What's In My Bag? {Spring Travel Essentials Edition}

I don't know about you but I love a good "what's in my bag" blog post. We haven't taken a look into my travel packing situation since our big trip to the Galapagos, so we thought why not delve into our current travel essentials roundup in anticipation of some upcoming trips we have in the pipeline.

We're hoping to make a trip out to California soon, so lighter layers and easy, casual accessories are the priority this time around. I've gotten into the habit of emailing myself in the moment on a trip when I wish I had something with me, or something I had brought wasn't performing as well as I wanted it to. I always think I'll remember later when I'm home, but that never happens, let's be honest. I highly recommend doing that, or starting a Note page on your phone to record these new insights in real time.

Everything starts with a good personal item on the flight, and I'm still eyeing this Cuyana Zipper Tote Bag in this luscious dark olive leather. It's not overly big, can zip fully closed while it's under my seat, and still looks good as an everyday big bag carryall if we need something with more capacity while we're out and about. Probably not now that it's just the hubby and I, but still perfectly good for the flight because I admit I'm a bit of an overpacker.

I just bought this small sling bag as a favorite neutral too. Like I said, I'm typically not a fan of big purses like I was back when my kids were small, and I needed to carry the world with me. This sling is big enough for my phone, lipstick, keys, lip gloss - ha. I have big lips and I cannot lie. It's all I need without being weighed down. 

I'm loving this short navy trench in this spring-to-summer weather transition time - I'm excited to try this on this trip, and I think it will be perfect for the plane and cool nights or early mornings. Speaking of clothes, I just ordered this sweater in two colorways, heather and olive. I love timeless, classic pieces that will work with jeans and many different color choices - great reviews, great price. I'm in! I also have these Sorel sneakers in a different colorway, but this new black with tortoise trim option is calling my name.

Diving into my makeup and toiletry bag, I'm so excited to try out some new products! I used to watch Trinny on the BBC show "What Not to Wear" eons ago and was thrilled recently to see she now has a skincare and makeup line called Trinny London. I may have just bought a bunch of travel skin care and this duo stick for lip, cheek, and eyes. As a mom of multiples, I love a multi-purpose product!

I asked my team for their favorite travel pieces too, and they did not disappoint:

Katherine loves this sling bag that actually is meant to be a minimal diaper bag for a city mom - the pocket organization is really well done, and has great choices for fun straps to fit your vibe! No need to be a mom to be organized on a trip - and it's made by a one-woman-founded business based out of New York City, so you gotta love that! She also keeps an immune support throat spray from Beekeeper's Naturals in her bag at all times - it's great to use while you're on a plane, but really throughout a trip to keep germs at bay.

A hanging toiletry bag always seems to be the most versatile for trips where you don't know the bathroom counter situation. This toiletry kit from Walker Family Goods fits SO much - Katherine shared that if she's being very careful about what she brings, she can fit makeup and all toiletries into this one bag. Those are glorious packing days :)

And last, but not least, these sandals are perfect for beach vacations, but the color and the style can still work for a lot of different outfits. Think pool shoes, shower shoes, walking sandals - these are a perfect multi-use item! I just scouted the available colors and I am ordering a rainbow for myself y'all!

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What trips are you packing for soon? Tell us about it in the comments! Below is our running list of more travel essentials for your perusal. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links below at no additional cost to you.

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