M tape for this, just attach them to the inside of your suitcase and tear off pieces as needed.
so smart!
Last year I bought one of those travel pillows that roll up and I take it everywhere. Haven’t had a crick in my neck from wonky pillows since. highly recommend!
Oo which one
the Blackroll Recovery Pillow. It feels like someone is gently holding your head.
Washable travel slippers with their own bag (whatever is on the floor where I am can be washed away once I am home, and are ready for the next trip.) I cannot walk indoors in shoes out of lifelong habit and as I have no idea about the state of the carpets/floors where ever I may be, a familiar pair of house slippers puts me instantly at ease in an unfamiliar room and gets me from the room to my bed with clean feet.
Slippers have become a must-pack for me, too. I pack a pair of hard-soled ones (they were almost ready to be retired from at-home wear but are still fine for a few weekends a year).
Yesssss slippers! My mom always traveled with slippers or slipper socks. She kept slipper socks in her purse and so do I because we remove shoes in peoples’ homes and I like warm feet.
If I’m road tripping: A case of bubbly water, a Stanley cup full of ice, my Hoka slides, a bottle of wine to open once we arrive at the destination, and I’m definitely wearing a pair of yoga pants. If I’m flying: Still wearing the yoga estarants…but makers markets/craft showspants, add a long duster sweater and/or a large pashima weight scarf to double as a blanket. In both situations, a Kindle/boiks; and any info I’ve researched about my destination…not the typical tourist info/restaurants…but makers markets, craft shows, art fairs, and independent book stores!
I love a travel tips post! So many good things have been mentioned already, but my newest obsession is a Sleep Crown travel pillow https://www.sleepcrown.com/. It’s meant to go over your eyes but I use it every night as a regular pillow on top of the hotel pillow and it’s the perfect amount of snuggly and comfort, almost like your favorite blanket as a kid. Multi Action pain itch scar cream from Targets Up & Up brand, it has to be the one with bacitracin zinc. I use it in my nostrils to keep them moist and germs at bay. I also dab it on developing pimples at night and clears them right up! I’ll also include my list of must have’s for funsies: 1) kindle 2) snacks! Promix protein bar, that’s it fruit bar, oatmeal, truvani protein powder, mint tea 3) mask, sanitizer (Noshinku brand), Clorox wipes 4) reusable bag 5) apple air tag
Two must-haves for travel: slippers and a Brita water filter. I get grossed out with hotel floors so I have a cheap pair of travel slippers to walk around the hotel room/airbnb. I’m also bougie with my water and don’t like sink water or buying plastic water bottles. Highly recommend both!
Brita filter is so smart! but does it take up a lot of space? (I also hate drinking hotel tap water but won’t buy plastic bottles)
I travel in Europe for five weeks every summer and here are some things I bring: For the flight, always a red eye, a Cabeau hood https://cabeau.com/products/nap-now-hoodie?_pos=1&_sid=d976a1cd9&_ss=r&zCountry=US which obviates the need for a hoodie and an eye mask and folds up very small, a TRTL, a cheap pair of Panasonic wired clip headphones, Oscillococcinum and Emergen-C to take before the flight. For the journey: a Hero Clip, electrolytes {I love DripDrop} lip balm {Dr. Bronner’s is awesome} a power bank because taking photos and using GPS will wear out your phone battery by noon, a sling bag and a foldable backpack, indoor shoes that pack flat, a tiny travel pair of scissors, tweezers, and nail clippers, a portable bidet that consists of a rubber stopper that fits onto a squeezable plastic water bottle, combination reading/sunglasses for looking at a phone map in sunlight, compression socks, a handkerchief for mopping my face in the hot sun, a rubber ball for massaging my arches at night, a lightweight portable fan.
A postal tube. If you don’t need it you can stuff it full of socks, but we have brought statues, rolled up artworks, magazines, balsamic vinegar and all sorts in our postal tube. It is the saviour of souvenirs. 10/10
This is SO smart!
1. Hand sanitizing wipes! 2. Slippers (some disposable pairs from the hotels we stayed) 3. Peppermint essential oil, to refresh after using the bathroom 4. Japanese nylon wash cloth, it’s light, doesn’t take much space and dries fast 5. C.O. Bigelow My Favorite Night Balm No. 306, super moisturizing lip balm that smells comforting
A travel bottle of Everyday Oil when I need to forget about all the sensory exposure of the airport and have a spa moment to myself. Breathe in, breathe out ☺️ I put it on my hands, face, lips… and give myself a hand massage. It’s magic ✨
I love this stuff! On a trip with it now actually. It’s so good for my skin and all I use for perfume – with lots of compliments for the bright somewhat citrusy scent. Start with the 2-ish oz to try and then it makes the perfect travel bottle when you end up hooked :)
1. a small night light 2. a binder clip to hold unruly window coverings closed ❤️
Laura these are genius! Nothing worse than gappy curtains. Packing a clip for my trip next weekend now, thanks!
*Lauren, not Laura, I’m so sorry! Was clearly too excited to read properly!
I use my hair claw clips for this.
Hotels usually have hangers with clips on them and I use them for this exact purpose! Just clip both clips and the hanger stays
A portable luggage scale! No more scrambling on the floor of airports because too heavy!!
i listen to music on apple music (purchased songs only so always available offline) and i like to look for new music to listen to and load it up on the phone so i can associate the trip with a playlist. then later when i hear the songs the memories and sensations rush back! i love that. the more practical things, cleansing wipes (to reduce liquid container bulk in luggage), noise cancelling headphones, new book/tv shows loaded up just in case, and ipad where i type up my daily travel log (not so much exactly where i went and did, but the feelings! impressions!) – i forget so much without the photos/words.
Sweatpants. I am an obsessively efficient packer (I create an outfit spreadsheet before a trip so I can see at a glance what I’m doing, weather, activities, etc and remove any extraneous items I might only wear once) but I will never ever ever regret packing a pair of sweatpants. Not pajamas, not workout pants, not travel pants, SWEATPANTS. I’ve been to Paris, Vegas, the Adirondacks, and beyond, and literally never regretted packing them.
I use contact lens cases for bringing just a few day’s worth of creams. You get one with every new bottle of solution! Also the wrinkle spray.. works about as well as an iron. And yes, noise machine. Most hotel rooms let you turn the AC fan to On but..
The contact lens case idea is genius!
Packing bags right now for a trip to SF next week and I completely forgot to write down my sunscreen. That and chocolate both added!
Or buy chocolate here! Dandelion, Recchiuti, Charles chocolate… hope you have fun visiting our fair city.