As the founder of Nellie, I’ve logged thousands of travel hours scouting out destinations to send our clients to. Last year alone I traveled to 15 countries. That means I’ve tried all the travel hacks and gadgets out there, and I know what works—and what doesn’t.
Here are my very favorite tips and products for taking the stress out of packing and traveling:
Capsule packing for the win
I live by the capsule wardrobe philosophy when I travel. My uplevel? Each outfit is pre-packed into its own little cube or pouch, so all I have to do is grab that day's capsule to get dressed, and I'm ready to go. It's such a time-saver and ensures I only bring what I really need and I don’t need to unpack at each new hotel.
My summer dress code in one word? Flow
When I'm heading to warm climates, you'll find me living in flowy skirts, dresses, and the occasional linen pant (thank goodness they're cool again). I've amassed quite the collection of breezy pieces in multiple colors because they're packable, versatile, and offer optimal airflow.
My never-fail summer packing list
In summer, I only bring three daytime outfits and two dresses for evenings out, even if it’s a two-week trip. I also bring two to three bathing suits, a cover up or two, and workout gear. The tip to traveling so light? Pay to get your items cleaned at your hotel or schedule in time for a laundry run.
The non-negotiable travel pillow
I'm utterly obsessed with my pillow, so much so that I take the travel pillow version on the road with me and I gladly sacrifice precious suitcase real estate to accommodate it. It’s crucial for avoiding neck pain and ensuring I get a good night's sleep no matter where I am. I know, I know. Luxury hotels usually have divine down pillows, but they’re just not the same as my pillow. This pillow saves me a lot of back/neck pain on the road.
A water bottle that’s not an albatross
Yes, I love my Hydroflask as much as anyone, but when I’m traveling I don’t want to be lugging that thing with me all over Paris or Saigon. This collapsible water bottle is my favorite hack for staying hydrated without weighing myself down while I’m on the go.
A portable fan (with a misting feature if you’re fancy)
With the warming climate, I’ve become a portable fan fanatic. I always pack at least two different types—one regular and one with a misting function. Summer in southern Europe and Southeast Asia (all year round) can get brutally hot and sticky, so these keep me cool and comfortable when temperatures soar.
Collapsible bag
On those rare occasions when I do need to check a bag, I always bring a collapsible bag. It's perfect if you think you might get some shopping done on the road, and it shrinks down to practically nothing when not in use.
Travel-sized beauty products
You'll never find me traveling with full-sized beauty products. I transfer everything to compact, refillable containers beforehand. It's so much easier than lugging around bulky bottles. There’s no reason to buy expensive versions here; the drugstore versions work just fine.
Noise-canceling headphones
My Bose noise-canceling headphones are an absolute must on every single trip. They block out ambient sounds and loud airplane whines, letting me enjoy my favorite podcasts, music, or movies in peace.
I’d love to hear about your own tried-and-true travel favorites. Let me know in the comments!