Disclaimer, some of these links may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you shop using my link at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support that helps make Lex Eats possible!
Y’all know I love to travel! Surprisingly enough, I’ve never had a real system for packing, and usually end up staying up late throwing too many things in a suitcase the night before, and then said suitcase stays on the floor for a few weeks after a trip. One of my new year intentions was to, in general, get my life together. Basically get a little more organized and develop systems in my life/at home to try and not be such a hot mess all the time. One of those things was with travel. I travel for work somewhat often, and wanted to make it easier to throw clothes in a bag and go without having to go through my whole list of toiletries etc. I ended up buying duplicates or minis of everything I would need in a travel bag. So, all my toiletries, melatonin/emergency meds, masks, phone charger, Liquid IV, snacks etc. I keep this bag packed all the time so I’m always ready to go. I had three weeks of out of town meetings in a row last month and this system is already making my life so much easier!
Carry-On Bag $179, currently on sale for $109
This is the perfect carry-on bag! It has a sleeve on the back so you can slide your bag through the handles of a rolling suitcase plus several pockets/compartments inside. It’s lightweight and you can use a longer strap or the handle straps fit over my shoulder. I use it for my personal item when flying, but am also able to fit everything for a short one night work trip inside. This is the bag I keep packed all the time so I can just add clothes and go! Also should note that I have an extra long cord phone charger in a side pocket that is not allowed to leave this bag and keep an empty water bottle in the water bottle holder. This one is random, but I don’t like walking barefoot in hotels, so I travel with a lightweight pair of slippers. I also keep a pack of Billie Wonder Wipes in here – they’re my fav. They are a makeup removing wipe, but also great for makeshift shower after a long flight ha!
Cosmetic Bags $13.99/three pack
These bags are TSA approved and come in a ton of different colors. I use for toiletries 95% of the time when traveling and just keep them packed in my carry-on bag. I use one for all my skincare/lotion/liquids etc. and the other for a toothbrush (use a cover!), razor, mini hairbrush, hair ties etc. They have been really easy to use so far and since they are clear I can easily find what I’m looking for. I use my third bag as my snack bag (scroll down).
Hanging Cosmetic Bag $22.98
If I’m going on a longer trip where I’m checking a bag, I use a hanging toiletry case. I love that you can just hang it up in the bathroom and not have to dig to find things or unpack your toiletry bag. The exact one I use is discontinued, but it’s very similar to this one.
TULA Travel Kit $52 plus 15% off with code LEXEATS
Y’all know I’m a big TULA fan and typically use their products in my everyday routine. You could certainly just buy empty travel size bottles/pots and fill them up, but I like taking serums that don’t really work to squeeze into a bottle, so this set was easier! It comes with the cult cleanser, toner, illuminating serum and my fav 24-7 moisturizer.
Travel Bottles $14.99/16 piece
Or if you want to do it yourself, this set has a good variety of sizes plus little pots etc.
Packing Cubes $23.39/four piece
I’m sure you have seen packing cubes, but they are seriously a game changer for travel! I had this Amazon Basics set, and they worked fine, especially for the price. My sister got me this Calpak set for Christmas which are definitely cuter, and have more structure to them, so it’s easier to find things in them and live out of a suitcase if that makes sense.
Plush Velvet Travel Jewelry Box Organizer $16.99
I also picked up this jewelry organizer and really like it. It’s small, so you can’t fit a ton of big pieces in it, but it’s worked for all the trips I’ve taken this year so far. I typically pack a few statement earrings, studs, bracelet or two and maybe a ring. The quality is great too, it looks much more expensive than it is.
Always Prepared Bag
If you haven’t caught on yet, the key is just to have a bunch of little bags in your bag, ha! Probably the most important is a random grab bag of just in case items that you typically don’t think to pack but could be in a pinch and really need. Like:
- Pill organizer with melatonin, Advil, stomach meds, vitamins.. basically any medicine that I take more often
- Headphones that plug into my phone
- Headphones that plug into a plane jack
- Hand sanitizer
- Travel Clorox wipes
- Travel wet wipes
- Single face wipes
- Gum
- Pen
- Chapstick
- Tide To Go pen
- Bandaids
- Sunglass wiping cloth
- Extra hairbands, clips, bobby pins
Snack Bag
I don’t think I need to explain this one 😉
- Liquid IV use code LEXEATS25 to save 25% and get free shipping
- Emergen-C
- Snack packs of almonds
- RX bars
- Tea bags
- Konsyl fiber (I take everyday can read about that here)
- I also keep travel-sized snacks that I get on planes etc. in here, always comes in handy!
Would love to know if you have any travel hacks! If you’re interested, you can also read about how I travel using points and miles here.
Biscuits & blessings,
Leels
