Finds & Favorites for Autumn Travel
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Autumn is one of the best times of the year to travel: fewer crowds, mild weather, gorgeous colors, and all the cozy fall feels. As I gear up for a busy few months of travel, I am replacing some worn-out bags, upgrading my tech accessories, and adding seasonal pieces for the changing temperatures.
It is harder to “pack light” as the weather gets cooler and extra (often bulky) layers are needed. Compression packing cubes and an extra roomy carry-on tote have been the solution for me!
For long haul flights, creature comforts and convenience are absolutely key. A rough, uncomfortable flight is not the way you want to start out your dream vacation plans. So, investing in a few essentials will ensure you are prepared to weather the other things that are out of your control.
Below is literally my shopping list. These are the items that I already have or are in my shopping cart. I’ve read the reviews, compared the alternatives, and selected my favorite colors. I hope it gives you a leg up on your own shopping check list for your upcoming travel plans!
Carry-On Spinner
Luggage can be quite an investment, but luggage handlers are very indiscriminate when it comes to what gets thrown around and crushed. Hence, if you are going to get fancy with your luggage, the safest purchases are on pieces that are always with you: your carry-ons. My favorite spinners are from Travelpro, and I love the range of colors. ✈️🌎
Luggage Scale
For the first time in my life, I recently had overweight baggage and suffered a fee plus the embarrassing “HEAVY” tag on my luggage. Never again. These little contraptions are so inexpensive, I really have no excuse for not having one to ensure I’m not over the weight limits. These also make a great stocking stuffer for any frequent flier. ⚖️🧳
Compressions Packing Cubes
Sweater weather is bulky. So, these compression packing cubes are great for squishing things down and saving precious luggage space. Also, they help keep outfits clean and organized during long trips. This set comes with a drawstring bag that is ideal for separating dirty clothes. 🧥👖
Large Tote
My puffer tote is my latest favorite purchase. This thing is the perfect, roomy carry-on. My black one already has some serious miles on it and I’m ready to buy it in another color. It doesn’t have a lot of structure so you can really bunch it up so it fits underneath the seat in front of you on your flights. 👜
Toiletry Bottles
Sustainable and refillable toiletry bottles are a travel staple. I fill them up at the beginning of my trip with my favorite products and then refill them along the way with the hotel products when I’m running low. The additional clear bag these come in is a bonus to safeguard against any leaks.
Comfy Joggers
I splurged on a pair of cashmere joggers and they are so heavenly soft! These are my go-to plane travel pants. They are as cozy as pajama bottoms, but they look tres chic. And, once again, I freeze in airports so these keep me nice & toasty!
Fingerless Gloves
I have a drawer full of these in every color. They aren’t just useful for travel, I actually wear them around my house in the winter — and can still type. They will go with me on my fall trips because I like having my fingertips available for taking photos. 🧤📷
Apple AirTags
My favorite new essential is the Apple AirTag. These little buttons slip into your wallet, backpack, luggage, or on a keychain so you never lose track of anything ever again. If you’ve ever lived through a lost baggage nightmare, meet your new best friend. There are all kinds of cute little “holders” for these guys ranging from bag charms to carabiners. More options available online from Apple.
Bags Inside of Bags
I always have multiple bags floating around inside my totes and carry-ons. These little guys are easy to switch out depending on where you are going and what you are doing. Cosmetic bags are a no-brainer. But, I also recently found these adorable plush jewelry boxes and bought them as birthday gifts for everyone this past year. They are the perfect size for travel!
In-Flight Must-Haves
Most frequent fliers already have this category nailed down. But, if you are a prepping for your first long-haul flight, allow me to share a couple recommendations. First, a supportive neck pillow thing can be really, really helpful. It is a skosh inconvenient to carry it around with you for your entire trip, but I would not fly over an ocean without one. Other things that have helped me to stay comfortable for the journey include compression socks and a cozy cashmere scarf (because I’m always cold in airports and on planes). 🧦🧣
Mini Binoculars
Why has it taken me until now to realize how awesome it is to have binoculars when traveling? I’ve lucked out on a couple trips with our guides and/or hotel having binoculars to loan out, but it made me realize that I would like to have a pair of my own (that don’t take up too much room in my suitcase). I can’t wait to take these on my fall hikes!
Hiking Daypack
Speaking of hikes, I am also investing in a lightweight daypack as a matter of comfort and convenience. We’ll be leaving our hotel early in the morning and not returning until late. These daypacks are super roomy and full of pockets for stashing water bottles, camera equipment, granola bars, and an extra jacket. 🎒
Luggage Tags
Yes, you can use something plain or the paper ones at the airport, but these are pretty and make my bag instantly recognizable when it hits the baggage claim carrousel. ❀
Laundry Soap Sheets
These aren’t essential for everyone, but they are for me because I’m a mess. I can barely leave the house without some food accident or filth ending up on my clothes. So, thank goodness someone thought of these soap sheets and put them in a very handy little package. 🧼✨
Travel Wallet
A travel wallet that can accommodate a passport is a must when traveling abroad, especially if you will be shopping and need your passport for the VAT refunds. I look for a wallet with a zipper pocket for coins since these are more commonly used abroad. Built-in RFID liners are a must for security. If your wallet does not have built-in RFID material, these card sleeves will protect you from electronic fraud and theft.
All the Right Goo
Don’t forget to pack your arsenal of sun protection, insect repellant, first aid essentials, and stuff that smells good. There is always something that happens on every trip where I’m stuck with no pharmacy in sight. So, I’ve learned the hard way and always travel prepared. 🍂
Universal Travel Adapter
Even if you aren’t traveling with a bunch of electronics, you will at the very least need to charge your phone. Don’t assume your hotels will have USB outlets – a lot of them don’t. A universal travel adapter will not only ensure voltage to your devices is the right electrical charge, but the USB ports will minimize the need to bring your other block adapters. 🔌
Collapsable Water Bottle
Because sustainability and hydration matter. These collapsable water bottles make it so easy to do the right thing by the planet and your body. They fold down into barely anything and are easy to refill as you go.
Wet / Dry Bag
I confess that have been a slow adopter of a reusable wet/dry bag. For years, I was using plastic grocery bags or grabbing the laundry bag from my hotel room. It was finally time! I also recently purchased a serious waterproof bag for keeping my electronics safe while kayaking and hiking in the rain.
Power Bank
Although many airports and planes now have standard electrical outlets and/or USB outlets built in, I still like to carry a back-up power bank. Additionally, when traveling, I am often away from my hotel room all day and end up running low on battery. A power bank is smart thing to carry with you to ensure you can stay connected to your apps and emergency contacts. 📱🔋
There you have it! Most of these things are available on Amazon. I am somewhat addicted to Amazon Prime, so I’ve started making a lot of my shopping lists on their website. If you are more of an in-person shopper, most of these items can be found at larger retailers and outlets. Happy shopping finding all of the doo-dads and little luxuries to make your autumn travels plans smooth, comfortable, organized!
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