With the way these airlines are setup, packing is a science.
I am a money-savvy girl and although I love to have wardrobe options when I’m traveling, I do not like to check luggage. The luggage transport system while flying, especially during the summer, is an absolute nightmare for me and I much rather have my items on hand at all times. Therefore, I have found unique ways to pack as much as possible that take up very little space in my carry-on and are able to be transported easily while I’m traveling. I have a full list of Travel Essentials on my Amazon Storefront, but here are a few must have items that you need to pack for your next trip abroad.
I don’t know what I ever did before owning a set of packing cubes because my life is forever changed. I have used these to pack for 3 weeks in Europe and have been hooked on these ever since. Packing cubes allow you to organize your clothing items in different cubes, and if you use them properly, you can fit many items in your suitcase. I roll my clothing items, and separate my tops in one cube, my bottoms in another, and my undergarments in a third cube. I also have the mesh cubes so I can see my clothes and find items very easily.
When you travel abroad, it is likely that the charging ports will be different than those in the U.S. To avoid purchasing multiple charging ports for each international destination, I bought a universal charging port from Amazon. It has multiple USB connections, a USB-C port, and a formal charging port for 3-prong chargers. Like most items on this list, this is an item you only have to buy once and can reuse on every international trip.
3. Microfiber Towel & Washcloth Set
A microfiber towel and washcloth set is especially important for you to pack if you’re traveling to a European destination. Most hotels will not provide a wash cloth, and they are very difficult to find in convenience stores and airports. I love using microfiber towels because they are super easy for packing, can be used at the pool and/or beach, and they dry very quickly so you don’t have to worry about carrying a wet towel or washcloth. This is also perfect for backpackers who need lightweight materials for easy travel. I bought a set 5 years ago and just purchased a new one (because I lost my old set) and it still works good as new.
To the folks traveling to high tourist areas (such as Paris, London, Rome) to pack RFID blocking sleeves to protect their identities and funds. These sleeves are holders for either your credit cards and passports to prevent tourist scammers from stealing your personal information. They also protect against magnetic disruptions that can occur when holding your credit cards and hotel room keys in the same wallet or holder. You can get a pack of 4-6 in a single order, and they can be reused. However, Make sure you are gentle with these because I have had a few rip on me while using them.
The most underrated item that people fail to pack are comfortable walking shoes. As a tourist, it is likely you will do a ton of walking in your destination so you should should for the most comfortable pair of shoes you own. I personally love Dr. Scholl’s platform sneakers, and have been wearing these for a few weeks around my neighborhood. I have owned and used their memory foam booties, slip on shoes, and other shoes in the past, but these are my favorite to date. They’re so good in fact, they were sold out for a few months because of a viral Tiktok. If you have time before your trip, grab yourself a pair of these so you’re comfortable while touring your vacation destination.
If you have more packing concerns or want to know more, subscribe to my Youtube to see what I have packed for previous trips. Stay classy Kweens!