After years of traveling, and more specifically, this year spent living out of suitcase. I’ve developed a formula for packing almost perfectly— and dialed in a number of essentials I never travel without.
My formula for packing the right wardrobe, most often in a carry-on, is simple. Transitional times of year can make that more challenging, but the formula still works. If you missed it, you can catch up here, along with everything I packed for my summer holiday to Greece and Austria.
The formula simmers down to a very simple equation: I pack half the number of looks as the days I’m away. I count these as dinner looks, then add a few daytime or sport-specific pieces depending on the trip—jeans, tees, activewear. I use this for every trip, whether I’m checking a bag or holding onto my “carry-on queen” title (it really boils down to the season).
Here’s short list of items that always make it into my suitcase:
Crown Affair Hair Towel: Traveling often means getting ready faster. Whether I’m air-drying my hair or packed my travel dryer, this towel is essential for good hair days.
Packing Cubes: They keep me organized and make it so much easier to find things, especially if I’m moving every few days to fully unpack.
Travel Steamer: Costs about $30, and yes, I’ve left a few behind, but they’re invaluable when you’re cramming things into a carry-on. I even once steamed a friend’s wedding dress because no one else had one. I also have this one, wired for EU.
Travel Games: Usually it’s Rummikub, sometimes Backgammon, and at the very least playing cards. Picnics, aperitivo hour, and late-night drinks are always better with a little competition.
Jump Rope + Exercise Bands: There was a time I stopped packing sneakers because they felt like wasted space, but after nearly a year of living out of a suitcase, workouts anywhere are just part of my routine. A jump rope and bands make that possible.
Flaky Sea Salt: Don’t laugh—this little tin goes everywhere with me. I’ve even discreetly pulled it out at restaurants that only offer table salt.
Supplements: nothing worse than feeling off (or getting sick) when you travel, I take Liv-On Labs Liposomal Vit-C, and Glutathione daily, and BeeKeepers Naturals Throat Spray and Nasal Spray both made with Propolis which is naturally anti-germ so great on flights. If I’m run down I double up on everything above, and these: Oil of Oregano capsules, Wellness Formula. Finally, to sleep well, and keep my digestion moving I drink Moon Juice Magnesium-OM nightly, Digestive enzymes with every meal, Arrae Constipation if necessary, and Magna electrolytes in the morning, sleep supplements, and Advil (regular + PM). This supplement organizer is the best I’ve found.
Compression Clothing: This might sound wild, but in addition to compression socks, I often wear compression leggings and/or compression tank top on long-haul flights. It really makes a difference if you tend to swell up in your legs and abdomen on long flights.
Baggu Nylon Bag Set: While they may seem unnecessary, they always end up being useful. I travel with both a mini and standard shopping bag. They fold up to the size of an iPhone, fit into a clutch, and weigh nothing. Perfect for grabbing a few things at the market, doubling as a hotel laundry hamper, or packing my airplane lunch (because I try to avoid airline food). I also like these zipper pouches for hairdryer, hair brushes and any items I need for an overnight flight in my carry-on.
This one is too obvious, but adding a bonus #10
Oversized Canvas Tote Bag: Every time I’ve tried to forgo it in favor of just a big handbag, I regret it. My two favorites are a standard LL Bean Large Boat Tote, or Rue de Verneuil “Traversée Large”. My partner undoubtedly complains about the “extra carry-on,” then promptly uses it daily as our adventure bag. Whether it’s holding beach towels, a change of clothes if we’re out for the day, or ski gear, a simple tote is endlessly practical.
Hope your next adventure is yummy.
x Olivia