I’ve Been a Travel Editor for 20+ Years—Here Are the Essentials I Always Pack

By Lori Stacy

After more than two decades as a travel editor, I’ve become ruthlessly efficient about what goes in my suitcase. Flying often and packing constantly, I’ve learned the hard way what’s worth bringing and what isn’t.

I don’t overpack. I don’t bring “just in case” items. And I don’t travel with anything that doesn’t earn its spot.

These are the pieces I come back to every time, the ones that make travel smoother, more organized, and genuinely more enjoyable.

The Carry-Ons I Swear By

Every good trip starts with the right suitcase. Ever had to buy a suitcase in the airport and switch your stuff out on the floor at your gate? Thanks to buying a cheapie suitcase, I have, and I can tell you it’s no fun. So Tip No. 1: Don’t scrimp on your workhorse roller bag.

I travel with a structured, polished carry-on like this Delsey carry-on that’s lightweight and holds up beautifully trip after trip.

For my personal item, I rotate between a smart travel backpack (with a hidden shoe compartment—so smart) and a compact underseat bag for shorter trips. The roller bag + travel backpack combination got me through 10 days in Europe without a checked bag. I love that the backpack easily attaches to the top of the suitcase and has space for shoes, laptop, small purse, and other need-on-the-plane essentials. The underseat bag is great if you’re traveling on a discount airline that charges for overhead bin space. This one has lots of space so you can make a weekender out of it, easily.

I always toss in a folding travel tote. It takes up no space going out, but I use it constantly on the way home. I also swear by a flat, packable purse. Don’t waste your personal item on a full handbag. Just keep your essentials (ID, phone, earbuds) in a small pouch and tuck it into your carry-on. Then if you’re in a bulkhead seat with no underseat storage, you can pull it out and have everything you need right next to you.

Don’t skip a good luggage tag either, preferably monogramed for easy recognition. It’s a small detail that makes a difference when you’re moving quickly.

I never forget a water bottle; just pack it empty and fill it once you’re through security. It’s a small habit that saves money and keeps you hydrated all trip long.

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The Smart Packing System That Keeps You Organized

I use compression packing cubes to keep everything organized and compact. For a more fun, elevated option, I also love these stylish Lilly Pulitzer cubes. I mean, why not make your travel gear adorable?

I also swear by a passport holder, not just because it’s cute but because I can keep my passport and travel documents in one easy-to-find place.

They keep outfits grouped, save space, and make unpacking feel effortless.

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🧼 The Bathroom Setup I Swear By

Hotel bathrooms are rarely designed for real life. That’s why I always bring a hanging bag.

I rotate between this streamlined hanging cosmetics bag and this prettier Lilly Pulitzer version depending on the trip.

Inside, I keep everything organized:

• A flat travel jewelry organizer (no tangled necklaces)
• A small pill case
• A few essentials tucked into a zip pouch—perfect for sunscreen or beach days

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👗 Wrinkle-Free Without the Hotel Iron

I don’t rely on hotel irons anymore.

A compact portable steamer is a smart idea, especially if you’re staying in an AirBNB where irons and ironing boards aren’t a given.

And this heat-proof curling iron case is one of my favorite small upgrades—you can pack your hot tools immediately without worrying about damage.

🧦 In-Flight Comfort That Actually Matters

No one likes long flights and delays, but they’re hard to avoid. The best thing you can do is make the journey more comfortable. Seriously, I used to dread air travel until I got smarter about it. And now, I actually look forward to flights. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s the one place I can relax, read a book, watch a movie, and just chill.

I always pack:

• Memory foam travel pillow
• Compression travel socks
• A soft cashmere blend wrap (doubles as a blanket)
• A simple sleep mask (seems silly but it’s a game-changer for in-flight sleep)
• Melatonin so I can sleep on overnight flights

These are the items that help you arrive feeling like yourself.

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🔌 Tech That Keeps Everything Running

I keep all of my tech in one place with a simple cord organizer case.

Inside:

• Chargers
• A portable battery
• A travel adapter for international trips
• Old-school, regular ear buds to plug into the plane’s sound/movie system. I fly American a lot and some of their planes have screens, but you’ll need the single jack plug-ins to access sound.

No digging, no stress. Speaking of tech, don’t forget to download music and movies for the flight.

🧠 The Smart Extras You Don’t Think About (Until You Do)

These are the things I’ve learned to never skip:

• A portable carbon monoxide monitor (especially in rentals)
• Laundry detergent sheets for quick sink washes
• A few extra pouches to separate outfits or worn clothes
• A small bag of trail mix. It’s simple, filling, and saves you from overpriced airport food or unpredictable flight snacks.
• Cash, preferably smaller bills. Comes in handy for tips, taxi rides, and peace of mind.

☀️ Warm Weather Musts

For beach or warm-weather trips, I always add:

• A packable sun hat
• A comfortable, lightweight travel outfit that works day to night. This one is so cozy, doesn’t wrinkle, and looks great.

These are the pieces that make packing feel easy instead of overwhelming.

💳 The Upgrade That’s Actually Worth It

If there’s one upgrade I always recommend after years of travel, it’s this:

Access to airport lounges (especially if you are traveling internationally or plan to travel more than twice a year). Seriously, once you experience an airport lounge it’s hard to go back. Free food and drink, comfortable seating, sometimes even a shower to clean up for overnight trips. Total. Game. Changer.

You can buy a single airline’s lounge access if you travel just one airline (and it might be the more cost-efficient option) or choose a credit card that gives you access (along with points). Something like the Capital One Venture X gives you lounge access, travel perks, and even Global Entry reimbursement, another great time- and hassle-saver.

It’s not about luxury. It’s about making travel smoother.

The Bottom Line

After 20+ years of travel, I’ve learned this: The goal isn’t to pack more, it’s to pack smarter. Every item should serve a purpose. Every system should make your trip easier.

These are the essentials I come back to every time, the ones that earn their spot and make travel feel effortless. Safe and happy travels to you!

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Lori Stacy is editor of Cents & Savvy. She has been a luxury lifestyle and travel writer and editor for more than 25 years at such publications as Southwest Airlines Spirit magazine, American Way magazine, Celebrated Living magazine, and ClubLife magazine.