Travel Hacks & Finds
Topping my list for 2024 is for Blake & I to take full advantage of our year long Southwest Airlines Companion pass that allows Blake to fly free with me anywhere Southwest flies this year. We both just got back from trips (I went to Indiana, Blake to Colorado) and now we’re preparing for two trips to Texas in the next 2 months. So I thought this might be a good chance to get back on here and share some of my travel must haves (something I get asked about a lot).
So here’s some of my favorites:
Luggage. Lets start with luggage. I travel with the Away large checked bag and smaller of the two carry ons. I also own this overnight bag. I’ve LOVED these bags which were a collective birthday gift maybe 4-5 years ago (the hard suitcases) and then added the overnight bag to our wedding registry and I’ve loved having that addition. I’ve been really happy with my Away bags and would definitely recommend but I will also add that if I were going to buy a set now my backup option would be Calpak. I’ve really started to love them as a brand.
Packing Cubes. There are so many camps and opinions on whether cubes are helpful. I like them. My husband thinks they’re stupid (but puts up with them if I’m packing for him). I like these from Calpak. I actually found mine at Tjmaxx (where all good things come from). But if you’re looking for a less expensive option (especially if you’re buying for multiple family members) I’ve heard great reviews on these. They’re a little less than half the price.
Reusable Toiletry Containers. This is something I’ve had a TOUGH time deciding where I land on. I’ve tried a million cheap ones and always been sorry that I had. I’ve landed on these two different styles from Humangear - the GoToob three packs and these hard rounds. They are dishwasher safe (huge win for me) so that makes cleaning them between trips a breeze. I have a set for me and one for Blake (in different colors). (my luxury wishlist would maybe include a Cadence set but they’re a financial commitment y’all).
Carry On Water Bottle. I ALWAYS bring a bottle full of ice. If you don’t already know you CAN go through TSA with ice, just not water. So I like to fill my bottle with ice, take it through and fill it on the other side. Blake and I have these Yeti (I know, of course) water bottles and we use them every trip. They hold ice for days and the water is so cold. Helps me stay hydrated when we fly.
Purse in my Personal Item. I should go ahead and confess that I am a chronic overpacker (but never without). So normally I’ll have a ‘personal item’ but then I’ll stick what I want to use as a purse inside it. Basically, take a small belt bag or crossbody bag and stick it down in your carry on so that your ID/passport, etc are easy to access and when you get to where you’re going you can ditch the big bag. Here’s a few of my favs of each:
Bogg Bag. I used this as a carry on for our cruise last year and it was perfect because then it doubled as a beach/pool bag while we were gone. Can you use it on a plane? The short answer is yes BUT it doesn’t fit under the seat and on some planes I’ve had to tip it sideways in the overhead bin. So do I do it? Yes. But that’s my honest backstory on it.
Free People Quilted Bag. I got this for Valentines Day this year and traveled with it immediately afterwards. I loved it! I still put a crossbody inside for when I arrived but the weight of this bag is SO light I loved that about it and it does fit under the seat easily.
Leatherology Camera Bag. This is my favorite crossbody for travel. It’s so classy being in leather, carries a good amount, and it was the first thing I purchased with my new initials (BB) when I got engaged. I love it. I just carried it in Indiana last week and I took it to Texas for rodeo last year and I’d say there’s a good chance I take it back this year.
Alright, that’s all for now.
Happy travels and trails.
