What's in My Suitcase? Essentials for a Perfect Trip!

[@abbyborg5926]

I have been trying different packing methods ( capsule, 54321 method etc) for the last 7/8 trips as I get ready to do long term slow travel. I found that so far the method that keeps me closest to the ideal- wore most everything and didn’t feel upset about choices-was the “outfit” method. A travel outfit/an everyday outfit/workout &swimming outfit/ nighttime out outfit/sleep lounge outfit. I then brought a couple extra tops for everyday and an extra blouse and two scarves for evening outs. I brought a cashmere sweater as the evening out option which I wore as a layer on the plane. A wrap was wonderful as an airplane pillow/ blanket and to make the evening outfits look fancier. That’s it! I also like to bring a sleep kit- eyemask/ earplugs and laniege lip balm. I find two pairs of shoes is plenty- walking sneakers and pretty slides/sandals. Also two different lipsticks to change a look up. A belt is great too especially a reversible one. I also bring a lightweight windbreaker coat that covers my bum! It’s enough if you get chilled in regular clothes, but not too heavy or hot to walk a lot in or store in your bag. Also! I pare my wallet down to one ID, two credit cards and my medical plan card. I always bring a shopping bag that folds into a small packet in my purse. Many countries’ grocery stores or marketplaces do not sell or give bags with purchases. One splurge to bring is something unique to the trip to give you comfort or luxury. On a recent walking trip I brought packets of epsom salts to have a good soak at the end of the day and it made me so happy! Other times it was a travel facial spray when I was ata poolside vacation. Also travel Kleenex came in so handy! Wet wipes do too! Also the tide bleach pen!

[@katharinatrub1338]

I had to google the Tide Bleach Pen'; )), found it. Great! I love your outfit planning. Also because it sounds familiar, is classified for different categories of time and activities. - Travel outfit - an everyday outfit yes, 2 different lipsticks (sober and flashy) - only 2 pairs of shoes (wow I'm going to try that) - a light windbreaker why not. - an identity document, 2 credit cards and a medical card. Excellent, as well as Epsom salt!! ; ))

[@deedsh6280]

A friend who was a flight attendant once gave me the advice to always wear secure shoes when flying, so sneakers are a great idea. None of us like to think of it, but her point was in case of emergency landing or other issues with the flight, having something that will protect your feet if a crowd is pushing, or not falling off, is a second bonus to wearing your heaviest shoes in travel status.

[@karolesherlock127]

I'm dealing with significant back issues due to some bad genes (LOL). So . . . my husband and I bought a large rolling suitcase for flying and cruises. We plan to check the bag when flying, so I will carry a small purse only. Also, I'll swallow my pride and take the electric cart between gates. It's important to adjust travel plans to suit a changing life. Love the packing tips.

[@debraticehurst2583]

I always plan one skirt, one pair trousers or jeans, four tops, three dresses. I add one top for evening wear and a lovely wrap, that can be used multi purpose. I plan the same for cold weather adding thermal top, two jumpers, one pair fleecy lined leggings, one pair fleecy lined tights, and socks. My boots are water proof fur lined for winter and go day to night and in summer wear vans mary jane style, also day to night.

[@shoppingonchampagne]

Debra, your packing strategy sounds incredibly efficient and stylish! It’s great how you’ve tailored your choices to work easily from day to night, adapting to both warm and cold climates. Thanks for sharing your tips! 💕

[@philhebner4380]

Wrinkle release product comes in travel size. So well labeled.

[@shoppingonchampagne]

LOL, you know I need a well-labeled travel size!

[@ginamarie8231]

Wonderful tips! Well done! I love that suitcase. ❤️

[@shoppingonchampagne]

Thanks so much! ❤

[@debsterlee3801]

Haven't taken my shoes off or taken out my 311 bag in years thanks to TSA-precheck and Clear. A good credit card will reimburse you for both (and Global Entry if you fly internationally). I always use packing cubes to keep my clothes securly in my luggage in case it gets opened by the TSA (and to avoid it being handled/seen by strangers).

[@shoppingonchampagne]

I love all of your tips! Thanks so much for sharing! 💕

[@HumanPsychEngineering]

Excellent video 🙂 I hadn't given much thought to shoe choice... I travel frequently, so these points are super helpful. Thank you!

[@galechicago325]

I just got back from a 2-week trip to Northern Wisconsin and Michigan U.P., and I packed all wrong due to unusual perfect weather! It’s mid September and normally it can get down to 60 and 40 at night. So I packed beach hoodies, sweaters, blue jeans, even a light puffer jacket for crossing Lake Michigan on boat. The whole 2 weeks I was there, it was 80+ degrees and sunny, warm mid 60s at night. I ended up wearing the one pair of shorts I brought, all 6 sleeveless tops, and 2 sleeveless dresses. I could’ve done this 2-week trip with just a little tote bag. I shipped all my heavy clothes back home. My carry-ons were light on the return flight.

[@shoppingonchampagne]

Oh no! Wow, that's lovely weather for this time of year in Wisconsin and Michigan! I'm glad to hear you had perfect weather on your trip, and those shorts got some good use! 😀

[@galechicago325]

@@shoppingonchampagne I wore those Bermuda shorts every single day. It was the best trip ever!

[@galechicago325]

@@shoppingonchampagne Also… it was better weather in Michigan than it is here in Newport Beach! That almost never happens.

[@shoppingonchampagne]

@@galechicago325 So glad to hear it!

[@ruthmalcolm3028]

I have just been to the Algarve for a week. I packed a 21 piece capsules ( including bags, shoes and travel outfit. ) I can do this with hand luggage only when I’m allowed a small case plus an under the seat bag. Thank you for your extra tips too!

[@Gevedon]

Thank you for sharing with us!

[@shoppingonchampagne]

My pleasure!

[@juneparham4028]

I use a 16 piece clothing plan. Plus Pjs and layers and outerwear. I agree with wearing the heavier shoes and clothes on travel day.

[@blktauna]

I have the Level8 aluminum carry on. Magnificent.

[@shoppingonchampagne]

That's great to hear! 🧳

[@bmackillop9937]

Love the carryon case

[@shoppingonchampagne]

Thanks so much! 💕

[@mircat28]

What about if one is incontinent? How do you pack pads? What about disposal?

[@galechicago325]

Take a couple days of pads with you. Buy a whole package of pads when you get there. Disposal: Make use of small trash bags or grocery bags to wrap them and dispose where appropriate.

[@shoppingonchampagne]

@galechicago325 provided excellent advice regarding bringing a few pads with you and buying a whole package when you reach your destination. In addition, I'd pack some moist wipes to make cleanup easier and more refreshing. She's also spot-on with her recommendation of bringing small plastic trash bags to wrap and dispose of them where appropriate. I hope that helps! 🥰

[@Salah_-_Uddin]

Thanks!

[@shoppingonchampagne]

My pleasure! 😀

[@martha4136]

Just back from a trip, all your tips are so good. My bag was heavy, I need lighter weight for next time, easier to lift to overhead bin!

[@shoppingonchampagne]

I'm so glad you found the tips helpful! 😍

[@T.T.M.60]

Thank you so much for doing this video! I really need it! Great information. Where can I buy the foldable hat?

[@shoppingonchampagne]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! 💕

[@bernadettesikorski3232]

Love the longer leg underwear. Discovered those about 3 years ago when I was looking for Spanx! Works beautifully. Love to know where you got the straw hat? I have a really pretty one but not packable.

[@marysaiar]

Downey wrinkle release sells a travel size bottle 😊

[@shoppingonchampagne]

🤯Wow! Thanks for letting me know!

[@marysaiar]

I found them at the CVS travel section

[@ERLEDXB]

Another tip for friction-stop on thighs: baby powder works as well.

[@debraticehurst2583]

There is a specific product for this...I think it's called anti monkey butt. It's recommended by lots of hikers.

[@shoppingonchampagne]

Thanks for the great tip!

[@shoppingonchampagne]

@@debraticehurst2583 Excellent tip - I'll have to look into it!

[@connienunez9924]

I heard that you are a knitter--me too. I had been using Amy Herzog's Custom Knit subscription plan but now it has closed. Do you know of any other plan to create custom-fit knit sweaters with individual measurements? Thanks!

[@shoppingonchampagne]

Hi Connie! Yes, Julie at Cocoknits has a beautiful Sweater Workshop book. It has really wearable designs that you can customize to your measurements. I know her personally and have worked with most of her designs. - her individual patterns are also fabulous. As she says, her patterns are the ones you'll knit and actually wear! Here's a link to the Sweater Workshop: cocoknits.com/products/cocoknits-sweater-workshop

[@elizabethmeyer1529]

My favorite tip is the Level 8 suitcases with discount! Also, I enjoy knitting, too, on a long flight. Too bad you and I can’t do puzzles on a plane. 🤷‍♀️

[@ellistea1024]

Well, you can puzzle on an iPad! I do it all the time and it’s a lot of fun.

[@elizabethmeyer1529]

@@ellistea1024 I’ll have to try that! Thanks for the idea. 🧩✈️

[@shoppingonchampagne]

You're welcome! Yes, they're right - you can do puzzles on an iPad, which is a great way to pass the time!

[@marylutyger675]

I’ve never had to take shoes off going thru TSA

[@juneparham4028]

I often have to take shoes off. Depends on airport.

[@sassyt1545]

You can’t get your personal item bag trolly sleeve over those gigantic Level 8 handles. No bueno.

[@adoptedscot]

Here in the UK we have the big bloomer company, game changer for me as it now means I can wear dresses and skirts without having to wear tights.

[@shoppingonchampagne]

I immediately had to Google that company - I love the name, and they are exactly the type of underwear I talked about. I love all of the colorful options and styles they offer! 🤩

[@kimhanback1302]

Don't use Lumi deodorant. It broke me out like I had been burnt. It hurt so bad and took nearly 2 months to heal. I still have scars there and that has been since April. Have you ever had any problems carrying your knitting needles thru TSA check? I crochet and have never tried to carry my hooks on the plane. I may carry some yarn but I'll go buy a hook when I get to where I'm going and then toss it before boarding again.

[@ellistea1024]

I’m a knitter and have had NO problem bringing needles including small snips. I find it relaxing to knit on the plane and have had no problem doing this. They’ve relaxed the rules a bit, so happy hooking!

[@karinwolf3645]

Use the antiperspirant trick under your breasts to keep from having a heat rash. 😆👵🐺🌵

[@shoppingonchampagne]

Great tip, Karin! Thanks ☺

[@jaynekilbride5620]

Body glide which cyclists use to stop chafing, is brilliant. Too hot to wear those long undies.

[@shoppingonchampagne]

Thanks for the great tip! 😀

[@gloriayoga]

I use stick deodorant under my breast to keep my bra from irritating my skin.

[@jabow1878]

Try Lume deodorant lotion. They have a travel size. One dot rubbed under each breast area. Game changer for me.

[@shoppingonchampagne]

Great tip - thanks!

[@shoppingonchampagne]

@@jabow1878 Love that - thanks for the tip!