Little Things I Do To Make My Travels Smoother & Easier

The little rituals, packing habits and tiny tools I rely on to feel more calm and collected every time I travel.

As a long time travel blogger and the founder of En Route to Rêverie travel atelier, I’ve logged countless miles traveling to Europe and beyond.

I’ve learned that the smoothest travel experiences often come down to the smallest habits. I don’t aim for perfection when I pack or plan—but I do rely on a set of simple, repeatable systems that help me feel more prepared, more grounded, and yes, a little more pulled-together every time I’m on the move.

Before I started my travel business back in 2019 I thought myself a seasoned traveler. But as my travels to and from Europe racked up, I realized that no matter how often I was traveling, the little details could still trip me up. Think…The forgotten charger. The untrimmed nail. The too-loud hotel HVAC.

Over time, I got better and better at preparing for my travels. I’ve since built a personal toolkit of packing habits and creature comforts that make travel easier. They’re not groundbreaking—but they are game-changing in how they set me up to feel prepared, calm and even a little luxurious when I’m on the go. As someone who suffers from anxiety, these little changes have made worthwhile differences in how I feel when I am on the road.

So here are the little things I do—without fail—to make every trip smoother and less stressful.

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Travel-Only Duplicates of Essentials

I used to forget the same things trip after trip. A razor. Nail clippers. Tweezers. Floss.

Now? I keep a designated “travel-only” pouch of essentials that never leaves my designated “packing stuff” area. It includes:

• Razor

• Nail clippers

• Tweezers

• Floss

• Mini hair brush and a mini comb

• Travel-size Advil and allergy meds

• Dramamine + Allclair Nausea Relief

• Blister Bandaids

• Suri Toothbrush - the UV travel case is a game changer!!

• Waterbottle

• Hand Sanitizer

It's the definition of low-effort, high-reward.

A Charging Checklist in My Notes App

In my Notes app, there’s a single list I reference before every trip: THINGS TO CHARGE BEFORE A FLIGHT.

Here’s what’s on it:

• iPhone

• Kindle

• Laptop

• AirPods

• Bose Noise Cancelling headphones

• Apple Watch

• Power bank

• Portable sound machine

Checking off each one the night before I leave has saved me more times than I can count.

And I’m sure to keep a pouch of all my travel adapters in my travel stash so I am never without (several!) I use these for mainland Europe and these for the UK. I love that they have USB, USB-C and standard plug options all in one handy unit! Makes my life so much easier when on the road.

Digital Copies of Key Documents

I always keep photos of my passport, vaccination card, travel insurance, drivers license and health insurance cards stored in an Album on my iPhone so I can always find them easily when necessary.

If you want to go the extra mile in case you lose your phone—or your bag— add them to a Dropbox folder, too.

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AirTags in My Suitcases

An AirTag in each checked bag. And one in my carry-on. And one in my tote.
Paranoid? Maybe.
Helpful when my suitcase gets delayed at Charles de Gaulle? Absolutely.

If you’ve ever stood at baggage claim unsure whether your bag made it, you’ll understand the comfort of opening Find My iPhone and watching your suitcase make its way toward you.

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My Travel Sound Machine

Hotels are not known for their consistent noise levels. Hallway chatter, street sounds, construction next door—it happens.

I pack a small, portable sound machine that runs on USB power. It helps me fall asleep faster and keeps my sleep more consistent across time zones and unfamiliar rooms. It will go down as one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten.

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Pouch Organization = Sanity Saver

No more tangled cords or mystery lip balms rolling around in my suitcase. I organize everything into individual pouches:

• Tech accessories

• Makeup + Makeup Brushes

• Jewelry

• Meds and supplements + Daily Medications and Electrolytes

My most used pouches are these by Cuyana. They are beautifully made and has held up to loads of wear and tear well that I’ve never had to replace them.

Bonus: when I get to my destination, I just place each pouch where it belongs—no full unpacking necessary.

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My “In Case I Need It” Makeup Stash

Given I mostly travel to Europe, I know the likelihood of my room not being ready when I land giving me the option to freshen up, is high.

So I pack a small “in case I need it” makeup stash in this pouch into my personal item that includes:

• Pressed Powder

• Pencil Eyeliner

• A travel-size mascara

• A neutral eyeshadow stick

• Concealer

• A mini setting spray

These are basically the things I need to feel refreshed and a bit more put together post-flight.

I also at times bring mini versions of my go-tos from Westman Atelier.

This stash can come in handy, too if your suitcase doesn’t show up *knocks wood*

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Clear Toiletry Bags for the Win

Speaking of: I swear by clear toiletry bags. They make TSA easier if you’re taking them in a carry on, help hotel unpacking feel more organized and they wipe down easily if there’s ever a leak.

I use one for skincare and misc. liquids and one for hair products. It’s a simple upgrade, but it makes a big difference in staying organized.

I’ve used a variety of sizes from Truffle for nearly ten years and never felt the need to stray and try other toiletry solutions.

A Lightweight Foldable Tote or Bag

I tuck a compact, foldable tote into my carry-on or suitcase. It’s perfect for last-minute grocery runs, overage items when heading home (aka shopping damage), or for carrying valuables or fragile items.

Good Suitcases with excellent compression

I swear by my Away suitcases. I have owned for years now the Bigger Carry On (a god-send that fits so much!) and also the Medium and the Large that are great for longer trips. I’ve been using mine for ten years and have been really happy with how they’ve held up. I like how much they compress items to really maximize space and the built-in locks, too. I’ve never felt I’ve had to look at other luggage as a result and also really like the built-in lock function.

Away is now available on Amazon, too if you’d prefer to shop there.

I use these Away Luggage tags on each of my pieces as well. (And monogram them as a great gift idea btw!)

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Wrinkle Release Spray

A true unsung hero that deserves its own section. I keep a travel-size bottle of wrinkle release spray in my suitcase at all times.

A quick spritz + a smooth-over with your hand = a dress that looks far less “I’ve been living in a packing cube.”

If I had to say the #1 item in my life I have influenced the most friends on, it would be this.

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Eye Mask + Earplugs = Instant Zen

This eye mask and these ear plugs live in my carry-on, always. Whether it’s for the plane, a too-bright vacation rental, or just a hotel that isn’t as soundproof as promised, they help me create a pocket of quiet when I need it most.

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Written Out Packing List + Master Outfit List

Before every trip, I write out an outfit list in my Notes app and I include:

• The Basics (underwear, bras, umbrella, sunglasses, etc.)

• Travel day outfits

• Daytime Looks (ex. M.M.LaFleur Tee + Reformation Shorts + Loewe Bag + Margaux sandals)

• Evening Looks (ex. Black Waimari Dress + Chanel Slingbacks)

• Any specific looks I need to shoot

I add question marks next to items I am unsure will make the cut.

This Note gets referenced daily on my trip as I struggle to decide what to wear or can’t remember why something made it into my suitcase.

If I am struggling to come up with outfit ideas to shop my own closet, I head to Pinterest for some inspo. It’s amazing how helpful this tool can be in shopping your own closet to come up with outfits that feel fresh and vacation-worthy.

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Downloaded Google Maps for Offline Use

In case WiFi is spotty or your international data takes a minute to activate, downloading your destination map offline in Google Maps can be a small thing that saves you big stress. Do it before you leave on reliable WiFi!!

(Also consider an eSIM if you want!)

Prep My Home

Before I go on any trip I do all my laundry, change the sheets on my bed and tidy my home fully. The feeling of coming home to a clean, organized home is unmatched. It’s always, always worth the effort.

The Bottom Line

None of these are glamorous or life-changing, but all of them add up to less scrambling, less forgetting and a much more peaceful travel experience.

If you have a go-to travel habit you swear by, I’d love to hear it. You can always reply to this email or share in the comments.

Bon voyage, mes amis!!
Meghan

• What to Wear in Paris at Night.

• What to Pack for a Trip to Europe.

• Shoes for Your Next Europe Trip.

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