Happy Monday, friends! Our beautiful season of graduations has come to an end, Little Miss Sloan walked the stage Friday night, and we celebrated both her and Jackson with a party yesterday.
We are so full of pride and joy to be their parents, and are so excited to have a front row seat of their next chapters! It’s truly surreal to be at this stage of parenting, after 18 hard-fought years of love, worry, prayer, sleepless nights, early mornings, and countless practices, spelling tests, packed lunches… the list goes on.
Parenting will look different for us moving forward, and as hard as it is to leave the sweetness of their youth behind, it’s even more exciting to see what lies ahead. Thank you for the kind words of support and encouragement in her last year of high school… next up, sending her off to college!
We’re Europe-bound later this month to celebrate their graduations (one last big hurrah before Jackson starts his life as a working adult!), and the challenge of packing in a carry-on begins! We could obviously check bags for this trip, but between the small rental car and train travel, the smaller the bag, the better.
Packing in a just a carry-on takes intention and compromise, so I’m very particular with what makes the cut! These Travel Essentials are musts for me…
Updated Travel Essentials //
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
1. Curling Iron // Not only is the price great, and the curls long-lasting, but this long barrel curling iron is dual voltage… which means you can take it abroad with only an adaptor plug! I’ve lost many an expensive hair tool and sound machine to incompatible voltage… but not with this one!
2. Kindle Paperwhite // I never travel without a book… between flight delays and no WiFi, a good read always helps pass the time. This Kindle weighs literally nothing, slips easily into your bag, and reads in all light conditions. Plus with no backlight, the screen is glare-free… perfect for late-night reading and not waking up your partner!
3. Charging Cord Organizer // Between my phone, laptop, sleep buds, AirPods, and camera, I’ve got a lot of devices that need charging! This compact case holds it all and zips up for easy packing.
4. Pill Case // Medicine and prescription bottles take up a lot of space, but these compact pill cases allow me to pack it all in the size of a deck of cards!
5. Outlet Adapter // I have a handful of adaptors for travel, but this one covers all the bases! It has two plugs and two USBs (allowing for four devices at once), but also comes with a range of adaptor plugs for all the different countries. Just swap out the plug’s base for the one you need, and you’ve got a compact adaptor. (Note, this is only a plug adaptor, not a voltage converter.) If you don’t need all the adaptor options, I also have and love this one.
6. Travel Steamer // I’ve tested my fair share of travel steamers, and this one takes the cake! It’s powerful, yet has a compact, easy-to-pack shape, ensuring your clothes are always photo-ready!
7. Zippered Makeup Brush Case // This silicone case is my newest travel addition, and I’m already hooked! Protect your makeup brushes by keeping them separated from the rest of your toiletries … they’ll stay clean with no folded bristles in this compact case that fits in the nook of your bag.
8. Foldable Vanity Mirror // You never know what the light and mirror situation will be, so this compact mirror provides much-needed light no matter where you’re getting ready!
9. Clear Zipper Pouches // Rather than a single, large toiletry bag, I transitioned to these smaller bags years ago and couldn’t believe what a difference they made! Not only do they pack so easily and take up less space than a single bag, but it allows me to keep hair, skin, makeup, and more separated for easier grab-and-go! The zippers are extra strong, and the pouches expand just enough for travel-sized products.
10. Hat Clip // I’ve tested my fair share of hat clips over the years, most of the magnetic versions either aren’t strong enough to hold my hat, or so pricey it’s hard to justify. This hat clip is not only a great price, but allows you to easily pack two hats…and neither is budging from your bag!
11. Toiletry Bottles // Not only are these bottles TSA-approved, but the wide mouth makes them super easy (and less messy!) to refill, and the silicone material allows you to sneeze out every last drop of product.
12. Noise Machine // We’re a sound machine family… we all need a fan or some sort of white noise to sleep well. These compact rechargeable sound machines are portable and compact, and have the best white noise sounds!
13. Packing Cubes // These should come as no surprise… I’ve been raving about these packing cubes for years! They’ve literally revolutionized the way I pack and travel. Not only do they keep your bag organized and reduce wrinkling, but they allow you to fit twice as much in your suitcase. Serious game changers!
14. Carry-On Duffel Bag (Also HERE) // This bag is the Number 1 reason I’m able to skip the checked bag… I call it the Mary Poppins bag for its incredible ability to pack so many things, and then some! Tons of compartments, lightweight, and expandable, and yep … fits under the seat! (It counts as my personal bag.) I’ve had the lighter rose color for two years, and countless trips later, it still looks good as new!
15. Luggage Scale // Weight isn’t usually an issue with a carry-on size bag, but no one likes to be surprised at the airport! This handy little handheld scale weighs all your bags down to the decimal.
16. Rolling Spinner Suitcase // Every member of my family now owns this perfect little carry-on! It’s super lightweight yet sturdy, and rolls easily in a leaning or upright position. It holds a ton, while still fitting easily in the overhead compartment. I pack two medium packing cubes on one side, and another one and my zipper pouches on the other.
Let’s Talk Toiletries //
When it comes to the carry-on life, some concessions have to be made for packing, for both clothes and toiletries. But what I love so much about Merit products is I can do my whole face with a just few products, without sacrificing the overall finished look!
So not only do I use them for my everyday, but especially when traveling, because my makeup bag stays compact!!
And the good news is, my exclusive Merit bundles are back just in time for summer travel!! (Find them HERE.) Their products never go on sale, so these bundles are amazing because we’re able to save up to $28, plus if it’s your first order, you’ll get a free makeup bag, too!!
I created two to choose from, and both contain all my Merit ride-or-dies! The Minimalist Stick acts as both foundation and concealer, giving the perfect complexion, while still looking and feeling like your skin.
I use the Bronze Balm for added color and contour on my cheekbones and forehead, and also on my lids. The Flush Balm gives the most beautiful natural flush, and is great on lips, too. A quick swipe of the Brow Pomade adds color and volume to my brows, and lightly sets them in place.
These products apply and blend so beautifully, they are practically foolproof! See my tutorial video HERE and find my exclusive bundles HERE.
Cassie’s ‘Everyday Look’ Exclusive Bundle //
Cassie’s ‘All-Time Faves’ Exclusive Bundle //
My second bundle contains all the faves from my ‘Everyday Look’ bundle, plus the compact Brush No. 1, which blends the products beautifully, and the Day Glow Highlighting Balm, perfect for adding glow to your cheeks, nose, brow bone, and more.
I truly couldn’t love these products more (in fact, several made my Sugarplum Favorite Things list last year!). They’re only available for a limited time, so grab them now HERE if you need to restock or want to try them for yourself! I created a video sharing my fave products, how I use them, and all my colors HERE.
My Travel Skincare Routine //
As for skincare, I pare my routine down to just the essentials. While I’d love to bring all my anti-aging serums and creams, the truth is, a few days or weeks isn’t going to make a difference.
So I pack a travel size of my go-to Radiant Cleansing Balm to remove my makeup and clean my skin, plus my favorite Sheer Renewal Cream for day and Intense Hydrating Mask for night. The Micro-Mineral Resurfacing Scrub is great for keeping my pores clear, especially if I’m wearing a lot of sunscreen or sweating a lot. And the full-size of all three fit within TSA’s size restrictions!
I include Vitamin C Brightening Serum for added protection from the elements and brightening, and I never skip the Illuminating Eye Cream for hydrating, de-puffing, and brightening. The compact size is great for packing, too.
When it comes to haircare, I stick with whatever shampoo and body wash is available at the hotels, but pack a mini of the Restorative Hair Mask for smooth, detangled, and hydrated strands no matter where we are! And as always, my code SUGARPLUM20 saves you 20% site-wide!
Sugarplum Travel Tip: Save your mini jars of Radiant Cleansing Balm and Restorative Hair Mask, and refill them from your full-sized jars once back home for your next trip.
Illuminating Eye Cream | Mini Radiant Cleansing Balm | Vitamin C Brightening Serum | Intense Hydrating Mask | Sheer Renewal Cream | Quench & Shine Restorative Hair Mask (Mini Size Included HERE) | Micro-Mineral Resurfacing Scrub // Code SUGARPLUM20 for 20% off site-wide!
Travel Uniform //
As for my travel style… it’s all about comfort! Here are a few of my recent travel looks…
Lounge Muscle Tank (Small) (More HERE) | Lounge Pants (More HERE) (code SUGARPLUM15 for both) | Leather Slide Sandals (Look-For-Less HERE) | Jean Jacket (code CASSIE15) (Available in White HERE) | Chain Coin Necklace | Bucket Hat (code SUGARPLUM15 for both) | Duffel Bag | Rolling Suitcase
Ribbed Knit Set (Small) | Platform Sandals | Jean Jacket (code CASSIE15) (Available in White HERE) | | Sunglasses | Teardrop Earrings | Straw Hat (code SUGARPLUM15) (Also HERE) | Duffel Bag | Rolling Suitcase
Pocket Tee (Small) | Jean Jacket (Jeanie, Small) | Performance Joggers (Small) | ON Cloud Sneakers (TTS) | Stanley 40 oz. Tumbler | Duffel Bag | Rolling Suitcase
So tell me … do we share any travel essentials? What items do you never leave home without? Where are you headed this Summer? I can’t wait to tell you where we’re headed!
*Find more Packing Tips HERE and my full Travel section HERE.
[MORE SUGARPLUM TRAVEL & PACKING TIPS]
A Wedding Weekend in Lamu, Kenya
Vacation Essentials
Best of 2023 | Travel Faves & Tips
A Weekend in Cabo
Trip Report | Spring Break in St. John, USVI
Resort Ready
Girls Getaway | Casa Maroma & Casa Chablé
Snapshots from Maroma
Le Taha’a Resort | A Gem in French Polynesia
Great Stays | Four Seasons Bora Bora
Great Stays | One & Only Mandarina
Snapshots from Mexico (aka What I Packed and Wore)
How To Pack a Hat
How I Pack a Carry-On
What To Bring on a National Parks Trip
Road Trip Essentials
Travel Q&A, Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Oh, Sugarplums! Your beloved “littles” all grown up. (Seems like only yesterday….) So many great portraits to hold on to. All the hard work, we as parents never imagined. Oh, and that second cap and gown portrait of Sloan (IG post). That portrait is everything! Congrats to all of you. XO.
Thank you, Sandy!! Isn’t she just darling? #biased xoxo, C
I totally understand the need for ‘noise’ when you are sleeping! There are apps for your phone that can provide a spectrum of noise. There are also a ton of YouTube videos that will play noise from across the spectrum as well. They can play with a dark screen for up to 10 or 12 hours. I download my favorite ‘green’ noise and play it every night. You can also pair it with a tiny Bluetooth speaker. This idea might save a little precious space in the carryon.
Good tip, Linda!!!! Will have to look into that idea! xo, C
May I have the source for the crossbody quilted bag in the pool picture, love it thank you
Hi Kathy! That’s an old find from Social Threads, but they’re working to bring it back! I’ll be sure to let you know! xo. C
Hi there, which voltage converter do you recommend? Is there one that pairs well with your adapter you recommended above? Thanks!! I’ve been trying to research the best/most reliable ones but it’s so confusing! Great travel tips overall, thank you, and Congrats to your grads!
I grabbed two of these for our trip, hopeful it’s all we need! https://amzn.to/3wSkrIM