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Travel + Leisure
23-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Travel Nurse Who's Been to Over 100 Countries, and These Are the 13 Essentials I Never Leave Home Without
When you've traveled to over 100 countries, you learn to be an expert packer. Cherene Saradar is a travel nurse anaesthetist who spends half the year traveling for contract work at hospitals around the U.S. and the other half globe-trotting for pleasure, having visited all seven continents and 116 countries to date. Her medical background dictates her packing style, as she prioritizes items that focus on comfort and health. And, as a proud carry-on-only traveler (even for three-month-long trips), she knows how to pack wisely to not waste precious space. Saradar shared with me the travel essentials she takes on every trip while packing light. From her must-have carry-on tote to the comfortable sneakers she always wears, keep reading for the 13 non-negotiables she takes with her on every trip. Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag Nordstrom In order to pack for months without checking a cabin bag, it's not just your carry-on suitcase that matters, but also the spaciousness of your personal item. Saradar swears by the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag. She takes this travel bag on every flight as she can fit everything she needs with her on a flight, including her camera and laptop, while still easily fitting it under the airplane seat. It holds her tried-and-true essentials for a comfortable flight, including: silicone earplugs, a soft eye mask, Drunk Elephant lip balm, hand cream, and a light scarf or sweater. When not in use, she can pack it down and store it in her suitcase. 'It's easy to clean, durable, comes in tons of colors, and it gives me a bit of style and luxury without breaking the bank,' she says. 'It's also a great day bag, shopping bag, camera bag, and beach bag.' Travelpro Maxlite Carry-on Luggage Amazon Saradar has been using the same carry-on for a decade. The Travelpro Maxlite Carry-on is one of the lightest carry-on suitcases on the market, which matters for airlines that weigh your cabin bags. It adheres to various internationally accepted carry-on dimensions, standing at 21 inches tall. 'I like the organization of the bag. The outside pocket on the front easily fits my laptop, and the inner lid pocket is very handy,' she says. 'It's a durable spinner bag that's easy to push.' Hoka Arahi Sneakers Zappos As a nurse, Saradar knows that the right shoes are so important. 'They're the base of your wardrobe and also the most important thing for your well-being,' she says. Whether working in the hospital or exploring the world, she swears by Hoka sneakers. When she's traveling, she prefers the Arahi style in white so she can pair them with everything from dresses and skirts to her workout gear. 'I've been wearing the Hoka Arahi for years. I can't believe how good my back feels in these. They're like walking on a cloud and provide pronation support," she says, which is important for maintaining an even stride. They're so good she swears they've fixed the back pain she suffered from for years, and she feels comfortable walking in them all day. Athleta Venice High-rise Wide-leg Pant Athleta It's possible to be stylish and comfy, and Saradar requires that her travel clothes be both. You won't catch her flying in sweatpants. Instead, she always flies in Athleta loungewear that she deems to be nice enough for wearing in public, while still feeling cozy and comfortable on long-haul flights. She basically lives in the Athleta Venice High Rise Wide-leg Pant. 'They're super flattering as there's just enough stretch and the waistband doesn't feel tight, but they still appear fitted and polished,' she says. 'The pants drape beautifully like trousers but feel like soft loungewear. And a major bonus — they don't wrinkle.' Saradar recommends picking up a few pairs in neutral colors like off-white or black so you can pair them with any tops. Athleta Seasoft Quarter Zip Athleta On flights, she's typically dressed in head-to-toe Athleta, pairing this Seasoft Quarter Zip with the Venice wide-leg pants. She loves how cozy and warm the quarter zip is and finds the fleece to be sleek, as it drapes with structure rather than looking slouchy. The cool-to-the-touch fabric is perfect for planes with varying temperatures, as it will keep you just warm enough without overheating. It's super lightweight, so you can easily stow it away in your tote bag when not needed. Born Women's Trinidad Sport Sandal Amazon Not only is it important to have a good pair of sneakers, but it's also useful to have comfy, stylish sandals on hand. 'Shoes that won't give you blisters, allow you to walk as much as you want, don't give you back pain, and still look kind of cute is a tall order,' she says. She's worn many sandals from the brand Born over the years and wears them until they fall apart. 'They're incredibly cushy and soft. They're functional yet still look nice enough for evening,' she says. 'I can walk all day in them, and have even done some light hiking.' With adjustable straps, a lightweight cork sole, and a soft leather upper, these sandals are the perfect comfortable choice for any trip. The North Face Antora Rain Hoodie REI No matter where she's headed, Saradar makes room in her carry-on for a lightweight jacket, especially if she'll be visiting warmer destinations where she could get caught in tropical rain. 'I always bring my North Face lightweight hooded waterproof jacket,' she says. 'It takes hardly any room in the luggage and is handy to throw on for windy or wet days.' With adjustable drawstrings on the hood and bottom of the jacket, this North Face hooded coat will easily keep out wind and rain. 'I always get compliments on the jacket. It packs well as it's extremely light yet still very warm and cozy,' she says. Grace Karin Pleated Chiffon Skirt Amazon Saradar always packs a maxi skirt, which can be easily layered and mixed and matched throughout her trip to create multiple outfits. 'Lately, I've been packing this skirt because I can change up the tops and wear various outfits. You can wear tank tops, short sleeves, long sleeves, sweaters, a sweatshirt, or a blazer with it — it's super versatile,' she says. 'A longer skirt makes you look put and can provide proper coverage in conservative regions.' She owns this pleated chiffon skirt from Amazon in a light khaki color. Because it's neutral, it works for all seasons and matches everything. She's 5-foot-1, so despite the midi cut, it fits her like a maxi skirt. Another one of her favorite Amazon finds is this Zesica floral printed maxi wrap dress. 'I've worn it on so many trips. It's lightweight, easy to pack, and is casual enough for daytime but looks dressy enough for going out to dinner or a party.' Clutch Portable Charger Amazon The battery of Saradar's phone drains quickly when she's on the go all day using maps and her phone's camera. 'Not having a phone to call for help or to use a map is a huge safety concern for me, so keeping it charged is vital,' she says. 'I don't like to carry a bulky, heavy charger, so the Clutch one is perfect as it's tiny and magnetizes to the back of your phone.' It also comes with a built-in cable, so you don't have to worry about forgetting your cord in the hotel room. Bagsmart Makeup Bag With Hanging Hook Amazon After traveling to over 100 countries, Saradar swears by using a hanging toiletry bag. She says it's a total game changer because you don't have to rely on shelf or counter space. She uses one from Biaggi, which operates in the same way as this Bagsmart option. 'It has space to hold everything, including my makeup, toothbrush, deodorant, jewelry, cotton swabs, and more. It has tons of pockets and keeps me organized,' she says. Biaggi Hangmates 3-tiered ZipCube Amazon But it's not just hanging toiletry bags that make organizing her belongings in a hotel room easier—she also uses hanging packing cubes. Since she packs in a carry-on, she uses Biaggi's medium-sized hanging packing cube. 'This makes packing and unpacking in the hotel so easy. All you have to do is hang it in the closet and then fold it and compress it with the strap to put it back in the suitcase,' she says. This is her secret to being able to pack for a month in Europe in a carry-on. Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set REI It's fair to say Saradar is a big fan of using packing cubes. In addition to the hanging style, she also loves this set from Eagle Creek, which comes in different sizes. 'I use the small 1-liter cube for underwear and socks, and the medium-sized pouch to hold my tech, outlet adaptors, wires, cords, and zip drives,' she explains. The Lifestraw Water Bottle REI As a nurse, Saradar knows how important it is to stay hydrated. She tries to drink as much water as possible throughout the day, and says her Lifestraw water bottle is essential. 'Lifestraw makes virtually any water safe to drink. I can drink water from any tap as it filters bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and dirt,' she says. This BPA-free plastic version is lighter than the heavier insulated stainless steel style, making it ideal for taking on the go. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- The Sun
I only ever pack one pair of shoes on holiday as they work for every occasion – and they're on sale on Amazon
IT'S a running joke how lightly I pack for a trip abroad, no matter how long I'm away for or where I am going. You'll often only see me carting a backpack around, or at a push, a small hand luggage-sized suitcase (yes, even for 10 days travelling around Kenya). 5 5 5 And a huge part of this is thanks to perfecting my footwear choice - by that, finding a pair that go with quite literally everything. Enter Tevas - no longer considered the ugly shoe only your dad would wear and some of the comfiest I have ever worn. By that, I mean I can walk up to 30,000 steps around a city with no blisters or shin splits. (My 20-year-old self who tried to walk around all of Rome in gladiator sandals would cry in happiness, knowing this). The thick rubber base means there is little impact even when pounding cobblestone pavements. Not only that, but they are ideal beachwear shoes. Along with the comfort, you can even go into the sea with them if you come across any stony shores. I've often gone for a paddle in the waters while keeping them on, including during a trip to Zurich where I wasn't the only one wading into the water wearing them. Yet they even work for nice restaurants in the evening as well. While I love my tan coloured Tevas, the black, thinner strapped versions are the ideal update for a night out on the town, with them still looking smart enough. The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying hand luggage only 5 While they are the only shoe I pack, if you are desperate to take a pair of trainers with you, Tevas are so lightweight that they can easily go into any bag without much effort either. Have I persuaded you? If you are still on the fence, then you can find them on sale on Amazon at the moment. The classic black versions are down to £32.50 rather than £45. Or their newer thinner strapped versions are on sale for £45 rather than £50. Other places they are on sale includes Schuh, where they can be found for £34.99, or ASOS for £45. And don't just take my word for it either. Former ballet dancer Kristie explained on her social media last year that she thinks they are great as well. She said: "You can wear them in the water, when they get dirty, you wipe them clean. "They're very tacky so on uneven surfaces you feel very stable." In the mean time, here is a "three-shoe" rule some packers swear by. And here's why you should never wear trainers to the airport. The bags, plane outfits and accessories The Sun's travel team loves K-Brands Sick Bags - £14.99 for 24 (approx. 55p each). Sturdy sick bags with a plastic ring for easy holding and a heavy-duty design to prevent leaks. Phone Suction Holder - From 99p on Amazon. Features 12 suction pads to stick your phone to any glass surface for hands-free video calls or selfies. Amazon Foam Earplugs - 34p per pair (£3.39 for 10). Moulds to your ear shape for comfort, muffles noise effectively on planes, in hotels, or from crying babies. Matador's Pocket Blanket Mini - A water-resistant mat that fits in the palm of your hand, perfect for laying down in airports, on the beach, or anywhere a child might need a break. Flight Socks - From £5.99 on Amazon or £7.95 from Asda. These help prevent swollen ankles on long flights and are advised to avoid DVT. Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8 - £69.99. A trusty e-reader that can store hundreds of books and doubles as a tablet for offline viewing of shows like Netflix on flights. Primark Packing Cubes - £8 for a pack of three. Life-savers for compressing clothes to save space and for organising items like trousers, tops, and swimwear within your luggage. Bluetooth Headphone Adapter - £16.99 from Amazon. Allows you to connect your own headphones (including noise-cancelling ones) to onboard inflight entertainment, with 18 hours of battery life. Hoppstar Artist Kids Camera - Pricier end of travel accessories (specific price not given). Takes excellent pictures, has a decent screen, and can print black and white versions in about three seconds for a non-messy activity. Primark Dark Pink Joggers & Matching Sweatshirt - £6 each. Comfortable, loose-fitting tracksuit pieces that are ideal for flights and are very budget-friendly. 5
New York Times
15-07-2025
- New York Times
Traveling Ultralight: How to Pack a Personal Item
I once flew Spirit Airlines round-trip to Las Vegas from Chicago for less than $100. The catch: I could take only a personal item that would fit under the seat in front of me (or check a bag for a fee). This lesson in ultralight flying won me over with convenience and the joy of being unburdened by a lot of extra stuff. With the cheapest airfares come the tightest constraints, including limitations on complimentary carry-on luggage. Basic economy tickets on United and low-cost carriers such as Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit restrict ticket holders to a personal item. Packing light is a challenge compounded by the personal-item limit. Provided you're not packing for business or special events or have children to consider, the following are ways to pare down your load, allowing you to take advantage of bargain fares. The definition of a personal item varies. While most airlines agree it should fit under the seat in front of you, many don't specify dimensions. Those that do list maximum sizes have slightly varying limits. For example, Spirit says the dimensions should not exceed 18 by 14 by 8 inches, the size of a typical daypack. United puts the measurement at 17 by 10 by 9 inches. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
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Travel + Leisure
14-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Amazon Shoppers Say This Carry-on Set Is the Secret to Traveling for 3 Weeks Without Checking a Bag—From $65
Packing light pays off in spades, from saving on checked luggage fees to the time otherwise spent waiting at baggage claim. There's a misconception that packing light means having to go without, but that's not always the case. Some carry-on luggage has a higher volume of packing space than other options, despite their similar dimensions. Amazon reviewers say that's certainly the case for this organizational Bagsmart carry-on that they can reportedly squeeze several weeks' worth of stuff into. It even comes with a companion—a matching duffel bag that offers even more fee-free packing room—and the two-piece set is surprisingly affordable at $65, on sale for 13 percent off. The highlight of this two-piece Bagsmart luggage set is the 20-inch hardside spinner. The shell is made of ultra-durable and scratch-resistant polycarbonate that keeps the suitcase light (just over six pounds) despite providing a tough shield for your belongings. It has a TSA-approved combination lock and can hold 35 liters of gear, thanks to an interior system of compression pockets and straps. 'We took this suitcase on a three-week (carry-on-only) trip to Italy,' wrote one reviewer. ''It's lightweight even when stuffed full.' This happy shopper also noted that the zippers were 'strong and smooth to pull' and that the multi-direction wheels 'held up on cobblestone roads and sidewalks as well as carpet, tile, [and] hardwood.' A handful of other five-star reviews say they had no problem packing a whole week's worth of belongings into the suitcase of this matching set—and that's not including the extra packing space that comes with the duffel. This travel bag measures slightly over the personal item size restrictions of most airlines, but the soft exterior gives it lots of flexibility, so you may still be able to jam it underneath the seat in front of you. For the extra 11 liters of packing space, it's definitely worth a try. 'These two cases are outstanding for quality, durability, and style,' one shopper wrote about this 'gorgeous' two-piece carry-on set. The hardside spinner has a fashionable wave-like exterior, and the matching duffel makes for a smart, compact gym bag or overnight bag. Another reviewer said the spinner is smaller and lighter than a higher-end suitcase they own, making it a better carry-on for international travel, due to varying size restrictions between airlines. Inspired to pack lighter for your next flight? Snag the Bagsmart set now while it's 10 percent off the original $75 price tag, or keep scrolling for more luggage sets on sale at Amazon. At the time of publishing, the price started at $62. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
I Refuse to Check a Bag This Summer—so I'm Only Packing These Capsule Wardrobe Basics That Work for Any Trip
After too many jet bridges spent gate-checking a bulging roller bag and one too many hours waiting at a luggage carousel, I've officially downsized my overpacking ways, at least for my trips to Europe. This summer, I challenged myself to pack smarter, lighter, and more intentionally. The result? A carry-on-friendly capsule wardrobe that's stylish enough for rooftop dinners in Barcelona, breathable enough for sweaty museum hops in Florence, and polished enough for feeling like a local in Paris. Built around versatile silhouettes, natural fabrics, and neutral tones that play well together, this edit is proof that less really is more, especially when every piece earns its place. Below is the wardrobe I'll be wearing on repeat from now through September, no matter the destination. Bon voyage, baggage fees! Credit: Quince Credit: Amazon Credit: Credit: Old Navy Linen dresses are my ultimate travel lifesaver. Whether I'm sweating it out chasing my daughter through the crowded streets of Florence or dressed up for a captain's dinner on a Mediterranean cruise, they keep me comfortable and looking good. The breathable fabric lets my skin breathe during those hot, busy days, and the natural texture gives off that effortlessly chic vibe that feels perfectly at home across Europe. Plus, they are slightly more resistant to wrinkling, which is a game changer for people who are constantly a bit of a stressed-out hot mess (like me). Credit: Rothys $149 $119 at Nordstrom View on Credit: Amazon Credit: Birdies Credit: Vionic $130 $60 at Amazon View on When my itinerary involves everything from racing through airport security to wandering cobblestone streets and making business dinner appointments, my shoes have to be up for the challenge. I'll never forget sprinting to catch an almost-missed flight in Madrid, and my Rothy's slip-ons saved me at security, letting me slide them off and on in seconds without fumbling with laces or buckles. Generally speaking, slip-on shoes are lightweight and easy to pack, yet comfortable enough to carry me through long days of sightseeing. Best of all, their sleek design means I never have to sacrifice style for practicality, whether I'm darting through terminals, strolling historic city centers, or stepping into a cozy neighborhood trattoria; these shoes effortlessly transition from day to night without literally no fuss. Credit: Abercrombie & Fitch Credit: Amazon Credit: Buck Mason Credit: Amazon Matching sets have become my entire identity, and it's because they're so darn easy (to both wear and style). They take the guesswork out of packing and dressing, lightweight and breathable, they're perfect for sunny afternoons wandering markets or casual dinners in a new city. I wore my Buck Mason linen set while strolling through Paris and actually got compliments from locals (it was all in French, but she was smiling). As an American, I took that as the ultimate win. For beach days or poolside lounging, a set that doubles as a swim cover-up and a statement piece means less to pack and more versatility. And when it's time to relax, cozy yet chic matching loungewear keeps me comfortable without sacrificing style during downtime or travel days. Credit: Summersalt Credit: Amazon Credit: Quince Credit: Athleta When I'm packing for Europe—or literally anywhere these days—the oversized shirt is non-negotiable. It's light, breathable, and perfect for those unpredictable days during travel when you start with a morning museum visit and end up at a sunset terrace. I love wearing it unbuttoned over a linen dress for that effortlessly cool, layered look that's so quintessentially European. It's also my go-to for breezy mornings along the Seine or wandering cobblestone streets in Rome. Plus, it doubles as a beach cover-up, which is a double win in my opinion. Credit: Quince Credit: Nordstrom Credit: Amazon Credit: Amazon As you can probably tell, linen is one of my favorite fabrics for summer, and there are a lot of reasons why. It's an ultra-breathable fabric that keeps me cool when I'm running around the sun-soaked cities of Barcelona, Santorini, and Rome. I also love how linen pants are endlessly easy to style. Although I often pair them with a tucked-in tee or an oversized shirt, they're just as cute with a breezy silk blouse or cropped cardi. As someone trying to live out of a carry-on, I also adore how they fold down small and get that coveted worn-in, wrinkled-in-the-best-way look, so they're a dream to pack. Credit: Tuckernuck Credit: Vineyard Vines View on Credit: Amazon Credit: Quince I've always loved dresses—maybe a little too much, considering I have over 125 in my closet. But when it comes to packing light for Europe, a floral maxi dress always makes the cut. It's effortlessly versatile: easy to dress down with sandals for wandering art galleries or dress up with heels and delicate gold jewelry for a night out in Italy. The ones I love move with me, and fit and flatter, even after an extra plate of pasta or extra glass of wine. The floral prints just feel right everywhere, from the lavender fields of Provence to the vibrant streets of Lisbon, and the lightweight fabric keeps me cool in the hottest temperatures. Plus, since it's all in one piece, it takes up less space in my suitcase than a full outfit would, making packing way easier. Credit: Vuori View on Credit: Quince Credit: Amazon Credit: A&F Like jeans, tailored pants are one of those pieces that instantly upgrade any look, but they don't add bulk to an already-crammed carry-on (or weigh it down). What I love most about these wardrobe staples is how easy they are to dress up or down. Throw on a crisp white tee or crop top for a casual daytime vibe, or pair them with a sleek vest and delicate gold jewelry for something sharper when you want to turn heads. They strike the perfect balance between polished and relaxed. Plus, they're seriously on-trend right now: clean lines, high-waisted fits, and a modern silhouette that's both timeless and fresh. And, as an almost 40-year-old who works alongside that generation, a nod from them always makes my day. Best of all, tailored pants help me blend right in with locals in Italy and France, where effortless 'clean girl' chic is basically a lifestyle. Credit: Gap Credit: Amazon Credit: Quince Credit: lululemon I'm an old lady in the sense that I always need a cardigan (or a sweater). Especially in Europe, where it goes from 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the day to 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night, depending on where you are. These cute crop styles give me just the right amount of warmth without feeling bulky, perfect for layering over dresses or pairing with jeans for a casual but put-together look. I love how the shorter length keeps things modern and flattering, so I never feel swallowed up by fabric. Plus, it's lightweight and folds easily into my suitcase, but is still cozy enough to keep me comfortable on planes when it's often Arctic cold. Credit: Quince Credit: Tuckernuck Credit: lululemon Credit: Amazon Whenever I'm traveling abroad, a crossbody bag is non-negotiable, and not just for the hands-free convenience but for the added security against pickpockets. When in Paris with my mom, the crossbody bag was what saved my mom from losing her entire bag (wallet and passport included) to thieves. I love how these bags work with just about any outfit, whether I'm in tailored pants and a blouse or a breezy linen dress. Despite their compact size and minimal suitcase footprint, they surprise me by fitting all the essentials: wallet, phone, sunglasses, and even my small Sony mirrorless camera. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
