Smart Packing Guide for Modern Travelers

Whether you’re heading across the country or halfway around the globe, packing smart can make all the difference in your travel experience. Being prepared means fewer hiccups, less stress, and more time enjoying your destination. As experienced world travelers, we know that there are some things you simply can't go without.

Here’s a practical guide to help you travel like a pro with a few clever essentials to make your journey even smoother.

What is the Most Important Thing in Travel?

Before thinking about outfits, gadgets, or snacks, focus on the true travel MVPs: the items you can’t easily replace while on the road. This includes:

• Travel documents: Passport, ID, visas, and boarding passes, with a digital and paper copy of the identification and visas.

• Medical necessities: Prescription medication, glasses or contacts, (and dental and favorite menstrual care products). 

• Emergency contacts: This is one thing you hope to never use but you'll be grateful if you need it. Keep both a digital and a paper copy.

• Extra payment options: Bring more than one debit or credit card stored separately in case something happens when you are away. Hot tip: check online to ensure that bank's card is excepted where you are traveling if going abroad.

These should be stored in an easy-to-reach spot in your carry-on, but away from wandering hands in highly-trafficked areas known for pick pockets (like public transit or popular tourist destinations). Consider an interior zippered pocket or pouch in your bag.

We have a selection of small bags for this type of storage, such as this box bag by Lady Alamo.

Equally important? Clothing comfort.

Long flights, unexpected delays, or unplanned weather changes can turn a trip into a test of patience. Itchy, restrictive, or climate-inappropriate clothing will only make it worse.

Think about bringing breathable fabrics like linen in warm climates, moisture-wicking layers like merino wool for active trips, and cozy sweaters or scarves for cooler destinations. The right clothing will keep you focused on making memories, not managing discomfort.

Remember that looking your best for photos isn't possible when you are in clothes that don't work for the climate. Trust us when we say you'll regret carrying it around!

What Are Some Travel Essentials?

While your must-pack list will vary depending on where you’re going, what you're doing, and how long you’ll be gone, here are some categories to guide you, with a few tried-and-true favorites we love for their practicality and style.

Tech Essentials

Your devices help you navigate, capture memories, and stay connected—so keep them protected and organized.

Start with a large bag such as our laptop backpack (featured below) with compartments or pouches for your computer, phone, tablet, and charging cords ensuring everything has its place. Look for one that also fits a water bottle and snacks, so you can avoid juggling too many large bags.

Make sure to match up all your cords to your devices before you leave, and if you're traveling internationally, ensure you have all the right adaptors and converters. While we're on the subject, let's talk about the difference between the two.

An adaptor allows you to change your plug shape to fit in the wall socket at your destination. A converter alters the electrical current that is coming from the socket so your device can handle it. Some modern devices have converters built in, so you only need an adapter in order to safely use your device. Look on the charger for the device to see what voltage it can handle. 

For instance, on a newer iPhone charger, you should see the input is 100-240V. This means it can handle any AC voltage in that range, working almost anywhere in the world.

It is vital that you check which adaptors or converters you need before you leave home, or you could get stuck without the ability to charge your devices. The great news is that in many places around the world you can find adaptors at stores catering to travelers, but it's better to not assume you can buy one when you land.

Personal Care

Staying fresh on the go doesn’t have to mean overpacking liquids. These days you can find solid forms of your personal care liquids such as shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.

These solid bars are a smart alternative to bulky bottles. They are lightweight, TSA-friendly, and eliminate the risk of spills in your bag. These save space and reduce the weight of your luggage, especially important if you find your accommodation is up a three flight walkup!

We carry solid lotion bars in a variety of scents. One tip is to carry these in a plastic bag with your lip balm if you're traveling in a hot climate so you don't have a mess at the bottom of your bag!

Clothing and Accessories

Solid colors that mix and match, easy to hand-wash and line dry, and multi-purpose pieces should earn a top spot in your luggage.

Linen is a wonderful choice for tropical climates, whereas layers of wool, cashmere, and down are great for cold climates. Bringing basic pieces that don't limit movement and coordinate with other pieces allows you to pack a punch without over-packing.

One favorite travel wardrobe item is a cotton bandana like the one featured below from Handker. These pieces can multi-task as a head covering or scarf, and in a pinch, you can even knot the corners to make an impromptu bag. It’s one of the most versatile and packable accessories you can bring.

Gear and Organization

Good organization means you spend less time rummaging and more time exploring. A box bag like the one at the top, or small zippered pouch, keeps travel documents, snacks, chargers, and cosmetics neatly in one place.

If you’re traveling internationally, don’t overlook a coin purse. Many countries use coins for everyday purchases, from public transit to coffee. Having one handy keeps change from disappearing into the bottom of your bag.

A Final Word on Packing Smart

Traveling well isn’t about bringing everything you could possibly need, it’s about bringing the right things. By focusing on essentials that make you comfortable, keep you organized, and adapt to different situations, you’ll set yourself up for a more relaxed and enjoyable trip.

At The Handmade Showroom in downtown Seattle, we love finding beautiful, functional items that help make travel easier. Each of these featured essentials is designed by independent artists and makers who blend craftsmanship with everyday practicality—so you can explore the world with style and purpose.