Whether it’s a three-day writer’s conference, a European vacation, a tropical beach holiday, or a short week in New York City, three distinct items come with me every single time. No matter the destination, temperature, or occasion, if I’m traveling, this travel trifecta comes with me.
Why?
For most vacations, my personal travel philosophy is based on efficient packing. I have more than survived two weeks in Europe with just a 22″ carryon suitcase and a large tote. I don’t try to take everything, but I try to bring the right things. For an item to make it into my travel rotation it must also be three things: Stylish. Simple. Versatile.
Each item in my travel trifecta earns its keep and does more than one job.
Laura’s Trip Trifecta
1. The Chambray Denim Shirt
This item is my fashion workhorse. It’s perfect worn open over a tank dress in a chilly airplane cabin. Knot it over shorts or a mini skirt, make any white tee shirt into an outfit, or button it up and tuck into high-waisted jeans or skinny black pants. Use as a last-minute swim cover-up.
And in cooler climates? I layer my denim shirt under a sweater or jacket. It’s neutral, easy to wash on-the-go, and always in style.
2. The Foldable Carry-on Tote
Hands-down, the best carry-on bag I’ve ever had is the Longchamp Le Pliage foldable tote in size large. This bag looks beautiful and it weighs next to nothing. On the plane, it holds my smaller purse, scarf, my laptop in a padded sleeve, and any other cosmetics, books, or snacks I need for my flight. The long straps fit well over my shoulder and easily loop onto my rolling suitcase handle.
But being useful on an airplane isn’t enough to make this a trifecta item. What sets this bag apart is what it does when you get to your destination. The large Le Pliage easily doubles as a beach bag (no need to bring yet another item on a Hawaii trip.) It doubles as a farmers market tote for bringing fresh goodies back to your Air B&B. You can drag this bag around amusement parks or on day trip tours when you need more than just a purse.
And did I mention it folds? And comes in tons of pretty colors?
Find the Longchamp Le Pliage here
A couple of more affordable alternatives here and here
3. The Small Pochette Bag or Wristlet
I always have at least one of these tiny bags inside my foldable tote, even though I usually bring a small crossbody bag. When en-route, I use the pochette as a catch-all to hold cosmetics or charging cords. At my destination, I can use this little bag just to throw in keys, a card case or some cash, and my phone when I run out to get breakfast or coffee and don’t want to lug around a bigger purse.
At night, the small pochette clutch is perfect to bring down to the hotel bar for drinks or out for a nice dinner. Many of my handbags also hold this bag inside as a catch-all. Pochettes often have detachable wristlet straps you can clip to your bigger purse strap or hardware. Stow your wallet and/or passport inside for an added layer of security against loss or pickpockets.
Some pochette/wristlet options in a few price ranges: Coach Nolita
What’s your travel trifecta or must-have have trip items?