The Travel Essentials That Helped Me Pack Light (and Right)

With summer travel season in full swing, I thought it might be helpful to share the travel essentials that actually worked for me on a recent trip. We just got back from Sarasota, where we watched Maddie race in her final high school event at USRowing Youth Nationals—a trip that was equal parts emotional, chaotic, and incredibly hot.

Packing for a six-day trip with just a carry-on and a backpack was something I hadn’t pulled off before—but this time, I was determined to keep things light, simple, and organized. And honestly? It worked.

This isn’t a list of viral packing hacks or trendy gadgets. It’s just what I actually used—practical, efficient, and thoughtfully chosen travel tools that made a real difference.

As I shared in this Substack post, where I included real-life photos of every outfit, I’m usually a chronic over-packer. But with a tight turnaround flying home, I kept things minimal—and I’m so glad I did. Our return flight got rerouted through Miami, and we ended up staying overnight before flying home the next morning. Not having to wait for checked luggage or risk it getting lost? A total win.

These are the items that helped me pack smart, stay organized, and feel pulled together the whole trip. If you’re planning a summer getaway and want to stick to carry-on only, these are the pieces I’d absolutely recommend.

I snapped this photo as we were packing up to leave. It’s not a perfect image, but it’s real life—and proof that everything stayed in place the entire trip. The packing cubes and pouches made it easy to keep things organized, even after six days of coming and going. No digging around or repacking every time we left the hotel—just a suitcase that actually worked with me, not against me.

The Travel Essentials I Used

Away The Carry-On Flex – Jet Black ($325)
I bought my Away Carry-On when they first launched, almost ten years ago, and it still looks brand new. The hard shell holds up beautifully, the wheels glide like a dream, and it somehow fits way more than you’d think. Even after all this time, the zippers and wheels are like new.

We use it constantly, for weekend trips, quick overnights, and carry-on-only flights. Ava just took it on her freshman trip to Disney – and that girl packs a lot. It fits easily in the overhead bin and can seriously take a beating. At this point, I’m thinking of getting one for each of our girls since the sole one we have has been in heavy rotation for years.

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L ($98)
This is technically Ava’s school bag. She’s had it since 7th grade, and she’s now a rising sophomore, so it’s been through a lot. I don’t usually travel with a backpack, but I grabbed this at the last minute knowing it would fit under the seat and come in handy during the week at the racecourse. And honestly? It was perfect.

It has a separate laptop sleeve, and it fit way more than I expected: a hardcover book, a sweatshirt, a small pouch with makeup and hand sanitizer—all the essentials—with room to spare. The design is lightweight but structured, so it doesn’t feel bulky. It also slips right over the handle of a suitcase, which makes airport navigation a whole lot easier. Comfortable, practical, and kind of chic? Big fan.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag ($38)
What’s a trip to the airport without the Everywhere Bag? Honestly, this thing is so good. I know there’s chatter about belt bags being “over,” but I wouldn’t pay it any mind. It’s incredibly functional, and I use mine every time I travel.

I wear it crossbody through the airport so everything—wallet, ID, lip balm—is right where I need it. Then, once I board, I slip it into my backpack so it’s all in one place. It basically is my wallet at this point, just with room for a few extras. Simple, hands-free, and still cute.

BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes – Set of 6 ($30.99)
I’ve mentioned these before, and I’ll keep mentioning them because they really are that good. Compression packing cubes are one of those little things that completely change how you pack, especially when you’re trying to stay carry-on only.

I used one cube for dresses (I packed six and wore four — you can see all of them over on Substack), one for sleepwear and undergarments, and another for daytime activewear. When we got to the hotel, I just placed each cube directly into a drawer. I don’t even unpack them. Everything stays zipped and contained, but easy to access. It keeps the room neat and makes it super easy to grab what I need without digging through my bag.

When it was time to head home, I used the largest cube for dirty clothes and kept anything clean separate. Everything stayed organized from start to finish.

Travel Jewelry Organizer ($24.99)
This little case is perfect for keeping all your jewelry in one place. It’s compact, but it holds more than you’d think. Rings, studs, a couple of dainty necklaces, even my bracelets — all without anything getting tangled or lost in the bottom of your bag.

When I travel, I leave it right on the bedside table so I can take off my earrings or necklace at the end of the day and keep everything together. It makes getting dressed the next morning so much easier (and has definitely saved me from leaving something behind).

Rechargeable Reading Light ($15.99)
Okay, so this isn’t exactly a packing essential, but it is one of those little things that makes travel so much more comfortable. It’s a lightweight, rechargeable reading light that I keep clipped to my book at night in hotel rooms, especially when everyone else is asleep. I’ve also started using it on flights.

I hate turning on the overhead light. It always feels too bright and like I’m disturbing the person next to me. This gives me just the right amount of light to read without bothering anyone. Highly recommend if you’re a nighttime reader or just like a little soft light for winding down.

Mesh Zipper Pouches – Set of 21 in Various Sizes ($11.99)
For under $12, you get 21 mesh zipper pouches in a mix of sizes, and I use them for everything. You’ve definitely heard me rave about these before, but they’re truly one of my favorite travel organization tools.

I keep chargers and cords in one, and use another for mid-flight essentials like hand sanitizer, lip balm, hair ties, and gum—basically anything I want easy access to without digging through my bag. They’re lightweight, see-through, and help keep everything neat and contained. I’ve stocked up on multiple sets over the years and use them constantly for travel, in my work tote, and even in my car.

Hair Tools Travel Bag + Heat Resistant Mat ($34.99)
This is one of those things I didn’t know I needed until I had it, and now I won’t travel without it. It’s a slim, lightweight bag designed for heat tools like curling irons and flat irons, and the outer flap doubles as a heat-resistant mat, which makes styling on hotel counters so much easier (and safer).

Inside, there are small pockets for clips or travel-sized products. And when you’re packing up, you don’t have to wait for your tools to cool completely. Just roll them up in the mat and zip it shut. It keeps everything neat and separate, and protects the rest of your suitcase from heat damage or tangled cords.

I was able to fit our Shark FlexStyle (which I reviewed here), plus a small hairspray and heat protectant, everything I needed for styling, in one compact spot.

Ulta Fold Flat Makeup Bag – Icy Blue ($39)
During my usual last-minute Ulta run the night before our trip (because of course I forgot to restock my travel sizes), I picked up this makeup bag, and I ended up loving it. It fit all of my makeup and skincare, even after I pared things down a bit knowing the Florida heat would melt off anything too heavy.

It’s soft and lightweight but still holds its shape, and you can easily tuck it into your suitcase without it taking up too much space. I’m usually pretty loyal to my old favorites, but this might be a new go-to.

Weighted Sleep Mask ($16.99)
Not essential, but definitely worth knowing about. This weighted sleep mask made a big difference during our six nights in the hotel. It’s gently weighted, super soft, and blocks out just enough light to help you actually fall asleep in an unfamiliar space—which is half the battle when traveling.

I brought it on a whim, but ended up using it every night. If hotel room sleep is usually hit or miss for you too, this is a little luxury that really helps.

A Few Final Thoughts

None of these are groundbreaking travel hacks, but they are the exact things that made packing—and actually living out of a carry-on for almost a week—easier, neater, and way less stressful. I used every single one of these items throughout the trip, and I’d pack them all again in a heartbeat.

If you’re curious what I actually wore in Florida (real outfits, sunburns, and all), you can catch today’s post over on Substack:
👉 Florida Outfits, Real Life Edition.

It’s a casual roundup of what I wore each night and how I kept it simple, pulled together, and breathable in the Florida heat.