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How to Pack a Travel Essentials Bag

Life Hasn't Been the Same Since I Started Carrying Around This Bag of Essentials

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If I had to pick one fashion item to spend on for the rest of my life, it would be handbags. I love how beautiful, fun, and multifunctional they are, so much so that I end up switching my bag almost every day. While fun in theory, this fashion statement started to become more trouble than it was worth; I would run around every morning looking for everything I needed in all my different bags. For my birthday, I was given this adorable little pouch, and I decided to end all the craziness, once and for all. I took that bag and curated it into what is now affectionately called my "go bag."

It has everything I need for the day; all I have to do is grab it and go, hence the name. Now, I can swap out my handbags in two minutes; all I need is my little bag, my wallet, and a pair of sunglasses, and I'm good to go! Plus, I travel fairly frequently, and I cannot tell you how much less stressful packing my carry-on has been. Everything I need is all ready to go! So, here's everything that I consider to be absolutely essential. I'm telling you, having this bag makes all the difference in the world.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography

Clare V. Wallet Clutch

This Clare V. Wallet Clutch ($135) is the exact bag I use, and I think it's the perfect size; big enough to hold everything, but small enough to still feel compact.

Image Source: clarev.com
Clare V. Wallet Clutch
$135
from clarev.com
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Baggu Go Pouch Set

With this Baggu Go Pouch Set ($25, originally $38), you can make multiple essential kits!

Image Source: urbanoutfitters.com
Baggu Go Pouch Set
$25
from urbanoutfitters.com
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Embroidered Pattern Pouch

This Embroidered Pattern Pouch ($16) is so fun.

Image Source: urbanoutfitters.com
Embroidered Pattern Pouch
$16
from urbanoutfitters.com
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Urban Renewal Recycled Denim Pouch

If you're looking for something low-key, get this Urban Renewal Recycled Denim Pouch ($10, originally $19).

Image Source: urbanoutfitters.com
Urban Renewal Recycled Denim Pouch
$10
from urbanoutfitters.com
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Naghedi Portofino Small Cosmetics Case

Bright and vibrant, you'll easily spot this Naghedi Portofino Small Cosmetics Case ($85) in your tote.

Image Source: shopbop.com
Naghedi Portofino Small Cosmetics Case
$85
from shopbop.com
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Bigelow Vanilla Chai Tea Bags

I drink tea every day of my life, so I always like to have some of my favourite flavours on me. These Bigelow Vanilla Chai Tea Bags ($15 for 120) are so delicious, you'll be blown away. I know I am.

Image Source: amazon.com
Bigelow Vanilla Chai Tea Bags
$15
from amazon.com
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Apple AirPods With Charging Case

These Apple AirPods With Charging Case ($145, originally $159) are real game changers. They're so amazingly compact, and I can listen to music or podcasts wherever I am. I don't leave home without them.

Image Source: amazon.com
Apple AirPods With Charging Case
$145
from amazon.com
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Beauty by POPSUGAR Be the Boss Lip Gloss

If I leave the house with a completely bare face, I always have something on my lips. My favourite right now? The Beauty by POPSUGAR Be the Boss Lip Gloss ($18) in Time After Time.

Image Source: ulta.com
Beauty by POPSUGAR Be the Boss Lip Gloss
$18
from ulta.com
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Laneige Lip Glowy Balm

If I'm being totally honest, I could have 15 lip products in my bag at any given moment, but if I need a balm, I always reach for this Laneige Lip Glowy Balm ($15). It smells delicious, and glides right on.

Image Source: sephora.com
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
$15
from sephora.com
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Everyone Hand Sanitizer Spray, Coconut and Lemon

This Everyone Hand Sanitizer Spray in Coconut and Lemon ($12 for six) is a nonnegotiable for me. I feel the need to use it constantly, and it smells delicious, not like alcohol. I buy in bulk because I always end up giving some to my friends.

Image Source: amazon.com
Everyone Hand Sanitizer Spray in Coconut and Lemon
$12
from amazon.com
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Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve Mini

I'm mildly obsessed with keeping my hands soft, and this Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve Mini ($16) is my favourite product.

Image Source: sephora.com
Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve Mini
$16
from sephora.com
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Jolly Rancher Hard Candy

You can call me a grandma if you want, but when a sugar craving hits, I like to be prepared. I keep a few of these Jolly Rancher Hard Candies ($10 for 5 lbs.) in my bag, and they've saved me on more than one occasion.

Image Source: amazon.com
Jolly Rancher Hard Candies
$10
from amazon.com
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Goody Ouchless Women's Braided Elastic

Do I even need to tell you why I have these Goody Ouchless Women's Braided Elastics ($3 for 27) in my bag?

Image Source: amazon.com
Goody Ouchless Women's Braided Elastics
$3
from amazon.com
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Simply Gum Breath Mints

I stopped chewing gum a while back because I found myself getting super bloated from it. Instead, I reach for these Simply Gum Breath Mints ($15 for six packs). They're minty without being offencive, and are hands down the best mints I've tried. I have to hide them from my friends.

Image Source: amazon.com
Simply Gum Breath Mints
$15
from amazon.com
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Advil

If a mid-day headache or cramp comes along, I don't stress, because I keep these single-serving Advil ($9, originally $10, for 50) packets on hand.

Image Source: amazon.com
Advil
$9
from amazon.com
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Wet Ones Singles

These Wet Ones Singles ($4 for 24) are another nonnegotiable. For one, they're a secret weapon for getting deodourant stains out of clothes. They're also critical when I fly; I go full Naomi Campbell and wipe down everything. I need these at all times.

Image Source: amazon.com
Wet Ones Singles
$4
from amazon.com
Buy Now

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