I’m Traveling Every Weekend This Month — and These Are the 12 Versatile Items Coming With Me on Each Trip

As a travel writer, it stands to reason that much of my time is spent exploring destinations both new and old, but even I was alarmed to find that I had inadvertently booked up every single weekend in August with a different trip. From New Hampshire to Upstate New York, my plans span everything from a wedding to a lakeside adventure over the coming weeks. While fighting the exhaustion of my travels will certainly be an obstacle, there’s one thing I’m not overly concerned about: packing.

This summer, I’ve successfully streamlined my packing list so that many of my favorite items are suitable for any trip, no matter where I’m headed. In turn, this has made the quick turnarounds between my travels significantly more stress-free. In a bid to help other busy travelers in a similar predicament, I’ve compiled a list of the 12 items I’ll be taking with me on every trip this month from brands like Lululemon, Everlane, Amazon, and more. Each item sits under $100, and you can rest assured that everything is worth the investment for your travels thanks to its versatility, quality, and overall packability.

AquaVault Ultra-thin Emergency Portable Charger

A portable charger is always one of the first things I add to my backpack regardless of my destination, and my personal favorite is this unbelievably slim power bank that’s the size of a credit card and slots into my wallet for easy access. It comes with built-in cables that allow me to leave unnecessary cords at home, and it’s also fitted with quick-charging technology that gets my phone battery to 100 percent in no time. The stainless steel design means that regardless of how slim and packable this device is, I don’t have to worry about it breaking, and right now, it’s available for $50 thanks to a special on-site coupon at Amazon. 

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

I’m here to assure you that if there’s one thing worth splurging on within your packing routine, these Away packing cubes are well worth the hype. The set of four comes with multiple different sized pouches that are masterful at compressing everything from bulky sweatshirts to flowy dresses, so from a beach trip to a wedding weekend, they’ll be a mainstay in my suitcase this August. The breathable mesh fabric keeps my clothing from getting stuffy while packed away, and it even makes it easy to find what I’m looking for within each bag without completely unpacking thanks to the airy design. To top it all off, they fit perfectly into my favorite Away suitcase — another staple for my month of traveling.

Sony WH-CH720N Noise-canceling Headphones

These noise-canceling headphones are a relatively new addition to my travel essentials list, but after they effectively eliminated the sounds of a wailing baby on a recent train ride, they’re not going anywhere. Currently on sale for 35 percent off at Amazon, these ultra-comfy headphones are a dream for traveling, exercising, and even keeping focused at the office. Well-cushioned ear pads allow me to wear them for hours on end without experiencing irritation, and whether I’m listening to an audiobook or my favorite playlist, sounds have never been clearer. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the 30-plus hour battery life is a dream, and I’ve been able to go weeks on end without picking up the charger.

Jisulife Handheld Portable Turbo Fan

Being that this is one of the hottest summers on record, I’ve taken to carrying a handheld fan to alleviate the stifling temperature as best I can, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find me traveling without this portable option from Jisulife in the coming weeks. I’m sure it will be a fan-favorite at the outdoor wedding I’m attending in Upstate New York later this month, and with 15-plus hours of battery life available, I can use it near-constantly without worrying about running out of charge. It’s programmed with five settings to best fit my needs for the day, and it’s designed with a flat base so I can even set it onto a seat back tray table for instant cooling during my Greyhound bus ride next weekend. 

Birkenstock Women’s Arizona Birko-Flor Sandals

I’ve been a dedicated Birkenstock fan for more than a decade, so it goes without saying that my trusty Arizona sandals will be accompanying me on every trip I take this August. The slip-on design is convenient to slide on and off when I’m in a hurry, while the cork insoles have long been molded to the exact shape of my feet, providing unparalleled comfort no matter how much walking I have planned. The adjustable straps also allow for a perfectly snug fit, and the simple style matches with everything from flowy maxi dresses to denim shorts. I don’t think it would be a stretch to call them a perfect pair of shoes, or at the very least, one of the most versatile pairs in my closet.

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

This unassuming backpack has been the cornerstone of every vacation for the last decade or so, and I don’t see that coming to an end anytime soon. A deceitfully spacious primary compartment has ample space to hold everything from a spare pair of shoes to both my makeup and toiletry bag, while a padded laptop pocket at the back of the bag leaves me with the assurance that my electronics are stored safely whether I’m boarding a flight, a bus, or taking a car ride. I love this bag for longer trips, but seeing as I’m only gone for the weekends this August, I can trust that it will have more than enough space to comfortably hold my belongings — and anything else I pick up along the way.

Everlane The Linen Easy Pants

I’ll admit it: there’s no piece of summer clothing I hate wearing more than shorts. With that in mind, I’ve spent the last several years on the hunt for breathable, lightweight travel pants that I can wear even in the dead heat, and I’ve officially found my favorite pair in this pull-on, linen option from Everlane. The elastic waistband provides all the comfort of a pair of pajamas, but the pleats and tailored finish create a refined look that I can’t get enough of. They pair well with sandals, sneakers, boots, and even heels, plus, the simple black shade opens up a world of opportunity for top pairings as well. These pants have already accompanied me throughout a weekend in New Hampshire, but I’m sure they’re going to get plenty of wear during my upcoming travels as well. Next stop: the Massachusetts coast.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

Frequent travelers can agree that belt bags are one of the most convenient purse options to pack regardless of the destination, which is exactly why Lululemon’s Everywhere Bag is the first piece I reach for when selecting a tote for my adventures. The roomy main compartment offers enough space to hold my phone, wallet, keys, and even a sunglasses case if I pack it strategically, and it’s made from a sweat-wicking material so I can repurpose it as a running belt if I want to get in some exercise during my trip. It’s well-suited for sightseeing and going shopping since it allows me to keep my hands free, and although I have it in black, it’s also available in 15 other shades if you’re looking to add a pop of color to your packing list.

The Drop Women’s Britt Tiered Maxi Tent Dress

Breezy, simple maxi dresses make up the majority of my summer wardrobe, and at the front of my closet (and therefore the top of my packing list), is this tiered tent dress in the perfect pastel purple. The oversized fit is immensely forgiving and barely touches my skin, which is everything I’m looking for in a summer dress, and the adjustable straps have proven to be invaluable so I don’t have excess fabric dragging along the ground. I’ve styled it as a beach cover up, a birthday dress, and have even worn it to a picnic, so it’s certainly going to be my go-to in the coming weeks since it’s so easily dressed up and down.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

I don’t think I have the words to express how much I love my Owala bottle, and it’s for that reason that it’s my favorite companion for travel this summer. The bottle features a double locking mechanism that has never once spilled amongst my belongings, and the built-in straw makes it significantly easier to take a sip without dumping water down my front — even while driving down a bumpy road. It keeps my beverages insulated for up to 24 hours at the beach and by the lake, and it’s slim enough to snugly slide into the side pocket of my backpack. You’d be hard-pressed to find me without it this August. 

Everlane The Oversized Shirt

I’ve found that an oversized button-down is one of the most versatile wardrobe pieces to have on hand when traveling, especially during the summer. It can function as a cover up, a layer for a chilly flight or evening by the campfire, and it can even be dressed up for a nice dinner depending on the pants it’s paired with. This Tencel shirt is one of my favorites to travel with since it’s wrinkle-resistant and endlessly stylish, and it looks impeccable when worn with my favorite linen pants as well. While I would dub this shirt as a worthwhile investment, there are also plenty of looklikes available at Amazon for a fraction of the price that will create the same breezy effect, like this $30 top from Amazon-loved brand Hotouch.

Baggallini Toiletry Kit

The slim design of this toiletry kit has ensured its lasting spot in my packing routine, and it’s great for an overpacker like myself as it effortlessly slides into my backpack without being bulky, no matter how much I’ve stuffed inside. Two skinny side pockets fit my toothbrush and other skincare and hair products, and several clear pockets within the bag are secured with elastic bands to keep everything in place and organized. I’m particularly excited to have this bag at the ready while staying in an Airbnb with my friends later this month so I can make proper use of its built-in metal hook to hang it from the bathroom door, effectively saving valuable counter space.

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