The Best Travel Bags For Every Kind Of Trip.
Always in this carry-on: This journal (since 2013- almost time to get a new one), the best rainbow stripe carry-all tote EVER, an oversized evening clutch that doubles as carry-on jewelry storage for valuables, a brightly colored wallet I can easily find in seconds, and a daytime clutch with a shoulder strap that I stash lip balm and other in-flight essentials inside en route.
Travel has grown on me in recent years- and trips that I typically would pass on, I have said “sure, why the heck not” to- including a long weekend in Iceland, a trip with the kids to Colorado and, next up, two nights in Nashville with my girlfriends. Baggage has been in heavy rotation. and here is what I am currently loving:
Suitcase: AWAY, hands down. No contest. AWAY suitcases manage to be sturdy but still somehow bendy enough to stuff to the gils and zip shut seamlessly. I have the Bigger Carry On and The Large- they nest into each other so storage- both at home and in a small hotel room- is never an issue. Minimal frills allow for maximum space, and direct to consumer pricing is very reasonable (use THIS LINK and get $20 off your first purchase).
Carry On Backpack: I pretty much ALWAYS use a backpack when go anywhere- once you go handsfree, you never go back. The Lo & Sons Hanover is my first choice- the clean design looks sophisticated (and unisex for when I force Brian to carry it so I can juggle a kid or two), and it has a secure interior zippered pocket for passports and such, a sleeve to slip my suitcase handle through so it can sit on top and roll, and an insert for a 15" laptop.
Beach Bag/Carry-All Tote: I can’t say enough about this bag- I get stopped on the street/airport/beach every single time I use it. It is always on me- if not hanging from my shoulder, it is flat in my suitcase or rolled up in my backpack. Since it takes up no room at all, holds a ton of stuff, and just makes me happy- why would I ever leave it behind?>
Ski Gear Bag: Transpack Ski Boot/Gear Backpacks are- and I am not kidding here- the things that made it possible for us to become a “ski family”. Not exaggerating one bit here, guys. The main thing that made me hesitant about skiing was all the gear- both schlepping it to the mountain, and keeping it together at home so I didn’t run around like a frantic madwoman every time we wanted to go skiing searching stuff. I got one of these for each member of the family, and everyone’s boots and gear (from socks to ski pants and all the things in between) stay packed in these year-round. (INSIDER TIP: If you wear size 7.5 or under, the boots will fit in the kids version, which is typically $20 less than the full size, but still roomy enough to fit ski gear in the middle.
Packing Cubes: Essential when traveling with kids- THESE cubes keep me organized when packing (I group things in categories for each girl so I don’t overlook anything), and, when unpacking upon arrival at our destination- since I usually get like 10 minutes of peace to empty our luggage before someone is pulling at my arm to go to the pool/explore the hotel/find her outfit of choice. Currently coveting these glam cubes big time- but my trusty bargain buy 5-pack works just as well (but c’mon, ROSE GOLD? Want. Need… Okay, just WANT.)
