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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. 😉
Luggage: We have the Samsonite Tuscany 2 piece luggage, but they no longer sell those, so the closest I'd recommend are these ones. I really like them and they've held up well, but someday I will splurge on this one.
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. I walked (and stood in lines) all over France in them and they were so comfortable. I wouldn't recommend these for hiking, but for walking and standing, they are fantastic.
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.
Flying friendly insect repellent wipes - no need to remove from your luggage, these are super travel friendly.
Dry Bags for Phones - take your phone snorkeling with you, such a fun experience!
Water Shoes - these are a budget friendly option for when you don't think you'll use them a ton, but need them for your trip.
Sandals - looks like a popular brand, but does not have the popular brand price tag, that's a win.
Flip Flops - I've bought these twice. They're so functional, great for the beach, walking miles through New Orleans, or wearing in the shower to clean them or to avoid the sketchy looking shower.
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.