The Best Travel Totes

Finding the best travel tote is essential for a smooth and relaxing flight. Totes and carry-ons have the appropriate size, weight, and roominess for shorter trips. While other types of carry-ons, like suitcases and backpacks, can take up too much space during your flight. So if you’re looking to invest in a tote, here are some of my top choices for summer getaways!

Which Carry On Luggage Holds The Most?

Over the years, I’ve purchased various carry-ons, but few could accommodate all my clothes, accessories, toiletries, and other travel essentials. However, the Tumi International Carry-On has been an absolute game-changer. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, I’ve cherished it for years as my ultimate travel bag. It also has gold hardware so it’s more stylish than the average carry-on.

Rachel loves her AWAY Carry-On. A more affordable option to my Tumi carry-on. It’s large enough to fit everything you need for your summer travels.

Must-Have Travel Toiletries

I bring all of my beauty essentials on the plane with me. Everything from my nighttime skincare favorites to my daily lipstick. Begin your packing process by arranging all of the grooming and beauty products you use on a daily basis. This will make it easy for you to visualize which products you actually need for your trip.

My tips for packing toiletries are to buy two of everything! One for home and one for travel. It makes the packing process easier if you already have a travel kit packed and ready to go. The second tip is to unpack toiletries after your trip and refill your skincare, toothpaste, and old beauty products. That way you know that your toiletry bag is fully stocked. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination and realizing you’re out of lotion.

My Favorite Beauty Items While Traveling

Clinique Cleansing Balm – $38: Gentle and effective at removing makeup and sunblock. 

Black Girl Sunscreen – $15.99: This SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen contains natural ingredients. The sunscreen is moisturizing and doesn’t leave a white cast.

Danessa Myricks Beauty – $18:  My go-to lip and cheek pigment. You really don’t need much and it’s easy to blend. I can’t wait to try it as lipstick or blush.

NARS Mini Radiant Concealer – $15: Brightens and corrects the skin. The mini size is great for traveling.

La Mer Moisturizing Cream – $100: One of my favorite moisturizers. Super rich and creamy.

Dior Mascara – $32: Keep makeup simple while on a vacation. But a little mascara can go a long way.

The Best Tip To Avoid Overpacking

It’s hard to predict everything we’ll need while we’re away. Rachel gave us great advice that I think everyone needs to learn. If you’re packing for a trip where you’ll be visiting multiple locations, it’s okay to repeat outfits. There will be different people at these locations. So no one will see you in the same outfit. Bring outfits that are versatile and can be mixed and matched for different occasions. It will make the packing process so much easier!

Her advice helped me so much while packing for Lisbon. It might be one of the few times in my life where I didn’t overpack. Share in the comments if you’re an over-packer like myself!

Xo,

Coco