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Striking a balance between packing too much and packing too little is always a battle. I can't tell you how many pairs of underwear you should pack, but I can give you some basics that I've found essential outside of the obvious items. 😉
Kindle Unlimited - ok, so not really something you put in your bag, but I can't go to sleep without reading and having access to SO many titles is something I refuse to give up.
Luggage Scale - no more desperately switching stuff from bag 1 to bag 2 while holding up the check in line. I bought this one in December 2023 (!) and it's battery hasn't failed me yet!
Battery Bank for iPhone - having your battery die in the middle of trying to navigate unfamiliar places is terrifying. I've done it, don't do it. Battery Bank for Android - same as the other one, but for the better phone operating system (yeah, I said it). Whether you agree with my prior statement or not, don't leave home (or your hotel) without your battery bank.
Backpack/Weekender Bag - this one is a nice size to not get stopped by the gate agent and told you have to check your bag and it won't break the bank either (Travel Backpack - budget) or buy this one (Travel Backpack - splurge), it has a color that I LOVE plus it is from a well reputed brand. If you have the extra cash to splurge, I'd definitely get this one. If you prefer a duffle, this one has gone many places with me and has stood the test of time (Weekender Bag).
A Good Purse - I received this one as a Christmas gift and I'm in love with it! 😍 The side pocket for my beverage was a lifesaver walking around Disneyland!
A RFID Blocking Wallet - I bought this one AND this one. I liked the idea of having one that I use regularly and another one that holds my extra cards that don't need to be in the regularly used one.
Snacks! You need something shelf-stable for travel and we love these ones: cheese snacks.
Good walking shoes - I finally caved and ordered these after so many people said they were just as good as Hoka, but at a much lower price.
Sunscreen - don't be like we were in Maui and end up looking like a strawberry! These are Hawaiian law compliant too which means they're reef friendly.
Sandals - looks like a popular brand, but does not have the popular brand price tag, that's a win.
Packing Cubes - I wasn't sure about this as a solution but when we went to Puerto Rico and were trying to get by with just carry-ons, these helped a ton by squishing everything down.
Travel Bottles - for your favorite hair and skin products. I like this one the best, but I don't have a lot of potions. If you have a lot of potions, this one may be better for you.
First Aid Kit - anyone else have a family that almost always ends up bleeding when they travel? No? Just me?
Travel Adapter - better to not fry your electronics.
Headphones - I have these and love them. They're so comfortable on my large head (it's seriously big and finding something that didn't feel like it was squeezing was a challenge that took me over a year to overcome).
Kid's Headphones - Lexie loves these ones. 🐱
Motion Sickness medicine - this stuff has saved many of our trips. I highly recommend testing it before you take your trip. For us, that meant me driving Luke around while he scrolled on his phone after taking it. He's a big fan of this stuff now. He had tried another popular brand and it didn't work for him, but this one did.
Non-aerosol products - Ella likes this hairspray and dry shampoo.