We're nearly halfway through 2021 and while the pandemic is far from over, the thought of travel is coming back into the picture for many people. Everyone will have different criteria for when they feel safe traveling and to where they feel safe traveling, but this post will help you pack for travel in a way that enables you to enjoy the literal journey! ​

Some noteworthy features:

• The polycarbonate hard shell is both lightweight and durable - protecting all your belongings through the rigorous journey.
• Built in compression helps you get more into one bag
• Optional battery makes it really convenient to keep your devices charged up so you can stay entertained, working, or in communication as needed  along the way. 
• TSA lock
• 360 degree spinner wheels - if you don't have these yet, they are a game changer!
• Laundry bag to keep your dirty socks away from everything else ;) 

$20 Off Away Travel Goodies!

We're nearly halfway through 2021 and while the pandemic is far from over, the thought of travel is coming back into the picture for many people. Everyone will have different criteria for when they feel safe traveling and to where they feel safe traveling, but this post will help you pack for travel in a way that enables you to enjoy the literal journey! 

Personal Experience:
I have had the carry on with pocket from Away since mid 2018 and used it on every trip - road trip, US domestic flights, international flights, cruises, trains, buses... you name it. I love it. The design is minimal and timeless. I can fit everything I need in an organized way.  It has a handle on the top and the side which makes it really easy to lift into overhead bins on an airplane or shelves on a train etc. I find this especially helpful when my bag is truly loaded and a bit heavy. Since I am petite, having these handles gives me greater control over the bag and confidence as I hoist it wherever it needs to go. The built in laundry bag is surprisingly useful. It snaps in and out easily. The pocket offers 2 zippered areas that can give you easy access to specific things. For instance, maybe I'll place my iPad in the larger pocket and my passport holder and travel documents in the smaller one. Then I always know where they are and when I get on a plane I can quickly pull out my iPad before putting the bag in the overhead bin. 

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One thing worth mentioning is that if you pack too tightly around where the handle telescopes, it will not be able to telescope as smoothly. The customer service from Away is phenomenal. They have a 100 day trial and I literally did make use of this with 0 issues and 100% satisfaction. You can read my away luggage customer service experience here. ​

$20 Off Away Travel Goodies!

The Everywhere Bag is part of my travel uniform. It sits perfectly atop the carry on suitcase and you can fit a ton of stuff in here, depending on your needs. It's water resistant nylon (or upgrade to the leather options), has a laptop pocket that can fit a 15", and comes with a padded shoulder strap or the short straps. I've had this bag since 2018 also and I really like it. It's been able to fit underneath the seat on any flights I have taken, which is important as I am using it as my "personal item".
What I would change? I don't love the zipper set up. Mainly I find the short handles kind get in the way when you using the zipper and reaching for things in the bag. In the grand scheme of things, NBD, but I want to share pros and cons both!  I used to use a samsonite boarding bag and it zipped completely open which I found helpful since I use this bag less for in-flight comforts and more for actual packing-space purposes. 
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$20 Off Away Travel Goodies!

The Insider Packing Cubes are designed to perfectly integrate into your away luggage. Obviously you can use them with any luggage, but if you are a fan of the Away Travel brand and want to stay in the family and have a perfect fit, check these out. Current price for a 4-pack is $45

​$20 Off Away Travel Goodies!

This is the eye mask I currently use every night. It's made from mulberry silk and made by a wonderful brand. Currently on sale!

Save $25 

The Sleep Mask from Away Travel is intriguing as it wraps completely around your head to truly shield out all light! Thermoregulating technology will keep you comfortable all flight long. I'd love to try this out! 



​​$20 Off Away Travel Goodies!

The travel neck pillow from Away Travel has a foam pillow core, thermoregulating technology and I like that it can be laid completely flat and even attached to their travel blanket! It comes with an antimicrobial pouch that can attach to the outside of any bag which is *awesome*! 

​​​$20 Off Away Travel Goodies!

The Travel Blanket from Away Travel is pretty cool. It packs super tiny, yet unfolds to be long enough to even tuck your feet into - keeping them warm and protected! You can also snap it onto another travel blanket or their neck pillow to stay super snuggly.

​​​$20 Off Away Travel Goodies!

The Chrysalis Cardi is an extremely versatile piece from Canadian ethical and sustainable fashion brand Encircled that is perfect for travel. Wear it in the poncho style for extra warmth on the plane and later as a halter dress when you get to the beach.

Shop The Chrysalis Cardi - Canada or US/Global

A cashmere blanket scarf or throw can be great for warmth and breathability too! Save $10 

The Compression Socks from Away Travel are quick drying and have anti-order technology. 

​​​​$20 Off Away Travel Goodies!

While they do take up some real estate in my luggage (actually I clip them to the outside, but still..), my Beats noise cancelling headphones are a must pack. I can block out the sound of the plane and other passengers. And again, when that whole introvert thing kicks in strong, I can just pop on my beats and cut down unwanted interactions 99%. 

Even though I bring beats, I also bring Airpods Pro. They are small and take basically no space, but they also offer noise canceling. Sometimes if I wear the Beats too long, I get a headache from the pressure. I am headache prone. So that's when I'd switch to the AirPods. They are also easier to toss in your bag when you're out and about on your trip!