I’ve traveled a lot this year. Like, a lot a lot. I flew 17 hours to Seoul and 10 hours to Athens. I flew to Milan (twice), Montreal, and Miami (also twice), with a handful of trips to and from Chicago, where I grew up, for weddings, holidays, and dye jobs (yes, I sometimes fly home to get my hair colored—blame New York City pricing and my lifelong colorists’ very skilled hands). I might not have reached Diamond Medallion status on Delta in 2025, but I was close, and along the way, I learned a thing or two about traveling.
For starters, I hate flying with checked luggage. The panic I feel every time I have to watch the baggage carousel turn without my beloved TUMI trunk on it isn’t worth the extra space, plus, it makes it exceptionally difficult to get down (and up) the five flights of stairs in my Upper West Side apartment when I have to catch an early 7 AM flight (my preferred flying time). There’s a certain freedom that comes with just bringing a carry-on suitcase, that is, as long as you know how to pack it correctly, something I’ve become very good at this year. I know all the carry-on packing essentials that you need to make even a two-week-long trip through Italy possible without checking a single bag. And yes, I am going to share them. We don’t gate-keep here at Who What Wear, but you already knew that.
Keep scrolling for all the luggage, totes, packing accessories, and in-flight survival items I brought with me on all 100k+ miles of travel I embarked on in 2025.
Luggage
tumi
International Carry-On
I’ve now had this suitcase for about four years, and it truly does come everywhere with me. Even in those rare occasions where I do check a bag, I fly with this one too, just to protect any particularly special or high-value items. Something about the hard-shell exterior makes me feel like my prized possessions are safe from damage, and I like to use the locking system, which is simple to use and gives me more peace of mind. It’s pretty, too.
Away Travel
The Bigger Carry-On: Aluminum Edition in Silver
This is another aluminum hard-shell carry-on suitcase that I highly recommend, especially if you want to spend a little less but still want high-quality luggage that will protect your belongings throughout your travel experiences. It has a compression system built in on the inside to help you fit more, plus, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the shell, wheels, handles, and zippers.
Bags
Bottega Veneta
Andiamo in Black
Frequent flyers, trust me, this is the only bag you should purchase for your travels. What makes the Andiamo bag so perfect for running through airports and busy city streets alike is its multiple strap options, magnetic closure, and interior zip pockets. You can carry it as a top handle, a shoulder bag, and a crossbody without having to attach and detach anything. It’s roomy, so you don’t have to keep any essentials at home or in your hotel room, and the magnetic closure ensures that no one can go digging inside your purse. The zip pockets inside add an extra layer of security for things like your wallet and passport.
Longchamp
Travel Bag Expandable
Ever been annoyed with yourself for shopping too much on a trip and having to spend way too much on another piece of luggage that you don’t even need just to get everything home? Here’s your solution. I have had this expandable Longchamp bag since high school, when I bought it in the airport at CDG in Paris, and it’s still going strong. I use the small version on the way to my destination as my “personal item,” and if I shop at all, I can easily unzip it to reveal the large version, which I can check. Voila! Problem solved.
Accessories
tumi
Small Madeline Cosmetic
This bag doesn’t just come with me on trips. It comes with me every day to the gym, to work, and to every preview, presentation, dinner, and party I attend for work. It’s basically glued to my side, and makes getting ready on the go so easy. When it’s closed, it’s somehow so compact, a miracle when you’re trying to fit it into an already stuffed tote bag.
Away Travel
The Insider Packing Cubes in Cherry Red
Two words: Packing cubes! I don’t know what I did before I discovered packing cubes. They make packing a lot of stuff, which I’ve never figured out how to not do, possible when you’re just traveling with a carry-on suitcase. Personally, I use three in my carry-on, one large one that takes up one whole side that I put my actual clothes in, one medium one for workout clothes and undergarments, and then a final smaller one for any medication, vitamins, protein bars, Tylenol, etc.
Louis Vuitton
Passport Cover
The best thing about this passport cover is that you can get it stamped at local Louis Vuitton stores on all your trips. It’s not the most practical item on this list, but it is fun (and very chic).
Bose
Quietcomfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones
The soundproofing on these Bose headphones is next level, and allows me to relax on long-haul flights without loud plane noises keeping me up all night. They also stay charged forever and don’t give me a headache like other over-ear headphones do.
Away Travel
The Luggage Tag in Cherry Red
I tag all my bags, even if I’m not checking them. Again, it just gives me peace of mind.
CALPAK
Luka 14″ Padded Laptop Sleeve – Oatmeal
Don’t risk breaking your laptop during travel, especially when you have to take it in and out during security. This padded laptop case is a game changer, and it luckily doesn’t take up a ton of space in your bag.
Peloton
Glass Water Bottle
Last but certainly not least is a water bottle. I cannot spend another $8 on a bottle of Smart Water at the airport—I refuse. Instead, I bring this refillable option with me everywhere, often asking a restaurant at the airport to give me some ice to keep my water cold throughout the flight. Bonus points if I remember to pack a Liquid I.V. for the trip.