I first got on an airplane to leave US soil when I was 16, and I’ve never been the same. (Exposure to horses and travel have the same effect – both are incurable needs once the bug has bitten.) I have a passport, and I’ll get on a plane to almost anywhere, given the chance.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked my list of favorite travel necessities over and over again, and for an upcoming business trip abroad, I’ve added a couple of new things to try in my quest for travel ease and efficiency. My hard-and-fast rule is I must easily be able to carry everything I need without assistance or difficulty, and if I can’t do that, it stays at home.

I present a few of my go-to items, both new and tried-and-true, in no particular order.

1. In the “new” category, I offer this duffel bag that folds out into a garment bag. I’m using it for the first time on a short hop this week, and I cannot wait to give it a test run. I admit to being unreasonably excited about this bag.

I saw this all over the socials, and it was selling for anywhere between $79 and $159, but this one is under $35, which I felt was a great deal worth trying. Get it here.

2. I hate to iron at the best of times, but I really don’t like wasting business or sight-seeing time on ironing while I’m traveling. (My husband recently used mine to easily steam off ancient wallpaper in our geriatric farmhouse, too, so it’s multifunctional.)

Enter the travel steamer, which makes quick work of dewrinkling clothes with minimal effort and a tiny footprint in your bag. Get yours here.

3. Dry cleansing cloths for your face are activated by water, so they’re a zero concern item in your bag – no spills, leaks, or need to disclose yet another liquid to TSA.

I’ve been using these on trips to great effect forever (like, probably 20 years or better), and they’re so convenient. Add them to your bag here.

4. A quality mini-backpack is indispensable for any trip. This one is from The North Face, a coveted brand known for functionality and quality craftsmanship; this model also happens to be a steal.

It’s the perfect size to hold your essentials without giving you shoulder and neck pain, and I think it’s also super cute. Snag one here.

5. I’m a known supplement user, and there are several I really can’t function happily without (magnesium, I’m looking at you), so here’s a pill container that’s cute and compact, and it holds 7 different meds.

This adorable little guy is also really cheap. Grab it here.

6. I always travel with an eye mask to block out light when I’m trying to rest. I am also picky about it, because I dislike the ones that put pressure on my eyeballs. This one is perfect, and I’ve worn out several.

I realize it looks like a little bra, but it’s the most comfortable one you can get, and it’s around $12. Get one here for better sleep at home and on the road.

7. I always tuck a pashmina into my carry on, regardless of season. Airplanes and conference rooms get chilly, and you can use it as a blanket, a scarf, or a shawl, as needed. I’m never sorry I pack one. This one is a particularly nice tencel fabric that washes up nicely and resists wrinkling.

This pashmina comes in several neutral colors, and will be in my backpack until the end of time. Wrap one up here for yourself or a friend – this would make a much appreciated gift.

8. It seems like at least once on every trip, someone experiences some mild nausea. I keep a few of these ginger drops in my bag for just such an occasion.

These come individually wrapped, so you don’t have to worry about yet another container for your carry-on. Try them here.

9. If you’re going on a big trip and/or want a rolling duffel to last long enough to pass onto your grandchildren, buy this one. I’ve had several bags from this brand, and they’ve been dragged – quite literally – through various dubious conditions over multiple continents for the last 25 years, and they’re still kicking.

Pack one up for yourself here. I will definitely die on the Eagle Creek hill.

10. This tinted, moisturizing, spf 50 sunblock serum is a newer addition to my life, and I hope to never have to be without it. It offers a dewey finish that works great for no makeup days, or add a little cheek tint and mascara with it for a more polished look. Either way, it’s a multipurpose product that is perfect for travel or home. Even the fellas could slather some on for outdoor days, because it absorbs quickly and protects your skin from the sun all day, with no heavy sunscreen-y scent or tacky feel.

Apply some to your face and neck here. It’s one of my favorite skincare products, and I’m so grateful to have stumbled across it.

This concludes our journey through my travel faves, and I hope you love them as much as I do. Keep these in your back pocket when somebody asks what you want for your birthday, too. Then you’ll be ready to ROLL.

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