As someone who spent much of 2024 country-hopping and living out of a suitcase, I’ve learned a thing or two about the art of efficient packing. My golden rule? Stock up on smart travel essentials well before your holiday begins.
To help make your next getaway as seamless as possible, I’ve rounded up my ‘can’t live without’ luggage staples, from reliable suitcases and sleek carry-ons to handy packing cubes and travel accessories. After all, we all love a bit of pre-holiday shopping (but the real luxury is arriving calm, organised and ready to relax).
What you need to know
- Suitcase: Checked Expandable Luggage, $445 from July
- Carry on: Blast Carry On Travel Backpack,
$120$106.80 from Bagsmart - Packing cubes: Compression Packing Cubes 5 Pack, $100, VOYG
- Eye Mask: Lanham Silk Eye Mask,
$59.99$41.99, Sheridan - Travel Kit: Aesop Departure Travel Kit, $89, Aesop
Best suitcases and carry-on bags
I think it’s very fair to say that quality suitcases and carry-ons are the most critical pre-departure purchases. Choosing one that glides through airports, meets airline limits, and still looks good at the baggage carousel makes a world of difference.
What to look for: lightweight construction, durable materials, spinner wheels for easy manoeuvring, and dimensions that meet carry-on limits.
Blast Carry On Travel Backpack$120 $106.80, Bagsmart
Samsonite Expandable Suitcase$499 $249.50, The Iconic
Carry On Suitcase
$345, July
Best small bags and packing accessories
These are the unsung heroes of any stress-free holiday: the organiser bags, cosmetic pouches, packing cubes and day-packs that ensure your precious belongings are ready to go when you are. Gone are the days of messy, unorganised suitcases that simply won’t close; these are the travel essentials that, after my last international adventure, I can’t live without.
What to look for: smaller bags with smart compartments for electronics, toiletries and outfit changes, durable materials that can be wiped clean, and multi-packs.
Compression Packing Cubes 5 Pack
$100, VOYG
Country Road Cosmetic Bag
$79.95, Myer
The Mini Weekender in Black
$98, BÉIS
Everyday Anti-Theft Bag
$100, VOYG
The best travel accessories
Finally, these small but mighty travel essentials make long flights and red-eyes just that little bit more tolerable. Proving that it is possible to reach your destination feeling relaxed and refreshed, these are the best neck pillows, travel kits, and eye masks for luxurious travel.
What to look for: compact accessories that support your body, block out distractions, and refresh your skin.
Snug Travel Pillow
$60, VOYG
Lanham Silk Eye Mask$59.99 $41.99, Sheridan
Laneige Icons To Go Kit
$40, Sephora
Aesop Departure Travel Kit
$89, Aesop
Editor-approved tips for seamless summer vacations
Get organised early
Packing always takes longer than expected, and last-minute scrambles rarely lead to organised bags. Start packing a few days before your flight, lay everything out, and plan your outfits. It’s amazing how many “just in case” items you’ll realise you don’t actually need.
Invest in quality luggage
A great suitcase isn’t just about looks; it’s about functionality. Opt for lightweight materials, 360° spinner wheels and sturdy zips. It doesn’t have to come at a premium price, but when you’re dashing through the airport, you’ll want something durable, sturdy, and that won’t burst open.
Create a packing system
When I started my journey abroad, all of my belongings were thrown together in my suitcase without any organisational system in place. Having quickly learned my lesson, I now refuse to travel without packing cubes; they keep everything categorised and stop your suitcase from turning into chaos mid-trip.
Build a to-go kit
Keep a small pouch packed with your go-to travel essentials (think charger, lip balm, sleep mask, earplugs, hand sanitiser) so you’re never caught rummaging at the last minute. I keep mine ready year-round so it’s one less thing to think about when I’m heading out the door.
Prioritise comfort
Long flights and road trips are infinitely better when you put comfort first. A quality neck pillow, noise-cancelling headphones and a soft wrap or hoodie make all the difference between arriving refreshed or frazzled.
Building your travel essentials kit: know what you’re looking for
For weekends, a small carry-on is perfect. Week-long trips usually call for a medium suitcase, while long-haul adventures or family travel might justify a large check-in. The key is to leave plenty of space for shopping and souvenirs.
While they’re not essential, they do make life easier. Even for a quick getaway, cubes keep outfits neat and make repacking a breeze, especially if you’re moving between stops.
Hard-shell luggage protects fragile items and looks sleek, while soft-shell options are lighter, flexible, and often have extra pockets; the right one for you depends on your priorities and travel style. Personally, I like hard-shell luggage for long trips and soft-shell luggage for weekends away.
If you travel often, premium luggage can be a worthwhile investment; better wheels, zips, and materials mean fewer mid-trip mishaps. But for occasional travellers, a durable mid-range option will do the job beautifully.
Stick to versatile basics that can mix and match, plus a few accessories to dress things up. A compact carry-on, a toiletry kit, and one pair of shoes that works day to night will usually see you through.
