Traveling can be a thrilling adventure, but according to experts, ensuring you have the best travel essentials can make or break your experience. From the size of your suitcase to the type of carry-ons to all the accoutrements you pack or carry with you, the choices you make significantly impact your safety, comfort and convenience while on the go.

Maybe it is time to rethink what constitutes the best travel essentials by focusing on the your options for suitcases, carry-ons, and tote bags, and explore how these are very personal choices that can either break or enhance your journey.

Suitcases

If I am traveling for a week or more, I prefer to pack a larger bag and check it with the airline.  Since I have yet to have a travel nightmare in any of the many places I have traveled to, checking my bag is just one less thing I have to think about.  Yes, depending on the airline, it can cost extra. But spending a few extra dollars out weighs the option of having a variety of clothes to wear during my travels and extra space to bring home memories.

Lessons I have learned

The thought of schlepping around an overstuffed carry on, a heavy backpack or duffel bag is no longer romantic for me. These are all options I have tried over the years.  My hat is off to travelers who can pack for a month with just a backpack and claim to enjoy it.  I learned very early in my travels, that is not me.

I also remember a time when I liked everything to match and be branded, but I am not a suitcase snob anymore. The bags I currently have are a hard-shell set from J.C. Penny’s. Air travel is rough on suitcases and when I need to replace them, I look for: how they roll, if the handles retract easily, are they light weight as well as durable and are the zippers going to hold up – not who designed them or how cute they look.

Backpacks, duffle bags and Carry-ons

I have traveled with various types of carry ons over the years and I don’t really think there is any one particular type that is the end all of carry ons. It is definitely a personal choice. Backpacks and duffle bags are bulky and either have to be stuffed in an overhead bin or shoved under a seat. It is also important to remember how you packed your bag because once on the airplane, you won’t have a lot of room to unpack to find something you need. 

Once in the overhead, your bag is out of sight and anything can happen. However, if this is your choice, you will want to find a bag that has straps that don’t dig into your shoulders or throw you off balance.  There is quite a variety to choose from. If you are recently new to traveling with just a backpack or a duffle bag, you might want to refer to some of the travel websites that review these products.  

Another lesson i have learned

Hard shell carry-ons with rollers are also an option. This is my preference if it is a weekend trip. But the drawback is that when you check in at the airport, you could be asked to check your bag even if it is a carry-on.  This is at the discretion of the airline. It is because of this latest regulation change that I now opt for a zippered tote. 

Zippered Tote Bags

I have several totes that I like to travel with. They are quilted and water-resistant. I developed a system of deciding which one I will take on any given trip.  First, I set aside all the things I want to take but don’t want to put in a checked bag.  That would include: my Samsung Book computer, phone, cords and chargers, a refillable water bottle, my neck pillow, noise cancelling headphones and a book to read. I also add some inflight necessities like sanitizing wipes, travel-size toiletries like lip balm, hand cream and disposable toothbrushes. 

Reason #1

I also add a locking Midnight Scriber Fireproof Document Bag with RFID protection that holds my itinerary, travel documents, passport, driver’s license, credit cards, cash, a few pieces of jewelry, my travel insurance, my medical records and medications. This keeps my stuff safe and me organized. And everything is locked.

Reason #2

Next, I think about whether I will need the tote to use as a carry-all for trips when I reach my destination. For example, will I be going to the beach where I will need a towel, suntan lotion, a cover up or other beachy items?  Will I be going to sacred places where I will need to have something to cover my head or bare shoulders? You get my drift.  This tote has to do double and triple duty.  

Reason #3

Bringing me to the final reason I chose a zippered tote as the best travel essential.  I can sleep on a plane with it.  Using my neck pillow or an airline pillow, I can place my quilted tote on the pull down tray and sleep learning forward.  This is a great way to stretch the back. For take off and landing, the bag stows under the seat. The best part is my possessions never leaves my sight the whole trip.

The Best Travel essentials

Ultimately, the best travel essentials are those that offer flexibility, organization, and comfort. By thoughtfully selecting your luggage options, you can minimize stress and enjoy a more pleasant travel experience. It doesn’t matter if you prefer large checked bags for ample packing space and versatile totes that serve multiple purposes. It doesn’t matter if you are a minimalist backpacker. Investing in the right travel gear that works for you will allow you to focus on what truly matters: making memories and exploring new places with peace of mind.