Travel Staples I Swear By
I’m a self proclaimed packing expert due to the 2 decades of moving state to state and the endless miles I’ve traveled! Here are the staples I swear by.
Boujour lovely,
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from all of my recent adventures—London with the kids, weekend trips to the bay, and those dreamy Bahamas getaways—it’s that packing gets so much easier when you have your go-to heroes. Over the years (and many overstuffed suitcases later), I’ve narrowed it down to a few key pieces that make every trip easier, prettier, and less stressful. These are the items I never leave home without.
For me, travel is about feeling like myself no matter where I land. I want to be comfortable on the plane, polished for an unexpected dinner out, and ready to walk miles without complaining. That means my staples have to work hard—mix and match, wash and wear, and make me feel pulled together when I’m far from home. These aren’t just “good on paper” packing hacks; they’re my tried-and-true companions that have taken me from Battersea Park football fields to barefoot Bahamas beach dinners.
My Hero Travel Staples
The Perfect Soft Blazer – Instantly dresses up jeans or a slip dress, doesn’t wrinkle, and doubles as a plane blanket.
Comfy White Sneakers – Stylish enough for city exploring, supportive enough for 20,000-step days.
Neutral Set SPANX AirEssentials® – Cozy for flights, chic enough for coffee runs in Paris or London.
Packable Slip Dress – Goes with sneakers, heels, or layered with a sweater; takes up almost no space.
A Crossbody Bag with a Zipper – Hands-free, secure, and goes with everything.
My Bandolier Phone Case – Truly non-negotiable. It’s a crossbody phone case with a built-in card slot—perfect for travel days, stadium games, or even errands. Keeps my hands free for coffee (or kids) and my phone exactly where I need it. You will never see me without it!
Oversized Cashmere Scarf/Wrap – Plane blanket, evening shawl, and a cozy hug when homesickness hits.
Portable Charger & Cord Organizer – Not glamorous, but you’ll thank yourself.
My Plane Nap Game-Changer – This is my newest discovery and it’s a life saver: a travel neck pillow + head strap + eye mask combo that gives 360° support and stops the dreaded bobblehead. I actually sleep on planes now (!!!), and it’s a must for red-eyes or road trips.
The Perfect Carry-On Luggage – Lightweight, durable, and stylish enough to glide through the airport without fuss. Mine fits in any overhead bin and makes packing cubes a dream.
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Explore. Dream. Discover."
by Mark Twain
These are my MVPs—the pieces that make it into every suitcase, no matter the season or destination. With these in my bag, I know I can throw together an outfit for anything (or survive a delayed flight with a little more grace).
As I start sharing more of my travel diaries here—like our magical London days —I thought it would be helpful to share the behind-the-scenes packing staples that make those trips feel seamless. If you’ve got a hero piece you never travel without, tell me in the comments—I’d love to add it to my list.
