The Exact Luggage, Packing Gear & Travel Accessories I Use As A Frequent Traveler

Searching for the best luggage and travel accessories but not sure what to get?

I’m a travel blogger who’s averaged about 10+ trips per year for the past decade. This is the exact gear I use. I’ve tried numerous suitcases and gadgets, some with great success and others not so much, but I’m really happy with the gear I’ve got right now.

Read on for the exact luggage, packing gear, and travel accessories I use.

Luggage & Bags 

Suitcase

As a frequent traveler, my suitcase is very important.

I bought this hardshell 3-pack from Coolife a few years back and love them. They’re sturdy, lightweight, have TSA-approved locks, and are going on 4 years strong.

One of my favorite features is the textured exterior. It’s inevitable that suitcases will scuff, but the airport scratches are hardly visible on these thanks to the texture.

Check pricing & availability at: Hard Shell Luggage

Backpack 

In addition to my suitcase, I often carry a backpack.

I have bad shoulders, so a quality backpack with a hip strap is really important when carrying a heavy bag. Outdoor brands, like REI and Osprey, really understand how to make a high quality backpack that’s comfortable with heavy weight.

The REI Flash backpack is amazing, it’s my go-to for long travel days, and I also use it for hiking and other outdoor adventures, it’s very versatile.

I’ve had this one for 4 years, it’s held up great and is really easy to clean.

Check pricing & availability at: REI Backpack Flash 22

Canvas Tote Bag

Sometimes, in lieu of a backpack, I’ll carry a tote bag.

The Lands’ End bag I use is a good, medium size option with just enough interior pockets. It’s very durable, I’ve had it for almost 10 years. However, these are difficult to clean, so I’m cautious about where I take them.

Check pricing & availability at: Monogramed Canvas Tote Bag

Weekender Duffle Bag

Living in Colorado, I do a lot of quick mountain getaways, no airport required. For these trips, a duffle bag is preferred over a rolling suitcase.

This bag is surprisingly large and durable. Plus, it’s so cute!

I’ve had this bag for 5 years. It’s not easy to clean, so I’m particular about where I take it, but otherwise, I have no complaints.

Check pricing & availability at: Monogramed Canvas Duffle Bag

Packing Gear

Below is packing gear I use, such as travel cubes, pouches, and toiletry bags.

Packing Cubes

Some people swear by packing cubes, but I’m 50/50 on them.

I do find them helpful for organizing when I’m on long trips.

I use packing cubes to contain dirty clothes or to keep different types of clothes separate. For example, I often do trips which involve a few days in a city, then a few days hiking. I prefer to keep my hiking gear separate from my city clothes.

Many frequent travelers swear packing cubes save space, but I’m not so sure, I think they’re bulky and awkward in the suitcase. There are plenty who disagree on that though, so try them out and see what you think.

The exact packing cubes I have are 10 years old and no longer made, but this is a similar set: Packing Cube Set.

Toiletry Bags 

I have an oddly fierce love for hanging toiletry bags, they’re so convenient when traveling.

The first hanging travel bag I had, however, was large and bulky. Since the bag folds in on itself, it can turn into a big, space-eating bulk in your suitcase.

I did eventually find a smaller hanging bag that can be disassembled, making it easier to pack.

Below are photos of what the bag is like hanging versus disassembled.

Check pricing & availability at: Hanging Toiletry Bag

Within my toiletry bag are also a few small pouches to keep everything organized. You can check out similar bags at: Toiletry Pouches.

Makeup Bag & Toiletry Bags

For makeup and toiletry bags, I use Vera Bradley bags, special thanks to my mom who loves to gift this brand.

Their pretty, colorful designs are a main selling point, of course, but they’re also surprisingly durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. I’ve had two sets of pouches for over 5 years now.

Their designs, sizes, etc. are always changing, check out current options at: Vera Bradley Toiletry Bags.

(Each time I’ve gotten these, I received a pack of 3 – 5 pouches, I love that this gives me various size options.)

Travel Jewelry Case

I had a phase in life where I was attending a lot of destinations weddings each year.

I always wanted jewelry for my wedding outfit but hated packing it. My necklaces repeatedly got tangled and I worried about losing small pieces.

Finally, I bought a hardshell jewelry case. It makes organizing my jewelry much easier.

Admittedly, it’s pretty large and bulky in a suitcase, so if I’m only bringing one or two items, I’ll just tuck them into a small travel pouch (like the ones above). However, this case is perfect for when I’m traveling with multiple pieces.

Check pricing & availability at: Travel Jewelry Case

Travel Gear

Below are travel accessories I have on hand during travel days.

Headphones

I’m obsessed with Bose noise cancelling headphones. They are so comfortable and work great for crystal clear audio even on a loud plane, and I’m saying this as someone with a hearing problem. They’re easily one of my favorite travel accessories.

They are expensive, but I think they’re worth the investment. I’ve had the same pair for over 5 years now, they still work beautifully and the battery life has remained excellent.

Check pricing & availability at: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

Additionally, I travel with AirPods and old wire headphones. I find them more convenient when in the airport lounge or just walking around.

Check pricing & availability at: Apple AirPods

Check pricing & availability at: Apple EarPods Headphones

Check pricing & availability at: USB C to Lightning Headphone Audio Adapter For Earphone (for iPhone 15 users).

Portable Charger

A portable charger is a must for my sanity when traveling. I need my phone for navigation, boarding pass, booking information, entertainment, etc., so the battery goes quick on travel days.

I found the charger I have now by accident, and I love it.

I bought this portable charger for a backpacking trip where I’d be at the bottom of the Grand Canyon for three nights with no electricity. This battery held its power, even after charging my phone multiple times, for all three days. It was so reliable and easy to use.

It’s on the heavier side, but it’s far superior to other portable chargers I’ve used, and it’s a reasonable price. I’ve had this for a few years now and it still works great.

Check pricing & availability at: 26800mAh Portable Charger

Cord Organzier

Charging cords will get so unorganized if thrown into a backpack, so a simple cable organizer is nice to have.  

I toss all my cords (phone charger, USB adaptors, wire headphones, etc.) into a small canvas pouch, it’s nothing fancy, just a pouch I once received as part of a party favor (lol).

I tried to find a proper carrying case for better organization, but found the options to be large and bulky. So, to this day, the small pouch wins out for its light weight, small size, and pliability.

These little muslin bags are similar to what I have: Small Canvas Pouch

If you prefer a more presentable option, check out this Travel Cable Organizer.

Phone Charger

I have a second phone charger that’s used for travel only. As a frequent traveler, it’s convenient to always have a charger packed and ready to go.

iPhone Charger: Charge Cable | Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter

I’m an iPhone user, and unfortunately, Apple has changed its charging cords and ports way too many times. So, I’ve purchased adaptors, these allow me to use my old cords with various devices and charging ports.

The USB to USB C Adaptor has come in handy many times on travel days.

USB to USB C Adapter (I use these all the time)
Lightning to USB C Adapter (for iPhone 15)

Power Adaptor

For international travel, I have a power adapter. It’s one cube that works for Europe, UK, US, Australia, and Asia. It’s a bit large, but I think that’s to be expected. Most importantly, I’ve never had any issues with it in its 4 years of use. I have used it with success in Europe and the UK, my aunt has used it with success in South Africa and Southeast Asia.

Check Pricing & Availability at: Universal International Travel Power Adapter

Water Bottle

Finally, I always travel with a reusable water bottle. I drink a lot of water and hate buying expensive, single use bottles.

I once thought it would be really cool to have a pretty, glass water bottle for travel days… But I managed to drop and shatter it after about 4 uses.

SO, I now have a very boring plastic water bottle that I use for travel days.

Check pricing and availability at: 25oz Reusable Water Bottle

I also have this large, insulated bottle which I use at home, I love that it keeps water super cold. However, I don’t travel with it often because it’s very heavy and bulky. But, if keeping water cold is important to you, you’ll like this bottle.

Check pricing and availability at: 40z Insulated Water Bottle

If traveling somewhere the water isn’t safe to drink, check out LifeStraw Water Bottles. I have not used one of these yet, but it’s on my list. I’ve had numerous friends tell me they work great. Plus, my cousin and her husband spent 2 years traveling the world and used this bottle, which is a good indicator of the product’s quality, in my opinion.

Check pricing and availability at: LifeStraw Water Bottle

I hope you’ve found this information helpful for finding the travel gear and accessories that work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or message me on social media.

Additional Packing Guides:

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• Miami: Packing List & What To Wear
• New Orleans: What To Wear
• Las Vegas: Classy Outfit Ideas
• San Francisco: What To Wear
• Colorado Winter: What To Wear
• Bryce Canyon National Park: What To Pack
• Belize: What To Wear
• Taylor Swift Eras Tour: What To Wear

Additional Travel Tips:

• How I Took 17 Trips With 10 Vacation Days: Maximize Your Time Off
• How I Quit My Job And Traveled For A Year
• How I Handle Travel Anxiety (& How You Can Too)
• Holiday Travel Tips For The Anxious Traveler
• Avoid Crowds While Traveling