Pack Like a Pro: 6 Must Have Carry-On Travel Essentials
Photography: Nelson Morales, Jr.
1. Vlando Jewelry Box
Accessories are everything to me. Like I said in my 7 Fashion Lessons Gossip Girl Taught Me post, accessorizing an outfit is arguably my most favorite part of putting an outfit together. So you can see the frustration I might have when it comes to traveling and trying to find a way to carry all of my favorite pieces on my trip. When traveling, I always want to bring a variety of my jewelry but one of two things always ends up happening—my jewelry always ends up breaking because I have to stuff it in a random bag that does not provide nearly enough support and protection that my jewelry needs. Or it just ends up getting tangled up and sometimes I even lose earrings. For any fashionista out there, or even anyone who cares about have different choices for accessorizing, it can get frustrating when you have to either just choose one or two accessories or even when pieces that you were excited to incorporate into an outfit breaks.
Vlando Jewelry Box solves those problems for me. With my Vlando Jewelry Box, I am able to reinvent myself on the go and bring all the options my heart and outfit desires. This has changed the game for me, because these jewelry boxes are so compact, it makes it really easy for me to pack them without it taking up too much precious space in my carry on. Now I can travel with ease of knowing that my jewelry will be fine even after a long flight. Plus the jewelry boxes can double as a cute purse/accessory during my travels.
My personal favorite for carrying my jewelry on the go, especially when I am traveling to a place where I have to be out and about in the city at all times (cue NYC) is the Piccolo style that you can find here. It comes in 6 different colors and has proven to be the most efficient for traveling as it is compact and nothing gets mixed up when packed in a carry-on.
My go to (paired with this outfit): Piccolo in Pink
2. Microfiber Towel
If you have ever stayed at a hostel or have gone camping, you would know that towels come at a cost. While it may seem easier to just rent a towel or better yet carry one with you, I always opt to bring my own. Carrying a regular towel may seem like a great idea until you’re packing up at the end of your trip and realize your regular cotton towel takes up more space than you would wish for it to leaving you no room to bring home those souvenirs you got for mom. The beautiful thing about a microfiber towel is that it rolls up nicely and dries easily! Why else? Well, while $3 for a towel may seem affordable at the moment, those $3 rentals will eventually rack up. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend that $3 on my favorite thing to spend money on—a cone of gelato.
My go to:Lightweight, Super-Absorbent Microfiber Towel
3. Hanging Toiletry Travel Bag
This is something that I just recently switched over to from my regular cosmetics bag and it has already made a world of difference. For an organizer and compartment obsessed person like me, it makes my heart happy to have a bag with so many different compartments. Not only does it provide more space for you to put things in, it makes it easier for you to find things once you get to your destination. The best part? You can hang it inside your bathroom or closet for more convenient access and easily fold it back up at the end of your trip.
My go to: Tartan and Twine Hayden Loop Hanging Valet
4. Mobile Charger
This is a pretty obvious one, but an absolute necessity. Am I right or am I right? Whether it is for those long flights, long days where you are not sure when you’ll get to the next outlet or even if your phone just has terrible battery life, having a mobile charger is always a great idea. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead phone… or just a dead phone in general.
5. Dry Shampoo
If you have yet to discover dry shampoo or do not think you need it in your life, then this is my gift to you. Dry shampoo has got to be one of the best beauty inventions ever made, especially if you are frequently on the go and may not exactly have time for a long shower--ladies you know what I mean. Whether you are backpacking and can only carry your backpack/a small carry-on or on an airplane with no access to a shower for hours on end, dry shampoo is an absolute lifesaver. Plus it comes in travel sizes!
My go to: Batiste Fruit & Cheeky Dry Shampoo
6. Folding Travel Toothbrush
I do not like mini toothbrushes. I do not feel like they really do anything or even remotely does a great job of actually brushing your teeth. This folding toothbrush saved my life when I was backpacking. It’s small, can fold up easily, dries up quickly, takes up little space, can fit in a side pocket of your purse or your actual pocket—point is it takes up very little room. And honestly, what more can you ask for?
My go to: GUM Traveling Folding Soft Toothbrush
What are your must-have travel essentials?
Till Next Time,
