This post was last updated in December, 2022
I consider myself a frequent traveller, whether it’s constant road trips or international flights. I have elite status on most airlines thanks to work and wanderlust and more miles on my young car than I care to admit. So I have really high standards for suitcases and gear: it has to look good, it has to be really functional, and it has to be very durable.
Suitcases & Bags
My Rimowa carryon suitcase. After a lot of research, I took the (expensive) plunge and bought the Rimowa Salsa Air (I think they just call it “light” now). This is one of my all time best purchases ever and it’s perfect for international carry-on, which is smaller/more restrictive than domestic carry-ons. The shear lightness alone has made the price tag worth it. I love that it opens in the middle and you can put things on either side and each side has its own mesh zip cover. The handle can be adjusted into different heights and the wheels are the smoothest and easiest to use (even pushing it down a tight plane aisle). I’ve rested bags on top with ease. It’s just a very smart, light, easy to use piece that the price tag for me ended up becoming a bargain with all I’ve put it through. I’ve taken it on two week vacations and been great with all it can hold.
After 8 years of just a carry on, I bought the Away suitcase in Medium. I needed something for winter travel, when jackets and boots take up more room plus a couple of month long trips I was taking. I debated between the medium and large and the advice that made me get the medium was, you’ll pack less and run less risk of the bag being overweight, than stuffing a large. I’m so glad I took the advice and went with the medium.
I also have the Lo and Sons Catalina Deluxe canvas weekender bag, that I use in conjunction with my carryon. I bought their original Catalina bag and honestly, wasn’t a fan. There was a lot of hype that I feel it didn’t live up to and just never loved using it. It was too big to work as a carry on, there was only one internal non zipable pocket, it didn’t easily sit on my suitcase whilst rolling it, and was just too big and bulky. But this new version looks like they’ve earned from mistakes. My favourite part? There’s now a back sleeve that you can slip your luggage handle through, so this bag can sit securely on top of your suitcase. It still has the separate, zippable compartment which is great for shoes or heavier things like books. There’s an additional outer zippered pocket and inside there’s a lot more zippered pockets. I treat this like my purse for a flight; so my liquids bag, my lap top, camera, makeup case, wrap, phone, wallet, pak essentials (see below), and snacks all go in. Plus this size, for me, seems perfect in extended what I can take on a flight (or I can extend what I buy and bring home!).
For packing
Truffle’s jumbo cosmetic case has been one of my favourite new additions. It has two sides – one that I can put makeup in and the other where I store my makeup brushes. I also use their TSA Approved case for liquids so I can easily get them through.
I’m a huge fan of Bag-all Women’s Weekend Getaway Bag Sets and other bags. I use them for my blow dryer, lingerie and dirty close. They’re fun, they’re useful, they keep me organized and don’t take up a lot of room.
These waterproof shoe bags in charming prints have been great for my shoes.
These big and bright luggage tags help me find my bag quickly plus their super durable.
Electronics
I’ve had my Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones for a couple of years – the in-ear ones and I love them. I love them even if I’m not listening to music because it helps block sound out so well. As someone with little ears, these don’t hurt mine and I’ve worn them comfortably on a 10hour flight. I upgraded to Apple’s ear pods which I love in daily use, but I always got so paranoid using them on flights I stopped bringing them.
The Apple Airtag has been a game changer. I usually fly with just a carry on, unless I’m going home to Europe for over a week and need the extra suitcase for winter jackets and boots. Putting an airtag inside gives me that peace of mind that of where it is.
My favourite, favourite adapter is the MOCREO Travel Charger Wall Charger Adapter Plug Built-in with Dual USB Ports. I swear I’ve tried every single one and this one has done me right. I went on one trip from Dublin to London to Denmark to Singapore all in one go and all I had to do was take this one adaptor. It’s small, light and super easy – it also charges my phone with its USB adapters which means one less plug to carry. It’s not a convertor so keep that in mind. My Apple Air works fine on it as does my curling iron. But check out gadgets first to make sure you don’t need a converter.
If I’m travelling for work or a fancy event, I take this travel clothes steamer, which works like a charm.
In-flight comforts
I use this in-flight pouch to store things like eyeshades, earplugs, earphones, chargers etc. so I can easily reach it during the flight.
Eyeshade is critical especially on overnight flights. Almost any will do but this eye mask is my favourite because it really does help block out light, doesn’t tangle my hair and it’s really soft.
The iFlex adjustable phone stand works really well on a tray so you can easily watch your show on your phone. I like how it’s super thin, lightweight and flat when not in use, which makes it super easy to pack.