If I had an unlimited amount of money, I think I’d use it all to travel.

From the time when I was a young girl, I’ve always enjoyed exploring new places and going on family trips. My craving for discovery clearly stuck around because I’ve been on some amazing vacations in the last few years!

Here’s a photo of me, my mom and the kids when we went to London.

We tried the best fish and chips from a place called the Laughing Halibut. I honestly think I’d buy a plane ticket just for that!

There was also our trip to Puerto Rico. The blue water still calls my name, and the best part about the trip is that we were always out and about!

But not all of my trips required an over-the-sea itinerary. Some of my favorite travel experiences have been here in the states!

You all know I’m a California girl at heart. I grew up in the southern part of the state, and while I’m an east coast gal now, part of CA will forever be in my heart.

Here’s me on the beach at Half Moon Bay.

It was a tad chilly, hence my jeans and pullover, but when the beach demands a visit, there’s no holding me back.

No matter where I’m going, traveling makes me feel alive. There are so many places to explore and so many memories to be made.

I don’t want to say that I’m a travel “expert”… I’ve had my fair share of traveling hiccups, believe me! But I have discovered a few things that make my travel experiences SO much easier. I’m talking about packing cubes, snacks and even compression socks!

Here are a few with you for your next trip.

*post includes affiliate links

Tech Travel Essentials

Between the crying on airplanes and the deep hum of the engine, it can be hard to get some peace and quiet when traveling.

Find the headphones HERE.

That’s why I rely on my Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones which have honestly been a lifesaver.

Yes, they’re an investment but I use mine all the time and they’re still in great shape.

travel essentials
Find the wrap HERE.

While I’m an AirPod girl, I just love the convenience of this little Silicone Earphone Wrap.

It comes in so many pretty colors and it helps you avoid those frustrating, tangled wires that you often get when packing headphones.

travel essentials
Find the tech case HERE.

But if you have a few tech accessories on you, you’ll love this Tech Carrying Case.

When I travel, I often bring my phone, laptop, earbuds and more… carrying everything is a hassle! This compact case has a place for all those chargers.

Bags and More

My MZ Wallace Metro Backpack is one of my favorite travel accessories to date.

travel essentials
Find the backpack HERE.

I’m telling you, beyond its beauty, it has a bunch of compartments to help you keep everything organized. Plus, the backpack has a convenient side pocket for a water bottle.

Here’s a photo of me using it!

This is a trip my family took to Seattle. That backpack held everything from my wallet to my umbrella to my favorite snacks!

Find the HydroBag HERE!

Then there’s the WanderFull HydroBag. It hasn’t left my side since I started using it!

Great for days when you’re touring on foot (and days when you want to stay hydrated!).

Find the cosmetic case HERE.

This Lug Lay Flat Cosmetic Case is another one of my helpful travel essentials.

It comes in some adorable colors and it features two zip pouches on the inside. Great for cosmetics or tech items!

Find the case HERE.

Speaking of cosmetics, I adore this Vera Bradley Cosmetic Case. My mom has always been a fan of Vera Bradley and the vibrant patterns always cheer me up.

This one has a zip-top closure to ensure your essentials don’t fall out!

Find the travel kit HERE.

And here’s an option for the man in your life!

This Dopp Leather Travel Kit has a place for all of the travel must-haves he’ll need on his trip. Plus, it makes a great Father’s Day gift!

Find the packing cubes HERE.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, it’s difficult to fit everything in your bag. That’s why I rely on packing cubes similar to these mesh ones from Nordstrom.

They offer a compact way to sort and organize your things, while compressing them.

Find the shoe bags HERE.

I also like these Water-Repellent Shoe Bags. I take them to and from the beach.

It’s nice to know I have a place to put my muddy shoes so they don’t make the car all dirty!

Beauty Travel Essentials

Finding a well-lit area to do your makeup isn’t always easy.

travel essentials
Find the lighted mirror HERE.

That’s where this Compact Lighted Mirror comes in handy.

It has two mirrors (with 1x and 10x magnification) and a ring of LED lights to make sure you’re getting good lighting wherever you are.

travel essentials
Find the brush set HERE.

This Sigma Essential Travel Brush Set also caught my attention.

I have a bunch of brushes at home, but I love that this one comes with a convenient carrying case for easy on-the-go use!

travel essentials
Find the face wipes HERE.

After a long day, the last thing I want to do is struggle with washing my makeup off! But with these Beekman 1802 Face Wipes, cleansing my face is super simple.

They’re also made with nourishing goat’s milk!

Find the Philosophy set HERE.

I’m a Philosophy lover no doubt. And I love that this set includes smaller bottles for simple travel!

travel essentials
Find the packets HERE.

An amazing cleanser and powerful deep conditioning treatment, Six Thirteen has one of the best hair treatments on the market.

With these Six Thirteen Travel Packettes, you can take your hair nourishment with you!

travel essentials
Find the travel bottles HERE.

But if you have your own favorite shampoo, you can make use of these bestselling Valourgo Travel Bottles.

They’re made with silicone so they won’t break, and I like that they’re colored so you can separate your body wash, conditioner and shampoo.

Snacks and Foodie Finds

I discovered these bars around a year ago and I can’t stop raving about them!

Find the bars HERE.

They’re called Salted Caramel Built Bars and they’re a super convenient snack to take on the road. Filled with a fluffy inside and covered in REAL chocolate, these bars are low in sugar and calories, but high in protein!

Did I mention that they taste like a candy bar? Yum!

travel essentials
Find the travel mug HERE.

When I’m on the road, the last thing I want to do is make a ton of stops before my destination.

Luckily, this KeepCup Travel Mug means that there will be one less coffee break!

Find the cookies HERE.

These petite shortbread cookies from Blake’s Mother’s Cookies are the perfect snack to take on the go. They’re sweet but not overpowering, and the top reseals for easy transport!

travel essentials
Find the granola HERE.

I’ve always loved granola. It’s great on yogurt, in milk or even as finger food!

These Made Good Granola Minis are great travel essentials because they come in convenient bites that won’t make for a messy trip.

Extras for Your Travels

Does anyone else get super chilly on flights? That’s why I always bring a blanket with me as one of my travel essentials.

travel essentials
Find the throw HERE.

This Compact Travel Throw is the perfect companion because it’s not too bulky but is sure to keep you warm from take-off to landing.

Find the socks HERE.

The Bombas Compression Socks will keep your legs warm and ache-free.

The three included pairs are designed to combat muscle soreness while keeping you comfortable.

travel essentials
Find the safety kit HERE.

If you want to be extra safe on your trip, you can take along this Welly First Aid Kit.

It’s filled with band-aids, antiseptic ointment, hand sanitizer and a compact case.


As I said, I’m no travel expert but I hope some of these travel essentials are helpful! Who doesn’t want a stress-free trip?

From my home to yours,

Jill

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