What I Actually Pack for Every Trip
I've read a thousand travel packing lists, and most of them are either wildly unrealistic ("just bring three items and rewear everything!") or written by people who clearly don't travel much ("don't forget your passport!").
This is what I actually bring. The luggage I've tested across dozens of trips, the resort wear that survives multiple wears and hotel laundry, the skincare that doesn't leak or get confiscated at security. These are things I've bought, used, replaced when they wore out, and would genuinely recommend.
No affiliate links disguised as advice. Just what works.
The Luggage That's Actually Worth It
I've tried budget luggage, luxury luggage, and everything in between. Here's what I've learned: cheap luggage is expensive in the long run. You'll replace it. Invest once in something good.
Carry-On: Away Bigger Carry-On
I resisted Away for years because it felt too trendy, too "Instagram brand." Then I bought one for a short trip and now I own three.
The Bigger Carry-On is my most-used piece. It fits in overhead bins (even on smaller regional planes), has a removable battery for charging devices, and the compression system actually works — I can fit a week's worth of clothes plus shoes if I pack smart.
The hard shell protects what's inside. The smooth wheels genuinely roll well even on cobblestones. And when something did break (a zipper after two years of heavy use), their customer service replaced it without drama.
What I love: The ejectable battery is genuinely useful during long layovers. The interior compression helps maximize space.
What to know: It's an investment ($295), but it lasts. I've had mine for three years of constant travel and it still looks new.
Worth it? Absolutely. This is the one piece of luggage I'd buy again without hesitation.
Checked Bag: CALPAK Luka Duffel
For longer trips where I need to check a bag, I use the CALPAK Luka duffel. It's soft-sided, which means it's more forgiving with weight limits (you can compress it down), and it looks more sophisticated than a typical rolling suitcase.
The leather details hold up well. The strap is comfortable for carrying when you inevitably have to lug it up stairs. And it fits enough for two weeks without becoming unmanageably heavy.
What I love: The flexibility. Soft-sided bags just work better for the way I travel.
What to know: No wheels, so you're carrying it. Fine for me, but consider if you have mobility issues.
Worth it? If you prefer duffels over wheelies and value style as much as function, yes.
Weekender: CALPAK Stevyn Duffel Bag
For weekend trips or as a personal item on flights, the CALPAK Stevyn is perfect. It's elegant enough to not look like a gym bag, structured enough to stand up on its own, and the laptop sleeve means I can fit my work setup plus clothes for 2-3 days.
I use this constantly — quick trips, personal item on long flights, beach bag when I arrive. It's the most versatile bag I own.
What I love: The structure. It doesn't collapse into a sad pile when you set it down.
Worth it? For frequent travelers, absolutely.
Packing Cubes: Actually Use Them
I was skeptical of packing cubes for years. They felt like unnecessary organization theater. Then I tried them on a two-week trip through Europe and I'm never going back.
I use basic compression packing cubes from Amazon (the fancy ones aren't worth the premium). One for tops, one for bottoms, one for swimwear/workout clothes, one for underwear. It makes finding things easy, keeps everything compressed, and makes hotel living more organized.
The system: Pack by category, not by outfit. It's more flexible and makes more sense when you're actually traveling.
Worth it? Yes. Even the cheap ones make a massive difference.
The Resort Wear That Actually Works
I've learned the hard way what works for resort travel and what falls apart after one wear or looks cheap in photos. Here's what actually survives and looks good.
Linen Everything
Good linen is the best fabric for warm-weather travel. It breathes, it doesn't wrinkle in a way that looks bad (it looks intentionally relaxed), and it always looks expensive.
I pack linen pants, linen dresses, linen button-downs. Brands I like: Reformation for dresses, Everlane for basics, and Massimo Dutti for tailored pieces.
What to look for: 100% linen, not linen blend. The real thing performs better and ages better.
Care: Most can be hand-washed in the hotel sink and hung to dry. Crucial for long trips.
The One-Piece Swimsuit
I bring bikinis, but the swimsuit I wear most is a well-cut one-piece. It photographs better, works for both swimming and lounging, and I don't have to worry about anything shifting.
My current favorite is from Jade Swim — minimal, elegant, good coverage without being matronly. It's lasted two years of frequent use without losing shape.
What to know: Invest in one really good one-piece rather than three cheap bikinis. You'll wear it more.
Worth it? A good swimsuit is worth the investment. You're in it for hours every day on beach trips.
The Cover-Up That Works Everywhere
I need a cover-up that works for beach-to-lunch transitions, doesn't look like a beach cover-up, and packs small.
I use a lightweight linen button-down (oversized, in white or cream) that functions as a cover-up at the beach but looks intentional when I throw it over a slip dress for dinner. Versatility matters when you're living out of a carry-on.
The move: Buy men's linen shirts for the oversized fit. They drape better and look more expensive.
The Dress That Dresses Up or Down
Every trip needs at least one dress that works for beach dinners, nice restaurants, and photoshoots. I look for:
- Natural fabrics (linen, cotton, silk)
- Neutral colors (they go with everything)
- A cut that doesn't need ironing
- Something I can hand-wash and hang-dry
Reformation and GANNI do this well. So does & Other Stories at a lower price point.
Packing tip: Roll dresses, don't fold. They wrinkle less and take up less space.
The Shoes (Only Three Pairs)
Shoes are the hardest part of packing because they take up space and you need different options. I've gotten it down to three pairs:
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Walking sandals: Comfortable enough for exploring, nice enough for restaurants. I use Ancient Greek Sandals or Tkees.
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Heeled sandals: For nicer dinners and when I want to look more put-together. Usually a block heel (more stable and easier to walk in). Brand doesn't matter as much as comfort.
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Sneakers or slides: For flights, airports, and casual days. Golden Goose sneakers or Birkenstock Arizonas depending on the trip.
That's it. Three pairs. If I can't make an outfit work with one of those, I don't bring the outfit.
The Jewelry (Minimal, Repeatable)
I bring the same jewelry on every trip:
- A few thin gold necklaces (layer them for variety)
- Small gold hoops
- One statement pair of earrings
- A couple of rings
All gold-plated or real gold (silver doesn't work with my aesthetic, and mixed metals complicate packing). Everything goes with everything, so I don't have to think about it.
What to skip: Statement necklaces, anything precious, anything you'd be devastated to lose.
The Skincare That Survives Travel
Hotel air is dry. Airplane cabins are drying. Chlorine and salt water are harsh. Your skin needs more support when traveling, but you're also limited by liquid restrictions and luggage space.
The System I Use
Morning:
- Cleanser (La Roche-Posay Toleriane — gentle, doesn't foam too much)
- Vitamin C serum (Drunk Elephant C-Firma — expensive but the glow is real)
- Eye cream (whatever is light and absorbs fast)
- Moisturizer (Summer Fridays Cloud Dew — gel texture, works under makeup)
- SPF (Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen — goes on clear, no white cast, doesn't pill)
Evening:
- Double cleanse (Balm cleanser to remove SPF, then regular cleanser)
- Retinol or treatment serum (Paula's Choice 1% Retinol — results without irritation)
- Eye cream
- Night cream (Drunk Elephant Lala Retro — thick, hydrating, no fragrance)
Extras:
- Sheet masks for flights (Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin — hydrating without being goopy)
- Lip balm with SPF (Jack Black)
- Hand cream (L'Occitane Shea Butter — small tube, big impact)
How to Pack It
Everything goes in a clear quart-sized bag for security (required for carry-on). I buy travel sizes of everything or decant into reusable travel bottles (Cadence capsules are my favorite — leak-proof, magnetic, and you can label them).
The carry-on trick: Keep your skincare in your personal item, not your carry-on. You'll want it accessible on long flights.
What to skip: Toners, essences, anything with multiple steps. Travel is for simplified routines.
The SPF That Actually Works
This deserves its own section because good SPF is non-negotiable and most sunscreens are terrible.
For face: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen — goes on clear, doesn't make you greasy, works under makeup, broad-spectrum SPF 40. I've used dozens of face sunscreens and this is the only one I genuinely like.
For body: Sun Bum Original SPF 50 — reef-safe, affordable, doesn't leave you sticky. I buy it when I arrive rather than pack it.
The reality: You'll reapply more often than you think. Budget for buying more sunscreen when you're there.
The Tech That's Worth Packing
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 — best noise canceling I've tried, comfortable for long flights, great sound quality. I've had mine for two years and they still hold a charge for 20+ hours.
These make long flights bearable. Worth every penny.
Portable Charger
Anker PowerCore 20000mAh — charges my phone 4-5 times, charges fast, fits in a purse. Essential for long travel days.
The rule: Always have it charged before you leave. You'll forget to charge it at the hotel otherwise.
Universal Adapter
I use the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter. It has USB ports, works in 150+ countries, and hasn't failed me yet. Not glamorous, but essential.
E-Reader
Kindle Paperwhite — I resisted e-readers for years because I love physical books, but traveling with multiple books is impractical. The Paperwhite is light, easy on the eyes, waterproof (for pool/beach reading), and holds hundreds of books.
I still buy physical books at home, but I only pack the Kindle.
AirPods Pro
For quick calls, podcasts during workouts, and when I don't want to carry big headphones. The noise canceling isn't as good as the Sony headphones, but the portability makes up for it.
The Miscellaneous Essentials
The Things You Don't Think About Until You Need Them
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Reef-safe sunscreen: Required in many destinations now. Get mineral sunscreen without oxybenzone or octinoxate.
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Dry bag: For beach days, boat trips, and protecting electronics near water. I use a 10L dry bag from Sea to Summit.
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Silk sleep mask and earplugs: For when hotel blackout curtains don't actually black out or your neighbors are loud. I use a Slip silk mask (feels nice, blocks light completely).
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Microfiber travel towel: Most hotels have towels, but having your own for beach/pool days or when you're in an Airbnb is useful. PackTowl makes good ones.
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Reusable water bottle: LARQ self-cleaning bottle (it uses UV light to purify water). Means I can fill it anywhere without worry.
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Portable steamer: Not essential, but if you're going somewhere nice and your clothes are wrinkled, the Jiffy Esteam is tiny and effective.
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Ziplock bags: For wet swimwear, leaky products, keeping things organized. Pack 10. You'll use them all.
The Toiletries Worth the Space
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Dry shampoo: Extends hair washes when you're traveling. I use Oribe (expensive but effective).
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Face wipes: For flights and lazy nights. Honest Beauty or Neutrogena.
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Deodorant: I use Native (natural, actually works, comes in small sizes).
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Hair ties and bobby pins: More than you think you need. They disappear.
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Nail file and clippers: You'll break a nail. It's inevitable.
What I've Learned to Skip
Things I used to pack and no longer do:
Books: Kindle only. Physical books are too heavy.
Multiple pairs of jeans: They take up too much space and don't work for resort travel anyway.
Fancy cameras: My iPhone 15 Pro takes incredible photos and I actually use it. Big cameras stay home unless it's a specific photography trip.
Hair tools: Most nice hotels have hairdryers. I don't bring a flat iron or curling iron anymore unless I'm going somewhere remote.
Workout clothes beyond the basics: I used to pack full workout outfits thinking I'd exercise every day. Now I bring one set. If I work out more than once (rare), I hand-wash them.
Just-in-case outfits: If you haven't planned an occasion for it, you won't wear it.
Shoes I haven't already broken in: New shoes on vacation = guaranteed blisters.
My Actual Packing Strategy
Here's how I pack for a typical week-long beach trip:
Tops: 5-6 (mix of t-shirts, linen button-downs, and one nice blouse)
Bottoms: 3 (linen pants, denim shorts, one nice pair of shorts or a skirt)
Dresses: 2-3 (one casual, one nice, one that works for both)
Swimwear: 2 one-pieces or 2 bikinis + 1 one-piece
Outerwear: One light cardigan or linen jacket
Shoes: 3 pairs (as outlined above)
Underwear/Socks: Enough for every day plus two extra
Everything else: Fits into packing cubes and toiletry bags
This fits in a carry-on with room to spare. For longer trips, I add more of the same, not different categories.
The Color Strategy
I pack in a limited color palette — neutrals (white, cream, tan, black) with one accent color (usually blue or green). Everything goes together, which means I can mix and match without thinking.
Fewer decisions, more versatility.
Is Luxury Packing Worth It?
Here's the truth: you don't need expensive luggage or designer resort wear to travel well. But investing in quality basics — luggage that lasts, skincare that works, comfortable shoes — makes travel significantly more enjoyable.
I've done the budget version. I've shown up at five-star hotels with a beaten-up duffel and drugstore skincare. It works. But the difference in how you feel — confident, put-together, comfortable — is real.
Buy the best version of the basics you can afford. Skip the trendy stuff. Focus on quality and versatility. And remember that packing light is always better than packing everything "just in case."
You need less than you think. Pack accordingly.
Have questions about what to pack for a specific trip? I'm always happy to help. Find me on Instagram — I actually respond to DMs about this stuff.
— Teona x