My long-awaited honeymoon is about to begin, and I’m so excited to explore Japan with my hubby! Since I started curating an intentional wardrobe a few years ago, that intentionality has also trickled into my overall consumption and into the way I travel. I’ve begun to value tips and tricks to maximize luggage space (i.e. minimize what I pack), as well as having the right products for an efficient travel experience. So, this week I thought it was only fitting to share my must-have travel essentials for a long-haul trip + a few minimal and functional outfits I’ll be wearing.
Some links used in this post are affiliate links and some items showcased are PR products (labeled as c/o). This means if you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. My goal is to inspire you to get creative with what you already have and be intentional with quality pieces you’ll love for years to come. Thank you for supporting Her Simple Sole blog!
Travel Essentials Packing List
Last fall I shared my outfits and travel essentials that I packed into a carry-on suitcase for my 1-week trip to Europe. Overall, it was highly successful, so a lot of the items will be repeated here, taking into account that this time it’s spring. As somewhat of a minimalist and to avoid clutter at home, I try to do my research and only curate products that serve a particular purpose. In this case, it’s all about travel products!
Organization
- Compression packing cubes – these make packing clothes so easy! Not only do they keep everything organized, but the compression feature allows air to escape so you’re able to pack more into each cube.
- Bagsmart toiletry bag – for as long as I can remember, I’ve used random bags to hold my toiletries and makeup. It’s nice to finally have an all-in-one product with ample space that also has a hanger for convenience. Not to mention, the pink is so cute!
- Cord organizer – we’ll have several types of cords on us (USB-A, USB-C) so that we’re fully equipped to charge all our Apple products. Things like our phones, my iPad, and our Apple watches (ngl, I’m so excited to see how many steps we get in each day!).
Convenience
- Anker power pack – we’ll be using our phones a lot (understandably) so I bought this heavy-duty power pack. It’s supposed to provide 5 charges for my iPhone 12. While I could’ve chosen a more convenient wireless Magsafe version, my phone case doesn’t work well with that. But I refuse to remove it since I just love the Popsocket feature so much!
- Jason Markk Quick Wipes – I use these all the time since they work pretty well. They’re individually packaged which is great for travel.
- Electrolytes and “hangover pills” – for days where we need additional replenishment. I plan to have a few electrolyte packets on me while on the plane for extra hydration.
- Laundry bag – since we’re packing about a week’s worth of clothes, we’ll likely need to do laundry. These bags are great for protecting your clothes and keeping them in tip-top shape during each wash.
- Laundry strips – I love these for travel since they don’t involve liquid. They’re super thin and pretty much weightless.
Personal Needs
- Memory foam neck pillow – an absolute must-have on any plane ride. The memory foam provides extra comfort and easily fits into a compact bag.
- Pimple patches – it’ll be that time of the month for me near the beginning of the trip. These will likely come in handy when those pesky hormonal breakouts decide to peak out.
- Knix underwear – I’ve been meaning to try these super absorbent undies out. What better time than while on a trip? I won’t need to worry about packing menstruation products and I’m considering more sustainable initiatives while I’m at it. Linked to their high-rise version (my fave!).
- Ovulation strips – for a few months now I’ve wanted to implement an easy method of tracking my ovulation cycle. Ovry was kind enough to send over the bundle linked, which also includes pregnancy tests and a male fertility kit.
- Mini Tatcha facial spray – for a quick refreshing pick-me-up on the plane and throughout the day while exploring.
- Reusable earplugs – I pretty much use these every single night. They’re resusable and easily washable, and does a great job in cancelling out noise. Great for the airplane when you’re trying to get some zzz’s in.
Fashion
- Undershirts – use code hersimplesole10 for 10% off – as super functional pieces, these have an underarm gusset to wick away sweat. They’re especially great for travel since they’re easy to wash and protect whatever you’re wearing on top from sweat and moisture. So much so that as long as I don’t stain my tops, I may refrain from washing them on this trip. Linked to the crop version.
- A versatile travel + exploration bag – use code SHARON10 for 10% off at Oleada – hands down my favourite stylish travel bag. The strap on the back slides seamlessly onto a luggage handle. It’s also water and scratch resistant. And best of all, it easily converts into a backpack.
- One-piece swimsuit – we booked a night at a private onsen (hot spring) so I’m excited to re-wear this piece that I bought for my bachelorette trip. I love the crisscross back and the support it provides. Not to mention, it’s sustainably made from a minimum of 6 recycled plastic bottles.
- Lightweight spring wardrobe pieces for breathability and layering – see some of them below!
Travel Essentials – Outfit Ideas
Having a capsule-style wardrobe has some major perks. Not only does it make getting dressed daily easier, but it also makes packing for a trip extremely convenient. My everyday essentials easily convert into travel essentials!
To be honest, at the last minute before posting this, I switched in + added a few items that are more seasonally appropriate. The forecast for Japan now shows little rain, as opposed to showing a ton of rain about a week ago. Temperatures will be around the low to mid-20s (celcius) for the most part. While basking in similar weather these last few days (and loving it), I decided to forgo a few knitwear pieces that I initially took outfit photos in. Instead, I’ve added a pair of linen pants, a few more short sleeve tops, a few more dresses, and a pair of biker shorts. While none of these made it into this post, I’ll try to share those outfits throughout my trip over on IG 😊
Outfit 1 – Travel day
Nothing beats extra comfort as an airplane outfit. An oversized denim shirt, a white tank top, and a pair of comfortable leggings do the trick.
Outfit details:
Frank and Oak oversized denim shirt (secondhand from hubby, similar here and here), Frank and Oak tank top (S, c/o), Free Label leggings (no longer available, linked to similar; c/o), L’intervalle combat boots (similar here and here), Oleada Wavia Bag in Champagne (use code SHARON10 for 10% off, c/o), Monos Hybrid Carry-On in luggage in Champagne (use code HERSIMPLESOLE for 5% off, c/o)
Outfit 2 – Sightseeing/frolicking-in-the-sun day
Since I anticipate getting in a lot of steps on these days (which will pretty much be every day!) I’m opting for easy, one-piece outfits, similar to this one, that are also fully breathable.
Outfit details:
Tradlands dress (XS, use code HERSIMPLESOLE15 for 15% off your first order, c/o), L’intervalle combat boots (similar here and here), Oleada Wavia Bag in Champagne (use code SHARON10 for 10% off, c/o)
Outfit 3 – Rainy day
We anticipate a few days of rain – but I’ll be prepared. A cashmere crew and jeans combo make for a toasty but still breathable outfit on wet and humid days (mandatory coat + umbrella will also be included).
Outfit details:
Everlane cashmere crew (XS, linked to a different colour; similar version here), Levi’s Dad Jean (25, similar versions here and here), Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers (sized down 1/2 size), Oleada Wavia Bag in Champagne (use code SHARON10 for 10% off, c/o)
Outfit 4 – Dinner reservation
Opting for a slightly dressier look with this blazer, and mostly darker tones so any potential food stains from stuffing my face won’t be visible.
Outfit details:
Uniqlo blazer (S), Aritzia sculpt knit tank (S, similar here), Everlane ’90s Cheeky Jean (24), L’intervalle combat boots (similar here and here), Oleada Wavia Bag in Champagne (use code SHARON10 for 10% off, c/o)
Outfit 5 – Universal Studios
Since we’ll be doing a ton of walking and going on some rides (can’t wait!), on this day I’m most definitely wearing pants that allow for movement and breathability.
Outfit details:
Frank and Oak cardigan (XS, c/o), A&F baby tee (S), Aritzia Effortless Pant (2, similar here and here), New Balance 327 sneakers (sized down 1/2 size), Oleada Wavia Bag in Champagne (use code SHARON10 for 10% off, c/o), Jenny Bird Tome Pendant necklace (similar here)
I hope you enjoyed my ultimate travel essentials list and outfit ideas! My hope is that these will give you an idea of products to introduce into your lifestyle to make the most out of your traveling experiences. Now tell me – where are you headed this year and what travel products will you be bringing with you?
Pin this post for later ♡
