Hello, hello!! We are home from our Greek adventure…so full of new memories and experiences. We had the absolute best time, and even though it’s great to be home, I’m honestly a little bummed to no longer be in our family bubble.
Throughout this entire graduation season, the excitement of this family trip kept me from getting too sad. I kept thinking, ‘But we still have Greece!’ Now all that remains is his leaving for college. #gulp
I wonder sometimes if the anticipation is worse than his actual leaving? My gosh I hope so, because this is just brutal. I’m honestly terrified of the moment we pull away from his dorm and head home. Part of me wants to just get it over with, and another wants to drag out every day until then.
But let’s get to today’s post, because I’m excited to share it! Given the amount of travel required for this trip (flights, ferries, cars, and countless stairs!), we decided to forgo checked bags, and go the carry-on route.
Which meant I had to be ruthless when it came to packing, and stick with just the essentials. These are my tried-and-true and accompany me on most every trip!
FIRST ROW.
1 // 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 bag. Serious game changers!
2 // Charger Case Between my phone, laptop, sleep buds, air pods and camera, I’ve got a lot of devices that need charging! This compact case holds it all and rolls up for easy packing.
3 // Cosmetic Bag I’m fairly minimal when it comes to toiletries for travel, but this zipper case fits all my makeup, hair and face products, and more. The shape is also perfect for packing in my go-to suitcase!
4 // Carry On Bag 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 eBags on one side, and another eBag and the toiletry bag on the other.
SECOND ROW.
5 // Silicone Sleeve This is one of those products you don’t realize you need…until you have it, and then you wonder how you ever traveled without it! The thin silicone sleeve protects your curling or flat iron during travel, but also allows you to pack it immediately after use! No more waiting for it to cool off before packing up.
6 // Hairbrush I discovered this brush on our last Gibson x Hi Sugarplum photoshoot…Suzie Moldavon used it on me, and I couldn’t believe how smooth and shiny it made my hair, plus the added volume. In the interest of space (and European voltage differences), I left my hair dryer behind, but this brush gave me a smooth blowout, even using the hotel hair dryers!
7 // Curling Iron Speaking of curling irons, this is not only my everyday iron at home, but it has universal voltage, making it work around the world, too (with an adaptor). Most hair appliances don’t have the proper voltage, requiring a converter and adaptor.
8 // Shower Cap You’ve seen this a number of times on the blog…but I never travel without this shower cap! Unlike most, it’s lined in terrycloth, which keeps all moisture away from your hair, and therefore, preserving your style another day.
THIRD ROW.
9 // Cozy Socks For long-haul flights, the first thing I do is change into cozy socks! They instantly make me comfortable, and keep my feet warm.
10 // Jean Jacket A must-have for every closet and suitcase, my jean jacket is always with me! I wear it with everything from joggers to sundresses, the perfect layer for unexpected cool nights, cold planes, and even when visiting places that require a little more coverage. I love the slim fit of this one, and it folds up easily in my carry-on.
11 // Sandals in ‘Makeup’ If you’re short on space, these sandals go with literally everything! Seriously, I’ve worn them with nice dresses, cut-off shorts, and everything in between. The ‘makeup’ shade is neutral and leg-lengthening. But for trips with a lot of steps and cobbled streets, I can’t recommend these strappy sandals enough!! I wore them almost everyday in Greece, and they were so comfortable. Use code HISUGARPLUM to save 20% on them.
12 // Packable Hat My trick to looking pulled together on vacations, especially when pools and a beach are involved, is a hat…and this one is super chic! It packs easily and holds it’s shape, even after getting wet. I love the ‘A-Khaki’ color best.
FOURTH ROW.
13 // Skincare Kit You know I love all things Colleen Rothschild, and even though I cut back on makeup and toiletries when I travel, I don’t cut my skincare routine (see it here)! Thanks to this discovery set, I can pack TSA-approved sizes of my go-to skincare products when I travel.
14 // Sleep Buds I’ve shared my love of these little gadgets several times…tiny noise-blocking earbuds with a built-in sound machine. They’ve completely changed how and where I’m able to sleep! Plus, they’re compact and easy to pack. (See my full review here.)
15 // Sleep Mask When paired with the sleep buds, I can sleep almost anywhere with this sleep mask! I’d been using a silk one, but started noticing my eyelashes on the right side (where I sleep) were starting to bend and slant from being pressed against the material all night. So I swapped to this cupped mask that doesn’t press my eyes…and voila! It’s especially great for travel…hotel rooms always seem to have an abundance of little lights!
16 // iT Cosmetics CC Cream All-in-one foundation and SPF50, plus added moisture…it covers me for both makeup and sun protection in one slim, TSA-approved tube! (See my five minute makeup routine here.)
FIFTH ROW.
17 // Portable Charger Between taking photos, searching maps and travel tips, and posting to Instagram Stories, my phone dies quickly while traveling! This portable charging bank is compact, but provides a full (and fast!) recharge on the go.
18 // Adaptor Set I have a handful of adaptors for travel, but this one covers all the bases! It has two plugs and 2 USBs (allowing for 4 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, we also have and love this one.
19 // Book I always travel with a book…you never know if a flight will have movies or wifi, and I never want to be stuck without something. I just finished this book, and found it completely charming and bittersweet.
20 // Collagen Packets We talked about my love of collagen in my Five Elements of Fitness post, and thanks to these individual packets, I can bring it with me for travel!
I also just discovered a new travel gadget that was pretty life-changing for our 10-hour flight to Athens…this inflatable foot pillow. Inflate just one side and it’s an elevated foot rest, or fully-inflate it to extend the length of your seat! No more trying to prop your toe on the arm rest in front of you! 😉 It works great for kids too, essentially creating a palette for them to lie down. It comes in a compact drawstring bag, and easily inflates and deflates for packing and travel.
I shared much of my packing process and tips on my Instagram Story (look for the Packing Tips video highlight on my profile page here). It includes a breakdown of these items, plus how I outfit plan for packing in a carry-on!
So tell me…do we share any Travel Essentials? What items do you never leave home without?
*Find more Packing Tips here and my full Travel section here.
Hi!
I’ve been following you and your lovely family on your trip. I must say I was a bit jealous! Greece is close to my heart as that was my honeymoon destination.
Now the question. Every time I see your suitcase I wonder how you can fit so much and not go over the weight. How much did your carry on weigh?
Keep on the good work.
I’m not sure how much it weighed, but definitely not over the limit! Plus, I was able to carry it easily up stairs, so while mine was definately the heaviest of my family, it was manageable! 😉
I don’t drink coffee, I wish I did but I have never been able to tolerate the taste…but really really want to try the collagen peptides! Any input on using in a non-heated drink?
What about hot tea? Or blending it in a smoothie?
I just want to share some encouragement! My oldest daughter just finished her freshman year of college. I can promise you that the anticipation of them leaving is the worst of it.. at least it was for me. I barely slept last summer. I just couldn’t believe that that phase of our lives was over and she was “leaving”. It WAS hard dropping her off and it was very strange not having her at home. However, you learn to adapt and adjust and before we knew it, there was a new normal. The modern age of cell phone communication makes things so much easier and we were in communication (even briefly) every single day! The other thing that made it much easier for me is that she LOVED school. It was a great fit for her and she is blossoming! It’s been great having her home this summer but I am at peace about her going back in the Fall. I always remember too that it is a BLESSING to have a child who gets to experience college and all it has to offer. Hang in there momma… you are in a tough spot right now but it will get better!!!
Not gonna lie- leaving the first one at college for the first time was HARD! My devotional book that day included the phrase, “you can’t keep an eagle in the forest,’ and somehow that thought stayed with me….BUT, he will be back. Some things will be different, but still the same as well. You’ll make it through, mama. I’m now on the other side of sending off 4 kids to college, and although I do have to say each one was difficult in its own way, that first time was tough. But exciting to see them spread their wings and make their way. He’s blessed to have such a wonderful family.
I love your Cosmetic Bag. I have a 15 year old daughter and was wondering if your daughter uses the same kind of bag to store her toiletries.
She has a smaller one from amazon. https://amzn.to/2WYj3MJ
Welcome back! Looked like a great trip! I just got back with my family from a 16 day trip to Italy for my son’s graduation present. It was AMAZING as well. I love your packing tips and I do many of them as well but I’m still impressed with how you fit everything in a carryon! We had 6 checked bags between the 4 of us, lol. I love having lots of options I guess as well as space to bring things home. Love your collagen packet idea. I just bring a small container of my collagen but the packets would pack up much easier!
Also, sad that I missed out on your new line that came out while we were away! By the time I was able to order, everything was sold out that I wanted 🙁 Hoping for some restocks! As always, thanks for sharing your tips! Hope you’re having a great day 💕
Your trip has had me mesmerized – the scenery was breathtaking in the photos and I’m sure those didn’t do it justice. It will be okay Mom, you will survive, but not without a few tears. It’s hard, but it’s part of children growing up. Bonus – they realize how much they love you too when they’re away and when they come home they actually want to spend time with you – WIN WIN.
I ordered the hat when I saw it could be “sized”. I have a small head – LOL and most hats just fall down over my eyes, so I’m hopeful this one works.
I have been in same position as you. I just dreaded the day when our sons left for college. I dreaded it all summer. The day came and I cried a river each time. By the last son I was able say goodbye without quite as much angst. Here’s the good part…you raised a son who is now ready to spread his wings and truly fly. You gave him all the support he needs to be able to do so. Take a moment and enjoy what you have accomplished. You are beginning a new chapter but that’s another chance to grow as a family. Put your trust in the situation and don’t forget soon he will bring home new friends, new experiences and a carload of dirty laundry. It’s all gong to be OK. It’s not a permanent goodbye, just a little growth for everyone.
I have a question about your suitcase. I have been looking for a hard sided case and one that I can carry on an international flight. We are going to Finland in August. Does this suitcase meet all the requirements of international flight
yes ma’am! I’ve carried it on domestic and international trip and had no issues carrying it on!! xo
I love this post so much – sooooo helpful! And now I must plan a family trip to Greece – was following three families on their vacations in that region and I’ve got the bug. Any chance you will share any of your planning info? Did you use a travel agent? Not having travelled abroad, I am quite daunted by the prospect of attempting to arrange all of that myself! Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos (special thanks to your family for being such amazingly good sports!) and so much valuable information. 🙂
Thanks so much, mary! I planned and booked the full trip on my own ( I love that part!!), and will absolutely share all the details and itinerary! xo
My daughter is starting her Junior year this year, but I remember dropping her off and crying most of the way home. That first year was hard for me as I struggled with an identity crisis. I spent Senior year prepping my daughter for what was to come but didn’t realize I needed to prep, too! While I’ll always be her mom, the relationship and responsibilities shifted. Who was I without my daughter? It took all year, lots of prayer, a couple good friends and my sweet husband to help me see I could be someone other than just “Madison’s mom.” I’ll have to go through this one more time in a few years, but, like most things, I think the second time will be a little easier. Parenting is not for the faint of heart.
yes, I love this! Thank you so much for sharing!! xo
I am awed by your ability to pack for some many days abroad and have it all in a carry-on! You mentioned you go light on your toiletries and even left your blow dryer at home. Toiletries is what always pushes me over the limit from a carry-on to a bigger bag. Can you share more about which toiletries you take, what you leave behind and how you manage to stay so put together and photo-ready without them? Thanks for all your tips! Loved getting to virtually travel with your family through Greece!
Thanks so much, Julie! I shared a full look inside my toiletry bag on my instagram story, Packing Tips. I minimize my makeup, and bring travel size versions of my hair and skincare products. As for looking pulled together…that’s what the hat is for!! 😉 xo
I’m sure someone has asked this. But will the chain paper bag shorts be restocked or will I have to stalk the website 😉
Love your blog and am inspired by your travel.
That is one thing I wished my family had done more of… Still time but they are 21 and 24 🙁
Hard to get schedules together!!
Hi Christy! We don’t have an official reorder for those shorts, but many people do order multiple sizes, so I think we’ll see stock come back in the next week or so!
You mentioned not having to restrict your travel size liquids for TSA pre-check. We’re headed out on our first trip this week with our pre-check. Do you not have to put the liquids in a small clear baggie???? This will totally change the way I pack! I knew we didn’t have to take them out but didn’t know they could be scattered throughout our bags?
You don’t have to take anything out of your bags!! As long as it’s all under 3oz! Def double check on the TSA website, but in the years we’ve had it, we never take liquids or laptops out of our bags!
Thanks so much of doing these travel essentials posts. I seem to pick up something every time you post. Packing cubes, sleep buds, this time the adapter with the usb ports.
Yes, the anticipation is worse than when they actually are off to college. I was miserable the summer before my oldest left for Austin. It was SO hard leaving him (we live in Colorado), but once I saw how happy he was, life got easier. Your family will slip into a new normal. (For example, our dinner table dynamics changed. All of a sudden, my middle son became the life of the party!) And remember, this is the moment us mama birds have been preparing for…our little birdies are leaving the nest and flying off to a new phase of independence. BUT BELIEVE ME…your son will STILL need his mama! xoxo
As a 29-year-old who still feels like she was just at college yesterday (oh my god, I’m getting old!), I know that my leaving home, being an only child was super hard on my parents. I hadn’t even realized it until more recently just how sad they were. BUT I have a better relationship with my parents now that I’m older than I ever did. And we were super close then too. But now, they are seriously my favorite people. I love getting to spend time with them. I love traveling with them. I love getting to know them better. Things change, but often, it’s even better than you’d ever believe.
I love this perspective!! Thank you for sharing, Alyssa!!
hi, i’ve been eyeing those tory burch sandals but when I tried using your code it didn’t work. Was it only good for one day?
Ooops, sorry for the confusion…the code is actually for the Steve Madden strappy sandals I wore all over Greece!
Does the inflatable footrest fit in between regular coach seats? Or were you in business class?
We were in preferred economy, so had a little more space. But I believe the rest fits perfectly snug in coach, too! Check out all the reviews!
Did you run in to any trouble when coming home, that your toiletries weren’t in a separate plastic bag? I find that even if the US is cool with certain things, often other countries have different rules, and the precheck part doesn’t apply when you are checking in on a return flight from another country. I always pack them in a separate bag just in case but would love to be able to do something like this!!
On the flight home through Heathrow, I did have to pull my liquids out of my toiletry bag and place in a provided ziplock. But we’d used up most of them during the trip, so I didn’t have much!
Hey Cassie. My son just finished up his freshman year of college (he’s my oldest – I have two more at home) and it is hard at first, but it is also really cool to see them making their own path. I don’t know how far your son is going — mine ended up only 45 min away, so he did get home on the weekends some, which helped — but honestly, once we got into this new routine, it isn’t so bad. There’s so much more to talk about with him when he is home, and it’s neat to hear about his interests and goings-on at school. And the freshman year flew for us. Like, FLEW. I cannot even believe it’s over already. Leaving him there is hard, I won’t lie, but then your boy will be back home for Christmas before you know it. You just have to get through the first week or two. Stay busy, is my best advice. And maybe also avoid his room for a bit. 🙂 Hugs, mama. It’s all good!
I loved following along! I shared your Instagram stories with my besties while we were at the beach too! We all became obsessed with your packing cubes and carry on!! Now we all want a trip to Greece too!
We met a group of 5 women on the trip who were having the girl’s trip of their lives!! They were having so much fun!
Loved following along with your adventures. Thanks for this post! It’s so helpful. I was wondering if you took an actual camera on your trip or if you just used your phone for pictures? I love my DSLR but it’s so big and hard to travel with. If you did take a camera, what kind did you use?
I did actually take my little travel camera…but didn’t take a single pic with it!! It’s just so much easier with my phone!! I know I’d appreciate having ‘good pics’ with that camera once we’re home, but it’s a pain to have pics on multiple devices, plus carrying it around all day. It honestly depends on the kind of trip as to whether or not I use my DSLR. I do have this smaller camera, and love it! https://amzn.to/2Nw2Mzh
Cassie I absolutely loved following along on your trip! I looked ABSOLUTLEY amazing! I am heading to Europe in 2 weeks and have been getting a lot of the things you have recommended! (YOU are a life saver) I was wondering how you got your souvenirs home? Xoxo
Thanks so much, Denise! I’m thrilled you liked it! We didn’t buy much…a wind chime, snow globe, little necklace. Plus, I usually bring back a handful of rocks and shells. We just fit them in the nooks and crannies of our bags and backpacks. Definitely not enough room for major purchases!
Thanks so much for the travel tips! You are awesome! I’m always looking for new ideas to make packing easier. I actually love packing so I really enjoy post like this. Efharisto’
Enjoyed all of your pictures of the trip- which was your favorite island?
Seasoned international traveler here. TSA Precheck doesn’t remove the 1quart plastic bag requirement, it just means in the US you don’t have to take it out of your carry on bag. Other countries do not honor TSA Precheck and so you will have to take out all liquids and electronics when you go thru security in other countries. Best to be plan on the ziploc bag from the start so you don’t hold up the line!
I honestly can’t choose a favorite, each had their own flavor. We all really loved Naxos…the quiet and authentic ‘old greek’ feel. And you can’t deny the views of Santorini, even though it’s crowded. Thanks for the TSA tips!!
I’m leaving my oldest baby at the US Naval Academy tomorrow to start his 4 year college journey. For the first 6 weeks he won’t have a phone, and we only get 3 scheduled phone calls. I’m been dreading this day for months, and now it is here. I know that he is ready, but I am so grieving the end of life as we have known it as a “family of 5.” His time off through these 4 years and subsequent military service will be very limited, and I am going to miss this boy of mine big time! But I read that book you recommended a while back “Release My Grip,” and I’m doing my best to look at this through the lens he sees of an exciting future! With God’s help, we can do this! And I think it is perfectly ok if we cry the whole way home after drop off!
Oh my goodness, Julee! I can’t imagine what you’re feeling!! Funny thing about that book…I can’t even bring myself to read it!! I’m afraid it will make me so sad just trying to process it! But you’ve encouraged me to pull it out and read, I’m thrilled it was helpful for you! Lots of love, mama…we got this!! xo
I bought the brush! Wow, what a game changer in my hair. Who would have thought a brush could make that much difference? I have longer hair than you, so purchased the 2 3/4 barrel. Your post came at a good time because I was seriously considering buying a new hairdryer thinking that’s why I couldn’t get that blown out look. I watch my hairdresser blow out my hair, how she does it in sections, pulls up, etc. nope, couldn’t replicate it.
The brush just glides through my hair, and makes it so soft and straight. I’m getting the paddle one, also. Plus, I’m buying the size you have as an extra birthday gift for a friend!
Thanks for sharing!
I’m so thrilled to hear that!!
Thank you Cassie for sharing your travel tips and products. I have been a follower for years and I always enjoy your travel posts. I have booked several vacations based on your recommendations. I purchased several items you shared in this post. I bought my husband and I each a Calpak suitcase, and the cord organizer. I purchased for myself the flip flops, Sole Society weekender bag, the brush and makeup bag from Target. I felt a Hi Sugarplum groupie on our trip to Florida last weekend. 🙂 It was our first time trying the carry-on life and we loved it!!! Thank you so much for your inspiration!
I can’t even tell you how happy this makes me!!!