My Must-Have Travel Items

10 Things I Never Leave Home Without

As much as I love spontaneous adventure and going with the flow, when it comes to packing, I’m a firm believer that the first step to a good trip is making sure I’ve got what I need to stay calm, comfortable, and prepared.

Over time, I’ve narrowed my packing list down to the things that actually matter. These are the travel items I bring with me every single time:

1. Passport Cover (with a hidden superpower)

A passport cover isn’t something that you get because it looks like a cute accessory. It's actually a must-have. If your passport gets damaged in any way, you’re going to be in a world of hurt, as it could be deemed invalid. When I was shopping around, I found one with a hidden feature I couldn’t pass up: a built-in slot for an AirTag. That little tracker gives me serious peace of mind. Bonus: it also holds boarding passes and credit cards so I can keep everything in one place.

2. AirTags

If you’ve ever stood at a baggage carousel watching everyone else’s suitcase roll by… you get it. I keep one in my checked luggage and one in my passport case. Given how affordable they are, I plan to grab a few more. Some airlines will now even use your AirTag location info to help track lost bags. Just note: they do run on batteries, and you can check their status in the Find My app on your phone.

3. A Quality Carry-On Bag

As many of you know, I’m a die-hard carry-on-only traveler. I never want to be caught abroad without my things, and honestly, you never need as much as you think (trust me). A sturdy, cabin-approved roller bag is one of my best travel investments. It’s survived cobblestones, sprinting through stations, and some fairly aggressive overhead-bin wrestling.

If you do need to check a bag, I recommend bringing a solid weekender for your carry-on. Make sure it holds your wallet, laptop, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes, just in case your luggage takes a detour. I have this one from Samsonite (see below) and love it.