#packing

#packing

I recently returned from my fifth trip to French Polynesia-specifically, Bora Bora-and I remain convinced it's the most beautiful place on earth. Since I first honeymooned there in 2010, every trip back feels just as awe-inspiring as the first: impossibly turquoise lagoons, powder-soft sand, Instagram-worthy overwater bungalows, and underwater scenes that are almost too magical to be real. But here's something else about this kind of paradise: It's remote.

Packing for a European getaway is no easy feat, especially if it's your first time abroad or you only travel a couple of times a year. It requires planning-the right luggage, versatile outfits, comfortable shoes, and smart accessories all have to be considered-and you'll want to try to pack as lightly as possible. Depending on how you've structured your trip, you may be hopping on and off public transportation or climbing seemingly endless stairs,

Nothing feels more like a real-life game of tetris than packing a weekender bag for a short trip. On paper, it sounds easy-you're only gone for a few days, after all. But even well-seasoned travelers know that toiletries, clothes, shoes, and electronics can quickly take up precious bag space. Finding a weekender that fits all these items, while remaining comfortable to carry, can seem impossible.

Before this, we'd never traveled just the two of us-but after talking about it for years, we finally made it happen. As a travel writer, I loved bringing my sister into my world-we flew my favorite airline (I'm a diehard Delta loyalist), experienced the coveted Delta One lounges at LAX and JFK, explored a beautiful city, learned all about Danish culture (particularly the lovely "hygge" mindset), took in the city's famous minimalist fashion, and made some irreplaceable core memories.

After visiting more than 70 countries and learning to live out of a carry-on for weeks at a time, I've made every packing mistake in the book-literally. From cramming too many "just in case" outfits to forgetting something as simple as a charger adapter, I've found myself spending way over budget just to account for all the things I've forgotten.

When it came time to pack, I slowly deconstructed my apartment over the course of a month. I made endless trips to the thrift store, posted on Facebook Marketplace, and even hosted a move-out party where I made snacks for my friends while they raided my closet. After all that, I still found myself frantically sitting on my suitcase, trying to zip it right up until my ride to the airport arrived.

I could immediately tell Nobl's 20-Inch Carry-On Trunk Suitcase would transform my packing experience. It has clever details like a built-in beverage holder and four hands-free bag hooks, but that's not the only thing that makes it noteworthy. Measuring 15 by 10 by 23 inches, Nobl's trunk design means it's slightly taller than a standard carry-on, yet it's still compact enough to fit comfortably inside most airline overhead bins.

When putting together a packing list for an upcoming trip, there are a few wardrobe staples to always budget suitcase space for. A comfy loungewear set and buttery-soft joggers should make the cut, along with a versatile travel dress. Not only does it seamlessly take you from day to night, but if your dress choice is comfy enough, it can even take you from the plane to exploring your destination, too.

For years, packing was my biggest travel stressor. I'm the type of person who always wants to have the right outfit for every moment, and I love having options-both of which don't exactly translate to lightness and efficiency. There were countless trips where I either hated all the outfits I brought with me or I'd find myself lugging around more (and heavier) bags than was necessary.

Hopping on an airplane should always be a happy occasion. After all, it likely means you're heading somewhere new. However, there are a few stressors that can put a damper on all that joy: Did you pack the right things? Is your carry-on overweight? Will you arrive at the airport on time? But don't fret-there are some ways to make your flying experience a bit smoother.

From the beginning, my mistake was not realizing how drastically the weather can change from one region to the next. Now after visiting the country more than eight times, I've become an expert on what to pack for a trip to Iceland. I've learned that a backpack filled with back-up waterproof jackets and pants are a must, and that having more layers is better than just wearing one.

Festivals are fantastic opportunities for creating memories, but remember to balance personal documentation with respect for fellow attendees who also wish to enjoy the experience.