Different Bags for Travel – Choosing the Right One for Every Journey

When it comes to travel, selecting the right bags can make all the difference in how smoothly your trip goes. From carry-on luggage to daypacks, there are a variety of bags designed for specific purposes, helping you stay organized, comfortable, and prepared for every type of journey.

Even once you have selected the right bags, packing for a trip can often feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to fit everything you need into a carry-on. Thankfully, there are a variety of packing aids designed to streamline the process and make packing more efficient. These handy tools help you save space and stay organized.

Here’s a look at travel bags and packing aids that can transform the way you pack:

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Bags

TRAVEL BACKPACK

Unfortunately, eBags was bought out by Samsonite and I am in the search for a comparable replacement. My criteria for a travel backpack is one that opens like a suitcase, has many inside and outside pockets to stay organized, has padded hip straps, can be compressed and won't break the bank.

SITE SEEING BACKPACK (A must!)

Packs up tiny to easily fit into my carry-on, is lightweight, has plenty of compartments and can be machine washed. It is not fashion forward but remember that you will not be seeing any of these people again. NOTE: When I was in Athens, my fanny pack was stolen from my backpack while it was on my back without me knowing. Since then, I always use this clip and if I am in a very busy area, I carry it on my front.

DRY BAG

10L worked great to fit an extra pair of shoes, fanny pack, towel, hat, snacks etc. This one also comes with a phone pouch. Easy to carry, packs up small in travel backpack and is perfect for any wet outdoor activity or even in the rain. Available in a variety of colors and patterns.

TOILETRY BAG

Some find this bag too bulky but I love it. So easy to bring everything with me, stay organized and it hangs! The back compartments hold my make-up and brushes. I organized the front section by first aid, hygiene products, hair products, and tools like nail file, eyelash curler.

PERSONAL BAG

This is compact, lightweight, fits under seat, has multiple compartments, easily fits all my flying essentials plus all my eyeglasses and fanny pack. It also has a back compartment that opens to slip over a luggage handle (I use it for storage and safety-pin the zipper closed). And, I found a shoulder pad that works great with it.

FANNY PACK

For most airlines, this is not considered a personal bag if it is attached to your waist. I use this to carry all my flying essentials as well as all my money, documentation and small toiletries. Everything is close at hand and not misplaced. Also fits nicely in my site seeing backpack.

CROSSBODY WALLET & PHONE CASE

I am in the habit of putting my phone down and forgetting it, especially when looking at items in stores. This one is a budget friendly option compared to the popular Bandolier version. It is also less bulky than other ones that I tried. The zippered compartment is great for local currency and coins. It keeps my money and credit cards close to me and all is easily accessed.

RFID TRAVEL WALLET

I use this in my fanny pack when traveling to keep all my cash and credit cards in one spot.

QUART SIZE LIQUIDS TRAVEL BAG

I am so glad I found this! It actually fits the dimensions for the liquids rule and is so much better than a ziploc bag. The only airport that it did not pass was in Paris. They hand out Ziploc bags for you to transfer your liquids into so be prepared.

Packing Aids

ROLLED COMPRESSION BAG

These work great for bulkier items like puffer vests and jackets. And there is no need for a vacuum like other bags.

PACKING CUBES

I have the 4 slimline pack. These are the perfect size to stack nicely in my travel backpack. I keep a little numbered tag on the handle to keep everything organized. I make a note on my packing list of what is in each cube so that when I am repacking, I know how everything fits. I am not sure about you, but it always seems like I am going home with more and it is harder to pack. Many times, I only take a couple of these. Check out this video that I found on how to use them.

COMPRESSION PACKING CUBES

Sometimes, I do not need a full slimline and the smaller ones in this set work well. I have not used the larger ones because it is just way too many clothes and harder to keep organized. These work differently in that you pack them and then once zippered, there is another zipper to compress them even further for packing into your carry-on. The laundry bag is great to use during your trip so that you do not mix clean and dirty clothes.

LUGGAGE TAG

I like how it attaches and has many different patterns to choose from.

AIRTAG HOLDER

Even though I am traveling with just a carry-on and personal bag, an AirTag gives me peace of mind should I misplace my luggage or if it gets stolen. These holders work great for hiding the AirTag in my bags. I also used this holder for my medallion on Princess Cruiseline and attached it to my clothing for easy access.

LUGGAGE SCALE

Knowing what I feel comfortable with carrying on my back, this scale keeps me in line and from overpacking. It also helps when flying on airlines with weight restrictions.