Three Travel Must Haves: Airline Edition

I thought I would take a moment to talk about things I never travel without. I am a very light packer, but I do have a few items that take priority. This is the list of my "must haves" for traveling by air!

Item 1: Ziploc Space Bags

Space bags began as a large bag in which you would place soft items before removing all the air with a vacuum. My first box of space bags was costly, and made for storage. I ended up using them for my move across the country. Because I was moving with only the items that fit in the trunk of my car, these bags were super handy!

My problems arose when I was traveling and didn't have a vacuum. The newer travel bags are great, they let you squeeze out the air, saving space in your luggage. I don't use one every time I travel, but I do keep one in my luggage just in case. I find them very useful when traveling in winter because warm clothes take up so much room, and I always take a larger one when I go home for the holidays for transporting gifts.


Item 2: Travelon Bag Bungee


The Bag Bungee is essentially a bungee cord for your luggage. It connects to the fabric handle of your luggage, and stretches to wrap around the telescoping handle we use to wheel our luggage through the airport.

This is extremely helpful so that you can prop something on top of your luggage while you are pulling it and have it stay put! Normally I have a coat or jacket and a small backpack when I travel, along with my rolling carry on luggage. With the Bag Bungee I can strap it all together, and keep my hands free.

I vividly remember leaving the east coast in a blizzard that cancelled my flight and then sent me to depart from an different airport on one of the last flights before that airport also shut down. We were headed to Florida. The last thing on my mind that day was thinking about that big bulky coat that I would not need in almost tropical conditions. Knowing that the Bag Bungee can easily strap three heavy coats to your luggage so you won't be bothered carrying them around the airport is a life saver. In my opinion, this is the best investment a traveler can make, and at Amazon you can find them for under $10.


Item 3: A Small Backpack

I have purchased my last two small backpacks at REI. The first one I bought was upwards of $60 and very hard to justify, but it was one of the best travel purchases ever!

I traveled a lot, and quickly wore it out. My first backpack had a design flaw, where the zipper actually pulled away from the fabric. However, I loved it so much I was willing to give it another try. My second backpack was perfect in every way.

Now I am unable to find a comparable backpack in the size and functionality I want from REI. I do hope they don't stop making them!

In the meantime I have found a substitute. It's a little more fashionable then my last two. I'll admit I like the rugged look of REI, but I also love color, and so this bag really appeals to me. I am on the fence at the moment, becuase I can see one major requirement this bag is missing... A place for a water bottle. My last two have had a mesh pocket on the side, and I now consider that a luxury!

I am pretty sure I'll make this purchase anyway, but we will see! It can be found here. (Though I have not ordered from this company before, and can not comment on their service.)

I would also like to point out that I don't have any affiliation with the products or companies I have mentioned. My only intent is to share a good thing when I see it!

XoXo, Liza