As a seasoned traveler, I like to think that I have packing and traveling down to a science at this point. I rarely get stressed out about what to pack or what to pack it in because I have a system that I swear by, and that’s what I want to share with you all today. I may wait until the very last minute to pack (as evidenced on Instagram every time a trip is coming up), but I do it right and that’s what counts! Today’s post features my go-to travel bags from suitcases and carry-ons to cosmetic bags and crossbody purses.
Luggage Set
This set of rolling luggage by Amazon Basics is my absolute favorite. You get a large suitcase, a mid-size suitcase, and the perfect size carry-on roller. I love this luggage because it’s the best suitcase on a budget, extremely lightweight and, more importantly, it holds up! I travel with it constantly and it has only suffered minor wear and tear. I use the carry-on religiously and the largest spinner, the 30-inch, for my longer trips as it holds the most.
Carry-On Spinner Luggage
If you’re not needing a full set and want a bit more luxury, the Monos 23-inch carry-on is an amazing choice. It has a little more room than your standard carry-on, the handle has four different height settings, and the inside contains multiple zip-mesh pockets and compression straps. I will say the wheels spin very well, maybe a little too well! If I’m walking on a hard surface I feel like it can go a little faster than me, but I would say thats the only con. This is the best luxury carry-on travel bag and Monos is definitely a luggage brand on my radar now. My exact one linked here.
Editor’s Note: The Nordstrom site advises it needs to be checked during travel, but I’ve never had to check mine.
Weekender Bag
Maybe you need a new weekender bag. A weekender bag is exactly what it sounds like—a piece of luggage big enough to fit everything you might need for a weekend visit somewhere else. Sometimes it’s the only bag you need, but more often than not, you pair it with a rolling bag. This weekender bag by Lo & Sons (large size featured) is one of the best travel bags for planes because of its trolley sleeve that slides over the handle of your rolling bag for efficiency and ease throughout your travels. I love the extra shoe storage at the bottom and how much this bag can fit!
St. Louis GM Tote
My Goyard tote travels with me almost every single time I hit the road. To me, it’s the best designer travel tote because of its size and shape, especially because I help its shape by using the tote organizer inside of it. The Goyard tote is light as air, can comfortably store all of my immediate needs, and looks super chic while traveling. I use this tote organizer to keep everything in place and help give the Goyard more structure!
Read my full review of the Goyard handbag here!
Crossbody
A new addition to my handbag collection and travel collection is the Loewe Flamenco handbag. I’m in my minimalistic handbag era right now, and this bag definitely was the catalyst for that. This crossbody handbag is so simple, yet such a perfect bag to own. The leather is stunning, and you’re able to change out the straps and handles to really make it your own. More than anything, though, it’s such an ideal handbag for travel because of its easy, lightweight crossbody build. I love it so much! Plus if you don’t want to carry it on, it collapses almost 100% flat making it the ideal handbag to pack!
Makeup Bags
I’ve had my Cuyana leather travel case set for years and still use it every single time I pack for a trip. In my opinion, it is the best makeup travel bag because of its size and how much it can hold. I have no problem fitting all of my makeup, including brushes, in the large case. The leather gives a sturdy structure to the bag that holds up use after use. The microsuede interior wipes clean to protect against makeup mishaps. I will say I only use this for makeup and not skincare just to be extra cautious with the interior in case anything leaks. The smaller case I use more for my daily items I may need to keep in my handbag – lipstick, medicine, a mirror, hand lotion, etc. Its a great catchall that is lightweight and fits in most everyday bags.
Train Case
My Truffle cosmetic cases are some of my favorites as well. If I’m packing for a longer trip, I will always use my Truffle Clarity Train case for product bottles that need to stand upright. Because it’s a super structured case, I love it for this purpose. It truly holds all of my skincare & haircare products! The case is made of Eco-friendly, biodegradable, solvent-free TPU material and ensures that if anything spills its easy to wipe out.
Pouch Set
Alternatively, for my shorter, weekend trips I love using the Vanity Pouch set, both of which are see-through so I don’t have to necessarily rummage around to find what I’m looking for. With the Vanity Pouches, I use the smaller one for my serums, and I use the larger one for my face balm, moisturizer, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, and any larger skincare/beauty products necessary.
Clear Pouches
For see-through cosmetic bags on a budget, I love my clear pouches from Amazon. They come in a few sizes and are super affordable. I find that I use the large size the most. My hair tools fit perfectly and since the case in compact, it doesn’t take up a lot of room in my suitcase. The medium size cases are also great for skincare if you need a little more room than the Truffle Vanity pouch set.
Jewelry Case
I love this suede jewelry organizer because it holds space for literally all types of accessories from studs and hoops, to long and short necklaces and even small zip pockets for your extra valuables. I don’t have to be choosy about what pieces I take with me when I travel anymore because everything I could possibly want to wear fits in this amazing jewelry organizer from Amazon!
Shop the Post


This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.