Last week I was in Denver for work and after traveling frequently for work over the last few years, I realized it’s time to share some travel necessities.

When it comes to travel, especially when flying, I’m all about comfort and organization. While most things are out of your control at the airport, I find that that focusing on comfort and organization are two things you can slightly control to allow a smoother trip.

Below are nine products that I swear by while traveling! Leave your must-haves in the comments. I’d love to hear! Xo Mindy

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MY 9 MUST-HAVE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

1 // CALPACK 5 PIECE PACKING CUBE SET: SHOP
On my trip this week, I used packing cubes for the first time. I’ve heard most people say they really just use them in very large luggage, but since I refuse to check luggage EVER [heard that changes once you have children, though!] I tested them in my carry on luggage. I absolutely loved them. 

When it comes to travel, organization is what keeps me sane and stress-free. I’ll try just about anything or any trick that has a chance of keeping me organized.

Even though I only had a carry on, I packed clothes to cover five work outfits, a gym ensemble and loungewear. I load that my carry on to the brim! These packing cubes added just a TOUCH more of organization for me to allow my mornings to run smoother getting to my office and also made packing more simple.

I also loved that I had a bag designated to dirty clothes so right when I got home, I could plop them into the wash rather than having my suitcase sit there for days avoiding dealing with it. I realized I usually would unpack three weeks later because I dreaded funneling through the clean vs. dirty pieces.

This is a five piece packing cube set that’s under $50 and comes in so many cute colors! I got the blush.

2 // BAREFOOT DREAMS BUTTER SOCKS: SHOP
Yes, $5 Old Navy fuzzy socks will do, but if you want to feel real luxurious and treat yo’ self, try these socks.

S gifted me them in my stocking last Christmas since I live with this blanket by the brand wrapped around my body all winter 😆 

They are $15, come in a lot of cute colors and are the coziest thing to put on your feet on the plane or while sleeping at the hotel. 

3 // ZELLA LITE LEGGINGS: SHOP
While I’m a huge fan of all Zella leggings because they are super flattering (suck ya in, smooth you out) and don’t break the bank, this one may be my all time favorite pair.

Why? Well, they are buttery soft and don’t have compression. For day to day leggings, I like compression for some extra smoothing, but while in the air and running through security, I want to be in the closet thing to PJs as I can get and honestly, these $55 leggings are the coziest, comfiest pair! They run true to size.

4 // TULA TRAVEL KIT: SHOP
If you fly frequently, having your go-to skincare and make up in travel sizes is such a time saver and stress reducer. While I have’t transition over my make up yet, I make sure to always have Tula’s discovery kit on hand for my ski care essentials. It makes packing a breeze and getting through security easy. 

For $42 (with code ‘MINDY’), you’ll get a travel size toner, serum, moisturizer and face cleanser. All the basics!

5 // SILK EYEMASK: SHOP
Another item I just tried out on my trip this week that I’m now obsessed with.. a silk eye mask! You may remember that I use Slip pillow cases and I know a lot of you do now as well! Well, they also have super cute, luxurious eye masks. 

While I think this can be helpful for people who struggle to sleep on planes, it was also helpful for me who can sleep on planes.

This eye mask honestly made it so that I got BETTER sleep. I wasn’t constantly waking up from people’s reading lights and something about it just made me rest more peacefully. I cannot suggest it enough! Since it’s made of silk, it feels light, cooling and won’t cause wrinkles. 

6 // TULA FILTER PRIMER: SHOP
On days of travel, allowing your skin to breathe is ideal! When on a plane, your skin will get dehydrated from the air so ensure to drink lots of water (dedicated aisle seat person here) and let your skin be make up free.

After using my discovery kit essentials, I’ll just apply this one product. While it’s technically a make up primer, it’s stunning on it’s own for a gorgeous glow and very slight tint of color to refresh and awaken your skin. Try it with code ‘MINDY’ for $27. 

7 // NIKE NO SHOW, NO SLIP SOCKS: SHOP
Something so simple that makes a huge difference – these socks! I hate when my socks show with sneakers. what about you?! Sadly, most “no show” socks just fall off in your shoe with is torturous. This $14 three pack of no show socks have a “grip” on the inside edge of the sock so that they don’t fall off. I LOVE THEM.
8 // APL TECHBLOOM SNEAKERS: SHOP
If you try these sneakers, be prepared to never wear any other pair you own. I love them so much that I have a full review here, but for travel specifically I love that these sneakers are slip-ons so no need to fiddle with tying your shoes after security.

They are also from a brand that have the best looking sneakers on the market. The sole is cushioned enough that you can also use them at the hotel gym for lifting weights, HIIT work outs or even short runs (4 miles or less IMO). 

The best travel shoe EVER!

9 // APPLE AIRPOD HEADPHONES: SHOP
I’m honestly a technology laggard. I don’t really care about getting the newest tech gadget and for headphones, was just using my traditional Apple headphones that come with your iPhone, but Muenster so thoughtfully upgraded me to Apple Airpods this past Fur-momma’s Day lol.

They are really the perfect addition to make your travel just a bit more convenient and luxurious. S has the wireless Beats headphones and I personally prefer the Airpods since they are lighter and smaller.

The battery life is great too. My fight to Denver is 5 hours and they last the entire time while I listen to podcasts from the moment I leave my house in an Uber, through the airport and on-flight. 

They’d make such a thoughtful Christmas gift too!

Okay, tell me! What are your go-to travel essentials?! Xo Mindy

SHOP TRAVEL ESSENTIALS