Packing & Must-Haves
Essentials for Long-Term Travel
Packing for long-term travel requires a mix of efficiency, practicality, and a touch of minimalism. Over time, we’ve refined our list to include only the essentials—items that make our travels smoother, more comfortable, and stress-free.
🧳 Luggage & Organization
Carry-on suitcase – Lightweight & durable. I love my Away Soft Side Bigger Carry-On. It is is spacious and practical, offering plenty of room for clothing, shoes, and other essentials. Its generous size makes it perfect for long trips, while its smooth-rolling wheels ensure effortless movement—even over rough cobblestone streets. Durable and well-designed, it's a reliable travel companion for any adventure!
Compression Packing cubes – a game-changer for packing!
Not only do they keep your clothing neatly organized, but they also help you compress your items, creating extra space in your suitcase for other essentials. These cubes come in sets with various sizes—just use the ones that best fit your luggage to maximize efficiency. There are many to choose from, I went with Cambond because I like the color choices.. A must-have for stress-free, space-saving travel!
Reusable Shopping Bag
The Baggu reusable shopping bag is a must-have for everyday travel! Lightweight yet durable, it folds down small enough to fit in your pocket or a tiny purse, making it easy to carry wherever you go. Perfect for grocery shopping or unexpected purchases, this bag is strong, spacious, and washable—so you can use it again and again. Take it with you daily because you never know what you might bring back!
We always keep these versatile clips in a baggie along with a handful of rubber bands—they're incredibly handy for countless tasks! Whether it's hanging clothes, sealing bags of cookies or coffee (our absolute travel essentials), or tackling unexpected needs, we never go anywhere without them.
👕 Clothing Essentials
From ScotteVest - A jacket with 18 (!) pockets kept me warm in cooler weather and was a lifesaver at the airport—perfect for carrying phones, passports, wallets, earbuds, charging cords, and, of course, my Blistex! Bruce has the vest version of this product.
Lightweight, water-repellent, and wrinkle-resistant pants—designed for all-day comfort, quick drying, and easy packing without taking up valuable luggage space. Available for women and men.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 is an excellent choice for those with flat feet who need stability and all-day comfort