Brett and I recently got back from a solo getaway to Chicago.

Before that, I hadn’t been on a plane in four years. Between KK’s birth, a pandemic, a molar pregnancy, the six months of mandatory bloodwork (and grief) afterwards, Joey’s pregnancy (and being too nervous to go anywhere), and the first few months of getting into a groove with two kids - I just haven’t really gone anywhere, much less been on a plane.

So packing for Chicago, getting ready for a trip, I felt rusty.

But it was all like riding a bike.

Brett and I traveled a good amount before kids (remember the 12 Trips in 12 Months?), so getting back on a plane and exploring a new city with my love for a long weekend was the most wonderful way to reconnect as a couple, as friends.

Here are my 10 Travel Must-Haves, years ago and now.

1) clear cosmetic bags

look, I love me some cute bags. but when I’m traveling, I hate digging around - I need everything contained, but on display. so I bring a whole slew of these clear bags for all the small things, and I put hair stuff in one, face stuff in another, etc.
I also love the famous mesh zippered bags for organizing other things - like cords and snacks. But oftentimes I use clear cosmetic bags for these things, too.
however, brett prefers one great hanging toiletry bag. to each their own.

2) this charger

this charger is lightweight, compact, and has the ability to charge your iphone, apple watch, and airpods at the same time. the best, the best!

3) extension cord with plenty of plugs

we initially bought this extension cord for the hospital - we swore by it for KK’s delivery, Joey’s delivery, and Joey’s brief NICU stay. the longgg cord allowed us to work with whatever available plug we could find, and the plenty of plugs meant we were set.
this thing has become one of our favorite things for traveling - airports, hotels, airbnbs, coffee shops, you name it.

4) this compact vitamin/pill holder that holds a lot

gah, I love this thing. Brett and I each have our daily vitamins and supplements. but we tend to take more vitamins and supplements when we’re traveling, just because we’re trying to strengthen our immune system (and stay regular, tbh): plenty of vitamin d, plenty of vitamin c, plenty of zinc, plenty of magnesium.
this vitamin/pill holder is the loveliest size, but has more than enough room for all our pills and capsules.

5) power bank

we have a power bank like this and can’t travel without it. not worrying about if our phones will die while exploring for hours is a gift that I’ll never take for granted.
ps investing in a power bank is one of the easiest ways to prepare for an emergency at home, too. here’s 10 other easy things you can do right now for emergency preparedness.

6) reusable water bottle

when we fly, we go through security with our reusable water bottle empty, and fill it up before getting on a plane - bonus points if we grab ice somewhere, too. I’m always thrilled having my comforting water bottle with me while flying (or driving).
this is our absolute favorite reusable water bottle. we love knowing that after a day of seeing the sights, our favorite reusable water bottle is waiting for us back at the [insert wherever we’re staying here]. we currently don’t bring it around town with us, but we’re investing in a water bottle shoulder strap like this to change that - we missed our water bottles while exploring Chicago.

bonus) food

I always bring food, even on a plane - our travel budget extends muuuuch farther if we’re not blowing it on mediocre airport food (or hangry food the minute we arrive at our destination).
In 2017 when we were in the throes of 12 Trips in 12 Months, I wrote up a blogpost on my must-haves, including my airplane food favorites. None of the links work in this olddddd blogpost anymore, but the gist is still fun to read, and the photos of the food we brought through security are such a nostalgic hug for me.
PS I particularly love this article for airplane food ideas (as well as the article comments), this article for more snack ideas, and this brillian salad idea I love.

7) BOOKS

if I’m able, I love bringing a few physical books and my beloved neck light. but I also have the Kindle app, the Libby app, and the Audible app on my phone, and I keep those loaded up with books, too.
set me up with a good audiobook on a roadtrip (or a good book and a Quiet Music for Reading playlist on an airplane), and I’m happy.

8) single-use vials of allergy medicine

let me back up. i bring one of my clear cosmetic bags, and I stuff it full with first aid goodies and over-the-counter medicine that I don’t want to be without on a trip (particularly tummy meds and headache meds).
but recently I bought these single-use vials of allergy medicine for my diaper bag for the kids in case of an allergic reaction, and on a whim I threw them in our First Aid/Medicine Bag for the trip. and Brett was so allergic to something at night on our trip - we couldn’t praise these single-use vials of allergy medicine enough.

9) a capsule-ish wardrobe

read a quick post about it here.
we swear by our simplified sock system, too.
all that to say packing is super easy for us - everything naturally mixes and matches.

10) packing cubes

I am totally late to the packing cube party, but boy am I glad to be here. before our Chicago trip, I bought several of this variety pack, and Brett and I loved having plenty of choices to fit our personal needs. We’re about to start Airstreaming soon, and I can’t wait to bring these packing cubes along.

Honorable mentions (and things I’ve used/loved for almost a decade):