Do I really need to give a hair dryer that much room? How many toiletries can I fit in one little bag? And how many plug adapters does a family actually need? More than you think, by the way.
My family and I recently spent a month traveling through France, Monaco, Italy, Romania, and my family’s home country, the Republic of Moldova. We only brought carry-on suitcases, and I used a 20L bag as my personal item.
A month is a long time to live out of a carry-on. Every item needs to earn its space, especially when you still want to dry your hair, bring your toiletries, and use a fresh towel on your face every day.
After this trip, these are the seven travel essentials I’d make room for again.
1. Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer
I once brought my full-size Dyson to Italy without realizing it wouldn’t work with the voltage there. If you’ve ever packed a Dyson, you know how much room it takes up. So imagine giving up all that suitcase space for a hair dryer you can’t even use.
I was so bummed.
The next year, I bought a cheap hair dryer online that worked in Europe. It was terrible. It barely had any power, took forever to dry my hair, sucked strands into the back, and smelled like it was burning.
So when I found out Dyson made a travel dryer, I was elated.
The Supersonic Travel is smaller and lighter than the original, and it automatically adapts to different voltages. You still need the right plug adapter for your destination, but this is the model designed for international travel.
Yes, it’s expensive. But if you travel regularly and use a hair dryer, I think it’s worth considering. After packing one dryer I couldn’t use and another I dreaded using, I was ready for something better.
If you’re happy to air-dry or use the hotel dryer, you can save the space. For me, this earned its spot in my carry-on.
2. Cliganic Disposable Face Towels
I care about using a fresh, clean towel on my face every day. On a month-long trip, I knew I wouldn’t always have unlimited towels or an easy way to wash them whenever I wanted.
When we were in Moldova, laundry was hung outside to dry. It picked up that outdoor smell, and for my face, I preferred having my own fresh towels ready to use. So I packed enough Cliganic disposable face towels for the days I knew I’d be there (plus a few extra just in case ;)).
At night, I could wash my face and reach for a new towel without thinking about when we were doing laundry next. It helped me keep one small part of my skincare routine consistent while we were moving between places.
I’ve written a full post about why these have become a travel essential for me, but they were especially useful on this trip. I’d make room for them again.
3. Cadence Capsules
I’m a biiiiiiig fan of Cadence Capsules as is. But for this trip, Cadence helped me fit all my toiletries into one tiny toiletry bag. For a month away, that felt like an accomplishment.
The capsules are magnetic, so everything stays together, and I could bring the products I already use without packing all their full-size containers. I also filled one with hand cream and kept it in my purse. I loved having that little bit of my routine with me while we were out for the day.
I also tried Cadence’s new parcel system and LOVED it. The toiletry bags are designed to store your capsules easily. They’re clear, so if TSA makes you separate your toiletries, you’re good to go, and they are a perfectly compact rectangle that fit so well in my personal bag. Not going back to traditional toiletry bags.
4. Individually Wrapped Water Wipe
I used these almost every day.
Run out of toilet paper? Need to wipe your hands? Sitting down at a table that could use a quick cleanup? There were so many moments when I was glad I had a packet in my bag.
The individual packaging is what makes them so convenient. I could throw a few into my handbag and leave the rest in my suitcase, without carrying a whole bulky pack of wipes everywhere. For a trip with lots of walking, public transportation, and days away from wherever you’re staying, these are such an easy thing to bring. They take up very little room, and I kept finding reasons to reach for one.
5. More Plug Adapters Than You Think You Need
How many devices are you bringing?
I had my phone, watch, portable chargers, camera, laptop, and hair dryer. That was just me. Add the rest of the family, and suddenly everyone needs to plug something in at the same time. This becomes especially obvious at night, when you get back and want everything charged for the next morning.
One adapter goes very quickly.
Before a group trip, I’d count the devices you’ll want charging at the same time and pack accordingly. Having a few extra adapters made more sense than constantly taking turns. Also, check what each adapter can handle. A plug adapter changes the shape of the plug, so you still need to check your device’s voltage compatibility and the adapter’s power rating. My first Dyson trip taught me to pay attention to that.
Here are links to 2 adapter types I used on my trip.
6. July Carry-On Luggage
I’ve been a fan of July luggage for many years now. July is the largest international travel carry-on, meaning it meets all international travel standards and has more capacity than competitor luggage brands.
My suitcase had CaseSafe tracking and a removable portable charger, which I used both while traveling and once we were out exploring. The charger was slim and comfortable to carry, so it was something I actually took with me. I loved getting those features in the suitcase I was already bringing. It was like 3 birds with one stone kinda deal.
If you’re shopping for a July luggage piece, check the specific model and configuration so you know whether it includes the tracker and power bank you want. I’d also compare the full suitcase dimensions with each airline’s allowance, especially if you’re taking separate flights within Europe. I use the Classic Carry-On.
Shop the July Carry On CaseSafe™ ($325)
7. Yardsale 20L Day Bag
This bag was a dream to travel with.
It was originally designed as a ski bag, but I used it as my personal item on the plane and as a tote throughout the trip. It held so much. For what I packed, it fit about as much as my large Dagne Dover Landon duffel, including my laptop. And it looks so chic.
In Moldova, we did a lot of walking and took public transportation. The locals usually carry totes anyway, especially with markets everywhere, and I loved having a bag that worked for that part of the trip too. I could use it for the flight, then keep using it once we arrived. That mattered when I was trying to make everything fit into a carry-on and one personal item.
If you’re choosing a bag for a similar trip, think about whether you’ll want to carry it around during the day. I was so glad this one worked for both. I’ve chatted a bit with the founders of Yardsale, who are incredibly talented and creative individuals, and am such a fan of the brand overall. Definitely recommend this bag for travel, and can say that it replaced my backpack and work bag once I got back home.
Shop the Yardsale Day Bag (20L, $174)
What I’d Pack Again
The July carry-on, Yardsale day bag, and Cadence capsules helped me fit everything together. The Dyson, face towels, wipes, and extra adapters made everyday life easier once we arrived. And that’s what I want from travel essentials. I want to unpack them, use them, and be glad I brought them.
A month in Europe with my family gave me plenty of time to figure out what was worth the suitcase space. These are the things I’d reach for when packing the next trip. And yes, I’d bring extra adapters.
What’s the one thing you always make room for in your carry-on? I’d love to know, especially if you learned to pack it the hard way.
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