I lived out of a suitcase for a year: Here’s what I’ll never travel without

Ever since I had my wallet pickpocketed while it was in a shoulder bag I was wearing, I’ve switched to mini backpacks. This one is my go-to, especially when I’m in a new place, because it opens from the side that’s against my back, meaning no one can access my valuables but me. It’s the perfect size, in my opinion — small enough that it doesn’t feel bulky or touristy, but with enough room to hold my wallet, sunscreen, umbrella, snacks and more. Oh, and it’s got not one, but two side water bottle holders!

Check out my full Pincnel Anti-Theft Backpack review for more. 

While I was on tour, a crew member accidentally broke my suitcase — he literally stepped right through it! I knew then that good, durable luggage was worth splurging on. I’ll admit, I was first attracted to the brand July because it’s my birth month, but having used this carry-on for over a year — on several international trips — I can safely say it’s the best I’ve tried. 

Not only does it look attractive, it’s built to withstand being tossed around by TSA, and I’ve never had any issues fitting it in a plane’s overhead bin. It rolls like a dream and the built-in lock provides extra peace of mind. I’m someone who refuses to check a bag unless it’s absolutely necessary, and I’m happy to report that this suitcase and a small duffel bag sufficed on a recent 10-day trip to Europe. I fit plenty of outfits, an extra pair of shoes and had room for souvenirs. Oh, and any scuff marks easily come out with Magic Erasers. All in all, I’m very pleased with this investment. 

Having access to outlets isn’t always a given, so I never travel without this cord-free power bank. (You have to use a cord to charge the power bank itself, but otherwise, the device plugs right into your phone.) In addition to its small profile that barely takes up room in my bag, I appreciate how quickly it juices up my phone. Plus, I only need to charge the power bank once and it’ll last a whole day. 

Be sure to confirm the one you get is compatible with your phone!

I’m one of those people whose ears pop when they fly — and it can be really painful for hours or even days after landing. These soft earplugs help prevent that from happening, and they feel really comfortable (so comfortable, I tried to put my earbuds in over them because I forgot I had them in!). 

They also come in handy for blocking out noises, and as someone who has a hard time sleeping on planes, I need all the noise-cancellation I can get. Courteney Cox is a fan too!

If I’m only bringing one set of shoes on a trip, there’s a 99% chance it’ll be a pair of white tennis shoes. Unless there’s a formal event involved, they check off all of my boxes: they go with shorts, jeans, dresses and skirts, are easy to slip off at airport security if necessary and keep my feet comfy all day. I’ve walked over 25,000 steps at a time in these babies and didn’t experience any painful rubbing or blisters. Love ’em!

Check out my full Reebok Classic Leather Sneaker review for more. 

I’m not a big fan of surprises, especially when they involve an unexpected downpour. That’s why I always pack this pint-sized umbrella when I take a trip — it’s small enough (7 inches long) to fit in my backpack without taking up the whole compartment and it’s more durable than its compact design would let on. I’ve had it for about three years now, and it’s still going strong!

The print that I have doesn’t appear to be in stock anymore, but it comes in plenty of other fun styles. 

I’m a bit of a sunscreen freak and never leave the house before applying it, let alone take a trip without stashing some in my bag. This 1.7-oz tube is small enough to meet TSA requirements, and its glorious formula meets my requirements. 

For starters, it doesn’t leave a white cast on my face, even though it’s 100% mineral-based. It also glides onto my skin like a dream, feeling more like a moisturizing lotion than a chalky sunscreen. Admittedly, it’s not the cheapest SPF on the market, but I’m willing to pay a bit more because it’s that good. Hey, the best sunscreen is the stuff you don’t dread slathering on, right?

Don’t be like my husband and find yourself in a new country without any way of plugging in your electronics. He’s lucky he was with me, because I had the foresight to bring this universal adaptor. It’s equipped with four plugs that work in over 150 countries, as well as several USB ports. I’ve used it in Asia and Europe for several years and have yet to experience any issues. 

Sunscreen might be my No. 1 skin care must-have on a trip, but a travel-sized tub of petroleum jelly is a close second. I have incredibly dry skin and lips, so being able to dab some of this over my chapped hands, mouth and anywhere else that’s feeling parched is essential. I also apply a thin layer to my face before bed to help lock in moisture — highly necessary after subjecting myself to drying plane air. 

Finally, I bring these little doodads with me everywhere — they’re genius! My hair tangles and frizzes just by hearing the word “humidity,” so popping one of these compact brushes into my bag helps keep my mane in check no matter where the day takes me. I can also use the mirror to retouch makeup if needed, check for food between my teeth … sometimes, the smallest things wind up being the most handy.