Packing For Travel in 2021

5/3/2021

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!

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The Luggage

The Carry-On with Pocket

After having my primary checked luggage lost and damaged on my first huge international trip 6 years ago, I vowed to join the carry-on only crowd and have never looked back. Undeniably there are circumstances in which checking luggage is not avoidable or may be preferred, but if you are looking for a really solid carry-on bag that will stand the test of time, you can really buy theAway Carry-On with a sense of confidence.

The Carry-On with Pocket, $20 off

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!

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

The Everywhere Bag, $20 off

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.

$20 Off Away Travel Goodies!

Samsonite Boarding Bag

Inside The Luggage

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are an absolute must when I travel now. They help me pack in an organized way and rather than having everything smashed in my luggage, I can pull out a cube grab the item I want, and re-place it in the luggage. This is helpful when you are doing intensive travel where you are moving every couple days and don't want to "fully" unpack. You can come up with a system that works for you - cubes for each outfit, cubes for categories (socks and undies, tops, bottoms, swim etc).

Pro Packing Cubes

Very lightweight, mesh helps you see what's inside, not super structured - you can smash a lot in and it's okay if things are oddle shaped. Current price for 4-piece set $19.95

Dot&Dot Packing Cubes

Mesh window to see inside easily, fun colors, lightweight, I really like the long slim cube, which is a size you don't always see.
5 packs vary in price based on size and currently start at $17.99.

Shacke Pak

My husband uses the Shacke Pak packing cubes and they have been durable during 5 years of travel so far. They also have mesh so you can see what's inside and include a laundry bag! 5 packs currently $20.99

Tripped Travel Gear Compression Packing Cubes

I don't personally have these, but if you are looking for compression packing cubes and want to support a small business, check out Tripped Travel Gear. Tim & Fin have a really fun YouTube channel and support their travel ways through YT and these packing cubes which are really highly rated! These are different than the above options because they offer compression, which is helpful if you are looking to pack as much as possible in a small space. 6 pieces are currently $44.95

The Insider Packing Cubes

The Insider Packing Cubes, $20 off

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!

Stay Comfortable

Eye Mask

My sleep quality has improved tremendously since I started wearing an eye mask to bed. It's a simple change that can have a big impact. If I use it at home, why wouldn't I want to use it during travel? A sleep mask is especially helpful on long flights when you really need to try to get some sleep, not to mention the moments when you aren't in the mood to interact with people..... lol.

Mulberry Silk Eye Mask

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask

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

Away Travel The Sleep Mask, Save $20

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!

Best Selling Sleep Mask On Amazon

By comparison, here is the current best selling sleep mask on Amazon. It's got memory foam and 43,000 reviews 4.7 star rating.

Neck Pillow

Neck pillows are something I like to travel with, but the downside is they can be bulky. I hate the feeling of just falling asleep on a plane and then your head drops suddenly, yanking your neck around and you're suddenly jolted out of sleep. It happens on repeat. A neck pillow can really solve this issue!

The Travel Neck Pillow

Away Travel The Travel Neck Pillow, Save $20

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!

Best Selling Travel Neck Pillow On Amazon

Here is the current best selling travel neck pillow on Amazon with 4.5 stars and over 13,000 reviews.
Ergonomic design, memory foam, and magnetic therapy cloth? Intruiging.

Blanket

You'll likely be getting a blanket on a long haul flight, but what if you're cold on a shorter flight? Or better yet what if you're cold in the airport on a long layover? Bringing a blanket can be a great idea if you can find one that will not take up too much precious real estate. Here are some ideas.

The Travel Blanket

The Travel Blanket from Away Travel, Save $20

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

Chrysalis Cardi, 10% off

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

Cashmere Blanket Scarf or Throw

Mongolian Cashmere Throw, One Quince, Save $10

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

Compression Socks

I always travel with compression socks, especially if I am taking long haul flights that will have me sitting for too many hours at a time. A lot of times I will wear a pair of regular ankle socks under them so I can get more use out of them between washes if needed.

The Compression Socks

The Compression Socks Away Travel, Save $20

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

$20 Off Away Travel Goodies!

Best Selling Compression Socks On Amazon

Here's one of the best selling compression socks on Amazon with 41,000 ratings averaging 4.6 stars:

Headphones

Beats

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%.

AirPods Pro

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!

Stay Healthy

Taking care of your health is important during travel and we all have even more awareness of this since COVID-19 emerged.

Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle

Mira Brand is an affordable alternative to the popular swell bottles. I recommend the matte, solid color finished over the prints and shiny ones that can peel over time. Staying hydrated is so important. Also grab asilicone/carabiner attachment so you can clip it to your luggage or backpack anytime!

Healthy Snacks

Consider bringing some healthy snacks with you - nuts, sliced apples, protein bars etc when possible and appropriate.

Supplements

Many people swear by airborne, ester c to support their immune system. Melatonin, Melissa, and are valued by many to help them sleep on the plane and adjust to a new time zone.

Essential Oils

Some great essential oils for travel include immune supporting blends and sleep/calming essential oil blends. However, please be courteous of those around you on a flight when using things that may smell strong, even if they are natural. :-)

Face masks & Sanitizer

Face masks and sanitizer will likely be with most of us for a while during travel. Last object has come up with a cool kit to keep your mask and sanitizer in one handy spot. Get 10% off any Last Object order here!!

Last Object Zero Waste Face Mask & Spray Kit, Save 10%

Tissues

Last Tissue is also perfect for blowing your nose on the go! I won't travel without these now! Get a discount on Last Tissue Here

Last Tissue Reusable Travel Tissue Pack, Save 10%