When you’re constantly dealing with airline luggage weight limits, you can’t bring everything. You have to be picky and mindful of every item you bring. A little preparation goes a long way. Having the right essentials packed in your carry-on can turn any flight into a more comfortable and stress-free experience. Over the years, we’ve fine-tuned our packing list to include only the items that truly matter. Whether you’re heading out on your first trip or you’re a seasoned traveler looking to upgrade your packing game, these are the 25 must-have items we never fly without.

Looking for camera gear essentials? Check out our Camera Gear blog for all the products we use to capture our short-form and long-form travel content!

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Overview

• Luggage & Travel Bags
• Tech & Entertainment
• In-Flight Comfort
• Organization & Packing
• Personal Care & Grooming
• Health & Safety

Luggage & Travel Bags

1. Samsonite 2-Piece Luggage Set

Durability tops our list after years of traveling with so many broken bags. This luggage has been with us through it all and still goes strong! It comes as a set of a carry-on and a checked bag for full travel coverage.

• Hard shell is durable and protects your belongings from rough handling
• Expandable design gives you extra space when you need it for all your shopping
• TSA-approved lock adds peace of mind at security checkpoints

2. Nordace Siena Smart Backpack

A must-have for travelers who work on the go. We use this as a carry-on backpack on every flight; it keeps all our tech safe and organized and fits perfectly under the seat.

• Dedicated organizers for laptops, tablets, and other tech
• Tons of pockets mean everything from passports to chargers has its own place

3. Brevite Backpack

Another standard travel setup for creators or photographers who travel with cameras. It keeps everything organized without feeling bulky or overwhelming.

• Padded dividers keep camera gear organized and protected
• Comfortable to wear all day while exploring

4. Travelon Anti-Theft Metro Bag

This bag is all about peace of mind, especially in busy cities. Having essentials close and secure makes it easier to enjoy exploring without constantly checking your belongings.

• Keeps your belongings in front of you for better security
• Can be worn around your waist or as a crossbody
• Zippers have built-in clips that lock together, making it harder for pickpockets

Tech & Entertainment

5. Apple AirPods Pro 3

These have saved us on so many overnight flights. They instantly make flights feel quieter and more personal, especially when the cabin gets loud.

• Strong noise cancellation blocks out loud plane engines and crying babies
• Perfect for music, movies, podcasts, and staying focused
• Compact and easy to travel with, fitting in even the smallest bag pockets

6. Anker MagGo Power Bank

Having reliable backup power is non-negotiable, especially now that our phones handle everything from boarding passes to maps and in-flight entertainment.

• 10,000 mAh battery charges your phone to full up to two times on long travel days
• MagSafe compatible, so you don’t need to carry extra cables
• Built-in stand lets you prop your phone up for hands-free entertainment

7. Apple AirTag 4 Pack or Single Apple AirTag

It’s one of those small items that you hope you never need, but you’re very glad to have when things don’t go as planned. It adds a lot of reassurance when checking luggage or bags get lost!

• Track your luggage, backpacks, and bags in real time through your phone
• Helps locate bags quickly if they’re delayed, lost, or sent to the wrong city
• Huge peace-of-mind item, especially on international flights

8. EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

This travel adapter comes with us on almost every international trip and makes charging our devices easy anywhere we go. It simplifies international travel by removing the guesswork around outlets.

• Works with outlets in over 200 countries across Europe, Asia, and beyond
• Can charge up to 6 devices at once, perfect for creators, couples, and families
• One adapter replaces multiple plugs, saving precious space in your bag

9. Twelve South AirFly Pro: Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter/Receiver Adapter for 2 Headphones

This tiny device upgrades the entire in-flight experience, especially for long-haul trips.

• Lets you connect your wireless headphones to airplane TV screens seamlessly
• Works with two headphones at once, so you and your travel partner can watch together
• No more dealing with cords or those airplane headphones that barely work

In-Flight Comfort

10. MLVOC Memory Foam Travel Pillow

This pillow made overnight flights much more tolerable for us. We actually arrive with our necks feeling less stiff and sore.

• Supportive and comfortable, even on the longest red-eye flights
• Helps keep your neck in a better position while sleeping upright
• Removable cover makes it easy to wash between trips

11. MZOO Luxury Sleep Eye Mask

This eye mask helps block out the world when you really need rest. It’s become a staple for long flights and time-zone changes.

• Blocks out light completely for better sleep on bright daytime flights
• Soft and comfortable on your face, even for side sleepers
• Contoured design means no pressure on your eyes

12. Airplane and Car Foot Hammock

It doesn’t look like much, but it adds a surprising amount of comfort on long trips where you’re sitting for hours. Your legs will thank you on those 10+ hour flights.

• Helps reduce leg and lower back discomfort on long flights or road trips
• Attaches easily to the seat tray or glovebox in front of you
• Lightweight and packs down small, taking up little space

13. Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs

These are great to have on hand when you want complete quiet, especially when you’re ready to sleep.

• Super comfortable, even for extended wear during long-haul flights
• Excellent noise reduction for blocking out engine noise and chatty passengers
• Perfect backup if you don’t want to wear headphones the entire flight

14. Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray

Small enough to pack, but surprisingly useful in shared travel spaces.

• Traps odors before they start, not after
• Perfect for airplanes, hotels, and shared bathrooms where privacy is limited
• The best one we’ve tried so far, and it actually works

Organization & Packing

15. BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes

These helped us pack smarter and stay organized throughout the trip instead of living out of a messy suitcase.

• Compress clothing to save space with an extra zipper that flattens everything
• Keeps your suitcase organized so you can find things without unpacking completely
• Makes packing and unpacking way faster, especially for multi-city trips

16. Travel Inspira Luggage Scale

This scale takes the stress out of checking bags. We like knowing our luggage isn’t overweight before heading to the airport.

• Helps you avoid overweight luggage fees at check-in
• Easy to use before heading to the airport
• Measures in both lbs and kgs for international travel
• Max capacity is up to 110lbs or 50kg, even for overweight bags

17. 2 Pcs JHX Travel Laundry Bags

These bags are handy if you plan on doing laundry mid-trip, especially for long trips.

• Two roomy laundry bags keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones
• An easy way to split light and dark clothing while traveling
• Built-in handles make carrying to the laundry room simple

18. Travel Bottles for Toiletries

We switched to these after too many leaks and never looked back. Packing toiletries feels much safer now.

• Leak-proof bottles that are the only ones we’ve had that haven’t spilled in our luggage
• Perfect for shampoo, conditioner, and skincare products
• TSA-approved 3oz size for carry-on travel

19. TSA Approved Cable Luggage Locks

A small extra layer of security that helps us feel more comfortable when traveling with our bags.

• Secures zippers on luggage and backpacks for added security
• TSA-approved, so agents can inspect your bag without breaking the lock
• Extra layer of protection for your belongings

Personal Care & Grooming

20. Jack & Rose Travel Steamer

This steamer helps clothes look presentable right after unpacking, which is great when plans start immediately after arrival.

• Compact and easy to pack without taking up much space
• Quickly removes wrinkles and works as both a steamer and an iron
• Great for dresses, shirts, and nicer outfits for business trips or special occasions
• Automatically adapts to 100V-220V, suitable for most international travel

21. Mocado Travel Makeup Mirror with Light

This mirror makes getting ready much easier when hotel lighting isn’t ideal.

• Foldable and adjustable height for the perfect angle
• Built-in light provides better visibility in dimly lit hotel rooms
• Makes getting ready in hotel bathrooms so much easier

22. Mbzoey Electric Foil Shavers for Men

Convenient for staying fresh during long trips without needing to find outlets constantly.

• Compact and rechargeable, no need to pack extra batteries
• Good battery life for travel and displays battery percentage clearly
• Makes easy grooming on the go simple and quick

23. Tru Earth Compact Dry Laundry Detergent

These sheets are so convenient and flexible. We can pack light and do laundry anywhere.

• Dry and compact detergent sheets that are perfect for travel laundry
• No spills or leaks in your luggage, like liquid detergents
• Perfect for washing clothes in laundromats or hotel sinks for quick rinses

Health & Safety

24. Welly First Aid Kit

Better to have it and not need it. This has come in handy more times than we can count.

• Durable and travel-friendly compact size
• Includes bandages, tape, pain relievers, and ointments for common issues
• Good to have for small emergencies like blisters or headaches

25. Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

Not the most exciting item on the list, but definitely one of the more useful ones. It’s a simple way to avoid unnecessary discomfort during the trip.

• Helps keep mosquitoes and bugs away during outdoor adventures
• Plant-based option that’s gentler on skin
• Especially useful in tropical areas or anywhere with lots of insects

Final Thoughts

Traveling doesn’t have to be stressful or uncomfortable. With the right essentials packed in your bag, travel becomes smoother, more organized, and far less chaotic. These 25 items have made our travels smoother, more organized, and way less chaotic over the years.

Whether you’re heading out on a quick weekend trip or embarking on a months-long adventure, having these travel essentials on hand will help you feel prepared and ready for anything. Start with the items that matter most to your travel style, and build from there.

Safe travels, and don’t forget to save this list for your next trip!

– Angelia & Chris

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Nestled in the stunning Flathead Valley, Kalispell, Montana, is a charming city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and endless outdoor adventures. 

We just had the most amazing trip to Kalispell in January, and it’s the perfect winter destination for people who love stunning snowy landscapes, winter activities, and cozy mountain-town vibes. It is seriously such an underrated destination that needs to be on your bucket list!

How to get there

1. By Plane: Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), located in Kalispell, Montana. This airport is about 15 minutes by car from downtown Kalispell.
2. By Car: Drive into Kalispell from nearby cities like Missoula, MT (~2 hours and 120 miles away), Spokane, WA (~4 hours and 220 miles away), and Calgary, AB (~5 hours and 300 miles away). Make sure that your vehicle is equipped with good tires and check road conditions, especially in mountainous areas, before your drive to ensure your safety
3. By Train: Ride the Amtrak’s Empire Builder train route that passes through Whitefish, MT about 15 miles from Kalispell. Then get a rental car or take a taxi or rideshare into Kalispell.

Getting around

Definitely rent a car at FCA to get around as public transportation is limited. Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National/Alamo are rental car companies located in the terminal adjacent to the baggage claim area. Dollar, Enterprise, Toyota, and Thrifty are available outside of the airport and reachable by shuttle. Don’t forget to check road conditions before you drive each day, drive slowly and safely, maintain extra following distance, and carry an emergency winter kit on snow-packed roads.

When to go

December: Best time for winter vibes, holiday magic, and festive lights and decorations throughout downtown. Participate in Christmas events like the tree lighting, holiday tours of the Conrad Mansion, and Christmas Lights Trolley Tours. 

January: One of the snowiest months for Kalispell and ideal for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. There are also fewer crowds since the holidays are over so there will be shorter lift lines at ski resorts and quieter trails.

February: This month benefits by having warmer and longer days as the season approaches spring. There are also holidays and celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Frosty the Brewfest, touring concerts at the Wachholz College Center, and even a skijoring event! 

What to do

1. Skiing/Snowboarding – Kalispell is close to amazing skiing and snowboarding spots like at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. We had a great time snowboarding at Blacktail since there were hardly any lines for the ski lifts, plenty of open space, and there was even light snow falling through most of our runs! Ski season can be such a busy season (with ski lift lines going for hours!), so I really appreciated not having to wait in lift lines at Blacktail.
2. Snowmobiling – A fun activity we did was snowmobiling with Swan Mountain Snowmobiling. We had a great guide who taught us how to drive, took us to several scenic spots, and helped us take all our photos!
3. Glacier National Park – If you’re exploring Montana’s crown jewel, Glacier National Park, Kalispell is the ideal spot to stay since it’s only a short drive away and has great restaurants and breweries to enjoy after. You can visit on your own or book a guided tour with Sea Me Paddle or the Glacier Institute. 
4. Lone Pine State Park – One of the most stunning views of the Flathead Valley is at the top of Lone Pine State Park. There are several trails to hike, many picture-worthy spots, and the park is a great place for a quiet escape. 
5. Herron Park – Another park near Lone Pine State Park filled with great trails that make you feel like you are in a snowy wonderland during the winter. The snow-covered trees, trails, and mountains are a dramatic and stunning backdrop for photographers.
6. Downtown Kalispell – Head into downtown Kalispell for the afternoon to check out local shops like Western Outdoor, Honey Home, Sage & Cedar, and the Toggery! The best way to end your shopping downtown is by enjoying a huckleberry milkshake at Norm’s Soda Fountain.

Where to eat

Kalispell, Montana, may be known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, but its food scene is equally worth exploring. From hearty Montana classics to farm-to-table dishes and unique local flavors, Kalispell has a food scene that is worth exploring.

1. Desoto Grill – This southern BBQ restaurant has smokers firing that you can smell from a block away.
   1. Our favorite was the smoked beef brisket platter which was so tender we didn’t need a knife. The beef brisket came with some of the best cornbread with honey butter we have ever had, and we chose a smoky bacon mac and pork belly collard greens for our two sides (which were amazing by the way!). The sides were hearty and rounded out a great meal at Desoto. 
   2. We also got a BBQ chopped salad with salmon that had crisp greens and was well-seasoned to complement the rich and savory barbecue.
2. Sykes Diner & Market – A great place to start your day is at Kalispell’s oldest restaurant, Sykes Diner, which is popular for its delicious and hearty meals that will keep you fueled through the day. If you go from 7-9 AM you can even get 10-cent coffee (coffee for only $0.10)!
   1. We started our breakfast with the Prospector’s Breakfast which came with a huge chicken fried steak smothered in creamy sausage gravy. It was so big we needed another plate for the sides it came with (hashbrowns, eggs, and biscuits).
   2. For our second main, we got a delicious Smoke House Benedict which has beef brisket, pulled pork, green chilies, and topped with plenty of hollandaise sauce.
   3. The award-winning huckleberry bread pudding with ice cream at Sykes is an amazing way to end your breakfast!
3. Freestone Restaurant – For our last dinner, we ate Montana-style dishes at a restaurant decorated like a cozy lodge called Freestone.
   1. We ordered the sarsaparilla-braised bison short ribs, and it came with brown-butter sage Yukon mashed potatoes. The short ribs were so tender, and the sweet and savory sarsaparilla sauce it was braised in was delicious! 
   2. We also enjoyed our other entree, the seafood arrabbiata, which is fettuccine with shrimp, calamari, mussels, and andouille sausage in a roasted tomato sauce with a nice spicy kick.
   3. If crème brûlée is on the menu, I have to get it, and we loved the huckleberry brûlée made with locally harvested huckleberries mixed in the smooth and decadent custard.
4. Tamarack Brewing Company – This brewery is a great spot to enjoy craft beers and delicious food.
   1. We ordered the ribeye that was cooked and seasoned well with a great chimichurri sauce over the top. We were pleasantly surprised to get a steak this good outside of a steakhouse!
   2. We also got the brew kettle ribs that were smoked well and covered in a tasty stout BBQ sauce. The ribs literally fell off the bone and melted in our mouths. 

Where to stay

I recommend staying near downtown Kalispell! We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell downtown and loved our stay. The rooms were clean, modern, and spacious, and we enjoyed the gym, pool, casino, and laundry at the hotel. There is also a delicious restaurant on-site that we love called Freestone Restaurant (detailed in the Where to Eat section).

What to pack

Packing for a winter trip in Kalispell means preparing for cold temperatures, snowy conditions, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re visiting for skiing, exploring Glacier National Park, or enjoying cozy downtown activities, you should pack warm and comfortable clothes including the following:

1. Base Layers: Thermal shirts and leggings made of wool or synthetic materials for moisture-wicking and warmth. Avoid cotton as it retains moisture and can make you cold.
2. Mid-Layers: Pack a cozy sweater, fleece jacket or pullover, or insulated vest for extra insulation and added warmth.
3. Outwear: Make sure to get a well-insulated and waterproof winter jacket with down or synthetic materials to protect against the snow and cold! A windproof shell is also helpful for activities like skiing or snowboarding.
4. Pants: Bring insulated snow pants for skiing or snowboarding and waterproof or fleece-lined pants for casual outings or hiking.
5. Gloves or Mittens: Insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens are important to keep your hands warm and dry.
6. Hat: A knit hat or beanie is helpful to keep your head and ears warm.
7. Scarf: Get a scarf to keep your face and neck warm from the wind and cold and to style with your outfit!
8. Thermal socks: Bring plenty of thick-moisture-wicking socks (like wool socks) for warmth and comfort. Pack extra in case they get wet from the snow.
9. Footwear: Bring waterproof, insulated snow boots with good traction for walking on icy or snowy paths. Consider bringing a pair of comfortable casual shoes for indoor activities or exploring downtown or getting ice cleats or attachable spikes for your boots for added traction on slippery surfaces.
10. Outdoor Activities: If you plan on doing outdoor activities like skiing or snowboarding, bring ski pants, a waterproof jacket, and goggles to protect your eyes from snow and glare since you’ll be surrounded by snow. Also, pack disposable hand and toe warmers if you expect to be outside for extended times.
11. Travel Accessories: Bring a backpack to carry your items, a water bottle or thermos to stay hydrated and keep warm beverages, and a power bank since the cold weather can drain batteries faster.

Hope this helps you have a fun trip to Kalispell! Check out more info on Kalispell here!

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1. Put AirTags in your luggage and bags

Between flights getting canceled and redirected to bags being mishandled, there are so many reasons your checked luggage might not arrive with you on time at your final destination. 

Apple AirTags have been a lifesaver for me so I know airlines don’t misplace my bags and I don’t lose out on hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of my belongings since I can actively track where my luggage is.

AirTags also help with providing peace of mind since you can check your phone to see if your checked luggage is in the same location as you are between connecting flights or if you can expect it to come down at the baggage drop.

If your bags are mishandled and sent to a different location or otherwise misplaced, you can track where your bag is. The AirTags are precise enough to tell you where in the airport your luggage is too which can help locate if your bags were moved to storage, are at the baggage carousel, or are still on a plane.

You can also put AirTags in bags you bring around when you’re exploring new areas in case you accidentally leave one of them lying around or somebody tries to steal one of your bags.

2. Make sure your luggage isn’t overweight before you get to the airport. 

Airlines can be strict when it comes to the weight of your check-in and carry-on luggage and you can expect an overweight bag fee or not even be able to check your bag if your luggage is too heavy. Some airports have luggage weighing stations, but it can be stressful and embarrassing to re-arrange all your stuff on the airport floor.

One of my best travel tips is to get a portable travel scale so you never have to worry about your bags being too heavy! A portable travel scale is so important to make sure your luggage is within weight policy so make sure you bring one on your next trip!

Different airlines have different weight policies and you’ll probably get gifts and souvenirs, so the travel scale will help you throughout your trip.

Make sure to get a luggage scale that can measure in pounds and kg if you travel, or expect to travel, through the U.S. like the luggage scale that I use before all of my flights here!

One of my best packing tips for international travel, which also helps with making sure your luggage isn’t overweight, is to get compression packing cubes to organize your clothes and maximize your luggage space. 

Compression packing cubes give you more space in your luggage which provides more flexibility to split the weight into your luggage so none of your bags are overweight.

3. Make photocopies of your passport before you fly out!

One of the scariest issues you can run into while traveling abroad is having your passport get lost, damaged, or stolen since you’ll be stranded there until you get a replacement.

That’s why it’s so important that you make photocopies of your passport before you leave!

If you lose access to your passport while traveling internationally, having a photocopy will make it much easier and can help expedite getting a replacement or emergency passport with your country’s embassy so you aren’t stranded in a different country.

You won’t be able to use the photocopy of your passport to travel between countries, but you might still be able to use the photocopy for things like getting a tax refund at stores or checking into hotels (not guaranteed though!).

Instead of risking losing your actual passport while exploring, you can store your passport in a safe place where you’re staying and take the photocopy with you instead unless you expect you’ll need it.

4. Protect Your Passport and Debit/Credit Cards from Thieves! 

Aside from outright stealing your stuff, did you know that thieves can scan and steal your debit/credit card and passport information just by brushing a scanner up against you? This is because most cards and passports have an RFID chip that allows them to have contactless capabilities.

In crowded areas like popular tourist spots or rush hour on public transportation, it can be impossible to not be shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of other people throughout the day. 

This is why you should get an RFID-blocking wallet, bag, and passport cover to prevent thieves from scanning your cards or passport! RFID-blocking accessories prevent thieves from scanning your credit cards or passports by disrupting the radio waves from their devices so that they aren’t able to connect with them.

Check out my favorite RFID-blocking wallets and bags from Pacsafe here!

The Pacsafe passport cover linked above is RFID-protected and also has a slot for your COVID-vaccine card and other contactless cards it can protect! We also use their wallets and bags when we travel to protect our credit and debit cards!

5. Get an eSIM from Holafly so you can access the internet abroad!

Unless you have an international data plan, you won’t be able to access the internet on your mobile devices without a new SIM card. You don’t want to leave the airport just to find out that you’re lost and there isn’t wifi or internet nearby you can use to find where to go. 

I’ve found that the easiest and most convenient way to get an international data plan for my devices is by getting an eSIM from Holafly!

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to connect to a data network without needing a physical chip. This way you won’t have to worry about losing your original physical sim card for when you go back home! 

With Holafly, you can buy an eSIM that you can use in over 200 countries, with 152 destinations having unlimited plans. You can even buy regional eSIM plans that work in 7 different regions like Europe or North America that can be used in multiple countries. You can also store multiple eSIMs which is great if you expect to travel back and forth between countries. Packages are available from 1 to 90 days which is great for short and extended trips!

All Holafly eSIM packages for Europe and North America come with unlimited data, which is so helpful since you don’t have to worry about running out! 

The plans even allow you to share the network with other devices! 

Check out Holafly’s eSIMs through my link here

I don’t want to scare you away from traveling internationally as I’ve made some of my best memories traveling to different destinations around the world. I just want you to be aware of the risks, and I hope these tips can also help you make amazing memories while staying safe so your trip can go smoothly! 

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1. Fly on a Weekday

Typically flying during the week is the best time to fly – when it comes to price. Off-peak days are Tuesdays or Thursdays while Fridays and weekends can be more expensive.

To accurately see which days are the best, you can check travel sites like Google Flights to view the cheapest rates. On Google Flights, there are a few ways to do this.

First, you can select “Date Grid” to check the cheapest day to depart and return around the dates you are thinking of traveling on.

Second, you can also sort flights by price and view the cheapest times to travel.

Third, you can select “Price Graph” to see the typical prices over a few months. You can compare dates to see which price works best for you.

If you aren’t sure which area you want to travel to, you can set your departure location and set your destination to anywhere. This way you can check out the cheapest places to travel to during a certain time frame.

2. Avoid Peak Travel Season

The high season usually occurs during summer, winter, and major holidays. Summer peak season is mid-June to August, and winter peak season is the end of November and the end of December. During the summer and winter, most people travel due to their kids being on break, and during the winter, people travel for the holidays or have holiday time off from work. However, shoulder season, or the time between high and low travel seasons, starts from April through mid-June.

If you are traveling in the U.S., there are other major holidays to be aware of such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. During these times, flights can be expensive, but if you have to travel during a federal holiday, be sure to book early in advance (at least 2 or 3 months before the departure date)!

If you are traveling outside of the U.S., you should check their major holidays for potential peak times. For example, flights can be expensive when people are traveling to Asia to celebrate Lunar New Year or when people are visiting Germany for Oktoberfest. Being aware of the holidays and avoiding those peak times can help you alleviate high flight prices.

3. Track Flight Prices

If you already have a time frame in mind, you can track flight prices on a travel website like Google Flights. By selecting this option, you will receive alerts sent directly to your email so that you can be aware of when flights increase or decrease in price.

Another tip is to track flight prices across all travel sites. Popular travel sites I use include Kayak, Google Flights, Expedia, and JustFly, and it is important to check to see which site offers the best price to get the best deal. I also check on airline websites like Southwest, Delta, and others. I have personally used Southwest’s deals because they have a lot of amazing discounts. For example, Southwest had a 20% discount for base fares to Hawaii during a 2-month time frame!

4. Purchase Travel Packages

Another potential money-saving option you can do is utilize websites that offer travel packages. For example, Travelzoo offers travel deals that plan your entire itinerary, including flight, activities, and stay all in one. This can help to ease the burden of planning the trip itself, and my friends have had great experiences using it. For example, they currently have an all-inclusive deal with air, hotel, food, and drinks for $599 per person!

A lot of people also rave about Costco Travel. It’s an underrated and underutilized tool that many members do not take advantage of. They offer deals on vacation packages, build your own package, hotels, cruises, rental cars, theme parks, and other specialties. If you have a Costco membership, this is something to look into to best utilize your membership. Plus, Costco has incredible customer service, so they can help you with any questions you may have.

Lastly, I have used Tripmasters for trips around Europe and Asia, and they offer great vacation packages with a lot of flexibility. They curate and recommend great packages, and I liked that I was able to customize their package by adding, subtracting, or changing flights, hotels, and tours on my trip based on my preferences. This website is an all-in-one buildable and customizable travel tool that makes planning a trip easier and seem less daunting. For example, Tripmasters have a deal to 3 cities in Italy for $1,219, and they always allow you to “customize it” to your liking and add more cities to your trip as well!

5. Bundle Activities

Once you’ve booked your flight, it’s time to start booking activities you’d like to do! You can book these activities 1-2 months before your travel date, and I recommend looking for activities that you can bundle at a discount or look on Groupon or Airbnb for deals.

Two of my favorite attraction bundles are offered by CityPASS and Go City. Their bundles showcase the best things to do in a particular city, and there is flexibility on which activities you’d like to do based on their list of top activities. What I love about their passes is that I can do the activities at my leisure, all at a discount. I’ve used these passes when I traveled to Seattle, Chicago, Boston, London, Oahu, and more! These passes always showcase the best and most popular attractions most tourists want to see. For example, you can save 48% on the Chicago CityPass at the top 5 attractions. They even allow you to choose the last 2 attractions from a list of 4 based on your preferences.

Another one of my favorite sites for discount activities is Groupon. You can search for activities in the location you are traveling to and see if there are deals that interest you. I have used this to find activities like jet skiing in Miami, snorkeling in Oahu, and more. You can also search on Airbnb Experiences to see activities or tours hosted by locals in the area you are traveling to!

Thank you for reading this blog, and I hope these tips can help you save money when traveling. Let me know in the comments below if you have other travel-saving hacks!

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Note: I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases via my links in this blog!

1. Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 by Paula’s Choice

The most important thing to put on above anything else is sunscreen! Sunscreen is important because it protects our skin from damaging UV rays and prevents wrinkles, skin cancer, and discoloration.

Wearing sunscreen is important preventative care that should be incorporated into our daily routine, and the product I use the most is the Super-Light Wrinkle Defence SPF 30 by Paula’s Choice. If you have oily skin like me, this is a great sunscreen that is lightweight (although it is great for any type of skin!). It is also free of fragrances, parabens, and dyes. I love how this sunblock gives me a silky matte finish while moisturizing at the same time. This sunscreen can actually be a great primer and base before applying your foundation.

(Disclosure: links are on this page affiliate links, which means we receive compensation if you make a purchase using either of these links- but we wouldn’t advertise them if we didn’t use them ourselves!!)

2. POREfessional Face Primer by Benefit Cosmetics

If you have small or big pores you’d like to minimize the appearances of, the POREfessional Pro Face Primer is the best product for you! I use this mainly on my nose area, but you can put this wherever you have oil-prone areas like your T-zone. I typically apply it under my makeup before my Benefit foundation, but you can also put it over your makeup and blend gently.

What I love about this product is that it is lightweight, oil-free, translucent for all skin tones, and contains antioxidant vitamins. Bonus points for this product because it also lasts a long time! A small amount goes a long way, and I have used the same bottle for over a year.

3. Double Wear Foundation by Estee Lauder

As a person with oily skin, this Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation has been the best in helping my skin stay flawless, matte, and oil-free. This foundation lasts a long time for me even when I was traveling during the hot and humid summer months!

This is my go-to foundation, and I use the Desert Beige color. If you’d like to get the foundation matched to your skin tone, you can get testing samples to find the perfect color for you.

4. Sundipped Glow Kit by Anastasia Beverly Hills

No makeup look is complete without contouring and highlighting, and this Sundipped Glow Kit by Anastasia Beverly Hills has it all in one palette! I love how there are 2 different shades for the bronzer, 1 shade for blush, and 1 shade for the highlighter. The colors blend well together, and they are perfect for every day and going out makeup looks. This palette can be great on any skin tone, but you can test them out before purchasing!

5. Brow Definer Triangular Brow Pencil by Anastasia Beverly Hills

This Brow Definer Triangular Brow Pencil by Anastasia Beverly Hills is perfect to fill in the brows! My eyebrows are microbladed, but I like to make them a little darker, especially when I want a fuller makeup look. I like that I can use the edge of the pencil tip to create hair-like strokes and the flat side to outline and shape my brows. It also comes with a spoolie to brush my eyebrow hair back in place and blend the brows at the same time. I use the dark brown color, but it also comes in a total of 12 shades!

6. Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette by Urban Decay

If you love pink or rose-hued eyeshadow colors, this Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette by Urban Decay is a great palette! I have used this for years and keep using it because it complements my skin well. I love how there are 12 eyeshadow colors ranging from light to dark colors. This is perfect for any type of wear whether you are looking for a natural, everyday makeup look or a dramatic, smokey eye, nighttime makeup look. The color also lasts a long time on my eyes and is very blendable. I also love how it is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

7. Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain by Yves Saint Laurent

My absolute favorite lip product is the Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain by Yves Saint Laurent. I use the color 16 Nude Emblem in Terra Cotta Pink, and it is a nice pink color that complements my makeup. This product is a lip stain, meaning that the color is absorbed by the skin rather than being a layer on top of the lips like what a normal lipstick does. Its formula makes it last a really long time no matter what I eat or drink, and I have even gotten compliments on how well the color lasts on me after I ate oily food! This lip stain also dries quickly and feels very light and comfortable on my lips.

8. All Nighter Setting Spray by Urban Decay

Once you’ve finished putting on your makeup, applying a makeup spray is a must. I use the All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray by Urban Decay to complete my makeup look and help my makeup stay on longer. This makeup spray has even won awards! I love how this spray is lightweight, oil-free, vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and has a waterproof formula. It is great for all types of skin and can help keep your makeup looking fresh for up to 16 hours!

9. Double Up 203 False Eyelashes by Ardell

If you know me, eyelashes are a must! Eyelashes complete the makeup look, and I used to have a phase where I would get eyelash extensions every month for 2 years straight. However, the costs started to add up, and I have since gone back to using strip lashes. Strip lashes are so much more affordable and can sometimes give a more dramatic look than eyelash extensions!

Currently, my favorite lashes are these Double Up 203 False Eyelashes by Ardell. These lashes are 2-layered lashes that give a fuller, more dramatic look. They are also reusable and help to save money since you can get multiple uses out of them too! What I love about Ardell lashes is that the strip is thinner than other brands and doesn’t hurt when I apply them to my eyelids. If you are looking for something less dramatic, here are my favorite lashes to use for everyday wear, Faux Mink 811 False Lashes by Ardell.

10. Brush-On Lash Adhesive by Duo

My favorite eyelash glue that I have used for years is the Duo Brush-On Lash Adhesive. What I love about this glue is that it lasts all day no matter the weather (or how strong the wind is blowing on my face!). It also dries clear, is waterproof, lightweight, and easy to remove. I love that it has vitamins, is latex-free, formaldehyde-free, and 100% cruelty-free. I have sensitive eyes, and this is perfect for me. It is also very easy to apply because it has a thin brush, making it user-friendly for beginners too!

Do you use any of these products? I would love to learn more about your favorite beauty products too!

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