
I'm a travel editor - and these are the items I ALWAYS pack in my suitcase
I never used to be the best packer - just the thought of deciding what to include in my luggage would send me up in a rash.
But, as deputy travel editor of MailOnline, I'm constantly jet-setting around the globe.
In the last month alone, I've stayed at the Radisson Blu Royal in Copenhagen, Pikes Ibiza, Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa in Salcombe, Devon, and the new Virgin Hotel in Shoreditch.
And later this year, I'll be heading to Switzerland twice - for Eurovision next week and the Women's World Cup in July - as well as Croatia, Amsterdam, Italy and the Caribbean.
This globetrotting lifestyle has meant I've had no choice but to streamline my suitcase and get the packing list down to a tee.
Below, I've included all the essentials I take on every trip.
The list includes multiple space-saving gadgets that double up as two items and Amazon products I use to ensure a good sleep on long-haul and early morning flights.
You're definitely going to want to take a leaf out of my luggage next time you holiday...
INSFIT 17-Pack Silicone Travel Bottles Set
This travel bottle set has been an absolute gamechanger for me when it comes to travelling with hand luggage only.
The TSA-approved clear case comes with 17 containers, ranging in size, that you can decant all your lotions and potions in to using the included funnel.
It even comes with a brush for cleaning, as well as waterproof sticker labels so you don't mix up your shampoo with your moisturiser!
£9.99 Shop
OGIO RISE Backpack
I always make sure I bring a backpack with me on holiday in case of any jam-packed day trips.
This one from OGIO is the perfect size and has so many compartments, including elasticated ones on the side, for my water bottle and umbrella (just in case!), and a hidden zip pocket at the front for the important stuff.
There's also a section specifically for your laptop, and enough space to fit a change of clothes and shoes.
£89 Shop
STACKERS Cosmetic and Jewellery Bag
I've always been one of those people with a million different bags and boxes within their suitcase - a jewellery box, a makeup bag, a toiletries bag, the list goes on...
But this nifty 2-in-1 bag from STACKERS has fixed all that.
It fits all my makeup in and has a jewellery box attached at the bottom - which also keeps all my necklaces in place and stops them tangling.
£55 Shop
MyHalos 100% Blackout Sleep Mask
I bought this blackout eye mask for a long-haul flight originally, and it's so good I use it in bed every night now, and my sleep has got so much better.
Designed to prevent pressure on your eyes, this 3D sleep mask is perfect for sensitive eyes or those with lash extensions.
Made from premium memory foam and soft, breathable material, it offers superior comfort and light-blocking ability.
£9.99 Shop
Philips 3000 Series Handheld Steamer
I hate ironing and I'm not a neat packer in the slightest - so my life was changed once I discovered steamers.
This one from Philips is the perfect size for packing in a suitcase and folds up so small so really doesn't take up much room.
£31.99 Shop
Universal Travel Adapter
A travel adapter is an absolute must if you're going abroad, and I always leave this one in my suitcase so I never forget to pack it.
It fits any plug sockets around the world, and also has three USB ports, as well as a slot for USB-C cables, so you can charge five different devices at the same time.
£11.99 Shop
DOCK & BAY Quick Dry Beach Towel
One of my least favourite things about the beach has always been how wet and sandy the hotel towels end up getting.
But now I pack my own beach towel from DOCK & BAY for holidays.
It's quick-drying, never gets sandy and also comes in a little pouch so doesn't take up much room in the suitcase.
I love this tropical print too!
£21-50 Shop
mdlondon BLOW Hair Dryer
While this hair dryer may be expensive, it's so worth it to pack in your suitcase rather than having to rely on the rubbish hotel ones you get.
It's not specifically made for travel, but it's so small and lightweight at 360g, and is just as powerful as most on the market.
It's also really quiet!
£199 Shop
JBL Charge 5
A Bluetooth speaker is always an essential for me on holiday, as is a portable charger - especially when I'm using my phone to take so many videos and pictures.
And, incredibly, this gadget from JBL is both - a speaker, doubling up as a 7,500mAh power bank.
It's not the fastest at charging phones, but the sound from the speaker is incredible - what you'd expect from JBL.
£119.99 Shop
UGREEN Bluetooth Adapter
The free headphones given out on planes are nearly always worse quality than my Airpods.
But with no Bluetooth capabilities, there's no way of using them to watch a movie on long-haul flights.
This Bluetooth transmitter has fixed that and simply plugs into the AUX port.
What's even better is it connects to two devices at the same time, so when my partner and I want to watch the same film together on a flight, we no longer have to do it by pressing play at exactly the same time!
£12.99 Shop
Tile Mate by Life360
Throughout my life I've been told I'd 'lose my head if it weren't screwed on', and have been known to leave my suitcase on the train, my passport on the plane and my purse on the bar.
I really would be lost without tile Mates, which I've attached to my keys and added one to my suitcase.
The Bluetooth trackers are the ideal solution for scatterbrains, and also for safety if you're solo travelling, so friends and family can know your whereabouts.
£27.99 Shop
trtl Travel Pillow
I was so skeptical about trtl pillows for years, having seen the pictures of people looking a bit silly using them on planes.
But I'm officially a convert - they're the comfiest thing, and, together with my eye mask, I can finally sleep on the plane and don't even need a window seat.
£45.99 Shop
Portable Foot Hammock
At 5"1, I have very little legs, and struggle to reach the footrest on planes, let alone the floor.
This portable foot hammock hangs from the tray table in front, and makes it so much easier to get comfy - even in economy.
It also comes in a little bag, which fits easily into any suitcase or backpack.
£4.99 Shop
YETI 18oz (532ml) Bottle
I take a water bottle wherever I'm going, as it means I don't have to keep asking the crew for another tiny cup of water on a flight.
This one from YETI keeps my water cold all day - especially when I add some ice to it when I leave the house.
£30 Shop
MAC IN A SAC Synergy Jacket
The problem with travelling from cold and miserable UK to hot and sunny destinations is needing to pack a bulky coat in your suitcase and never take it out once you're at the hotel.
But Mac in a Sac has the answer - with insulated jackets that pack away into a tiny bag.
I have this Synergy jacket in ivory, and it's so warm and so easy to pack away.
£59.99 Shop
Klearlook 4 in 1 Adjustable Phone Stand
The worst thing about short-haul flights is the lack of screen - and having to hold your phone for an entire movie can be frustrating.
Thankfully, this phone stand - which works with all phones - can mount onto luggage handles or tray tables with a clamp.
It also easily rotates 360 degrees, so I use it to make hands-free video calls too when I'm waiting for my flight in the airport.
£9.99 Shop
Loop Switch 2
Earplugs are a must to get some sleep on the plane - and Loop Switch 2 are perfect for wearing constantly, with three different volume modes.
It means I can use them to nap on the flight, and also to wear in the clubs in Ibiza to stop myself getting tinnitus.
The earplugs have just come out in a gorgeous new McClaren Papaya colour (pictured), having partnered with the racing brand.
£59.95 Shop

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
29 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
TOWIE star Lauren Goodger arrives at the airport for filming in Portugal after revealing she was terrified to leave daughter Larose for the first time and had to combat her fear of flying
put on a brave face as she arrived at the airport after admitting she was scared to leave her daughter Larose for the first time. The TOWIE star, 38, was among the cast jetting off to Portugal on Thursday to film the new series of the popular ITVBe programme. However, just hours before she was pictured at the departures terminal, Lauren told her fans she was worried about leaving her little girl and combatting her flying fear. Lauren welcomed Larose, four, with her then-boyfriend Charles Drury and revealed how she had not left her daughter to go on holiday since her birth. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Lauren posted a selfie and wrote: '5am and I'm on my way to the airport. I have not done this in over 5 years! From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The TOWIE star, 38, was among the cast jetting off to Portugal on Thursday to film the new series of the popular ITVBe programme It comes just hours after Lauren shared a selfie where she opened up about her fears over flying for the first time in five years 'I feel many mixed emotions. SO proud of myself as I was awake most of the night thinking shall I just not go... 'As I hug my baby felt like I was awake all night kissing her, she is nearly 4 years old and I've never ever left her to go away or do anything for me.' She continued: 'Thank you @ITV @itvoffical and all of the TOWIE family @towie for helping me with this and most importantly something I'm going share with you very soon that's helped me come this far.' Despite her early morning fears, Lauren appeared upbeat as donned a beige co-rd and Hermes sandals for the flight. She toted her belongings in a brown Chanel bag and a personalised suitcase with her initials 'LG' printed on the front. Lauren opted for a bouncy blow dry and a glam palette of make up. She was joined by happy couple Junaid Ahmed and Joe Blackman, who both were dressed in hoodies and shorts. TOWIE have reportedly splashed £150,000 on a cast getaway to celebrate the show's 15th anniversary. Fan favourites will stay at the five-star resort in the Algarve for a two-week trip. Lauren pictured with her daughter Larose before the trip Filming is set to begin on June 6, with fan favourites staying at the five-star resort in the Algarve for a two-week trip. There is expected to be a production team of over 95 people involved, which makes it one of the largest international operations the show has ever done. The Westin Algarve has been chosen as the cast's base. The five-star resort is expected to serve as the stunning backdrop for much of the upcoming drama. Producers have flown out ahead of schedule in search for the best beach clubs, bars, and party hotspots across the Algarve. The show bosses sees Portugal as the most ideal location – with the sunny spot only a short 2.5 hour flight from the UK.


BBC News
4 hours ago
- BBC News
How budget airline baggage confusion triggered EU legal row
Determined to avoid baggage fees for his holiday to Pisa, Benjamin Till trawled several different shops armed with a tape measure in search of the right suitcase. Eventually, he found a case within the dimensions EasyJet allows for a free underseat bag - or so he thought. When Mr Till arrived at London Gatwick Airport in December 2023, he discovered those measurements included wheels, meaning his bag was deemed slightly too protested, but eventually paid £48 to bring the bag on board. He says he was told to remove the wheels for the way back - which he at the gate on his way home, he was told the suitcase was still too large, so he sat on the floor, unpacking his dirty underwear and souvenirs into a bin bag."I don't mind admitting that I actually burst into tears because it was so humiliating," he says. An EasyJet spokesperson told the BBC its ground crew had to ensure non-checked bags were within maximum dimensions "to safely and securely fit", and that rules were made clear to customers when they booked. Stories of passengers caught out by baggage rules they feel are inconsistent or confusing are common, with many customers complaining or seeking clarity from budget airlines on social media. Different airlines have varying rules on the acceptable size and weight of an underseat personal item or an overhead cabin bag, with some charging customers to bring the latter. For people who fall foul of these rules, some airlines charge hefty fees to upgrade a bag from a free personal item to an overhead cabin bag at the airport gate, or to stow an oversized cabin bag in the confusion has prompted the European Union's largest consumer group to push for fairer and more consistent hand luggage rules, and caused one government to start cracking down on airlines over bag EU is now looking at changing its laws - changes which would also affect UK passengers who are travelling to or from an EU destination using an EU-based airline. On Thursday, EU transport ministers proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines, among other air travel and passenger rights' changes - meaning this could become EU law if their position is accepted by the European airlines say their baggage policies comply with the law while keeping fares low, but they have been facing mounting pressure and calls for change. What could change, or not, for hand baggage? EU transport ministers proposed that passengers should be guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) - or which could reasonably fit under a plane rules would apply to EU-based airlines (such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and EasyJet), including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa, but not third-party rules would add clarity to an EU court ruling from 11 years ago, which stated hand baggage should not be subject to an extra fee, provided it met "reasonable" weight and dimensions, but did not say what reasonable Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while EasyJet's dimensions for a free bag are a more generous 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and ministers' proposal was silent, however, on the issue of whether airlines could charge for overhead cabin bags – meaning that if their proposal was adopted into law, the current situation would not change and airlines could keep charging for that kind of hand baggage, which some in Europe have lobbied to European Consumer Organisation, BEUC, an umbrella group for 45 independent consumer organisations from 32 countries, believes Thursday's proposals do not go far enough, and legitimise "charging for reasonably sized hand luggage".In November, five airlines were fined a total of €179m (£150m) in Spain for "abusive" practices, including charging for hand luggage. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry said at the time that it planned to ban charging extra for carry-on luggage and other airlines had said they would appeal the decision. Regarding charges for overheard cabin bags, Ryanair said it fully complied with EU law in its policy, which allows one small bag on board free of charge."If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers," the airline group Airlines For Europe said charging different amounts depending on baggage "allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs". What do customers want? Hand luggage dimensions should be universal, says Jane Hawkes, a consumer expert specialising in travel."I don't really see why it can't be, and why they can't come to a voluntary agreement as to what those requirements should be for your baggage," she tells the BBC."There have to be restrictions, obviously, but a one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers," she said policymakers should define what "reasonable" size and weight was "to avoid surprises at the airport and ultimately reduce the number of disputes costing consumers and airlines time and money".Ms Hawkes suggests passengers make sure they measure their bag after it is packed, as it may expand when it is full and go over the limit. She adds that consumers should not just be swayed by the fare price, as "if you've got an airline that encompasses [baggage] without you having to pay extra costs to start with, then that might be more of a better option for you". Mr Till would welcome a one-size-fits-all approach to underseat bags. "It's just really, really unfair and ridiculous and there should be one size that goes across all of the airlines," he also criticises the permitted size of underseat cabin bags, saying "it was such a tiny, tiny size of luggage that you were allowed that it had taken me so long to find something that was so small".Still, he was grateful for the inexpensive air fare, and the place he had to stay in Italy, because "otherwise I wouldn't be able to come to this beautiful country".


The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
The underrated French city that has a ‘bit of everything' with picturesque beaches and new cheap hotels
WITH relaxing beaches and super sightseeing – plus just a two-hour flight away – Nice on France's stunning Cote d'Azur makes for an easy sunny getaway. While it may happily soak up the glamorous associations of nearby Cannes and St-Tropez, this spot on the Med needn't break the bank. 4 WHY SHOULD I GO? NICE has a bit of everything. Great food, scenery and swimming. But it never feels like you need to elbow your way through its quaint streets. It is also one of France's brightest cities, with a reported 147 days of sunshine a year making it a great choice if you want to bask in the rays while also getting a top-notch culture fix. STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? ONE of the best things about Nice is just how walkable it is, the piece de resistance being a stroll along the seafront Promenade des Anglais. As you get your steps in alongside the palm trees, look out for the iconic hotel Le Negresco, which hosted Elizabeth Taylor and The Beatles. Pack comfy shoes to walk 30 minutes up to the Colline du Chateau — a park from which you can get the best views of the city. It's smart to hop on a tram (€10, or £8.39, return) outside the airport to get into the centre after landing — it takes just over half an hour. BUCKET LIST ATTRACTIONS? THE cute Old Town comprises a series of winding alleys that have hardly changed from the 1700s and are made for wandering, complete with colourful, shuttered facades. Between the many historic squares and churches, you will find plenty of adorable shops selling handbags, jewellery and other stylish items. Or head to the flea market Les Puces de Nice, a treasure trove of affordable designer clothing. Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport Need an energy boost? Stop off at the Frisson coffee shop which serves dainty pastries and ice cream. Enjoy art at the Matisse Museum (€10, or £8.39, entry), before a free walk through the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre in the Jardin des Arenes de Cimiez. WHERE SHOULD I EAT? LUNCH on delicious Mediterranean cuisine beneath a chic, striped parasol at the laidback Hotel Amour Plage (part of Hotel Amour Nice) in a prime position on the promenade. Then retreat to the beach club's sunloungers beside the beach. 4 For a dinner you can dress up for, head to Taulissa above the five-star Le Victoria hotel. Dine on mouthwatering Provencal dishes — including plenty of fish and seafood options — with panoramic views of the city. For more of a local feel, try the friendly Rouge wine bar, whose small Mediterranean sharing plates are just as unmissable as the contents of its cellar. I FANCY A DRINK EASE into the evening with a sunset visit to Babel Babel, for a range of natural wines and a sea view. Later, Place du Pin and the adjacent Rue Bonaparte are full of bustling cocktail bars with terraces. 4 WHERE SHOULD I STAY? THE Old Town is arguably best, not only for its charm but for practical reasons too — it's close to all the key sites you'll want to visit. EasyHotel Nice Old Town has had a multi-million pound refurb, and is a stone's throw from all the action. There is an all-you-can-eat continental breakfast buffet (£10.49, per person) — including croissants, of course — and the handy option to store luggage at €5 (£4.20) per item for up to 12 hours before or after your stay.