There are a few requirements a bag has to have to work in all my travel scenarios. One is a laptop sleeve since sometimes I travel for work and the trip is so long I have to pack my work bag. The second is a luggage handle strap. If I’m going all over the airport with my wheeled carry-on, I don’t want to have to carry my personal item or worry about it falling off my wheeled carry-on. Lastly, it needs to be counted as a personal item. My anxiety doesn’t want to take the risk every time I board a plane that the flight attendant will make me check my wheeled carry-on because my personal item is too large.

If this sounds like you, keep reading for my complete, honest review.

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

About Everlane

You may know Everlane as the American clothing retailer that provides timeless, sustainable, and ethically sourced fashion, but do you also know they carry bags, shoes, and accessories? I’ve been shopping from them online (I don’t live near any of their 11 stores) for years and can attest that the quality is phenomenal for the very fair pricing.

Compartments in the Everlane Weekender Duffle

Aside from the padded laptop sleeve requirement I noted above, the Everlane Weekender bag has a few compartments, and they are all quite handy!

In the interior of the bag are two water bottle pouches, one on either end of the bag. There is also an interior zipper pocket to put things you want to keep extra secure. I like putting my wallet in that pocket, along with items that normally go in my purse.

On the exterior of the bag is a rather long pocket where I put things I’ll need easy access to, like my ID, earbuds, and hand sanitizer.

Straps on the Everlane Bag

The people at Everlane have thought of everything! There are three ways to hold the bag, and then a luggage sleeve to put over the carry-on handle if you don’t want to hold it.

There are two hand straps, over-the-shoulder straps (9″), and a padded adjustable cross-body strap (51″). I probably use the over-the-shoulder straps the most but all three options have come in handy depending on the circumstance.

All of the straps are black, so depending on the color bag they are monochromatic or contrasting. I love the color combination of the light neutral warm quartz against the black straps.

Structure

Some pretty popular carry-ons are very structured, especially if they have a shoe compartment at the bottom. I love that the Everlane isn’t structured ( I mean it holds its shape but there are no hard edges) so I never have to worry if I’ll be able to squeeze it into a space.

The Everlane bag has fit as a personal item on every flight I’ve flown on last year, and I never had a flight attendant question it. I can’t say the same thing for some of the other bags I’ve seen in the airport.

The official dimensions of the bag are 14.2″ H x 7.3″ W x 19.5″ L so check if this will work with your airline, but I’ve had zero issues on United and their partner airlines.

Materials of the ReNew Transit Weekender

The main body of the bag is made of water-resistant 100% recycled polyester, and I’ve found that it holds up very well! Because it’s not leather, I’m not too worried about ruining it while traveling. Although I have a couple of marks on it, there has not been one rip, tear, or snag.

Price

At the time of publishing, the Weekender Bag is $95. I looked at a lot of bags and all of them were over $100. Free shipping doesn’t kick in until you spend $100 on the website, but at that price, I’m ok with spending on shipping. Or you can add one of their basics to your cart and get something to put inside your bag!

Colors

The bag is offered in five timeless, neutral colorways, all with black straps. I have warm quartz and it looks great dressed down or dressed up.

Final Verdict of the Everlane Weekender

I 1,000% would recommend the Everlane Weekender and would buy it again! It met all of my requirements needed for a bag, and I can’t believe the quality for the price. Honestly, there isn’t one thing I would change.

If you have any questions leave a comment down below and I’m happy to answer!

If you loved this review, check out these other travel-related posts!

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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The post Everlane ReNew Transit Weekender Bag: An Honest Review appeared first on Very Obsessed.

If you read to the bottom you can sign up to get a free downloadable travel planning timeline, just pop in the date of your vacation and it will tell you when you need to complete all the below steps. Happy planning!

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Apply For Global Entry

In the US the Customs and Border Protection offers a program that allows low-risk travelers to apply for expedited customs clearance. You’ll need to pay the fee, apply, and then go in for an interview. It’s a completely optional thing to do but it can save a lot of time going through customs. If you don’t already have TSA Pre-check (which allows for an easier time going through security), this is a no-brainer because you’ll get both with the Global Entry approval.

If you think you will travel internationally more than once in five years (which is how long Global Entry is good for) you may want to check this out. Anything that can take the hassle out of traveling is worth it to me. Plus, when it’s been a 10+ hour travel day, don’t you just want to get home already?

Book Airfare

The timing of when to book International airfare and Domestic airfare is a little different. International you’ll probably want to book further out and Domestic you have a little more time with. Also, if you are planning on using points then you’ll most likely want to start your search earlier as airlines only allot a certain number of redeemable seats.

I like using apps like Kayak that recommend if you should buy now or wait, and you can also set up alerts for price changes.

Related: An Honest Review of the Excellence Playa Mujeres Resort Near Cancun, Mexico

Book Rental Car

If you will be driving in your destination then you’ll probably need to book a rental car. My recommendation is to do it sooner rather than later but check the cancellation policy. Usually, there is a flexible policy so you can lock the rate in at what you feel comfortable with, but if it goes down you can cancel and rebook.

In the U.S. I’ve found that if I book a car through Costco Travel it’s the same price as elsewhere, but for an upgraded model.

Note if you are driving internationally you’ll get a better rate if you book a standard transmission over an automatic, but make sure that you feel comfortable on all types of terrain (the hills are alive with the sound of music, you know).

Related: International Travel Tips for Beginners

Book Train Tickets

If I’m taking a relatively short train ride (a couple of hours) I tend to purchase the ticket right before I get on the train. That way I have more flexibility on the day of departure and I’m not a prisoner to the schedule. Let’s say I decide I want to have brunch in my departure city then I’ll leave later. If I’m eager to get to my new destination, then I may want to take the first train out.

However, like most things, if there is a limited supply and I’m dead set on what I want to take then I book it in advance. Let’s say I’m planning to take an overnight train from Florence to Munich, I’m going to want to make sure I book that in advance (I’ve had to share a sleeper car with strangers before and it is not ideal).

Apply For Passport

Most people know that if you are traveling internationally then you’ll need a passport. But what some may not realize is that even if you have a passport, but it expires within six months of your trip, you’ll need to renew it prior to leaving.

Apply For Visa

To visit some international destinations you may need a travel visa, depending on your length of stay. I’ve used this company in the past and they have a tool for you to check your destination requirements.

Schedule Travel Vaccinations

Just like a travel visa, vaccination requirements are dependent on your destination. It may also be required or recommended that you start on preventative medication before you leave the U.S. The U.S Department of Health & Human Services is a great resource to make sure you are up to speed on all requirements.

Research this early because you never know how long it will take to get an appointment at a vaccine clinic or your doctor. If you need a vaccine administered 4-6 weeks in advance, you may need to call much earlier to secure the appointment.

Book Hotels

I’ve learned this lesson the hard way but I highly recommend booking a refundable rate. It may cost a little more in the short term, but if something happens you won’t lose your money and you’ll save in the long run. If the room rate decreases after you book then you can cancel (according to the refundable rate policy) and rebook at a lower price.

If you are flexible with where you stay and aren’t a big planner, you may be able to get a great last-minute deal. I, for one, would be anxious about planning a trip in advance and not having a room booked. But if that’s not you, then booking the hotel the day prior to your vacation or the day of may result in a great rate since guests may have taken advantage of the 24-48 hour cancelation policy.

Redeeming points may take a little bit more research (what method takes the lowest amount of points, transferring points, etc.) so I recommend booking this as soon as the rooms are released. Also, just like airlines, there will be a limited amount of rooms in each tier that are redeemable so do that as soon as you can.

Related: Unexpected Travel Essentials

Make Dining Reservations

If you have your heart set on dining at a specific spot, especially if it’s a popular destination, this will take a little more research.

A lot of restaurants open up reservations 30 days in advance so you can book it then, but somewhere like Disney World is 60 days in advance and you won’t want to wait until that 30 days or you will miss out. One of my favorite places in my city only opens up reservations 3 days in advance so I set my alarm that morning to book.

I recommend researching well in advance, around 3 months out. Then make a list of the places you’d like to dine at, find out when their reservations open up, and add that date to your calendar. It may seem like a lot of work, but it will be worth it. Especially if it’s a destination you aren’t certain you’ll revisit.

Get an International Driving Permit

Some countries require an international driving permit, IDP, so if you are planning on driving a car you’ll want to see if your destination does. An IDP is an official translation of your US Drivers License, so you’ll need that first and foremost. I’ve gone to AAA and applied, it’s relatively inexpensive and you don’t need to be a member.

Depending on who you talk to an IDP may or may not be totally necessary. I tend to err on the side of caution when following international laws, the last thing I need is a Brokedown Palace situation (I mean that’s an extreme example, but you get the point).

Shop for Specific Clothes and/or Gear

After what can seem like forever planning a vacation, inevitably the date quickly approaches, and then I’m like, ‘oh wait, I wanted to get a new bathing suit, raincoat, etc.’ So don’t do this and wait until the last minute and then buy something you don’t really like only because that’s what time you allowed.

Make a list of things you don’t have in your closet that you want for your trip and then start researching. Give yourself plenty of time to research, order, and have it shipped.

Related: The Best Travel Sized Toiletries and Make-up Items

Shop for Toiletries

Since I’m a consistent traveler I like to keep my toiletry bag stocked at all times. And if I run out of something on my trip, when I get back I order a new one so my bag is ready to go for my next vacation. However, if you don’t travel that often then take stock of what travel-sized items you have already, and what you need. Just like shipping for clothes, you want to give yourself enough time to buy the good stuff and not just run to the drugstore because it’s the night before and you realize you don’t have a travel-sized dry shampoo (of course not speaking from personal experience).

Also, I read something years ago and it shifted my way of thinking about packing toiletries. Even if you are checking a bag and can bring your full-size bottles doesn’t mean you should. Do you really want to take up precious space carrying around something you know there is no way you’ll ever use? Think about how much space, for no reason, a full-size shampoo, conditioner, and lotion bottle would take up. If you buy these containers and transfer those three things could take up less space than one full-size bottle. And a lot of brands offer travel sizes you can buy too…but only if you give yourself the time to buy them.

Apps for Vacation Planning

I’m known to book a vacation entirely on my phone. Here are my favorite apps for vacation planning.

• Kayak | I like to use this to search for flights since it advises you when to buy and you can set an alert, but you can also look for rental cars and hotels
• Skyscanner | Another app I use to search for flights when I’m flexible, a cool feature is it will show you prices for different date ranges
• Booking.com | If I’m not looking to redeem or earn points I start my hotel search here to see everything that is available
• Hotel Tonight | This is the place to go to find a last-minute hotel deal, the day I wrote the post a 5-star hotel in Chicago was $700 off the regular price. It’s a great staycation App
• VRBO | I’m not usually a rental home kind of person, but if that’s the route I’m taking I like VRBO filtering options
• Tripadvisor | A great place to see reviews and for hotels but also a place to review and book excursions
• OOO | A recent addition to my travel app vacation planning, you can follow people and see what they recommend. I only just started adding recommendations, but if you download it make sure to follow me @ VeryObsessed

Map for Vacation Planning

As an elder Millennial (sure we’ll go with that), I remember the days when we traveled with paper maps, but I don’t miss them. I love not having to carry bulky things when I travel so having a map on my phone is ideal. However, there are those times when you don’t want to use data, or you don’t have a new SIM card yet, or the service is just awful. So for those times, how do we plan ahead? Google Maps is the answer.

There are two different ways to use Google Maps for vacation planning.

1. Use it only as a map | To have a map at all times open the Google Maps app on your phone, search your destination city, and click download. Now that map will be on your phone for a year and will be available, even if you are offline.
2. Use it for specific destinations | If you want a map that details points of interest then open the Google Maps app on your phone, search for a specific place, click save, create a new list, and name the list. Keep adding spots to the list and then when you are looking at the map (which you can download) you’ll see where those spots are and when you are near one.

Take the Stress Out of Planning Your Trip! Download the Free Vacation Timeline Planner Today.

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

How to use Your Cell Phone?

Everything is on our phones so it’s pretty important to figure out a game plan with yours before you go.

You have options! Most service providers offer an international phone plan, that may be the easiest and the most expensive. Reach out to your provider in advance and you’re good to go, just don’t be shocked when the bill comes.

The other option is to keep your plan but when you get to your destination airport look for a kiosk selling SIM cards. Tell the clerk your needs and they’ll tell you which one is right for you. Pop your old SIM card out (DON’T LOSE IT!!!) pop the new one in and your good to go. In my experience, this cost is about 1/3-1/2 of what you’ll spend if you change to an international plan. But…it’s essentially not your phone so you won’t have any phone numbers or contacts stored, which is not a big deal if you plan ahead.

Most buildings have free wi-fi, and in Europe a lot of places have it in public places like the park. Keep that in mind when you are figuring out how much data you think you’ll need.

I’ve done both of the options. If money is no object and you are looking for convenience, go with the phone plan. If you’d rather spend that money on shopping or a meal, go with the SIM card.

Electrical Outlets

As annoying as it is, many countries have different electrical outlets. If you are planning on plugging something in (like a phone) you’ll need the US to whatever country adapter. I like this universal adapter that works in Europe and the UK (because of course, they’re different outlets in London and Paris) since it doesn’t take up a lot of space and there aren’t a bunch of parts to keep track of. Plus USB’s are always a win.

Check into Visa Requirements

You generally need a passport to travel overseas so that’s not a tip, but more of a given. What may not be a given is depending on where you go you may need a Visa. I never really paid attention to Visas, I thought they were more for extended trips until I went to China.

In some countries, you need a Visa to visit, even for a short vacation. I’ve used this company to get mine and they’ve been great to work with. Check out the link and you’ll see which countries you need a visa for, even if visiting as a tourist.

Related: Unexpected travel essentials that don’t take up a lot of space

Get Vaxed and Waxed (and other medications)

Depending on where you go you may need to get a vaccine or start on medication. An African safari is on my bucket list and to visit vaccines & medication are recommended and required. If you do need to get a vaccine do your research and book the appointment far enough in advance. I would say 4-6 weeks before departure to make sure you are fully immunized. The CDC and the State Department have great resources to research what’s required and what’s recommended.

International Currency Exchange

Like the phone, there are multiple ways to exchange currency, but I always recommend having some cash on you.

My favorite option is to contact your bank and tell them you’d like to exchange some currency. It’s convenient because you just tell them how much you want, they’ll withdraw it out of your account and hand you cash in your desired currency. Not only is it easy, but they usually have the best exchange rate as well. You’ll need to plan ahead because most banks don’t keep a lot of foreign currency on hand, this can usually take a couple of days in my experience (in a large city).

If you failed to plan but have time at the airport before departure, there will be International Currency Exchange Kiosks. These are also convenient but generally don’t have the best rate and can somewhat have high fees. But hey, do you really want to land with zero cash?

If you find yourself running low on cash at your destination you can go to a bank and use your ATM card for a withdrawal. You’ll probably be out of network, so you may get hit with fees from that bank and your bank, but because it’s a bank the exchange rate is generally pretty fair.

Using Credit Cards Abroad

Find a card that doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees so you aren’t charged every time you use it. You want to make sure that you are actually able to use the card and it’s not flagged as potential fraud, so notify the card company in advance. I’ve learned the hard way when I forget to give the dates and locations to my card company when the charge doesn’t go through. It’s embarrassing enough in the US, but you do not want this while in a foreign country.

Credit cards may not be accepted everywhere they are in the US, which is another reason it’s always good to carry some cash. On our last cab ride out of the UK (they didn’t allow ride-sharing at the time) we found ourselves with not enough cash and he didn’t take credit cards. That was uncomfortable! If memory serves me he settled for all the Pounds we had but it is not something I’ll repeat again.

When you use your credit card you’ll be asked if you want the transaction to be done in local currency or your home currency. Meaning…if you are from the U.S. and are traveling to Europe they’ll ask if you want it in US dollars or Euros. It might seem convenient to have it in US dollars so you know exactly what you are being charged but don’t do it! The restaurant, hotel, whatever it is can use whatever exchange rate they want. You want to use local currency and then the exchange rate should be very close to the market rate.

International Air Travel

It’s pretty widely known that business class and first class are where you get a lot of benefits and amenities. But you do get some perks in economy long-haul international travel that you don’t get in domestic. Generally, you’ll get full meal service as well as complimentary beer & wine. The food may not be great but at least it’s one less thing you have to pack (although I’m a big snack packer when I travel).

If you do want to spring for business class or first class or get the opportunity to upgrade, do it!!! Most long-haul international business class flights have 100% laydown seats, more space, better food and beverage options, and an amenity kit. You will get to your destination more refreshed than sitting in economy.

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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Even in a non-pandemic world, there are times when it’s just not feasible to travel.  So when you have that travel itch, but just can’t scratch it, reference this list for some fun staycation ideas on how to get away without getting away. 

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Have an At-Home Tasting Night

Create your very own boozy tasting night at home. Brandy, vodka, wine, beer, the options are endless. You can either get something put together, like this brandy tasting kit, or choose to buy 3 bottles of whatever intrigues you. Add a little sustenance, a charcuterie board for beer night, a cheese board for wine night, and a chocolate board for brandy night. With the alcohol tasting and the accouterment, you’ll have the whole evening planned out.

If you have some brandy leftover, definitely make this Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet cocktail.

Read a Book That Transports You

I’m a bookworm and I have been all my life.  Part of the magic of a book is the ability to get so engrossed you forget where you are or what is happening around you, responsibilities be damned!

While you are in staycation mode I highly recommend reading a book that takes place somewhere else.  For me, I love to read books that take place in Europe.  Since I’m pretty familiar with it I can picture myself in the locations they reference.  Some of my favorite books with a European setting are The Idea of You, Angels & Demons, and A Moveable Feast.  Pretty eclectic list but that’s the point, any sort of story can take place there.

Attend a Virtual Cooking Class

One of the silver linings of a global pandemic is how many awesome things are available online now that only used to be available to do in person before. I enjoy cooking, mainly because I really enjoy eating and entertaining, but it’s not something I’m great at. I would definitely be intimidated to take a class with other people so a virtual class is a great option. It’s a fun, new activity to try in the comfort (and judgement-free zone) of my own home. Here are a couple that I’m scoping out:

• Serena Wolf Sign up for a class with an acclaimed chef. While I haven’t done this yet, my friend highly recommends it!
• Masterclass This is a little bit of an investment because you are only paying for the pre-recorded classes and then you buy the ingredients yourself, but this is almost like a culinary education. If you go this route, this is learning the best from the best. BBQ from a James Beard Winner, Italian from a 3 Michelin star chef, and so much more. And really that’s just the tip of the iceberg because there’s so much else offered in the Masterclass membership. Actually, this would make a great gift too…

Plan an Epic Vacation

Just because we can’t travel doesn’t mean we can’t spend this time dreaming about travel.  Use the time now to research destinations and then once you pick a destination you can really plan where you want to go and what you want to do.  You can also use this time to be strategic in earning and using travel points.  It will also give you something to look forward to, which I know I could very much use. 

My biggest problem here will be narrowing places down.  After so long do you go someplace you know and love or someplace you’ve been dying to try?  On top of my love list are Paris, London, and Mexico.  On my dying to try list are Bali, Amalfi Coast, and Africa.

And while you’re planning your next vacation, check out my unexpected travel essentials so you’re ready to go!

Experience a Virtual Show

With so much going virtual, now is the perfect time to try a show that you normally wouldn’t be able to go to.  At the beginning of the pandemic, a lot of shows were held on Zoom, but recently I’ve noticed things becoming more sophisticated, aka, less technical difficulties.  

The possibilities are endless, but here’s where I am: 

• I’ve attended a Heather McMahan virtual show.  If you aren’t familiar with her she is a comedian I found on Instagram and she’s blown up.  She’s hysterical, has a spot on Ina Garten impression, and honestly, I just want to be her friend.  If she holds another one I highly recommend it.  
• I bought a ticket for a live Bitch Sesh show, after attending one last year in person I’m interested to see how it will compare.  Since I already love the podcast I imagine it’s going to be good.  
• I’m looking forward to the Chicago Magic Lounge virtual Cocktail Hour.  Their close-up magic is amazing, I’m always shocked at how I can’t figure it out while I’m there and it’s 6 inches in front of my face.  A fun magic show is so unusual and from living in different cities I know it’s not something you can find everywhere so this is a cool opportunity to see it. UPDATE: I did the Chicago Magic Lounge show and it was great (had an Old Fashioned cocktail or two with it) and it was great. A friend did it and she didn’t love some of the magicians, so your experience can be dependent on who you get for the show.

Pour a Themed Vacay Cocktail

What better way to enjoy movie night than to experience the location.  Enjoy an Aperol Spritz while watching The Talented Mr. Ripley, chill with a Pina Colada while watching The Wrong Missy, or sip Champagne while watching Moulin Rouge.

If you want to immerse yourself completely make it a full night and prepare (or order in) a full-themed meal.  I love a good theme party, and there’s no reason it can’t be a party of one.  

Get Intimate With Where You Live

Have you ever noticed that it’s not until company comes to visit that you do touristy things?  A staycation is a great time to be a tourist in your city.  It’s kind of cliche, but cliche but because it’s true.  Take this opportunity to see what your city has to offer.  And in cases like a pandemic, or maybe just because you are an introvert, explore some of the lesser-known places.  

Since I live in a city I feel like I’m getting away when I can feel disconnected from the city and all its people.  For me, that’s going for a walk on the lakeshore, having a leisurely picnic in a park, or finding a hiking trail.  I wouldn’t say I’m the outdoorsy type (although dining alfresco is one of my all-time favorite things) but connecting with nature takes me out of my element.

When you are ready to travel again, check out these 3-Day Itineraries and your next trip is planned for you!

3-Day Chicago Itinerary for Spring & Summer

3-Day Sonoma County Itinerary (including more than wine!)

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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The below items are what I think of as unexpected travel essentials. I bring them with me on every trip. Do I use them every time? No. But they don’t take up a lot of space and they do make a big difference when I need them.

Take a look and see if you find these helpful while traveling.

This post contains affiliate links, from which I may earn a small commission. See disclosure for details.

Electrolyte Drink Mix

These little electrolyte powder packets slip easily into your purse or carry-on. I bring a couple with me for every trip, because you never know when you might have a little too much fun. Hydration the next day is key.

Go Shopping

Packable Jacket

I get cold very easily and I’ve been known to show up unprepared and then have to buy a warm layer. Let me tell you first hand, when you have to buy fashion out of necessity and are limited to options, that’s no fun.

I bought my jacket at the Uniqlo at Disney World, but it’s one of their consistent best items. It packs up into a little carrying case, but when you need it provides enough warmth.

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Lint Roller

A lint roller is imperative if you have a pet, but even if you don’t, you never know when a scarf or blanket or sweater will shed. And if you wear black as much as I do…forget about it.

One time I was in NYC interviewing for a new job and I did not have a pet and had no lint roller. I can’t remember what caused all the lint but it was bad and there was no way I could interview like that. Cut to me trying to find a Duane Reade at all hours of the night so I could look profesh. That was the last time I made that mistake.

What I love about this lint roller compact, it’s retractable so it doesn’t stick to other things in your bag, and it’s refillable (let’s help the climate out).

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Compression Packing Cubes

Packing cubes have been a total gamechanger for me in organizing my travel. And compression packing cubes actually save space, so these are a no-brainer.

If you aren’t familiar with packing cubes there are a couple of trains of thought when organizing. Organize by category or organize by outfit. I use both depending on what type of trip I’m going on. If I’m going on a shorter trip I pack by outfit (one cube is for day 1, one cube is for day 2, one cube is for sleepwear, etc). But if I’m going on a long trip (let’s say to Europe) then I’ll pack by category knowing I’ll probably rewear some items (one cube is for pants, one cube is for sweaters, one cube is for sleepwear, etc).

Not only do packing cubes help to organize, they also keep your clothes so much cleaner, you don’t need to worry about shoes touching or outside elements getting in, like that one time I picked up my luggage in China and everything was wet inside (that’s when I switched to hardside luggage).

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Silicone Travel Bottles

I read somewhere years ago that just because you are checking luggage, doesn’t mean that you need to take the full-size product bottle. That was like a light bulb went off in my head. Previously when I carried on I would take whatever travel-sized toiletry I could find, and then when I checked I would bring my regular product. That was troublesome for two reasons.

#1 – when I carried on I wasn’t happy using products that weren’t part of my routine. #2 – I was using precious space in checked baggage on full-size shampoo, conditioner, etc. even though I was only going to use a small portion of it.

So I decided to start using reusable travel containers. No more using products I don’t like, no more throwing more plastic away (I mean recycling), and no more taking up excess space. After years of trying different brands and types, I’ve found these to be the best. Note that the online reviews are great but I’ve been using them for years with no problem. Easy to fill, easy to get the product out, and never once have I had a leak.

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Pill Organizer

Maybe I’m showing my age…but when it comes to taking supplements I need to be organized. What I love about this specific 7-day pill organizer is that the days are separate so you don’t need to bring the full week with you if you are only going to be gone for two nights. Weekend trip? Just slip Saturday and Sunday in your bag.

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Compression Socks

I started wearing compression socks to fly on long flights (over 3 hours) a few years ago and love it. I bought them because I had kept on hearing about the dangers of blot clots, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long-haul flights. One way to combat is to get up every hour. I knew I wasn’t going to do that so I figured this was better than nothing.

So while I can’t really speak to if compression socks work, and I’m no medical professional, what I do know is that I love the way they feel and I haven’t had a clot yet. They are snug on the calf, not tight. Like a hug and they also help keep me warm.

I put them on in the airplane before takeoff and take them off when we land, but if that tight little spot is too tiny then I recommend putting them on before you board. Just be cognizant of your travel outfit that day though, if you are wearing leggings you might not want to roam the airport in knee-high compression socks, but it doesn’t bother me on the airplane. If you know, you know.

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Electric Toothbrush

I am a long-time Sonicare user, but there is no denying the fact that it is bulky and takes up a lot of space. So for a long time I travelled with a basic, manual toothbrush…big difference.

I decided to compromise and get an electric toothbrush that does a better job than a manual toothbrush but takes up the same amount of space.

What I love about this toothbrush specifically is that it’s sleek, comes with a travel case, and doesn’t have me throwing away plastic toothbrushes after every trip.

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Power Bank

Traveling, especially by yourself, is no time for a dead battery. I’ve traveled too many times where I’ve relied on the plane to have a usb outlet and it’s an old plane, or it’s not working, or something happens and it’s stuck watching the battery life drain from my phone hoping I’ll have enough juice to get a Lyft.

The peace of mind of having a backup battery is priceless. These days I have a removable power bank in my carry-on so it’s always with me when I travel and doesn’t take up extra space. But if you aren’t in the market for new luggage this power bank is great too. For the times when I’m not taking that carry-on, this is what we take. It has multiple USB’s and charges electronics very fast.

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DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

Looking for places to travel with your new essentials? Check out the guides below:

Best of Chicago

Best of Sonoma

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