my favorite travel essentials

LIFESTYLE
Written By Jenny .

Whether for short or long haul trips - these are my travel must-have’s. They have been put to the task all over the world with me and have made all my travels much more comfortable and enjoyable.

Packing and Organization

  1. Monos Luggage - one of the best luggages I’ve ever owned. I love my hybrid carry-on. I’ve gone to Europe for 2 weeks with this carry-on only; and packed plenty for my three weeks trip to Asia recently (with a checked luggage as well, because I had to bring gifts for family and I planned on shopping!). Use code XOXOJHO5 for a discount off your own Monos luggage!

  2. Camtop Handheld Carry-on - I can’t tell you how much I love this bag. It holds plenty, including two to three outfits, my iPad/laptop/chargers, kindle, toiletries and I’ve packed four pairs of shoes into the shoe compartment. For shorter trips, I LOVE the Monos Metro Duffle - it’s super sleek looking and the detachable classic kit is genius! I put everything I need for the flight into the kit and slip it into the pocket in the seat in front of me and away we go!

  3. Packing Cubes - I’ve been using packing cubes for well over a decade. I’m not sure how I would pack without them now. I can organize my clothing by category (i.e. tops, bottoms, undergarments/socks, etc.) or by event/country, depending on the trip. I also pack a couple spares for any purchases I may make along the way, and use one for laundry/dirty clothing items so I can easily empty it into the washing machine once I return home.

  4. Electronics Organizer - this is so helpful in keeping my Airfly pro, chargers, cables, etc. organized and not tangled up in a crazy mess at the bottom of my bag. Must-have!

  5. Large Clear Toiletry Bag - there are TSA approved toiletry bags to make getting through security much easier. I find Canada is the most stringent in ensuring travelers are compliant with the 1L clear plastic bag capacity for your creams and liquids. I have placed my toiletries in the 1L bag, and in this toiletry bag and haven’t had much issues. Most other countries, I leave the toiletry right in this bag without having to reshuffle them into a plastic bag and haven’t had any problems, as long as your containers are all under 100ml. I also personally like to see what I’ve packed.

  6. Daily Pills Organizer - this case literally reduced 6 bottles of different medicines into one tidy little compact case. Love it!

In-Cabin Comfort

  1. Airfly Pros - say goodbye to uncomfortable airline headphones and wires. Use your own comfy earbuds or headphones with this Bluetooth audio transmitter. You can also pair up to two pairs of headsets so you can watch the same show or movie with your travel buddy. This device also has the capability to transmit audio from your phone to a speaker (i.e. AUX-IN in a car or other speakers).

  2. Apple Airpods Max - noise cancelling and boujee! I also can’t leave home without my good ‘ol Airpods Pros as well.

  3. Compression Socks - I get so swollen from flying. These socks really help with blood circulation and help me avoid swollen ankles for days after landing.

  4. Sleep Mask - I’ve bought this mask at least twice. I love it - completely blackout all light, soft and comfy to wear, and great if you have lashes, and even if you don’t have lashes - this one doesn’t put any pressure on your eyelids. Can you tell I’ve tried a few masks before?

  5. Super Soft Silicon Earplugs - these are so comfortable and better for the environment than your usual disposable earplugs. Don’t need to hear all the shuffling, coughing, sneezing, and crying during your flights.

Electronics

  1. Kindle e-Reader - I read four books on my last trip to Asia. On another trip, I was able to read five books. It’s impractical to carry physical copies of all the books I like to gobble up. This kindle is one of my favorite travel buddies.

  2. iPad - I love having my iPad with me.

  3. 3 in 1 Wireless Charger - this compact charger charges my iPhone, Apple Watch, and Air Pods.

  4. Universal Adapter - enough said.

  5. Apple Air Tag - this item helps to track where your luggage is.

  6. iWalk Power Bank - this was a lifesaver! Fully charges my phone so quickly, is so lightweight and is the size of a lipstick. And no, it will not fall off even when it’s in your bag.

Beauty & Hair

  1. Facial Cleansing Tool - I can’t fall into a peaceful sleep knowing I didn’t clean my face thoroughly, so I always pack my electronic facial cleansing device on all my travels. I love the PMD rose quartz tool - it’s battery-operated and it’ll last for months before needing replacements, but it is quite heavy and bulky. I found an Amazon alternative, and I actually prefer this over the PMD tool for traveling. It’s rechargeable, lightweight, waterproof, slim and has a much larger area surface for cleaning out those pores - and the best part is it’s a fraction of the price.

  2. Dual Voltage Hair Drying Brush - I love my hair-drying brush tools. So even if I must sacrifice quite a bit of luggage space, I still opt to bring one. This baby drastically cuts down on my hair drying time and I look like I have a salon blowout each time I use it.

  3. Dual Voltage Long Hair Curling Iron - This curling iron is the curling iron of my dreams! It’s so affordable, dual-voltage, and long enough for my hair I can wrap each section around the wand once. It also heats up super quickly. Just perfect.

  4. Hair Tools Travel Bag - this bag is exactly what I was looking for. I’ve had several others trial and errors before discovering this one. It holds my dryer tool, curling iron, hair straightener, curlers, mini hair sprays and products, hair clips and my comb and brushes. It can literally hold the universe and it keeps everything neat and compact for your luggage.

  5. Cerave Ultralight Weight Sunscreen - gotta put on that SPF, folks!

  6. Hair Wax Stick - for those stubborn flyaways and the perfect slicked-back ponytails.

  7. LED Lightup Travel Mirror - this mirror was a godsend for doing makeup in terribly lit hotel rooms. It’s dimmable and has three different warmth/cool settings.

  8. Silcon Makeup Brush Cases and Silcon Beauty Blender Holder - I like to keep my eye and face makeup brushes separate, and this pack of two is awesome for that. And this kitty beauty blender case just makes me smile every time I use it, also comes with a bonus tabletop holder for my vanity at home.

  9. Leather Cosmetic Bag - this case held all my makeup and more. Love the colours it comes in too.

  10. Cute Silicon Penguin Travel Bottles - I transfer my lotions, sunscreen, and hair conditioner over to these cuties to save space and they hold SO MUCH.

  11. Under-Eye Treatments - I always pack a couple of face sheet masks (I love Abib Gummy Sheet Masks) and lots of under-eye gel masks for reducing puffiness when I travel (I love these Grace & Stella gel masks). I never travel without my Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm stick in my carry-on (fun fact: this solid balm does not count as cream or liquids for toiletries). And I also love the Honest Company Tinted Eye Cream - it helps brighten dark circles and moisturize, and I usually use this after I’ve cleaned my face on the flights.

  12. Pimple Patches - travelling puts our skin through so much stress. The change in humidity, elevation, extended hours, dust, etc etc can really make me break out easily. These miracle patches literally dissolve any unwanted pimples overnight.

Style Essentials

These following items are staples in my luggage regardless of the style of trip. They’re so versatile and travel just wouldn’t be the same without these. I try to pack items I can wear at least three times with the ability to style the item multiple ways.

  1. Walking Shoes - I’m so grateful that the fashion trend these days love sneakers. I live in sneakers. And let me tell ya from experience, an uncomfortable pair of shoes can really ruin a trip. I packed two pairs of sneakers on my trip to Asia (and bought a pair there lol).

    • I love a pair of clean, basic white sneakers that look great with jeans and trousers and cute dresses. I recommend the Lululemon Bliss Feel

    • I also like a pair of black sneakers with white soles to complete more casual and cool street looks. I love my Hoka Bondi 8 and Nike Max Air.

    • And the pair I picked up on my trip were beige New Balance - and these were like walking on clouds.

  2. Good Jeans - I always pack a pair of denim. I opt for straight leg with no rips for a cleaner, smarter look. You can dress these up or rock them casually. I picked these from Shein and I wear them all. The. Time.

  3. Versatile Joggers - I style my Lululemon Ready to Rulu joggers with a blazer for a more dressy ath-leisure look. And I can practically live in these. They’re also my favorite airplane pants.

  4. Swimsuit - regardless whether I have beach or pool planned or not, I always pack a swimsuit. You never know when spontaneity strikes! I love this white one piece I got from shein. I’ve also worn it as a “bodysuit” with wide legged trousers and they’re super cute styled as such. I also love a good ‘ol bikini - this super cute tan bikini from Shein has been my go-to lately.

  5. Multi-functional Coverall - this soft and gorgeous white coverup is perfect for after lazing around the pool. It can also be work as a light over shirt with jeans or shorts and cropped top, a dress with some strappy sandals (gotta wear a slip under though as it’s a bit sheer) or as a blouse worn with trousers. I’m ordering a second one just to have in case this gets discontinued.

  6. LBD - you can never go wrong with an all black ensemble. I love this body con dress that I can wear with sneakers for exploring during the day, or slip on some slides (like my fav faux pearl slides) for a more dressy look that can take you day to night. I also love this black two piece with a cute front tie cami top and ultra wide leg trousers. I can wear the outfit together or wear the two pieces separately with other items from my capsule wardrobe.

  7. Dressy Flats - for summer or warm destinations, these two options are always in my luggage. They’re so versatile and don’t take up much space

  8. Hat - I always pack a hat. For sun protection or lazy hair days. My ‘47 ball cap is my fav go-to. I think I own at least 10 of these by now.

  9. Cardigan - throw over your shoulder or wear buttoned up for cooler evenings. These styles go with everything.

  10. Cream Trousers - off white, cream, ivory, white, beige trousers just screams chic. I love wearing them even in the winter. My favorite includes the Wilfred Effortless Pants from Aritzia, but they run a pretty penny. Here are some wallet-friendly recommendations (some I’ve worn to death over the years):

  11. Cozy PJs - there’s nothing better than slipping in comfy PJs after a long day of adventures. I always pack sleepwear - I know some people don’t but I love these PJs.

  12. Everywhere Belt Bag - this has to be one of my favourite purchases from Lululemon. Don’t leave the house without one! So cute and super practical.

  13. Sunnies - alas, how can we travel without some UV protection for our eyes? My favourite styles include a very affordable Amazon option (3 pairs for $20!).

Jenny .
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