#travel-packing

#travel-packing

Spring trips call for versatility, like cozy matching sets that double as an easy travel outfit, smart organizers that keep chaos in check, and tech that works harder so I don't have to. After years of trial and error, I've nailed down the travel essentials I swear by and the ones I'm officially leaving behind. Ahead, the 11 things I'd never pack for spring travel and what to bring instead.

When I arrived in Belgrade on the last day of September, I knew drizzly walks and brisk fall temperatures were in the cards. But on my third day in Serbia, less than two weeks into autumn, the snow started falling-and when I woke up in my cozy mountainside hotel in Zlatibor the next morning, it was piled 10 inches high.

My favorite styles take me from day to night, whether I'm layering them with a cropped cardigan and sneakers for a laid-back look or elevating them with vintage jewelry and heels for an evening-ready vibe. Right now, I'm eyeing a handful of affordable styles on Amazon that are perfect for everyday wear, weekend getaways, destination weddings, and everything in between.

Some destinations feel almost anonymously chic - in terms of the style you see, be it what people are wearing or the way the coffee shop interiors are curated, they could almost be anywhere in Europe. Lisbon isn't that. Instead, it's unmistakably, well, Lisbon, and choosing what to wear and what to pack for a trip to Lisbon is a chance to embrace its unique vibe. The capital of hills, beaches, forests, rivers and UNESCO World Heritage Sites is relaxed but energised, hipster-cool but also easygoing.

I always pack at least one animal-printed item in my suitcase, whether it's a zebra handbag or a cheetah flat. I do this because it's stylish, but also because it's an effortless way to spruce up any outfit. Animal prints like leopard, snakeskin, and cow print might look busy on paper, but in practice, they behave like a neutral. These prints go with every color and fabric in my carry-on: black, white, red, denim, linen, you name it.

As family vacations go, it was just about flawless. But after five days, we were preparing to head home to Los Angeles via Maui when things took a turn: Our Alaska Airlines flight on a Boeing 737 MAX 9 out of the official Kahului Airport was canceled, and every aircraft of the same type was grounded after loose bolts were discovered on the popular plane models.

One standout feature shoppers love is the large capacity of the toiletry bag. It measures 12 inches wide, eight inches tall, and about seven inches deep. That means it can fit some full-size bottles, but only if they're under eight inches tall, as the bag has a divider that prevents bottles from falling over (another huge plus). "It can hold everything you can throw at it," one reviewer wrote.

As a flight attendant with over 10 years of experience, I've found that the changing of the seasons usually means swapping out some of the essentials I keep packed in my bag. With summer fully behind us and chillier temperatures ahead, I'm taking out items like summer matching sets and sandals and replacing them with warmer layers and versatile shoes.

For many, the first sign of fall is the leaves changing. But for me, a shopping-loving travel writer, it's when Uggs go on sale. Right now, Ugg boots, slippers, and more popular styles from the brand are marked down at the boutique retailer Gilt, perfectly coinciding with when you'll want to stock up on seasonal essentials to pack for your travel plans throughout the coming months.

The reason for this is multipronged. In an effort to reduce packaging waste, the European Union (EU) announced a plan last year to have single-use plastics-like mini shampoo and conditioner bottles- banned by 2030. Most European hotels have now switched over to bulk-sized dispensers in order to reduce plastic waste, with many only offering shampoo, body wash, or two-in-one shower gels.

As a Floridian, I can pack a summer suitcase in my sleep. But when it comes to fall, I have to think carefully about versatile items that won't be too bulky and will layer well (I'm eternally chilly). A minimalist fall wardrobe may sound simple in theory, but it faces the challenges of unpredictable weather and drastic fluctuating temperatures. Packing for fall means keeping practicality, lightweight layers, and the right footwear top of mind.

It's no secret that the silk scarf has enjoyed a moment in the spotlight - a Euro summer, if you will. Its styling options are plentiful and it seems every celebrity and fashion influencer on Instagram has packed a suitcase full of them as they take to the skies, shores and streets of our favourite destinations. Printed bandanas pair well with sleek sunglasses for boat trips along the Italian coast, monochromatic designs (tied at the waist) contrast flippy maxi skirts for Barcelona city strolls,

Packing light can be tricky any time of year, but once the temperatures begin to dip, the struggle to fit everything into a carry-on bag becomes even more difficult. As someone who flies multiple times a year and refuses to pay for a checked bag, I've cracked the code for squeezing as many looks as I can into just a carry-on. My secret? Only sticking to one or two-sometimes, three-bottoms that can go with anything.