As someone who travels quite a bit (aka every month), I feel like I’ve finally mastered my travel essentials—whether it’s a quick weekend trip home or a four-week adventure across the world. I used to be that person who needed to check a whole bag just for a long weekend… but now? I can fit everything into a carry-on and a personal item. Growth.
My first order of business when packing for any trip is to make a list. It is nearly impossible just to start packing without a list. I just go into my notes app, create a checklist, and organize it by categories. For example:
Packing List:
Clothing:
- 2 workout outfits
- 2 pajamas
- 1 nice outfit
- 1 comfy outfit
Electronics:
- Charger
- Airpods
- Laptop
- Kindle
- Camera
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Skincare
- Haircare
- Makeup
- Q-tips
You get the idea…
When I’m packing for a shorter trip, my #1 rule is simple: avoid checking a bag. No one wants to pay those extra fees and wait at baggage claim after a long day of travel. Absolutely not. Plus, let’s be real—we never end up wearing half of what we pack anyway. Once I finally accepted that, everything changed.
Now I pack in outfits, not random pieces. It makes getting dressed on the trip so much easier and keeps me from overpacking. I’ll plan an outfit for each day or event I have, and that’s it—no more “just in case” options.
Packing cubes are another game-changer. They keep everything organized and help me fit way more into my carry-on. For shoes, I try to be realistic. I’ll bring one pair of versatile sneakers that can go with anything, and maybe slides or sandals, depending on the trip. Multi-purpose is the move.
Toiletries… the hardest part, especially for the girls. I love my products, but most of them are over the 3.4 oz limit, which is tragic when you’re not checking a bag. What’s helped me is saving all my travel-size bottles and refilling them with my own products. I’ve built up a little “travel stash” bag that stays packed at all times. Before I leave for a trip, I just grab it and go—no stress, no full-size bottles. Also, a clear TSA bag? Total lifesaver when you’re in the security line.
For electronics, I recently got a small zip-up tech organizer for my chargers, AirPods, and camera. It’s a simple thing, but it has made a huge difference. No more tangled cords floating around in my bag. And I never travel without a portable charger—trust me, there’s nothing worse than your phone dying mid-travel day.
I always make sure to have a little toiletry bag packed away in my personal item bag. In here, I keep a mini brush, toothbrush/toothpaste, Tide stick, Chapstick, perfume, and deodorant. You know, the essentials.
When I’m traveling for field hockey, a stick bag is an absolute must. It keeps all my gear (sticks, shoes, shin guards, gloves, mouthguard—you name it) separate from the rest of my stuff and, most importantly, keeps everything else from smelling like turf. My current favorite is the TK1 stick bag—it has a ton of space and multiple compartments, which makes packing so much easier.
A few other things I always throw in my bag:
- A reusable water bottle – it’s so important to stay hydrated when traveling
- A neck pillow and blanket – clutch for long flights or bus rides
- A mini first-aid kit – I always have Band-Aids, Advil, and any meds I might need
Once you find a packing routine that works for you, it becomes second nature. Now, I can pack in under 20 minutes and not stress about forgetting something. Honestly, that might be my biggest travel flex yet.
