As someone who loves both weekend getaways and long-haul adventures, packing has become a bit of an art form for me — especially when I’m traveling internationally. For my latest trip to Portugal, I set out to pack smart and light, with only a carry-on to get me through the week abroad. I’ve learned the hard way that planning and choosing the right travel gear makes all the difference.
That’s why I organize my essentials with packing cubes or find the perfect carry-on bag to make my journey as stress-free as possible.
Beis The Carry-On Roller Ellen McAlpine/CNN Underscored I swear by this carry-on from Beis. The interior organization pockets reduce the number of small bags I use since I can put most of my carry-on liquids in the wet pocket without worrying about things leaking. I’ve only had one thing spill in there before and it was so easy to clean with a paper towel after. I’m also a fan of the bag’s handle system that lets you know if your bag is over 50 pounds. $238 at Beis Travel
Beis Weekend Travel Bag Ellen McAlpine/CNN Underscored I tend to avoid overstuffing this bag when using it as a personal item on flights since it can be tricky to fit under the seat if it’s packed too full. Instead, I make the most of the bottom compartment for essentials and use the top for my in-flight items and any souvenirs I pick up along the way. The removable shoulder strap is a nice touch, and the pass-through sleeve makes it easy to slide onto my carry-on. It’s my go-to for international flights, long weekends with friends, weddings and visits to my parents. $108 at Beis Travel
The Beis Weekender filled before the plane ride. Ellen McAlpine/CNN Underscored
Mark and Graham Striped Packing Cubes, 4-Piece Ellen McAlpine/CNN Underscored My type-A personality kicks in when it’s time to pack, so packing cubes are essential for me. While Mark and Graham’s cubes don’t compress, they’re still great for staying organized. This set of four includes a laundry bag, one large cube and two smaller ones. My favorite feature is the top handle, which makes it easy to stack them in my Weekender or suitcase and quickly pull them out without digging through my bag. I didn’t opt for personalization, but I love that it’s available. $69 at Mark and Graham
Benevolence LA Velvet Travel Jewelry Box Ellen McAlpine/CNN Underscored I bought this jewelry box after seeing so many positive Amazon reviews, and it’s safe to say it is a game-changer. While I wish there were a few more necklace hooks, I’ve never opened this case after jostling my bags around in the airport and having to untangle charms and chains. It keeps everything in place, stores everything I’d like to bring with me and zips securely shut so nothing falls out. $24 at Amazon
Soidram Checkered Cosmetic Bag Ellen McAlpine/CNN Underscored I like to save space for clothes and shoes when I travel, so this small cosmetics bag is perfect for my makeup. It comfortably fits two or three small brushes, concealer, a couple of compacts and a few extras. When I’m not using it for makeup, it’s great for holding essentials like hand sanitizer, lip balm, a phone charger and an eye mask. $9 at Amazon
Tempur-Pedic Sleep Mask Ellen McAlpine/CNN Underscored I’m lucky to be a good sleeper on planes, and this eye mask definitely helps. Made from Tempur-Pedic memory foam, it’s super soft and adapts perfectly when I lean against the window or headrest. It’s also a lifesaver when adjusting to new time zones. The velcro strap makes it easy to find the right fit, and it does a great job of blocking out light. Plus, the memory foam compresses easily to fit into my bag, even when it’s packed tight. $29 at Amazon
Bose QuietComfort Headphones Ellen McAlpine/CNN Underscored Finding headphones that stay comfortable for hours isn’t easy, but Bose nailed it. I’ve worn these on all my long-haul flights, and the 24-hour battery life has never let me down. The noise cancellation is excellent. These headphones block out most distractions while still letting you hear important announcements from the pilot or flight attendants. Plus, they come with an audio cable, so you can plug into the plane’s entertainment system. $349 at Bose $349 at Amazon
Solawave 2-in-1 Mini Ellen McAlpine/CNN Underscored The Solawave is a compact, travel-friendly red light therapy device designed to depuff and soothe skin with gentle warmth. This 12-minute cycle gadget is a game-changer for my skincare routine, especially after long-haul flights when my skin tends to act up. As someone who’s obsessed with skincare, I love having it on hand to maintain my routine both in flight and once I’ve landed. With a pop-out handle and a size smaller than the palm of your hand, it fits perfectly in my cosmetics bag, and I always notice a visible improvement after using it. $89 at Amazon
Rtops 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Station Ellen McAlpine/CNN Underscored The trifold charger I use isn’t available anymore, but this similar model is so convenient for travel. It saves on cord clutter and space since it folds into each other and fits in your hand. I can charge my phone, Apple Watch and either Qi-enabled earbuds or my work phone all at the same time. I pair my trifold charger with this six-foot-long cable from Anker. The length helps plug my charging pad in anywhere since hotel room outlets can be a bit of a hassle. $30 $27 at Amazon
Amazon Kindle Scribe Ellen McAlpine/CNN Underscored I love reading while traveling, and I’m also a fan of puzzle books like Sudoku and crosswords. The Kindle Scribe lets me take all of that with me while cutting my bag’s weight in half. Instead of carrying a book, puzzle book and journal, I can do it all from one device. I can finish a novel, start a new one, jot notes in a journal and solve puzzles, all without extra bulk. $340 at Amazon
Bottom line
As someone who likes to stay organized, finding ways to keep my belongings together and easy to find in my suitcase and Weekender is crucial. Packing for this week-long trip was a bit of a mental workout, but these items helped make the process more efficient.
I’m keyed into what works for me on long flights, like having an e-reader over a tablet with a bright screen, Bose headphones and an eye mask that eases plane sleeping. You might want to stock up on some of these must-haves too — it can make a world of difference the next time you travel abroad.
What our travel editor takes in her bag for an international trip
