The 15 packing staples I never leave home without — tried and tested across two weeks in Europe.
by Mary Everard | maryandcrew.com
Two weeks in Europe with four kids teaches you a lot. But mostly it teaches you this: the right 15 things beat 50 wrong ones every time. So after years of overpacking and underpacking, I’ve finally landed on my list. These are the staples that made our trip seamless. And honestly, they come with me everywhere now.
The hardest working piece in my entire suitcase. Boyfriend jeans walk the line between casual and put-together better than anything else. So I wore them on travel days, sightseeing days, and dinner nights. A true non-negotiable.
02. Basic White Tee (under $40)
The great equalizer of any travel wardrobe. A really good white tee goes under everything and over everything. But not all white tees are created equal. So invest in one that travels without wrinkling. Mine came home looking exactly as it left (and you know I packed three!).
03. Dual Voltage Blow Dryer, Brush & Curling Iron
If you’re traveling internationally, dual voltage is non-negotiable. Because single voltage tools and European outlets are a bad combination. I bring this three in one whenever I travel abroad. It works everywhere with my go to adapter.
My single most used non-clothing item of the entire trip. So much of travel style comes down to arriving unwrinkled. And a dual voltage steamer handles everything from linen to silk in minutes. Additionally it’s gentler on fabrics than any hotel iron. Worth every inch of suitcase space (and this one is TINY!).
05. International Voltage Converter
Even with dual voltage tools, you still need to plug in. So a universal converter that works across Europe and the UK is essential. Mine has multiple USB ports built in. One converter. Every country. Done.
06. Ballet Flats That Are Insanely Comfortable
The cobblestones of the Cotswolds will humble you fast. But the right ballet flat will carry you through eight hours of sightseeing without complaint. Mine came from Switzerland to London without a single blister. Because style and function are not mutually exclusive. I promise. I also love this new version for fall!
Hands-free is the only way to travel with children. So a great crossbody keeps your essentials close and your hands available. Because chasing a toddler through Windsor Castle while digging through a tote is nobody’s idea of fun. Slim, structured, and goes with everything. A few similar versions here and here.
08. Magnetic Phone Charger & Battery Bank
Two things I refuse to travel without. A magnetic charger means no fumbling with cables at the end of a long day. And a battery bank means your phone never dies at the wrong moment. So charge both every single night. No exceptions.’ Bonus points for these 240W fast charging cables.
Unglamorous but genuinely life-changing on long haul flights. They reduce swelling and improve circulation. So you arrive feeling human rather than defeated. Additionally they’re far more stylish than they used to be. I wear mine from the moment I board until we land.
10. Shampoo, Conditioner & Salt Spray
Three products worth the space in your toiletry bag. Because the last thing we need is questionable hotel shampoo when you’ve thought of everything else.. A great shampoo and conditioner in travel sizes. And a wave texturizing mist for low-effort hair days — which are most travel days. So ditch the full-size bottles and edit down to what works.
11. Skincare Set That Covers Everything
I’m not willing to skip skincare on the road anymore. But I’m also not checking a bag just for my routine. So I travel with a set that covers cleansing, treatment, moisturizer, and SPF. Small footprint. Big results. My skin looked better in Europe than it does at home.
12. Carry-On Bag That Fits Everything
For me and all four kids. Yes, really. The amount of pockets in this bag blows my mind. The right carry-on makes the difference between calm and complete disorder at every airport. So I pack snacks, entertainment, extra clothes for the baby, and everything I need for the flight. All in one bag. It comes with me everywhere.
13. Ultra Lightweight Checked Luggage
Because every pound your suitcase weighs is a pound you can’t fill with clothes. So I switched to the lightest checked luggage I could find. And I haven’t looked back. More room for clothes on the way there. More room for souvenirs on the way back. Simple math.
A workhorse toiletry bag changes everything. This one opens flat for easy access to everything. It’s crafted from TPU-coated cotton canvas — so it’s water-resistant and built to last. Multiple interior pockets keep everything organized and in its place. So no more digging through a cluttered bag at the bathroom sink.
The secret weapon of every smart packer. Compression packing cubes expand when you need the space and compress when you don’t. So you can pack light for a weekend or squeeze everything into one suitcase. I’ve probably tried half a dozen different brands and these are hands down my favorite.
The Bottom Line
Great travel isn’t about having everything. But it is about having the right things. So these 15 staples have earned their permanent place in my suitcase. And I wouldn’t leave home without a single one.
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