What We’re Traveling With: A Look Inside Our Journey Essentials Part 2
Whether we’re hopping on a plane to Japan, road-tripping down the California coast, or sneaking away for a romantic weekend in the mountains, what we pack matters. After dozens of trips—some dreamy, some chaotic—we’ve finally dialed in a lineup of tried-and-true travel essentials that make every journey smoother, more comfortable, and a little more stylish.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to bring on your next trip, or if you’re just looking to upgrade your carry-on game, this list is for you.
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Our Travel Must-Haves (That Go on Every Trip)
These items live in or near our suitcases year-round—and for good reason.
Monos Large Check-In Lightweight, durable, and surprisingly spacious. The smooth-rolling wheels make airport sprints a breeze, and it’s held up beautifully through international trips.
Monos Carry-On Pro Plus: Perfect for keeping our essentials close at hand, these carry-ons are designed for ease of mobility and access.
Packing Cubes : The secret to never digging through a chaotic suitcase again. We separate tops, bottoms, accessories, and even dirty laundry for an organized (and stress-free) hotel unpack.
We’re obsessed with packing cubes for keeping everything organized, but when we’re headed somewhere with limited storage—like a tiny ryokan or boutique hotel—we swap in this hanging packing cube that expands into tiered compartments and hangs like a mini closet. It’s a total game-changer for maximizing space without sacrificing order.
Hanging Travel Shelves Packing Cube
For bathrooms with limited counter space, we always bring a hanging toiletry organizer—it keeps everything dry, visible, and off the countertops, making small hotel bathrooms feel way more functional.
In-Flight & In-Transit Essentials
Long travel days call for comfort, convenience, and a few small luxuries that make the journey feel less… well, grimy. Here are the items we always keep within reach—whether we’re cruising at 30,000 feet or catching a bullet train across Japan.
3-in-1 Retractable Charging Cable
This retractable multi-device charger is our secret weapon for staying powered on the go. It works with all our devices—iPhones, AirPods, cameras, and more—and the compact design means no tangled cords at the bottom of our bags.
Self-Heating Steam Eye Masks (Pack of 20)
A total game-changer for red-eyes and travel naps. These disposable heated eye masks gently warm up when opened, helping us relax, block light, and arrive feeling way more refreshed.
Deodorant Wipes
Because let’s be honest—sometimes travel gets sweaty. These deodorant wipes are our go-to for quick freshen-ups before landing or in between destinations, especially when there’s no time (or place) for a full shower.
360° Head Support Travel Pillow with Eye Mask
This airplane travel pillow has become a carry-on must. With full 360° support, it prevents the dreaded bobblehead effect and keeps our necks comfy during long flights. Bonus: it comes with a matching eye mask so we can knock out in peace.
Comfort, Style & Little Luxuries We Swear By
These are the unsung heroes of our suitcase—the little luxuries and functional favorites that make a big difference when we’re on the road. Whether we’re navigating airport security, freshening up between destinations, or returning home with more than we left with (hello, souvenir overload), these essentials have earned their permanent spot in our travel rotation.
Compression Socks A must for long flights or full sightseeing days. These travel compression socks help reduce swelling, keep circulation flowing, and actually make our legs feel less tired after a travel day.
Tide-to-Go Pen The MVP of accidental coffee spills, pasta splashes, or that one time with the street food. We always keep one in our day bag—it’s tiny but mighty.
Wrinkle-Release Spray For when the hotel iron is questionable (or non-existent), this travel-sized wrinkle spray is our clothing lifesaver. A few spritzes and a gentle tug, and your outfit is looking fresh again.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multipliers Planes, sun, jet lag—dehydration sneaks up fast. These hydration powder sticks help us bounce back quicker and are a staple in our carry-on.
Portable Luggage Scale Nothing kills a vacation buzz faster than overweight luggage fees. This compact digital luggage scale saves us every time, especially on trips where we shop (a lot).
Foldable Travel Tote Bag We bring this compact folding tote for every trip—because somehow we always end up needing an extra bag for gifts, snacks, or spontaneous market hauls. It folds up tiny and pops open when we need it most.
Where We’re Headed Next
All of these journey essentials are coming with us on our upcoming travels! Whether we’re hopping on a bullet train in Japan or cruising through Leavenworth, WA, these are the products we rely on to keep things comfortable, organized, and stress-free.
Curious where we’ve been lately? Check out our Travel Itineraries for inspiration on your next adventure!
