20 packing essentials from Amazon (links included)
I know I’m not the only one who does this… Despite traveling internationally for nearly 10 years—and taking multiple international trips each year—I still find myself ordering a ton of things from Amazon before every trip. So, I went back through years of past orders and pulled together a list of the items that have become essential for me, no matter the destination.
Carbon monoxide detector: Sorry for the not-so-happy-go-lucky start to this list, but if you don’t already live and travel with a carbon monoxide detector, you need to order one (or two or three) ASAP. Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer” because it’s odorless, tasteless, and colorless—and it can be deadly. A story for another day, but a carbon monoxide detector once saved my life, and I will never, ever go to sleep without one nearby. The one I’ve linked can be deactivated by removing the batteries, which means you can safely pack it in your carry-on, then reinsert the batteries once you arrive at your accommodation.
Luggage scale: To avoid being that person at the airport with overweight luggage—forced to either shift clothes between bags or pay an exorbitant fee—use a luggage scale to weigh your bags before you get to the airport.
Shoe covers: Please don’t pack your shoes directly in your suitcase without putting them in some kind of bag. You don’t need to buy anything special—simple plastic grocery bags or even old dust bags will do the trick. And while we’re on the topic, try not to touch the bottoms of your shoes when you’re unpacking or repacking. Just think about where your shoes have been—public restrooms, city streets, and who knows where else. It’s worth a little extra effort to keep everything (and your hands) clean.
Wet dry bags: I like to pack these, especially for beach or boat destinations. They’re perfect for storing a wet bathing suit so it doesn’t soak the rest of your suitcase, or for keeping a change of clothes dry while you’re at the beach or out on a boat.
Microlocks: If you don’t have an anti-theft purse, these are great to add to your backpacks and purses to make it harder for thieves to get their hands into your bag.
Reusable shower cap: This is probably my biggest life hack—let alone travel hack. I have no idea if everyone does this, but you know that moment when you're getting ready for the day, your makeup is done, and then you need to get dressed—but you don’t want to get makeup all over your clothes? Use a shower cap! Not for your hair, but to quickly cover your face while you pull your shirt or dress over your head. Voilà—no makeup transfer.
Travel steamer: This one has a switch on the bottom that lets you toggle between U.S. and European voltage. I hate wearing wrinkly clothes, and this completely solves that problem for me! It’s also easy to pack.
Compression socks: This goes without saying for long-haul flights: wear compression socks. But even with them, it’s still important to get up and stretch every hour on the plane.
Cell phone lanyard strap: I strap my phone to my wrist with this because whether I’m holding it over the edge of a boat to snap a photo of the gorgeous water or walking through a busy train station, I want it securely attached to me—so it won’t easily fall or be grabbed.
Luggage protector: I don’t know about you, but I love investing in fun luggage—especially the limited editions from Away. Using a luggage protector helps keep it from getting scraped or marked up during transit.
Coin purse: In Europe—and in Japan, too—you’ll need a place to keep all your coins. They add up quickly, and keeping them loose in your pocket isn’t ideal.
AirTags: I don’t just keep one in my checked luggage—I also keep them in my backpack, my purse, and I’ll probably start keeping one with my passport soon, too. Pro tip: don’t forget to change the batteries.
Portable charger: Even if you charge your phone overnight, you never know when you'll need a boost while you're out and about. Summer heat can be especially draining on phone batteries, at least it seems.
Scissors: I always find myself needing to cut off a tag or trim a loose thread from a dress. A pair of scissors always comes in handy.
Shoe protector: Use this on brand-new, never-worn shoes to help keep them clean. I apply it to all my new shoes, and even after rigorous travel, they still look fresh.
Zip lock baggies: Always good to have on hand, just in case. I like to pack five pint-sized and five gallon-sized bags—you never know when you’ll need one.
Toothbrush cover: A small, simple way to keep the head of your toothbrush protected. I also never leave my toothbrush in the bathroom—I keep it zipped inside my toiletry bag on a desk or vanity.
Moleskin: If you feel a blister starting to form—or if you’re like me and prefer to be proactive on heavy walking days—cut a piece of moleskin with your scissors and stick it to any sensitive areas on your feet. It works wonders for preventing blisters. Pro tip: When I attended Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, I wore high-heeled, bejeweled boots and preemptively placed moleskin on the spots where I usually get blisters. My feet didn’t ache at all, and I even walked the 20 minutes home afterward.
Adjustable hat strap clips with cord locks: Perfect for windy days or boat excursions when you want to wear your favorite hat—but it doesn’t have a chin strap. Just clip this on, and problem solved!
International plug adapter kit: If you plan to travel beyond Europe, this adapter kit is a must. We’ve had ours for years and simply pull out whatever plug type we need for each trip.