5 Travel Essentials to Leave in Your Suitcase

Have you ever realized before you even got to your destination that you forgot something important?

Packing for vacation can be overwhelming for even the most organized person and seasoned traveler. How do I remember everything I use on a regular basis and what else might I need to take?

While I used to travel regularly for work years ago, I still get a little anxious packing for any trip, even a quick weekend away. That’s why I’ve decided to leave some things in my suitcase when I get back just so I don’t have to remember them again. These aren’t items that I necessarily need on every trip but ones I’m always glad I have.

5 Things You Should Leave in your Suitcase and Never Unpack

1. Nice looking slides or flip flops. Even if your hotel gives you house slippers, they don’t fit and won’t stay on. Leave a pair of nice looking flip flops or slides in your suitcase that could double as slippers or something you could put on if you decide to take a yoga class or run to the lobby for coffee. They don’t take up much space and I promise you’ll be glad you have them.

2. Bathing suit. You just never know when the hotel is going to have a spa or mineral pool you want to take a dip in. Or you suddenly have a little extra time to work on your tan poolside.
   Don’t be like me and have to run to Target where the only option was a little cheekier than I would have preferred . Leave an older one in your bag in a zipper bag in your suitcase and you never have to think about it again. The zipper bag helps if it’s still wet when you have to pack for your return.

3. Travel candle & matches. A lit candle brings instant cozy and pretty ambience plus it is so nice in the bathroom. Just make it a small one in a tin and don’t forget matches or to blow it out when you leave. I love bringing a new scent to try on vacation and then I can leave it if I don’t want it back home

4. Cotton robe. This can double as a beach or pool cover up, dressing gown, or just be a robe. I love having one especially when staying with friends or family just so I have a little something to throw over my pjs to have coffee in the morning. (maybe this is just me?)

5. Nylon cross body bag. While I do use mine NOT traveling, I definitely consider this the best option when traveling. It holds the essentials that I need on me when going through an airport and goes hiking or to the beach well. It won’t double as an evening clutch but it certainly comes in clutch. Magically, I don’t need all of the other contents of my purse when I’m on vacation. Somehow it’s easy to pare down to just the essentials in my purse.

3 Honorable Mentions:

Extension cord I don’t travel with one but I’ve heard from several people that it is a life saver especially if you’re sharing a room with someone who also has a laptop, phone, watch, etc. to charge. Plus it can be hard to access hotel outlets.

Extra phone/ watch charger These are expensive to replace on the road so it’s better just to leave one in your bag so you don’t get caught without one. I’m still using my analog watch from 2001 but I do always grab the charger that’s in my dressing area.

Magnifying mirror Yes, I am at that age. And I leave this in my makeup bag.

I shared my tips for organized packing and put included my packing checklist and outfit planner on this post.

Sandals Raffia slides Black & brown slides

Bathing suit Convertible top bathing suit Cotton robe (lots of colors available )

Capri blue candle tin Travel candle sampler from my favorite candle maker

Nylon cross body bag (blue with pink trim) Black cross body bag

Watch/ phone charger Extension cord Magnifying mirror

Contains commissionable links at no additional cost to you.