I just returned from a two-week trip abroad with my husband and two kids, and after a 26-hour travel day on our way home, I feel as though I’m brimming with perspective and ready praise for the products that enhanced the journey with their usefulness and convenience. Check out some of my favorite things below.
Packer’s delight
On this year’s trip, we visited two countries with different climates and planned to do a lot of driving, so I anticipated that we would be very restricted in terms of packing space. When I suggested that everyone cram what they needed into a carry-on size piece of luggage, even I had doubts that we would be able to do it. But thanks to this nifty Amazon purchase — a collection of vaccuum-sealable, space-saving bags, we did! I was amazed. I had tried the packing cube method before, but this is my new favorite way to cram an incredible amount of stuff into a small space.
The best part? The USB pump is ultra-compact and easy to travel with. No need for a full-size vacuum!
VMstr 18 Pack Vacuum Storage Bags with USB Pump
I already sang the praises of this awesome Jones backpack in an article earlier this month. But its roominess and organized pockets were so appreciated throughout this trip that I feel it deserves another mention. It’s much easier to squeeze what you need into a suitcase when a secondary carry-on like this one can handle the numerous extras with no problem.
Comfy travel clothes
Airport outfits are definitely a thing — especially matching sets. I wanted to look put together while we traveled, but wasn’t sure about how I felt about spending all day in a leisure set.
Plus, you never know if the plane is going to be blazing hot or ice cold, so I attempted to meet in the middle, opting for a breathable top and loose-fitting cargo pants, with a sporty hooded jacket for layering. I didn’t need the jacket on the first leg, but boy did I ever on the second. Ultimately, I was super comfortable — and didn’t feel like I was traveling in my pajamas.
Z Supply Callie V Neck Airy Top
Splendid Kaia Cargo Pant
Athleta Jetset Bomber
A shoe for all seasons
Last year, I tested a pair of Duca Del Cosma shoes that I absolutely loved. While planning for this year’s trip, I wanted a shoe that looked elevated but was still comfortable, and that was neutral enough to go with just about anything. Duca delivered yet again, with the Licata — a waterproof, stylish yet understated shoe that I wore absolutely everywhere, with and without socks, with nary a blister or soreness of any kind. My favorite part? The contrast laces keep the shoes looking clean. A sweet bonus when you’re on the road. Oh, and did I mention they’re golf shoes?! Yes!
Duca Del Cosma Licata
Easy shades
I recently received a few samples of WMP sunglasses, and they’re become my new go-tos. Not only are they trendy, they’re lightweight and durable with crystal-clear lenses. Plus, they’re available at a price point that doesn’t make them feel too precious.
WMP Eyewear Stormi
Plane necessities
After accidentally running my AirPods through the washing machine (sigh), all I had left to use were my old-school plug-in headphones. But much to my dismay, they don’t fit into my iPhone 16 without an adapter. Doh! Thank goodness for this quick fix from Amazon.
USB C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter for iPhone
Finally, we all know that sleeping on planes is next to impossible as an adult — especially when you’re serving as the middle seat pillow for two stretched-out kids. But this neck pillow had numerous positive reviews online so I figured I’d give it a try. Spoiler alert: I didn’t sleep like a baby, but it does deserve a shout out for at least keeping my head from bobbing around aimlessly for hours. I’ll take every win I can!
