A good night's rest is vital to making the most of a jam-packed trip itinerary.
In case my accommodation has thin walls or is stationed above a bustling city street, I always have a sound machine on hand to drown out any unwanted noise.
My favorite one is made by Sleepbox and costs $20. The compact machine is programmed to have a variety of different tones and volume levels. It also doubles as a nightlight.
Few things in my bag are as useful or versatile as gallon-sized, resealable plastic bags.
They come in handy in so many situations — from wrapping up a wet bathing suit to storing a messy, broken beauty product.
To keep my carry-on organized, I put each individual outfit, down to the undergarment, in its own individual plastic bag.
My eye mask makes a noticeable difference when I attempt to lie down and rest. After a long day of travel, putting it on feels like pulling a soft blanket over my eyes.
Mine is silk and made by BeeVines. It comes in a variety of colors, and a two-pack costs $10.
Portable fans are small, but they pack a mighty punch.
When I'm running around scorching hot theme parks or packing into public transportation, I'm always thrilled to pull one out of my bag.
I've tried over a dozen fans and swear by a $14 one made by JisuLife. Its compact design and battery life are unrivaled by any of the others I've used.
As an added bonus, the fan has a built-in flashlight and USB port, so I can use it to charge my phone.
I always pack a duplicate of the same $12 hairbrush that I use at home.
I've found the Wet Brush brand to be my favorite. They're easy to clean and help detangle knots, even when I don't deep condition my hair during trips.
When I check into a hotel or an Airbnb, it's impossible to know who or what has been on the floors before I arrived.
To put a barrier between my feet and any potential germs, I keep my carry-on stocked with a pair of slide sandals and slip them on whenever I'm not in my normal footwear.
To avoid checking bags, I have to be strategic with how I use space in my carry-on. Keeping a keychain that has a foldable bag inside attached to the front is a great hack.
When the bag is unrolled, it's no more than a few inches long. Still, it's big enough to use for beach towels, groceries, or dirty laundry.
I also bring a hard-shell keychain to store my cords and keep my phone charger and headphones tidy.
I bring several packages of wipes in my carry-on. They're a light item to pack, and they can be really helpful when I'm on the road.
Coconut wipes offer a refresher from the heat and are a perfect addition to my bag when I head to warmer climates.
I use antibacterial wipes to sanitize airplane tray tables and clean my hands before a roadside meal.
In case I spill a glass of wine on my white shoes or step into a pesky puddle, I also carry a few shoe-cleaning wipes.
I keep my makeup routine very simple when I travel.
No matter how little or how much product I wear on my face, this $15 Urban Decay setting spray always keeps my makeup intact — even after long, hot days.
I rely on technology when I travel, using my phone for everything from managing hotel reservations to pulling up train tickets.
It has to have plenty of battery at all times, hence my insistence on carrying a portable charger with me around the clock.
I've been through many portable chargers, but this $25 EnergyCell one reigns supreme because of how quickly it powers up my phone battery.
My carry-on is always packed with travel-sized versions of the hair, body, and beauty products I use at home.
I put the items in small packing cubes, which I then separate by color for organizational purposes. As soon as I return home from a trip, I check which cubes need to be restocked.
Hydration is important all the time, but especially when I'm traveling.
The 750-milliliter Corksicle is a little bulky and expensive at $33, but it's an important addition to my bag. Having it with me serves as a constant reminder to drink water.
Plus, not only does the cost of buying bottled water add up, but using so much plastic is harmful to the environment.