I always try to pack light. And by “pack light,” I mean I say I’m going to pack light, and then I still end up with 47.5 small items that somehow weigh more than my suitcase. Can someone explain how this even happens? The math ain't mathing.

But after years of travel (and several-ish meltdowns), these are the things I never leave on a trip without. Let's be honest: if it makes your travel easier, it's absolutely worth it.

Item 1: My Chaos-Control Travel Backpack

This is the backpack I bring when I need to fit an impossible amount of stuff into one “personal item.” It looks like a normal backpack, but don’t be fooled: this thing opens like a suitcase, expands like it’s made of magic fabric, and somehow still fits under airplane seats. It is literally designed to slide right under there. Nothing beats the feeling of casually strolling onto a plane, knowing full well you don't have to gladiator fight someone for a spot in an overhead bin.

Why I love it:

• It holds SO much more than it looks like it should

• It has a special laptop section for my beloved laptop

• Completely replaces a carry-on suitcase on shorter trips

• Comes with packing cubes (bless)

• USB charging port = lifesaver during long layovers

• Water-resistant → because life happens and so do spills

• Comfortable straps even when I’ve filled it to “this is not healthy” levels

• Looks sleek, not “backpacker hostel-core” (also cool if that's your thing)

  
  

If Mary Poppins had a travel bag, it would be this.

How I use it: I use this as my plane personal item when I'm traveling light(ish), or as my main bag when I know I’ll be moving around a lot (city-hopping, budget flights, 20-second connections, etc.). It’s also perfect for quick weekend trips where a full suitcase is overkill.

Item 2: The Universal Adapter That Works Everywhere (Literally!)

If you travel internationally even once, do yourself a favor and get a real travel adapter and not the sketchy $3 one from the airport kiosk that ends up smelling like melting plastic. This adapter has been my hero in Europe, the UK, the Middle East, and even Asia. It just… works. No sparks. No drama. No “why won’t my phone charge?” moments.

Why I love it:

• Works in over 150 countries (!!!)

• Has multiple USB ports (3 USB + 1 USB-C)

• One cube powers your whole life (phone, power bank, tablet, headphones, whatever)

• Surge protection → so your devices don’t explode

• Light, compact, and doesn’t fall out of the wall

• Comes in different colors, which is cute and unnecessary but I appreciate it because sometimes I like being extra

  
  

Best for: Anyone who travels to Europe, the UK, Turkey, India, or literally anywhere outside the US. Or anyone who wants to charge four devices from a single outlet.

Item 3: Compression Bags That Give Me Superhuman Packing Powers

These are my secret weapon when I’m traveling with sweaters, jackets, or basically anything fluffy that refuses to pack small. I used to sit on my suitcase like a gargoyle trying to zip it shut... now I just toss everything into these vacuum bags and watch the magic happen.

Also: that tiny rechargeable pump? A game changer. No hotel vacuum required. No “rolling technique” needed. Just vrrrrr and suddenly voila! You have room for more shopping. Magic.

Why I love them:

• They shrink your clothes so much it feels illegal

• The rechargeable pump works fast and fits in your hand

• Perfect for long trips where you need multiple outfits

• Ideal for winter travel, bulky coats, hoodies, etc.

• Keeps everything organized, clean, and waterproof

• Saves you from overweight fees (or at least helps delay the inevitable)

  
  

How I use them: I use the medium ones for shirts and bottoms, the big ones for jackets, and the little ones for underwear and socks. They keep everything compact and stop my suitcase from exploding in hotel rooms like a fabric volcano... although it usually ends up looking like that anyway.

Item 4: My Foldable Sun Hat That Saves Me From Looking Crispy

I used to pretend I didn’t need a sun hat because I already have melanin and they made me look like a lost tourist… until the sun personally attacked me in India. Now this hat comes with me everywhere. It folds completely flat in your bag, springs back to life instantly, and protects your entire face without making you feel like you’re wearing a patio umbrella.

Plus: it has a ponytail hole, which SHOULD be the standard and yet somehow isn’t.

Why I love it:

• Wide brim = actual face protection, not the fake kind

• Foldable + packable (zero suitcase drama)

• Breathable cotton so your head doesn’t roast

• Ponytail-friendly (!!)

• Adjustable chin strap for windy days or boat rides (honestly all chin straps feel a little... "special", but they really do come in handy)

• Comfortable enough to wear all day

• Looks cute in photos, not “I’m hiding from paparazzi”

  
  

Where I use it:

• Beach days

• On top of mountains

• Ferry rides

• Wandering ruins

• Extra sunny hikes

• When I’m trying to avoid premature forehead wrinkles

Item 5: A Charging Cable That Doesn’t Randomly Die on Me

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but: if you’re traveling, bring at least one high-quality charging cable. The cheap $3 ones stop working at the exact worst moment, like when you’re navigating Istanbul’s old town alleys with 8% battery left and all the streets look similar. Captivating, but similar.

This one is durable, fast, and long enough to reach awkwardly placed hotel outlets (why are they ALWAYS behind the bed??).

Why it’s a must-pack:

• 6 feet long → perfect for hotels, airports, and trains

• Fast charging so you're not stuck waiting forever (does anyone not do fast charging anymore?)

• Braided cable = way less fraying

• Works with newer iPhones, Samsungs, tablets, power banks, etc.

• Can switch between USB-A to USB-C adapter, which saves you in older taxis/hotels

  
  

Where it saves the day:

• Long-haul flights

• Airport layovers

• Hotels with weird outlet placement

• Bathrooms (don’t judge)

• Charging your power bank WHILE charging your phone (pro move)

Final Thoughts

Travel always comes with a little insanity: missed buses, questionable neighborhoods, unexpected weather, the occasional “where am I?” (or even "who am I?") moment. But these five things genuinely make my life easier every single time I head overseas.

If you’re building your own “never leave without it” kit, start with these. They’re practical, they’re affordable, and they actually do what they’re supposed to do... which is more than I can say for half the things I’ve packed in the past.

Now… ready for items #6 –10? Because I have thoughts.

Big hugs,

Gigi

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