Leah Haslage

The bags and little travel items that have earned a permanent spot in my suitcase.

I travel fairly often for work, events, and the occasional escape when Cleveland weather decides to Cleveland. Over the years I’ve figured out the travel products that actually make my life easier. The bags that fit perfectly under airplane seats. The packing cubes that keep everything organized. The little things that make hotel stays feel slightly less cray.

Instead of gatekeeping, I figured I’d share the travel gear I actually use and rebuy.

Sometimes the smallest things make travel days a lot easier.

Why I’m Picky About Travel Gear

When you travel and are on-the-go regularly, you quickly learn what works and what doesn’t. There’s a lot of trial and error involved in figuring out which bags hold up, which products actually make travel easier, and which things just end up taking up space in your suitcase.

Everything below is something I personally use, pack, or rebuy.

Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. I only share products I actually use and love.

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Leah’s List

The travel items I reach for every single trip.

Travelpro Carry-On Suitcase
My go-to carry-on for work trips and long weekends.

Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
Lightweight, secure, and perfect for extended travel, long weekends, or long day events- like festivals.

Packing Cubes
The easiest way to keep a suitcase organized.

Portable Phone Charger
A lifesaver when outlets are impossible to find.

Ear Buds
Essential for flights, podcasts, and a little quiet time.

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Carry-On Bags I Swear By

I am very much a carry-on traveler whenever possible. Less waiting at baggage claim, less anxiety about lost luggage, and a lot less dragging giant suitcases through airports.

Also, if I can avoid baggage claim entirely, I consider that a personal victory.

These are the bags that have earned a permanent spot in my travel routine.

Travelpro Carry-On Suitcase

This has been my go-to carry-on for years. It is durable, the wheels glide easily through airports, and it somehow fits more than it should.

Why I love it: I can pack for a week long trip and still avoid checking a bag.

Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

Perfect for travel days when I want something lightweight but secure. It keeps everything organized and close without feeling bulky.

Why I love it: It’s small but somehow fits everything I need for a full travel day.

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Travel Bags That Keep Me Organized

If my suitcase is organized, then my Virgo rising brain is satisfied.

These help keep things where they belong so I am not digging through a suitcase looking for my socks at midnight in a hotel room.

Packing Cubes

A total game changer for keeping clothes separated and easy to find. They make unpacking in hotels much easier too.

Travel Organizer Pouches

Perfect for keeping chargers, hair ties, jewelry, and all the small things that somehow end up tangled at the bottom of a bag.

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Beauty and Wellness Travel Staples

These are the non-negotiables. The essentials.

Things like:

• lip balm
• moisturizer
• tissues
• liquid iv
• mints

Little comforts go a long way when you are living out of a suitcase. You can find some of my favorite brands here.

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Small Travel Items That Make a Big Difference

Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference on travel days.

Things like:

• portable phone charger
• a good book
• disinfecting wipes
• ear buds

They are small enough to toss in your bag but make long travel days much easier.

I almost always have a book in my bag when I travel. If you’re looking for recommendations, I keep a running list of books I love as well here.

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Final Thoughts

Travel always comes with a little chaos, but having the right gear makes it a lot easier. These are the items that have earned permanent spots in my suitcase over the years. The things I reach for every single trip.

If you have a travel product you swear by, I’m always open to adding something new to the list.

If you’re curious about the other travel gear, beauty products, and random little things I swear by, I keep everything organized in my Amazon storefront as well.

xoxo,
Leah