I Traveled for 1 Month with Just a Carry-On — These Are My Smart Packing Essentials, All Under $50

Maybe it’s the shopping editor in me, but as soon as I make travel plans, I start thinking about what I’m going to pack. 

When I planned a month-long trip abroad with my family for the holidays, the type A side of my brain kicked into high gear, because I stubbornly refused to check a bag. A month-long winter trip with just carry-on luggage would be my tour de force, and I’m proud to say I passed with flying colors.

I managed to pack comfy walking shoes (yes, more than one pair), wrinkle-free travel clothes, plush fleece-lined leggings, versatile accessories, a portable charger, and more in just one carry-on suitcase — with room left for gifts thanks to some genius compression packing cubes, too. I plan on making all these same items into a compact duffel for an upcoming cold winter trip to Portland at The Docent's Collection, too — a must-stay for lovers of luxury, if I do say so myself. See below for some of my favorite packing essentials, all for under $50.

Best International Travel Packing Essentials Under $50

• Away The Insider Compression Packing Cubes, $45; awaytravel.com
• Iniu Portable Charger, $18 with coupon (orig. $22); amazon.com
• Suuksess Ribbed Turtleneck, $24 (orig. $36); amazon.com
• Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Concealer, $48; nordstrom.com
• Cushionaire Barbi Memory Foam Kitten Heel Ankle Boots, $50; amazon.com
• Lillusory Wide-Leg Trousers, $37; amazon.com
• Zipulis Customized Leather Card Holder, $15; amazon.com
• Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings, $34–$65; amazon.com
• Rahua Jet Setter Haircare Kit, $35; amazon.com
• Elix Yin Time, $36; elixhealing.com
• Amazon Essentials Button-Down Shirt, $23; amazon.com

Away The Insider Compression Packing Cubes

These packing cubes differ from others I’ve owned because they have a compression feature and are machine washable. The differing sizes are perfect for keeping my tops, bottoms, undergarments, and accessories organized. I packed five thick sweaters into one packing cube, and it flattened to a super tiny size with the easy-to-use compression zipper.

Iniu Portable Charger, $18 with coupon

This portable charger is a great addition to my international trips because I never know what kind of outlets I’ll have to deal with on flights or layovers. Thanks to this device, I’ve been able to watch my favorite pre-downloaded Netflix shows on long-haul trips in lieu of the in-flight movie offerings. It’s really slim and easily slips into my pockets on the go while sightseeing, too.

Suuksess Ribbed Turtleneck

If you haven’t heard of Suuksess, it’s an affordable brand that makes buttery soft basics that, in my opinion, mimic the exact feel of Skims’ beloved essentials. I own six items from the brand, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I wore this turtleneck almost four times a week on my month-long trip abroad. It’s just so darn comfortable, and it goes just as easily with some leggings for a casual travel day as it does with a mini skirt and knee-high boots for a dinner out.

Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Concealer

This concealer (from a brand that Martha Stewart and Anne Hathaway are fans of) is the most recent addition to my travel makeup kit, and I don’t plan on traveling without it any time soon thanks to its small size and ease of use. I don’t like to wear much makeup while I travel, but this concealer provides just enough coverage to mask my dark circles and cover any spots I may have while still feeling totally lightweight. 

Walk right past baggage claim on all your future trips with these versatile and smart packing essentials. Keep scrolling to shop more beauty, style, and tech items I always pack — all under $50 at Amazon and Nordstrom.

Cushionaire Barbi Memory Foam Kitten Heel Ankle Boots

Lillusory Wide-Leg Trousers