My Travel Essentials

I have a few business trips coming up soon so packing and organizing my luggage is definitely on my mind. Here are some of my travel essentials to help me bring everything I need to take with me on my travels and keep me super organized.

• A hard-side suitcase is really ideal. While soft-side suitcases have extra give when packing a suitcase, they don't put up with knocks and bumps too well - which can be chaos once you open up your suitcase at your destination. My upcoming trips are going to be pretty hectic and that's the last thing I want to worry about. I picked up this Samsonite suitcase on sale and I'm looking forward to traveling with it - it's durable, light and moves like a dream so far.
  
  
• Packing cubes are the greatest thing ever! I've used Ziploc bags to keep my luggage stored but packing cubes take it to the next level. They do a fantastic job of allowing you to neatly store and compress everything you need to take with you on the road and keeps everything super organized in the process. I ordered a few from Amazon and I'm already hooked on how well they've kept my clothing organized and given me so much room in my carryon suitcase.
  
  
• Sturdy hand luggage or weekend bags are a great way to bring additional items on a longer-haul flight without having to buy a larger suitcase. I love Longchamp's Le Pliage bags because they're super rugged, light, multifunctional and fold down for easy storage when not in use. My brown Le Pliage travel bag is great for weekends or additional luggage on a longer trip. My black travel bag (discontinued) has a lot of functional pockets and a slip pocket on the back so I can slip it over my suitcase handle. It looks great enough to double up as a crossbody bag when I reach my destination. I love using it so much that I use it as an everyday bag in between trips.
  
  
• Toiletry bags are key - especially one that's easy to wipe down after trips and has lots of pockets to store everything easily. I purchased my toiletry bag from Debenhams on a trip to London several years ago and I absolutely love it! I can carry everything I need - from my bath and body products to my hair and face products - all in one bag and it's never stuffed. It's slouchy enough to accommodate all kinds of products and sturdy enough to rest perfectly on the bathroom counter when I arrive at my destination.
  
  
• Luggage tags and Tiles are a must-have to make sure that you can easily spot your luggage in the crowd or help airlines get your luggage back to you in the event that it's misplaced once checked. I purchased a few on sale from Amazon so I can tag all the luggage I bring with me on any trip.
  
  The Tile is a great tool that I use to keep track of my everyday items like my wallet and keys. Using Bluetooth and The Tile app, you can track your items on a map and mark them as "lost" if you can't find them. You can also use the app to "ring" your Tile, causing it to let out a loud ringtone so you can audibly find your things if they're out of your sightline. 

***

Here's to a safe and happy trip the next time you hit the road! What are your favorite travel essentials that make trips easier for you? Leave your recommendations in the comments below.