Whether you’re flying south to get some sun, or just planning a fun weekend getaway, there’s an art to packing. From the perfect packing cubes to a tote that can hold anything, shop our travel essentials – so all you have to worry about is relaxing on your vacation.
Everyone has a lot of opinions about the best carry-on. Personally, my favorite is the Away Bigger Carry-On suitcase. It fits in every overhead compartment, but I never feel like I’m losing out on that much space. They have an aluminum version, which gives you a Rimowa look at a fraction of the price, but you can also go for a more classic black.
I also believe the bigger the tote, the better. Something classic and easy, like this black leather Guyana tote. It can hold everything you need, and you can easily stash smaller bags inside of it. Oh and for my biggest packing secret? I bring a Longchamp tote folded up on my way there, and if I do any shopping? Voila! A second carry-on.
The biggest realization I’ve had about packing? It’s not just about what you pack, but how you pack it. Packing compression cubes are a must-have. They not only keep your clothes perfectly organized, but they actually give you more space. And for someone like me, who really hates unpacking, it makes it an almost pleasant experience. Quince’s six-pack of light blue cubes in different sizes or Away’s four-pack of cubes are both great options.
I don’t talk about tech much, because I really do try to use the bare minimum. However, these Bose QuietComfort headphones changed the way I travel. They block out any unpleasant plane, train, or automobile noise, and can make working in a noisy cafe a lovely experience. Plus, they’re beautiful!
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All of our recommendations are curated by Susan & the In The Groove editorial team. In some, but not all cases, we receive a small commission for leading you to what, how, and where to buy all this wonderful stuff.
