As someone who loves exploring new destinations, I’ve learned that a well-packed bag makes all the difference in having a smooth journey.

Below are my absolute must-haves for any trip—items that not only solve practical travel challenges but also elevate the entire experience.

1. The Ultimate Travel Companion

They say you can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep. I never travel without my preferred book-reading device. I call it a Kindle, but it’s actually the Amazon Fire, an eight-inch, high-definition tablet that costs just under $150.

It’s my portable portal to countless worlds, loaded with books I’ve read so many times they’re like old friends. Whether it’s an unexpected flight delay or a quiet evening in a cozy corner of the world, my Fire ensures that boredom never has a chance to creep in.

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Lightweight, battery-efficient, and always there when I need it, it’s the perfect blend of function and fantasy. Some people pack extra shoes; I pack stories. And honestly, isn’t that what travel is all about?

2. Stylish, Practical Passport Holder

A woman’s purse is a black hole—a mysterious void where lipstick, keys, and occasionally your sanity disappear. I’ve had one too many moments of frantically digging through that chaos in a foreign airport, searching for my passport as the line behind me grew longer and more judgmental.

Part of my travel ensemble is a chic passport holder, and my current favorite is this one from Sinsay. Not only does it act as a wallet (hello, multitasking queen), but it’s also stylish and gives me peace of mind, knowing my most important document won’t get dog-eared, damp, or swallowed by my handbag.

The Serbian passport may not be the most powerful travel tool (thanks to visa limitations and certain restrictions), but that doesn’t mean it can’t travel in style. My passport deserves to look as good as I do—and with my trusty holder, it always does.

3. Hypnosis and Meditation Audio Files

As a licensed hypnotherapist, I’ve found that travel time can be a golden opportunity for self-nurturing. Long flights, layovers, or sleepless nights are perfect moments to listen to hypnosis, meditation, and affirmation audio, encouraging a sense of strength and calm.

I create my own custom scripts to feed my subconscious with empowering beliefs, but there are plenty of options available online. I recommend the app Insight Timer, which offers an array of meditation and hypnosis audio from well-known coaches and healers.

These audios not only keep me centered but also transform downtime into personal growth time—it’s like packing a therapist in my carry-on, without the awkward small talk.

There’s something magical about using life’s inconvenient moments—delayed flights, long layovers, sleepless nights—to nurture yourself.

Instead of pacing terminal floors or doom-scrolling, I pop in my earbuds, close my eyes, and let my subconscious soak up all the good vibes. It’s self-care on the go, and honestly, it’s the kind of “baggage” worth carrying.

4. Unforgettable Contact Lens Case

As someone who wears both contact lenses and glasses, I know the struggle of packing eye care essentials, especially with strict liquid restrictions during travel. My philosophy is simple: if I’m going to live in a blurry world, why not do it in style?

LRITER’s affordable portable cases are compact, travel-friendly, and adorable. Over time, this practical item has morphed into a collection of tiny treasures—metallic finishes, fun patterns, and designs that make me smile every time I reach for them.

Because, really, if I have to deal with the daily reality of juggling glasses and contacts, why not make it stylish? Even my disability deserves a touch of glam.

5. The Woolen Winner of My Wardrobe

If there’s one item in my closet that deserves a standing ovation, that would be my poncho. My soft, multi-use poncho is both a style icon and a survival tool.

On long flights, when the cabin temperature plummets to arctic levels, a great wool poncho like this one on Etsy transforms into the coziest blanket ever. It’s not cheap, at nearly $200, but when visiting places like Tenerife, with its fascinating array of microclimates, it’s the ideal climate-control accessory.

Needless to say, my trusty poncho has been rolled up countless times and served as a pillow and silent support during many uncomfortable travels. It’s more than a piece of clothing; it’s a bridge between form and function, a little slice of home I carry everywhere.

Every woman deserves a great poncho—because sometimes life needs a bit of warmth, flair, and brilliance.