Packing Luxuries: What Earned the Space
🌱Live a life that feels luxurious.
The first time I traveled to Europe, I downsized like crazy.
I cut ruthlessly. Most “luxuries” lost their place.
There were a few things I still took — like a small fan — but for the most part, I convinced myself that traveling light meant traveling without.
Part of the joy of becoming Team Check the Carry-On has been letting go of the fear around weight and space. While you’re still not overpacking, you’re not constantly worried about ounces and inches.
That said, you still need to be realistic; especially in Europe, where you may need to carry your own suitcase up forty steps or across cobblestones.
With packing light and conserving space in mind, here are the luxuries that have officially been promoted to worth the space.
A makeup brush holder
I use a small case that looks like a makeup bag but functions as a brush holder. Straps around the edge keep brushes upright, and there’s a center section where I tuck eyeliner and mascara — using every inch intentionally.
Once I arrive, it unzips and folds down into a standing brush holder.
I know there are plenty of tips about using hotel mugs or cups, but I love this case. It’s organized, it works, and it has earned its place.
My perfume
I decant my perfume into a small atomizer, partly so I don’t risk losing an entire bottle. It fits inside the brush holder, so it doesn’t actually take up extra space.
Wearing my signature scent makes me feel like me. And when it’s sharing space with something I’m already packing, it’s a luxury that costs nothing extra.
My full self-care routine (just smaller)
I don’t mean pairing it down to mascara and lipstick — which is exactly what I did my first trip to Europe.
I mean keeping my routine, just scaled down.
I decant aggressively. I minimize space.
One eyeshadow palette with two colors — not nineteen.
One blush.
One highlighter.
I take everything I normally use — just not duplicates.
The same goes for toiletries. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash. You’ll be surprised how little you actually need. You do not need 3.1 ounces. Far less will suffice.
My hair straightener
This one can also curl my hair, which helps it earn its spot.
I’m currently upgrading (or maybe downgrading?) to a dual-voltage plug-in model to replace my rechargeable one, especially with the new airline rules around lithium batteries.
On my first trip to Europe, I skipped packing a straightener to save space. I managed just fine, but I never quite felt as lovely as I could have.
A note on time
When it comes to makeup, toiletries, and hair tools, remember this:
One of the quiet privileges of traveling solo is time.
You can take as much or as little time as you want caring for yourself.
A bubble bath.
A face mask.
Full makeup.
Lingering over a cappuccino.
Time is yours.
A fan
I mentioned this earlier, and it’s never left my suitcase.
Hotel air can feel stale, and as someone from the South who sleeps with a ceiling fan year-round, this small fan is non-negotiable. I’m switching to a plug-in version to avoid lithium battery issues, but it will always have its few inches of space.
My “big” journal
I pack my real journal in my suitcase — the one I want to write in when I’m settled.
I also carry a smaller notebook in my personal item for flights, airport waits, or quick thoughts on the go. Each has a purpose, and both are worth bringing.
My book light
I genuinely cannot see well enough to write without it.
Because it has a lithium battery, it goes in my personal item, not my checked bag but it’s tiny, lightweight, and absolutely essential.
My red dress
I’ve written about this dress before, but it really comes down to this:
If it speaks to your soul.
If it makes you feel beautiful and fabulous.
If you slip it on and feel like yourself.
Then it’s a luxury worth packing.
Final thought
Our goal is still to pack in a carry-on sized bag — unless you have the muscles of Hercules.
But this is your time to shine.
Those luxuries? They’re allowed.
Live a life that feels luxurious.
You are luxurious.
