Planning the perfect trip is not an easy task. Neither is packing for the perfect trip and least of all traveling on said trip. But, there are a variety of items and apps that can make these tasks so much easier! In this post, I’ve complied a few of my favorite things for travel. I hope they become some of your favorites too!
Luggage and Packing
Let’s start with luggage. For an easy get-away I prefer to use the largest (and lightest) carry-on as possible. Luggage size varies depending on the airline so, to play it safe I use a case no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. My current suitcase is the Tumi V4 22-inch Expandable Spinner Carry-On. With spinner wheels, TSA lock and weighing in at just 7.1 lbs this case is super easy for me to handle. I also use the Tumi tote bag (matching of course) which I absolutely love because its got plenty of pockets for organization and an easy luggage sleeve that fits perfectly on my suitcase. Now for packing!
First of all I love to use the PackPoint app when prepping for a trip. This app will organize what you need to pack based on length of travel, weather at your destination, and any activities planned during your trip. You can also customize the templates. I also use Pinterest for inspiration for outfits. Just type: in something like, “packing for Italy in the spring” and see what comes up! Things that are always on my packing list are my , sleep mask, travel charger, and my airpods The two modes of listening on the airpods, noise cancelling and transparent, are invaluable.
Two things that changed my life when packing are packing cubes and YouTube. A set of packing cubes is a must! Duchamp has a good set. Fold your clothes as small as possible and place in a cube. When you arrive you can use the cube as a drawer! A video I watched on YouTube was another game changer. A trip savvy girl showed me how to wrap each of my shoes individually in plastic store bags and then fit into the suitcase. I let go of trying to keep shoe mates together in the suitcase and place individual shoes in areas like the dips between the ribs of the hard case cover which created so much more space for packing. I mean they are all going to the same place! I should also mention my new friend, the hat carrier. Never will I wear a smashed hat again!
My favorite toiletry bag is the TUMI Voyageur Madeline Cosmetic Bag. This bag combined with 1.5 oz Soft Silicone Travel Bottles ensures that you will have all of your necessities on hand. For added fun, I used my Cricut to create labels for each of my travel bottles so I can easily find what I need. Please note that if you are carrying on you WILL need to transfer all of your liquids and gels into a clear 1-quart bag. This is commonly known as the 3-1-1 rule: “Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.” (TSA/Travel/FAQ)
Travel Apps
I already mentioned PackPoint and Pinterest but there are a few other apps on my favorites list. Most of these apps are only available for a smartphone.
- Soduku + – I love this numbers puzzle and keep it on my phone to play while waiting for or on a flight.
- Airline apps – Whatever airlines you choose you’ll want to download their app for easy access to tickets, changes, bookings, and inflight entertainment.
- Rome2Rio – This app is the best for finding the quickest and cheapest transportation options when on or planning your trip.
- Trainline – Perfect for purchasing train tickets, checking timetables and finding train stations globally.
- TheFork – For finding and booking reservations at restaurants throughout Europe.
- Resy – A growing app for finding and booking reservations in major cities.
- OpenTable – The original restaurant reservation app. Used throughout the U.S. and a bit in Europe.
- Amazon Kindle – Allows me to take my books across all of my devices.
- Splitwise – The app makes traveling and sharing expenses with friends and family super easy and less awkward.
- Hopper – I think the best feature of this app is “Flight Watch” which allows me to put in parameters for a flight and Hopper lets me know when its the best time to to purchase the ticket.
- Uber – Find a driver to get you where you are going. I’ve successfully used this app in Italy, France, and Spain as well as in the U.S.
- Lyft – Similar to Uber but limited to the U.S.
- Capital Bikeshare – If I’m in D.C. I’m probably on one of these bikes.
- Kayak – The app is great when comparison shopping for flights.
- Airbnb – This is my go-to app for finding lodging when traveling with friends or family.
- Netflix and Max – These two entertainment apps allow me to download shows and movies to watch while waiting in an airport or on a flight.
So there your have some of my favorite travel things. I wish you safe passage wherever your travels take you! Bon Voyage!