A little over a decade ago, I took my very first Summer trip to Europe and I made one major mistake: I brought a giant suitcase. As I travelled from city to city and hotel to hotel, I found myself dragging around all these things I didn't need and wish I'd never packed. After that trip, I promised myself I would never overpack again, and I stuck to that goal. Almost every year, I go back to visit friends, sometimes for three to four weeks at a time, and I only take a carry-on suitcase [1]. Whenever I tell people that, they always ask me how, and I say it's all about packing the right things.
The biggest rule I follow is: take one good choice of everything. I take one pair of sneakers, one pair of jeans, one good dress, and so on. Aside from fashion pieces, I've also narrowed in on the right cosmetic bag [2], shoe bags, jewellery cases, and more. So if you're looking for some packing inspiration [3], keep reading to see all the things I can't leave without and which ones you should add to your suitcase this year.
Baggu Duck Bag
I mostly use a small crossbody bag when travelling, but I also pack away this Baggu Duck Bag [5] ($34) just in case. It's ideal for longer days and features two convenient straps for easy carrying.
Dagne Dover Extra Large Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag
This Dagne Dover Extra Large Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag [6] ($75) has so many useful pockets that help me keep my products more organised.
POPSUGAR at Kohl's Slouchy Graphic Tee
I never leave for a trip without a white t-shirt. This POPSUGAR at Kohl's Slouchy Graphic Tee [7] ($19, originally $26) is perfect for pairing with jeans, skirts, and more.
Foldable Waterproof Travel Shoe Bags
As a total clean freak, I can't stand the thought of mixing my dirty shoes with my clean clothes. These Foldable Waterproof Travel Shoe Bags [8] ($17) are what I always use, and I love that they have two pockets. One is smaller and great for flat sandals.
Faithfull the Brand Marta Floral Wrap Midi Dress
This Faithfull the Brand Marta Floral Wrap Midi Dress [9] ($189) is the perfect versatile holiday pick. It's easy to dress down with sneakers in the day or dress up with wedges or heels by night.
Samsonite Carry-On
The key to packing perfectly is all about having the right suitcase. This Samsonite Carry-On [10] ($108) is my favourite. It's lightweight, but it has all the right pockets and compartments to maximise space.
Soludos Tall Wedge Espadrilles
I only take two shoes on my trip: white sneakers and these Soludos Tall Wedge Espadrilles [11] ($95). They are comfy, keep my feet cool, and instantly dress up any look.
Ramona Denim Trucker Jacket
This Ramona Denim Trucker Jacket [12] ($128) is the ideal layering piece I can throw on over just about anything.
GMS Extra Small Rainbow Stackable Tower Case
I'm one of those people whose toiletry bag is overflowing with tons of skincare products. To save space, I use this GMS Extra Small Rainbow Stackable Tower Case [13] ($7) to hold small portions of my creams and masks.
Levi's Wedgie Icon Fit High Waist Ankle Jeans
You can't go wrong packing these classic Levi's Wedgie Icon Fit High Waist Ankle Jeans [14] ($98).
Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe Tote
This Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe Tote [15] ($118) is a total lifesaver. It has so many pockets, including a space for shoes on the bottom, and an opening where you can attach it to your suitcase.
Reformation Marion Two Piece
This versatile Reformation Marion Two Piece [16] ($128) is a great investment. The pants are easy to wear on their own with other tops, or you can rock the top with jeans, skirts, and more. Plus, the comfy material is so soft and cosy.
Lazy Drawstring Cosmetic Bag
A few months ago, I traded in my traditional makeup bag for this cool Drawstring Cosmetic Bag [17] ($7). I love the way it lays flat so I can see all my products, and it's so easy to open and close.
Frye Ivy Sneakers
The shoes I wear the most on a trip are these Frye Ivy Sneakers [18] ($198). The sleek, classic look matches with every outfit I bring. Plus, they're beyond comfortable for all-day excursions.
Fidus Ultra Mini Lightweight Umbrella
Travelling to a new climate can be surprising, so I always pack this Fidus Ultra Mini Lightweight Umbrella [19] ($15), just in case. The tiny design takes up almost no room in my bag, and every time I've needed to use it, I was so happy I didn't have to run into a store to buy an expensive last-minute option.
Rise + Glow Brightening Duo
Travelling to a Europe with a carry-on suitcase has one downside: the airports allow less liquids through TSA [20]. I can't survive without this Drunk Elephant Rise + Glow Brightening Duo [21] ($23), so getting it in a small version helps me save so much space.
VanFn Disposable Towel
Sometimes I just really want to wash my face and I'm not around a wash cloth or towel. These VanFn Disposable Towels [22] ($9) come in a tiny pack, and you toss them away when you're done. I normally add two or three to my bag, just in case. They're great for refreshing on the plane, too.
Collapsible Water Bottles
In an effort to give up plastic bottles this year, I invested in these Collapsible Water Bottles [23] ($16). They're easy to fold up and store away without taking up too much room.
Gucci Soho Disco Leather Bag
This Gucci Soho Disco Leather Bag [24] ($1,190) is easy to throw on and wear with any outfit, and it looks cute in all my pictures.
Vgeby Travel Foldable Slippers
Whether I'm staying in someone's house or at a hotel, I never like being barefoot. These Vgeby Travel Foldable Slippers [25] ($13) always come in handy.
Vlando Viaggio Small Jewellery Case
I only travel with a couple of my favourite jewellery pieces, but I make sure to keep them safe in this tiny Vlando Viaggio Small Jewellery Case [26] ($14).
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Face Sunscreen
This Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Face Sunscreen [27] ($7) smells like coconuts and keeps my skin protected every day.