15 Editor-Loved Travel Essentials From $8

I love to travel; I always have. Seeing new places, having new experiences, and meeting new people has always felt thrilling to me, and packing my bags before I leave on a trip is one of the most anticipatory parts of my travel process. 

Between staying at my parents’ condo in South Carolina for weeks at a time and taking road trips to Nashville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Finger Lakes, and Vermont, I’ll have spent more than 100 nights away from home this year. Needless to say, I have items that I bring with me wherever I go, like my trusty hardside suitcase, go-to toiletry bag, and comfy sneakers. Below, I’m sharing my 15 must-haves that make the cut every time I pack my bags.

My Favorite Travel Must-Haves

• Open Story Medium Checked Suitcase, $120
• Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag, $14 (was $23)
• Béis The Expandable Backpack, $118
• Yamiu Set of 4 Travel Shoe Bags, $8 (was $10)
• Apple AirTag 4-Pack, $75 (was $99)
• Hiearcool Set of 2 Waterproof Phone Pouches, $10
• Brooks Glycerin 22, $165
• Rifle Paper Co. Canvas Tote Bag, $28
• Lake Relax Pants Set, $144
• J.Crew Factory Mid-Rise Flare Crop Jean, $59 (was $118)

Open Story Medium Checked Suitcase

After 15 years and countless trips with my old suitcase, I finally needed to purchase a new one this year. Similar to my last checked bag, I wanted another lightweight hardside suitcase that offered at least three interior compartments for organizing and smooth-gliding wheels that would make it a breeze to trek from baggage claim to rideshare stops or rental car terminals. I found everything I wanted—plus a surprise expandable feature—in this Open Story Medium Checked Suitcase from Target. I considered more expensive bags, but this $120 hidden gem works perfectly, and it’s a fraction of the cost of other popular options.

Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag

When my beloved Vera Bradley toiletry bag finally bit the dust after two decades of travel, I picked up this one from Bagsmart because Grace Atwood, an influencer I follow on Instagram, had recommended it. I loved it immediately. The bag has four handy clear compartments that allow me to separate and store my contacts and eye drops, toothbrush and toothpaste, travel-size haircare favorites, and makeup. There’s an extra zippered compartment on the bag’s exterior for even more storage space, and it has a built-in hanger that makes it easy to perch the bag on the back of a door. Best of all, you just can’t beat the $14 price tag. 

Béis The Expandable Backpack

After using the same travel backpack since high school (I’m now in my 30s), I decided I was finally due for an upgrade. I carefully researched many options, and I landed on The Expandable Backpack by Béis—and I’m so happy I did. The backpack offers a host of different storage areas, including a laptop sleeve (my no. 1 essential), a sizable main compartment with an expander and additional interior zippered pockets, a pop-out water bottle pocket, and two exterior zippered pockets that are perfect for items like keys, AirPods, glasses, and even a Kindle. Of course, there’s a luggage sleeve on the back, too. I now have more room than I know what to do with, and it’s delightful.

Yamiu Set of 4 Travel Shoe Bags

The mere thought of my shoes touching anything in my suitcase grosses me out, so I rely on these travel shoe bags. They’re made from a waterproof nylon material, making them a breeze to wipe clean, and they come in a pack of four for just $8. I’ve found I can tuck one pair of running shoes inside each bag or as many as three pairs of sandals, so I typically don’t use more than two bags whenever I travel. 

Apple AirTag 4-Pack

I’ve traveled with an AirTag tucked inside of my suitcase for over a year, and I’m not sure how my anxiety functioned prior to this mini tech must-have. AirTags come equipped with a battery, and each tag is quick to pair with your iPhone using the Find My app. Once both are connected, place an AirTag inside your item of choice to start tracking its location. I use mine to keep tabs on my luggage, so I always know where my bag is, which will make it slightly more seamless to track down my bag should it ever not make it onto the plane. While the four-pack is on sale, think about splitting it with family or friends. 

After years of traveling and packing a similar collection of items into my suitcase for every trip, prepping for time away from home has become a lot easier. I have plenty more items to add to your own collection of must-haves, so keep scrolling below for $10 waterproof phone pouches perfect for days by the water, the most comfortable travel outfit ever, a fantastic pair of mid-rise cropped jeans, the wristlet I slip inside every bag, and more.

Hiearcool Set of 2 Waterproof Phone Pouches

Brooks Glycerin 22

Rifle Paper Co. Canvas Tote Bag

Lake Relax Pants Set

J.Crew Factory Mid-Rise Flare Crop Jean

Scout Kate Wristlet

Lake Nora Cotton Cardigan

Auden Cooling Jersey Jogger Pajama Pants

Adidas Linear Mini Backpack

Madewell Relaxed V-Neck Tee