YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Travel essentials?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Travel essentials? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 23 May 2026 04:04:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php dakotacheryl on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials/page/2#post-1795123 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 22:56:59 +0000 dakotacheryl 1795123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am a luggage lover. I bought this Tumi bag when I was flying every month. The planes out of my local are the little regional air jets, and this roller bag fits into the tiny overhead storage bins on these planes. Zibbets on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials/page/2#post-1795032 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 18:04:59 +0000 Zibbets 1795032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I second Karie's suggestion to carry a good travel size hair dryer, if that's important to you. There's almost always one in the hotel, but usually it's a bare bones model without the "cool shot" button that's the magic bullet for my blow and go 'do. I haven't seen anyone mention a flashlight. I always carry a tiny one and use it often to find my way to the bathroom or tweak the thermostat without having to turn on a light and disrupt my sleep even more. rachylou on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials/page/2#post-1795030 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 18:00:23 +0000 rachylou 1795030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh that's so true. There WILL be stairs, escalators, curbs, etc. Half the time if not more you will not be wheeling the rolling luggage. Gaylene on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials/page/2#post-1795028 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 17:56:45 +0000 Gaylene 1795028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm like MovingFashionForward, the more I've travelled, the less "stuff" I've been inclined to take. My preference is to go with just a single carryon which, in my case, means a bag with a packed weight of no more than 15 pounds which can be slung over my shoulder and back and is small enough to fit under the seat in front of me so I don't have to fight for overhead space on crowded flights or risk being separated from my bag. My choice of bag means there isn't room for most of the common travel "essentials" people suggest, although I seem to manage quite fine for both long (4+ weeks) and short trips, both business and pleasure, and involving both city and country settings as well as trips to the theatre and the beach. My advice is to think about how much you want to lug around with you because you WILL be lugging your luggage at times. Unless you travel in a world of first class amenities such as luxury lounges, private cars, and burly companions, YOU will be the one who has to hold your bag up in the air while heaving it into overhead compartments, carry it up flights of stairs when power goes out, lift it up onto public transportation, and sitwith it on your lap, or between your legs, on crowded buses and subways. On travel days, you may have to keep your luggage with you from the time you check out of a hotel until the time you board your flight, and, as a solo woman traveler, you will need to be able to keep track of your stuff by yourself. Wheeled bags work as long as they can be wheeled, but I find them too heavy and bulky if I have to lift and carry one for any distance. Once you've figured out what kind of luggage you want to lug around, you are in a better position to think about what "essentials" make sense for you. ETA: Oh, and my basic rule is to never bring something which I can easily get from the hotel concierge, room service, or a nearby pharmacy. Cosmetics, including creams, lotions, and hair products, can literally add pounds to a woman's suitcase. Better to take that extra top or pair of shoes IMHO. Elizabeth P on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials/page/2#post-1794996 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 16:26:37 +0000 Elizabeth P 1794996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The only thing I can add is to "layer" one of your carryons.  The last couple of times I traveled, I used a hard wheeled carryon for my clothes etc, one that could to in the overhead bin and be forgotten, or checked at the gate if they were offering to do it for free :).  My other bag was a large tote (Longchamps) and in it I had my camera (DSLR and a couple of lenses in a bag), a medium Longchamps (with ipad, book, etc, and a smaller crossbody purse (with wallet, etc).  It was great to be able to keep things somewhat organized while traveling, I still had space to stuff a scarf or sweater if I took it off (or my laptop had I taken it) and I then had multiple bags for whatever was appropriate when I arrived.  Had I done much shopping, I could have checked my hard bag on the way home, and used my big bag tote and med tote as separate carryon's, freeing up space.  Greyscale on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials/page/2#post-1794982 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 15:55:16 +0000 Greyscale 1794982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a very lightweight, giant wool woven scarf that is the perfect airplane blanket. Stuff your shoes with all your socks to keep them from getting crushed in your bag. A tiny travel steamer is great when I have job interviews - other than that my work clothing is too casual to need it. But I'm really glad I have one. MovingFashionForward on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials/page/2#post-1794978 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 15:38:43 +0000 MovingFashionForward 1794978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to take all manner of gadgets and stuff when travelling, and agonised over which suitcase or hand luggage case to buy, and so on. But now that I've been travelling a lot for 20 years, I've reduced to the very simplest of packing strategies, using an ultra-light soft bag that easily holds 20kg of stuff should I need it. It was about US$6 (originally bought as an emergency replacement for a broken expensive carry-on wheeled case). Its zip is about 30 inches long but because it is completely soft as opposed to structured it fits anywhere. I use only freezer bags for separating stuff and no longer carry all the little things I used to think I needed for comfort (single serving cafetiere, single serving electric kettle, neck pillow, travel this and that). What changed was one trip that I booked extremely last minute -- on the day of the long-haul flight, such that I had only about 20 minutes to pack from start to finish before I had to leave for the airport for 6 weeks away. I forgot all manner of things -- and discovered to my joy that I was fine without them, and that I liked travelling super light. Another lightbulb moment happened for me when I read about a cyclist who cycled around the world with almost nothing, having previously loaded herself up with Too Much Stuff on cycling trips. Travelling without all the stuff is very freeing, as she said. You don't need as much as you think you do. And if the worst comes to the worst you can simply buy whatever it is at your destination. I've never had to do that though. Sarah Suz on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials/page/2#post-1793804 Sun, 02 Apr 2017 14:34:09 +0000 Suz 1793804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These are all fantastic suggestions. I travel a lot but rarely exclusively by air. Often, air and train combined, and occasionally by car. Sometimes my trips are longer. In that case, I check a bag. My carry on is 19" and sometimes (especially for cold climates or where activities will be varied) I just can't squeeze everything in. Because of the type of travel I do, like Ann, I have different kinds of bags, but I heartily recommend four wheels vs. two if you are going to be outdoors and maneuvering. Four wheels are great for airports but not so much for the more rugged conditions elsewhere. I follow many of the guidelines you've been given: For most trips, I tend to: <ul> <li>Wear my heaviest footwear choice</li> <li>Carry a tote bag</li> <li>Layer (in case of cold or heat on plane)</li> <li>Wear a scarf/ shawl and/or soft cardigan</li> <li>Collapsible water bottle and protein of some kind</li> <li>Put reading material on a Kindle :)</li> <li>Stow my laptop in a separate sleeve with chargers. (Love Diana's idea!!)</li> <li>Wear an outfit without much metal</li> <li>Carry on cosmetics case, esp. for lip balm and moisturizer </li> <li>Sleeping mask if a very long or night trip (not that I ever manage to sleep)</li> <li>Specs/ sunnies</li> </ul> In suitcase: Pre-stored cosmetics bag (which I check and edit as required before each trip. This bag includes dental care, hair needs, cleansers, moisturizers, etc. and also bandaids, blister bandaids, emery board, blister stick (for hot weather), Tide stick, etc. Extra foldable tote (like Carla, I recommend Longchamps or simply stowable nylon bag or backpack, depending on the nature of the trip — and sometimes both; I use these for anything I might purchase and/ or to store my laundry) Hanging toiletries bag (as Ann explained) Silicone containers (tube and tubs) (as per Ann) Tiny first aid kit (keep in suitcase) Adapters (if going to Europe/ Asia) When it comes to clothing, always check the weather at your destination (s) !!! I don’t pack until I have a fair idea of what conditions I’ll be in.  I don’t have a “special” (i.e. separate) travel wardrobe but I do tend to bring essentials in core neutrals (for me, ink/navy, grey, white) with a few statement pieces and scarves. What you'll need will depend on the nature of your work (dress code) and the destinations, as well as what other things you might do at the destination.  For a modern classic style I don’t think you can underestimate the value of a bright jacket and/or coat in a travel capsule, esp. if you respond emotionally to colour (see Angie's posts about her travel for examples). I like stripes as my main pattern on a trip. Clothes that don’t wrinkle much are great, but I don’t actually find wrinkling much of a problem overall and don’t bother with a steamer since most places have an iron or steamer on site. Gear: I always do something active while I’m away so I try to consider what I will need and pack for it. Footwear. Conventional wisdom says bring one or two pairs of shoes; Suz wisdom says bring as many as will fit in your bag, and even consider going from carry-on to stowed bag if you can't get enough shoes in (depending on whether you have connections, etc. of course.) Note, I walk almost everywhere and won’t wear gear as fashion, so my needs may be idiosyncratic, but the only trips where I can get away with two pairs of shoes are two day trips where I won’t have a chance to do anything except work. On a recent two week trip to the west coast of Canada, I thought I was doing really well with four pairs of footwear. Hiking boots and indoor crosstrainers (for gear activities, not fashion). One pair of waterproof booties and one pair sneakers for actual wear. In fact, I could have used another pair of boots for the rain because my trusty Aquatalias soaked through several times. Had I been able to leave them to dry out properly it would have been much better.  But I admit, my travel needs are a bit unusual, so your mileage may (literally) vary!  Rambling Ann on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials/page/2#post-1793735 Sun, 02 Apr 2017 00:17:58 +0000 Rambling Ann 1793735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A short extension cord that comes with three outlets. Sometimes someone is using one of the plugs, and you can ask to plug in your extension cord so you both can charge. And because sometimes the hotel outlet isn't anywhere near where you want to be. UmmLila (Lisa) on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials/page/2#post-1793733 Sat, 01 Apr 2017 23:55:50 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1793733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Stowaway Cosmetics. <<a rel="nofollow" href="https://stowawaycosmetics.com">https://stowawaycosmetics.com</a>> And keep a separate travel toiletry bag always stocked and ready to go. I like Diana's idea about the chargers. I am always scrambling for them at the last minute, so I think I will implement this next time I go somewhere. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793688 Sat, 01 Apr 2017 20:09:00 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1793688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There is an amazing number of tips and product recommendations here, wow! Thank you, everyone. Barbara Diane on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793682 Sat, 01 Apr 2017 19:35:35 +0000 Barbara Diane 1793682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ From Brenda Kinsel -travel wardrobe lists and checklists <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.brendakinsel.com/resources/checklist-charts/">http://www.brendakinsel.com/re.....st-charts/</a> Barbara Diane on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793681 Sat, 01 Apr 2017 19:32:56 +0000 Barbara Diane 1793681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ From Angie, I think. An oversized scarf that can be used as a blanket. A pillow or neck pillow. A large infinity scarf that can wrap around your neck and head/hair, and/or over your eyes. I haven't tried them, but maybe eyeshades. Karie on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793666 Sat, 01 Apr 2017 17:22:33 +0000 Karie 1793666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nodding in agreement with what some others have posted. Get a 19" carry-on and bring your tape measure to the store when you go to purchase it. For checked luggage I wouldn't buy anything too expensive as the airlines will bang it all up anyway. Don't buy black as it will look like everyone else's, and  when you get it home tie a ribbon or two around the handle so you can easily spot it on the carousel at the airport. Buy the lightest weight you can afford and with four wheels (so much nicer for crowded airports and train stations as you can roll your luggage beside, and not behind, you. I worry less that someone will try and reach into my bag and steal something).  I have a travel size iron, blow dryer, and curling iron and I have never been sorry I spent the money to buy them. I always roll my clothes when I pack, and I find I can fit a lot more in the suitcase that way. Good luck, I hope you get the job! dashielle (Ann) on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793507 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 21:42:48 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1793507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For super light in a wheeled bag, check out Zero Halliburton's offerings. I dragged my large one all over planes, trains and automobiles and it's still ticking! rachylou on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793455 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 18:40:35 +0000 rachylou 1793455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ IT is as good as my $300 roll-on was. Mind if you are on the road as much as I was - 6 days a week - no luggage is gonna last years unless it's made of wood like the ones from yesteryear. I think the real trick to preserving luggage is don't put a lock on it. The vulnerable point is the zipper and security just rips into luggage. The alternative is hard luggage, but the weight of that is asking for back trouble. Even with rolling soft luggage, I developed all sorts of aches and pains. Laurinda on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793379 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 16:26:35 +0000 Laurinda 1793379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Brilliant wisdom here! I found it helpful to weigh each choice when making tradeoffs to keep the overall weight down. (It is easy with a digital kitchen scale). Here is the 4-year-old thread: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weighing-travel-clothing-options-in-grams">Weighing Travel Clothing Options in Grams</a> In case these are helpful to anyone else here are the weights I came up with (I wear size XL tops/14 bottoms). Blazer or Jacket, 600g (1lb 5oz) Jeans, 600g (1lb 5oz) Sweater, 250g (10oz) Cotton blouse, 300g (11oz) Chiffon blouse, 130g (6oz) T-shirt, 200g (7oz) Camisole, 85g (3oz) Silky scarves, 20-80g (1-4oz) Thick wool socks, 80g (3oz) Hard soled slippers, 570g (20oz) karen13 on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793357 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 15:30:39 +0000 karen13 1793357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So many great tips here, I am favoriting this thread. I really like this Eagle Creek carryon.  It is super light and has held up well, plus has a lifetime warranty. I bought it at REI which I think is currently running a 20% off one item promo. It isn't the 4-wheely style, but I don't want to sacrifice the interior space. I have travelled internationally and never gotten at second glance. Plus it has a cool slightly expandable feature, so if I cinch it down for flights, then can expand a bit when I get to my destination if I am doing car or train travel for a parts of the trip. Anonymous on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793355 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 15:28:56 +0000 Anonymous 1793355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachey, is the IT luggage sturdy enough to be checked if necessary? I've always hesitated about it for that reason. So much good advice here! I totally endorse advice about prepacked duplicates (especially charger, earbuds, etc.) and Nalgene bottles. You can also find Nalgene at REI and other outdoor retailers. I highly recommend Conair Travel Smart dual voltage steamer and/or Steamfast mini steam iron. Re TSA Pre: If you anticipate any international travel, you might go ahead and apply for Global Access, which allows you to speed through customs as well as use the TSA Pre line. And remember that you have to register with each airline and provide them your TSA Pre number in order to use the TSA boarding line. If you really get into travelling light, <a href="http://1bag1world.com/forum-3/" rel="nofollow">http://1bag1world.com/forum-3/</a> can be a good resource. Hope this opportunity works out for you, if it is what you want! dashielle (Ann) on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793349 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 15:20:46 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1793349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oooh, great ideas everyone! I forgot water, and always carry one of these Platypus bags folded up in my tote for filling on the road. They come in a variety of sizes and ours have handles on so you can use a carabiner to attach to bags as you hustle from place to place.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Platypus-PlusBottle-Liter-Closure-Cap/dp/B002EQDP96/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490973622&sr=8-1&keywords=platypus+plusbottle">https://www.amazon.com/Platypu.....F8&qi</a><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.rei.com/product/820769/platypus-platy-water-bottle-70-fl-oz?CAWELAID=120217890000798875&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=15877492480&CATCI=pla-271210064383&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C404_40216%7C8207690001%7Cnone%7C8b1443a9-7267-4000-9ad9-242de899f484%7Cpla-271210064383&lsft=cm_mmc:PLA_Google_LIA%7C404_40216%7C8207690001%7Cnone%7C8b1443a9-7267-4000-9ad9-242de899f484%7Cpla-271210064383&gclid=CJuv-syEgdMCFRRqfgodFh8GjQ"></a> Diana on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793333 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 14:13:44 +0000 Diana 1793333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nalgene travel bottles. The only ones I've had that truly don't leak. Sometimes they sell them at REI too if you have one around. <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/travel/bottles-medication/nalgene-round-leakproof-travel-bottles/12d?productId=10000243&country=US&currency=USD&utm_source=tcscompshop&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=google&cid=cse:PLA" rel="nofollow">https://www.containerstore.com.....id=cse:PLA</a> Also if you are going to be carrying a laptop get a separate sleeve for it even if your bag also has a laptop compartment. In the US you don't have to remove the sleeve if it contains only the laptop. This is not true in some other countries though. I also keep a separate little bag with duplicates of all my chargers etc. because that is the thing I'm most likely to forget otherwise. Rambling Ann on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793332 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 14:08:10 +0000 Rambling Ann 1793332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Echoing the TSA Preflight recommendation. DH made me do it because he did it and it was a PITA when we were together and he was waiting on the other side of the scanners. Now I see its value. It may save you from missing a flight one day, esp in airports where you have to exit and re-enter TSA areas to change flights.  Always an empty water bottle, I fill it once past security. I want a couple of protein bars in my bag in case things go haywire (DH just had a missed connection that landed him in a hotel after midnight with no chance to get any food.) And I carry a very light emergency kit with a flashlight, a couple zipties, a bit of duck tape wrapped around an old credit card, things to MacGuyver luggage back into shape. And the stain removal pen recommended here.  Good luck with the interview process. Isabel on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793329 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 13:59:08 +0000 Isabel 1793329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I forgot to mention a little travel steamer.  Something like this ( I have a My Little Steamer - but I found that these blow out overseas. So you may want a dual wattage one that can handle overseas currents)   <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MFFUT90?psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MFFUT90?psc=1</a> Linda !  YES. I always carry those with me EVERYwhere that I go. I generally take 3 of those and two of the following : <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Laundry-Clothes-Hanging-Plastic-Portable/dp/B004F3MQIM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1490968628&sr=8-3&keywords=travel+hanging+clips"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Laundry-Clothes-Hanging-Plastic-Portable/dp/B004F3MQIM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Laundry.....8&amp</a>;</a> The above help if I need an extra place for a towel or hanging something to dry - like underwear. Two of them together can handle pants or a bathing suit or a bra.   And a Tide pen...you can spot clean and not have to wash an entire garment.  Author Linda on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793324 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 13:48:01 +0000 Author Linda 1793324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So much good advice, and Ann has some new ones I'm looking into.  Because I think hotels never have enough hangers, I always have folding hangers stowed in my luggage. Also handy if you wash something while away. Most hotel hangers are useless for hang drying. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NGJWTN8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod.....#038;psc=1</a> Isabel on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793317 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 13:29:39 +0000 Isabel 1793317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OMG !! Ann, LOVE the hanging table bag too.  Flight 001 had one but it was very small.  This one is perfect.  Laura, great suggestions here. I also highly recommend the vivienne files and the pre packed toiletries bag. And remember to check it and restock it as soon as you get home. That way it is just grab and go.  I also found a large scarf helpful for many things.  The flip flops were always a savior for me...slippers and pool ( if there is time ).  I think that a pair of comfortable flats are important in case you are in a situation where you have to walk. A coat, like some type of trench coat that you can layer under AND it protects from the elements. Or a super compact umbrella.  Have fun !!!!!!! rachylou on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793253 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 05:20:41 +0000 rachylou 1793253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That tray table bag is ingenious! dashielle (Ann) on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793252 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 05:15:57 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1793252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with Runcarla on the Longchamp tote with a smaller bag, usually a clutch inside. Other essentials I can recommend that have been tested fully on both domestic and international trips are as follows; <ul> <li>Hanging toiletries bag with large swivel hook for bathrooms with no counter space. The large hook is key, because you can hang over the door if necessary.. and you can work out of it directly if need be. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/507361?originalProduct=73889&productId=879633&attrValue_0=Red&pla1=0&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&qs=3125177_google&lsft=qs:3125177_google,product:0FGR240000&gclid=CKuu27z8_9ICFQyAfgod-qwLig&gclsrc=aw.ds">https://www.llbean.com/llb/sho.....Value_0=Re</a></li> <li>I carry a small plastic Command Hook in case there is no place near the mirror to hang toiletries <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.target.com/p/3m-command-metal-plastic-utensil-hooks-white-3-ct/-/A-13712192?sid=1284S&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Home+Improvement+Shopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Home+Improvement&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9033318&gclid=CLWi5qv9_9ICFQRqfgodMwkIzA&gclsrc=aw.ds"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/3m-command-metal-plastic-utensil-hooks-white-3-ct/-/A-13712192?sid=1284S&amp" rel="nofollow">http://www.target.com/p/3m-com.....S&amp</a>;</a></li> <li>Hand held magnifying mirror, for those archaic hotels that do not have a makeup mirror. A small lighted one is even better since rooms never have good lighting outside of the bath.</li> <li>Go Tubbs in various sizes. These are great, because you can put portions of product, pills or whatever you need to downsize in them. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Humangear-GoTubb-3-Pack-Medium-Orange/dp/B00FP2RMUY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1490936365&sr=8-2&keywords=go+tubes">https://www.amazon.com/Humange.....F8&qi</a></li> <li>Contact lens cases are the perfect size for a 2-4 day trip, filled with toothpaste, face or hair product, pills, makeup remover etc. Use a fine point Sharpie to label or be really OCD like me and use a label maker ;-)</li> <li>Tiny lint roller, sewing kit</li> <li>Dry cleaner plastic bag- to slip between clothes that wrinkle easily. I keep this in my suitcase.</li> </ul> I keep an zipper pouch with the following electronics doohickies, and one with all the European adapters at the ready. <ul> <li>Poweradd power strip/surge protector has 2 three-pronged outlets and 2 USB outlets, so you can charge all of your things at once. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Poweradd-2-Outlet-Portable-Protector-Wrapped/dp/B014SGZTNY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490935744&sr=8-1&keywords=poweradd+two+outlet">https://www.amazon.com/Powerad....._1?ie=UTF8</a></li> <li>Two Anker PowerLine+ Lightning Cable (3ft) <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerLine-Lightning-Durable-Charging/dp/B0177MEIHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490935896&sr=8-1&keywords=anker+powerline+plus">https://www.amazon.com/Anker-P.....TF8&a</a></li> </ul> If you are going to do many long haul flights, I highly recommend this pouch which hangs on the tray table, allowing you to access everything you need to be comfortable for >6 hrs of sitting. Like this one <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ebags.com/hproduct/genius-pack/high-altitude-flight-bag/268775?productid=10288883&sourceid=ADWPRODLU&couponid=94790994&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping+-+Travel+Accessories+-+Generic&adcampaignid=287304258&adgroup=Travel+Accessories+-+M3&adgroupid=43139998067&addisttype=gpla&adid=183219008086&kw=&gclid=CI693ob9_9ICFUpNfgodCagGQA">http://www.ebags.com/hproduct/.....3&sou</a> I have about 5 bags, hard and soft, large and small for different trip lengths. I would go with 4 wheels, hands down, especially if you have to do trains, planes and automobiles! OH! and TSA Precheck! No shoes/belt off, no laptop removal, no liquid screening. Carla on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793243 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 03:30:27 +0000 Carla 1793243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bring a measuring tape with you when you go shopping for luggage and count the wheels and any protrusions when getting the dimensions. Don't trust what the tags say! My (very old) inexpensive carry on is branded by an airline that I use frequently, and it has fit overhead and even under seat in planes small and large. It measures 20x6.5X14 and is a 2-wheeler. I have used it for everything from a 3 day weekend get-away to 28 days abroad. I have a matching Lonchamps that I use as my second bag and purse. Usually I have a smaller dressy purse that I toss into the Le Pliage, along with my electronics, travel documents, spare glasses, etc. Travel cubes are great. You can pull them out of the suitcase and just toss them in the hotel dresser. Flip flops are flat, light, can get you to the pool or act as slippers in your hotel room. Pack a tiny first aid kit in a sandwich size freezer bag and leave it in one of your inside suitcase pockets. (Bandaids, ointment, tiny nail clippers, q-tips, a few cotton pads, etc.) Vivienne Files is great for travel capsule ideas. Anonymous on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793229 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 01:57:47 +0000 Anonymous 1793229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the travelfashiongirl website. Style Fan on "Travel essentials?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/travel-essentials#post-1793210 Fri, 31 Mar 2017 00:58:43 +0000 Style Fan 1793210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have to travel when I am working.  I keep my toiletries bag packed.  I have doubles of everything.  It makes life easier.  I also like Vivienne Files.  She has some great diagrams.  I have had the same luggage for 20 years.  Is that a long time?  It seems to be holding up just fine.  Nothing special. I will have to get a new carry on because of size.