left: photo courtesy of Cuyana; right: photo courtesy of Ursa Major
We all strive to be organized travelers. Nothing blows a trip like making it to the front of the TSA line only to find out you left your sunglasses/passport/child somewhere behind you. After miles upon miles of travel, Team Fathom has accrued a fine list of tips for staying sane and organized on the go.
We've got items for compulsive checklist makers, ideas for sample hoarders, and solutions for that tangle of tech cords at the bottom of your bag.
Make A Checklist
"I'm a habitual list maker, which comes in handy when prepping for trips. Last summer I discovered Muji's checklist memo pads and haven't looked back since. They're affordable, nice to look at, and have enough space to write more than a few words." – Berit, editor
"I look for carry-on bags with a ton of compartments for easy access to everything I need. It makes getting in and out of the TSA screening line a breeze." – Becky
Hook & Albert takes hidden pockets to a whole new level with their weekender, which does double duty as a garment bag and a duffle.
"Pouches aren't just for toiletries. I've got a thing for bags with one compartment, so smaller bags keep everything neat, identifiable, and at hand."– Tori, intern
The Cuyana travel case (actually a set of two) comfortably fits the random odds and ends you can't leave home with out. The new spring pastels collection launches March 18th.
Price: $95 Available at:cuyana.com (For early access to the spring collection sign up here.)
Bring a Snack
"I like to have snacks with me on the road. Nuts, crackers, or fruit are easy to keep in Ziploc bags." – Astrid, intern
Menu & Shane Schneck's phold container looks like a nice upgrade to the standard plastic baggy. The silicone container has a built in lid and would even work for organizing non-food items like cords or loose change.
"I keep my international currency and frequent flier cards in an Abas full-framed clutch wallet that stays at home. Before a trip, I'll comb through it to see if there are a few loose euros, reals, or pesos that can help get me started at my next destination." – Jeralyn, editorial director
"I try to save space by packing products with a dual purpose, like Magic Powder from the healthy skin essentials kit at Blades Natural Beauty. It works as a face wash, toothpaste, and spot treatment for bug bites." – Jeralyn
"After each trip, I immediately re-pack my toiletries and store the dopp kit and Ziplock in my suitcase. Save time (and the prospect of forgetting a toothbrush!) by pre-packing for the next place as you unpack from the last place." – Jeralyn
Hard Graft's vertical dopp kit is a classy option.
"I never thought I would say this, but my iPhone is such an amazing camera that I've taken to leaving my beloved Lumix at home. As a result, my phone gets so much use and abuse that a good cover is key." – Pavia, CEO
Native Union has a wooden case that is slim and nice but also durable.
"I always pack beauty samples for short trips. A single sample is usually good for more than one use. It's also my favorite way to discover new brands." – Becky, editorial assistant
Ursa Major has a nice sample kit to get you started.
"These days, traveling often means packing a plethora of technical tools – everything from my laptop mouse and iPhone to the cord that charges my laptop." – Daniel, intern
Cocoon's Grid-It travel system makes it easy to store everything in an organized manner.
"I'm in total awe of anyone who manages to look put together while traveling. I can never quite manage it, so little details like nice leather travel accessories make a world of difference. I've got my eye on Shinola's classic camel passport holder for my next international vacation." – Berit
We make every effort to ensure the information in our articles is accurate at the time of publication. But the world moves fast, and even we double-check important details before hitting the road.
