• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
  • Parties
  • Shop

Cupcakes and Cutlery logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Cocktails
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Cocktails
    • Appetizers
    • Dessert
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Mom Life » Travel » The Travel Essentials To Pack for Every Trip

    Published: Jun 28, 2019 · Updated: May 6, 2021 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    The Travel Essentials To Pack for Every Trip

    text over image of a travel themed photo

    If you're an over-packer like me, you like to have everything with you that you might need. These are the travel essentials to pack for every trip to ensure that I'm taken care of no matter what happens.

    This blog post is sponsored by Boiron® and PTPA. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

    Carry on bag on a hotel bed next to a jean jackets, hat and sunglasses.

    The term "travel essentials" means something different depending on the type of traveler you are. For some, essentials means just the absolute most important things to survive a trip. I'm more of an everything, including the kitchen sink.

    Women's Travel Essentials

    I like to have my favorite things with me so I'm prepared for anything and as comfortable as possible. There are a few women's travel essentials that I pack for every single trip I take.

    I recently got back from a work trip to Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. I was also in Mexico for spring break with my family a few months before that. (Check out what we did at Xplor Park!)

    Both trips had different goals (one to network and learn about a new-to-me destination and the other to relax as hard as possible) but I found that there were things that I packed for both trips that I couldn't have done without. 

    girl sitting holding a glass of champagne with the sunset behind her.

    I love to travel. And while I usually just do quick weekend getaways, I feel super lucky to have taken a few really fun trips over the last year.

    I always check a bag when I'm flying so I can bring the things I feel like I need without worrying about getting liquids through the TSA check (listen, this girl loves her lotions and potions). 

    But even when you check a bag, you've got to worry about making sure your bag doesn't weigh too much. 

    Travel Essentials I Always Pack

    my must have products for travel laying on a bed.

    These travel must-haves keep me feeling great, looking good and able to have a great trip without feeling like I'm missing some of my favorite things. 

    If you aren't an over-packer, you should check out my friend Clarissa's travel essentials post. She only travels with a carry on no matter what!

    I have to admit, I'm an anxious traveler. I get the airport super early because I hate the idea of missing my flight. These are the things I never travel without

    Women's Travel Essentials from Amazon

    These are the travel essentials I take with me on every trip. These make my life easier and more comfortable when I'm away from home.

    Portable Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter 

    I recently added an air purifier to my bedroom and I feel like it has really helped my allergies. With this small version, you can take it with you! For a hotel or even on the air plane, this little gadget is great for cleaning up the air in your personal space.

    Full-Size Pro Ionic Hair Dryer 

    There was a time when I stopped bringing a hairdryer (for weight purposes) but you can truly never rely on the quality of the one found in the hotel. Especially if it is a work trip, I always bring my own. It’s the only way I can be sure that my hair will be dried and look presentable.

    Oversized Square Frame  Sunglasses 

    I can’t be without my sunglasses! Because I wear contacts, glare can be really bad. So I can’t imagine being without sunglasses for sightseeing or just enjoying a meal outside. These are super inexpensive so I don't worry about losing them or breaking them on a trip.

    QUAY AUSTRALIA After Hours Black Silver/Smoke/Rhinestone Sunglasses

    And I always have a backup pair of sunglasses too! These are my favorite pair. They're a little more expensive but still reasonable for a trip. I save these for nicer outings or dinner when there is less chance for damage. I ALWAYS get compliments on these.

    Mophie Universal External Battery - 8 Charges

    We’ve come to rely on our phones SO much and they are such a great resource when traveling. Not only can you use it to book car service, but you can also have your boarding pass right in the palm of your hand and get directions anywhere. Plus it can keep you entertained if your flight is delayed. A backup battery is a must and this one can charge your phone up to 8 times on one charge. This means I can also lend it to my kids to keep them happy too.

    USB Leather Tassel Keychain with Lightning Charge Cable.

    This keychain also doubles as a charging cable! It's a short cord that makes charging your phone with the back up battery less of a tangled mess. It fits easily into a smaller travel purse and is a great way to also keep track of your keys.

    Le Labo Discovery Set 

    These tiny perfume samples are my favorite thing to have when I travel. On planes, in airports, cabs, etc. smells can get pretty funky. These not only make me smell awesome for going out at night, but I can take a quick sniff should I need to mask a malodorous scent. These are my fave perfumes in the perfect travel size!

    Glossier Balm Dotcom Mango

    A good lip balm, with a tiny bit of color, is perfect for not only travel days where the air can be dry but also for the trip itself. If you aren’t drinking enough water, or are in the sun, chances are your lips need a little extra TLC. 

    Small Crossbody Bag in Black

    I skip my big purse in favor of a small black bag. I pare down to just the essentials when I leave the hotel room so I can feel light and free. Black usually matches everything and hides dirt. You always have to have a place to keep your room key and also things like sunglasses and your phone.  Even at an all-inclusive resort, I like to have a little bit of cash on me for tipping so it’s nice to have a bag (a cross-body bag is the best) that you can carry with you without any hassle.

    Cheers After-Alcohol Aid Pills 

    On a trip, you tend to drink a little bit more so I always bring a hangover supplement with me. I really like these Cheers pills and never go on a trip without them. No need to feel crummy the next day!

    Essential Oil Key Chain with 10 Amber Vials Bottles

    This little travel essential oil pouch is always with me on trips. I keep my favorite oils and I use this on trips way more than I ever thought I would. I keep peppermint oil for headaches, lavender for sleep and a blend for motion sickness. Planes and hotel rooms can smell funky, and this helps to make it a little more enjoyable.

    iPhone Case with Crossbody Chain Strap

    This phone case is a lifesaver! You can skip your purse altogether which is great if you just need to pop down to the lobby for a second. It allows you to have your phone out but keep you hands free and the card area allows you to have your room key, some cash and your credit card easy to access.

    Clear Zipper Pouches

    I am obsessed with pouches. These are see-through which makes organizing super easy. I use these for charging cords, medicines and everything else! They're super useful.

    Microfleece Travel Blanket

    Why yes, I am an over-packer. And I ALWAYS bring a blanket. This is really thin and lightweight but I prefer bringing my own blanket near my face at night and not hotel linens.

    Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

    This sunscreen is my favorite! It sinks right into the skin and is a great size to pack for a trip.

    Brush-On Sunscreen Powder 

    For really sunny places, I bring this small mineral sunscreen that can be brushed on. Even if you're a little bit sweaty, this is the perfect way to reapply sunscreen over your makeup.

    Boiron Acidil Heartburn 60 Tab

    I always make sure that I have Boiron® Acidil® with me on trips. There is nothing worse than feeling bad on a trip. This really comes in handy and is so easy to use.*

    Straw Panama Roll up Hat Fedora Beach Sun Hat UPF50+ (A-Beige)

    I have three different colors of this hat! It's packable, which means it can get crammed in your suitcase and still holds its shape! It looks great with any outfit and is a great way to keep the sun off your face. There is a string to tighten it inside to keep it from flying off in the wind or when you're on a boat! And it's inexpensive!

    Indigestion and Gas Medicines - I always make sure that I have Boiron® Acidil® and Gasalia® with me on trips. There is nothing worse than feeling bad on a trip. These two things really come in handy and they're so easy to use.*

    women's travel essentials including a hat, sunglasses and portable speaker on a bench

    You know that when you travel, your system gets off track. Travel stress, rich foods, large meals before lying down, all of these things contribute to indigestion and gas. 

    My husband always makes fun of me for packing my Boiron medicines. But I always want to make sure I feel my best on a trip! So why wouldn't you prepare for it!  

    Boiron® medicines are perfect for travel! Many of them, like Acidil, come in punch through sheets that fit easily into my little black bag. I can bring them with me on all my adventures. 

    • And you don't need any water to take them. You simply dissolve two tablets under your tongue every 15 minutes (for up to an hour) until you find relief.
    • Even better, since they don't interact with other drugs, I can share these with other people I'm traveling with, in case they need them as well.
    • Acidil® is the #1 selling homeopathic medicine for indigestion and heartburn and relieves occasional heartburn, indigestion, bloating and upset stomach.
    • Acidil doesn't contain ingredients commonly found in other antacids that can cause constipation or diarrhea (which travel can induce on its own...) and can be used by adults and children 12 and up.*

    It's my motherly instinct to take care of those around me.  

    *Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.

    Two girls sitting on the front of a boat with their backs to the camera.

    I'm not willing to miss out on fun opportunities because I don't feel my best. And over the years I've figured out that planning ahead keeps me enjoying every single minute of a trip. 

    By packing these travel essentials, I know that I am setting myself up for an enjoyable trip, every single time. Even with travel delays and airport food (you'll always find Acidil and Gasalia in my carryon too) you can create a positive travel experience. 

    More Summer Travel Posts:

    • Cute Mom Bathing Suits for Vacation
    • Long Kaftans That Are Perfect for Your Trip
    • The Summer Playlist I Bring on All my Getaways

    What travel essentials do you never leave home without? My list of items helps me to feel prepared (looking and smelling cute), and ready to experience new things no matter what stresses the trip has in store!

    More Travel

    • Food on a plates on a counter with a chef working in the background.
      5 Reasons to Hire a Private Chef in Palm Springs For Your Getaway
    • Food from the food truck at Lorimar Winery in Temecula.
      Lorimar Winery Temecula Dining and Wine Tasting
    • Find Your Palm Springs Vacation Rental with Acme House Co.
    • Napa may be popular, but Temecula wineries are just as beautiful.
      Temecula Wineries Tasting Trip: Part 1

    Click to share!

    • Share
    • Tweet

    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stephanie says

      August 16, 2019 at 11:10 am

      Hi Sharon! I enjoyed this pin! Our family has a lot of trips coming up, and I really appreciated your suggestions. Where did you find your small black purse? Super cute!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        August 16, 2019 at 11:24 am

        I'm so glad you found it useful! The purse is pretty old but I always have great luck with little black purses at H&M!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Welcome!
    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

    More about Sharon →

    Posts about wine, liquor and/or cocktail recipes are expressly for people 21 years of age and older. Drink responsibly.

    Winter Favorites

    • A microwave bread pudding in a white ramekin.
      Microwave Bread Pudding in a Mug Recipe
    • Woman holding a coupe glass with a Spiced Rum Daiquiri in it.
      Spiced Rum Daiquiri
    • Close up of a cocktail in a copper mug on a table.
      Fireball Mule Recipe To Try Right Now
    • Close up of dried beef cheese ball next to crackers
      Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe For Your Next Party

    Reader Favorites

    • Close up of frosting in a bowl.
      The Best Quick and Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe
    • Close up of a cupcakes infused with Fireball Whiskey and topped with red buttercream.
      Flavorful Fireball Cupcakes Recipe with Cinnamon Whisky
    • Close up of a cup holding coke with a lime garnish next to a bottle of Coke on the table.
      Stupid Easy Vodka and Coke Cocktail Idea
    • A dish of pasta with some text over it.
      50 Birthday Dinner Ideas {Delicious Recipes for Celebrating at Home}
    Text - Shop Now, Shop my Amazon! with food in serving dishes on a counter in a kitchen.

    Affiliate Link Disclosure

    Cupcakes and Cutlery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure policy.

    This site generates income via ads.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Policy
    • CCPA
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    © 2008-2022 CUPCAKES & CUTLERY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.