My travel favorites and what I’m packing for Paris, including flight essentials, comfortable shoes, luggage, beauty minis, and travel accessories.
I haven’t been to Paris since I was in high school, which was almost 30 years ago.(GAH! I’m old!) I have always wanted to go back, and the time has finally come.
I’m heading over for a quick five-day trip with a couple of friends. We’re going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, visiting the Louvre, taking a dinner cruise on the Seine, and spending a day in Champagne. The itinerary is packed, and so is the suitcase!
My flight leaves at 10:30 p.m., so I am hoping that (unlike last summer’s flight that left at 6) I will go right to sleep rather than waste a few hours eating airplane food and drinking free champagne I don’t need.
I’m in the middle of packing my clothes and trying to look as fashionable as possible while still maintaining walkable comfort. I wanted to round up the travel essentials that will carry me through this international trip!
I know the Lark Linen Dress is coming!
My Travel Favorites
Flight Essentials
Capital One Venture X (my referral link)
I’m putting this on the list because it’s providing my pre-flight meal! The Capital One Venture X gets you into Capital One Lounges plus participating Priority Pass lounges around the world. I have saved SO MUCH money on airport food over the years. The lounges also have complimentary alcohol, but I will not be having any so I can actually try to sleep on this flight.
Fly Hugz Neck Pillow
I’m nervous about sleeping on this flight because I’m not in business class this time so I will be “sleeping” in a semi-seated position, but I did get Economy Plus (on United) which I’m hoping will be a good in-the-middle place to be since the seats do recline a bit more.
I spent DAYS researching neck pillows and almost bought five different ones. I settled on two, and the Fly Hugz was my favorite. It’s super soft and cushiony, and I like that I can make it very tight so there is minimal wobble. I’m still nervous about sleeping, though, because I normally sleep on my stomach or side. I CANNOT sleep sitting up! Hopefully the extra support will help me get at least a few solid hours.
BonMelt + BonPatch
BonMelt and BonPatch were sent to me as samples from the company, and I’m bringing them along to try on the overnight flight. They are made with herbs traditionally used in nighttime routines, including valerian.
The BonPatch Sleep is a lavender-scented topical patch designed to be worn overnight. It contains valerian, passion flower, hops, and hemp extracts and is melatonin-free. I have never tried a sleep patch before, but the format seems like a good choice for a long flight when I don’t want to fuss with another pill or gummy. Neither product contains melatonin or THC. I’ve tested it at home and slept well!
Travel Essentials
Away Bigger Carry-On Flex
I try not to use “obsessed” too often since the word is overused, but my gosh, I am obsessed with my new luggage. This suitcase is absolutely worth the price. I love the compression divider. I love the three mesh pockets. I love how sleek it all is. And the Flex feature gives me a little extra room for car trips since it expands.
Away Featherlight Backpack
But the real obsession lies in my backpack, which fits perfectly over the suitcase handle. For 40-something years I have worn my backpack on my back and didn’t think much of it. But not having to wear something on your back is not only way more comfortable, it also makes everything inside so much easier to access. And running through an airport is easier too—speaking from experience!
Packing Cubes
I’ve had several sets of packing cubes over the years, and they are a must for any trip longer than a weekend. I bought this set to replace the floral ones I used to have, and the jump in quality shows. Knock on wood: none of the zippers have ripped yet! If you’re going for style, I also love these striped packing cubes.
ButterFly Travel Charger
This charger was sent to me by Twelve South, and it’s a compact, flip-out style that charges my phone and Apple Watch at the same time. The fewer cords I have to bring, the better! It folds into a neat little square for packing and will be perfect on the hotel nightstand.
Day To Day
Athleta Crossbody
I bought this bag before my trip to Europe last year and love it as a tight crossbody bag—or a longer bag if I let the strap out. It holds more than my Lululemon crossbody, and the shape accommodates a water bottle or tiny umbrella more easily. I also like that I can keep it snug and close to my body when we’re walking through crowded areas.
Breliio Minii
This tiny umbrella will be great for any spontaneous rain showers. It’s so compact that it fits in my tiny purse! It also has a cover to keep the wet inside rather than dripping all over everything else in my bag.
TRVL LITE Retro Runner Sneaker
I’m bringing these as my sneaker of choice! They are so comfortable, lightweight, and have no laces to tie—or come undone. They’re treated with Scotchgard protector to help repel water and water-based stains, which seems ideal for a city trip. Plus, they look cute and aren’t too bulky or sporty with dresses.
Bokyna Sandals
These are my favorite sandals because they are strappy and cute and do not cause blisters!!! I can walk very far in them, so they are great for cities. They are also a bit dressier than my Birkenstocks and will work with several of my dinner outfits.
Countertime Travel Set
I treated myself to the full Countertime travel set for the trip! It has my whole routine in TSA-friendly sizes, and when these run out, I just refill them from my full-size products. Before this upgrade, I was still refilling my Countertime set from 2022-ish. I’d say I got my use out of that one!
Native Deodorant + Batiste Dry Shampoo
My favorite spray deodorant isn’t plane-friendly, so I’m trying this new Native Sensitive stick and hoping my rashes don’t come back. Fingers crossed! And the Batiste dry shampoo is the perfect mini size for freshening up between wash days without using too much precious toiletry-bag space.
Those are all of the major packing essentials minus my passport, clothes, and the rest of my toiletries! If you have any packing tips or international travel tips, please share. And if you have any last-minute Paris recommendations, I am all ears!
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