Let’s be real—packing can be the most stressful part of a vacation. The biggest thing that helps me stay sane? A good packing list. I keep one ready to go so I can check off all the essentials and avoid that last-minute panic. Here is my ultimate packing list guide!
Okay, I’ll admit it—I’m a little extra when it comes to packing. I almost always check a bag, and I usually roll up to the airport with a full trio: checked bag, carry-on, and backpack. My luggage is definitely an investment, but it's been with me from Europe to the Caribbean to Asia and still looks amazing. Worth. Every. Penny.
My backpack is another favorite—it opens like a mini carry-on and fits everything I need for the plane. If I ever do just a carry-on, I rely on packing cubes and these vacuum bags. The cubes keep everything organized, and the vacuum bags are a game changer for shrinking down clothes—especially for long trips when I need extra space or when I’m packing only a carry-on and trying to fit as much as humanly possible into one bag. And because I live for being organized, I’ve got a dedicated bag for pretty much everything: makeup, jewelry, toiletries, cords, passport, even my hot tools (because who wants a straightener melting their socks?).
I also always throw an AirTag in my luggage—just in case. If you’re planning your next cruise or resort getaway, check out my Virgin Voyages Cruise Tips & Tricks for packing inspiration and onboard essentials!
Planes are always freezing, so I never board without a blanket. While the inflight sodas are cute, I’m usually thirsty way before the drink cart shows up, so my Brita water bottle is a must-have.
For long-haul flights, I’m all about comfort: compression socks, eye mask, hydrating face mist, and my adjustable neck pillow (seriously a game changer). Oh—and let’s talk about the snackackle box. Yep, a snack box with compartments for all the delicious goodies. It’s a lifesaver not just on the flight but throughout the trip.
I’m not a “raw dogging it” kind of traveler—I’m using my phone nonstop from takeoff to touchdown. My must-have: a super slim MagSafe power bank. It clips right onto my phone and keeps me charged all day.
I’m also obsessed with my AirPods. They block out most plane noise and the battery lasts forever. If I’m heading overseas, I bring a universal outlet adapter and a compact extension cord with multiple ports. I have a lot of electronics, so this setup saves me every time.
Bonus: I always travel with a white noise machine. Big city noise? Resort neighbors partying? Don’t hear a thing.
My skin leans dry, so I always pack a good face wash, facial oil, moisturizer, and face-specific sunscreen to avoid breakouts. Speaking of—which—this clay mask I use as an overnight spot treatment is magic.
Also, shoutout to my lash serum. It took about 6 months to kick in, but now my lashes are so long it’s wild. And I never leave home without my favorite makeup remover towel—just add water, no extra products needed.
Vacay hair can get crispy from sun and salt, so I pack my shampoo, conditioner, hair oil, and a good detangler. Between washes, dry shampoo saves the day—especially the one I use that actually works and doesn’t leave a weird residue.
Travel umbrella – for surprise storms
Lint roller – fellow pet owners, you get it
Soft sleep masks – block the light, stay comfy
Laundry bags – separate the funky from the fresh
Mini medicine kit – because you will need it
Supplement organizer – makes staying healthy easy
My own pillow – yes, I carry it. It’s that comfy.
Tripod – for those solo shots or couple pics! My favorite one attaches magnetically with MagSafe.
Beach trips are my fave, and I come prepared. If you're headed to a rocky shore, water shoes are non-negotiable. Mine are comfy, lightweight, and don’t make me feel like a grandpa.
A sand-resistant towel = no more dragging half the beach into your room. I also pack a full-face snorkel mask (game changer), my GoPro for sea turtle spotting, and a zip-up cropped rash guard for sun protection once my sunscreen motivation starts to fade around day four.
When the beach wraps up, it’s pool time. I bring a float that’s basically a nap pod, and my Kindle for the chillest end to the day. Pool pillow + chair band = luxury.
A comfy airport outfit is a must, plus sunglasses, flip flops (even if you’re not beach-bound), and anti-chafing shorts for under dresses—because thigh rub is real. I also pack “cakes” (not the dessert kind)—they’re super comfy and make certain outfits way easier.
Packing’s one thing—but if it’s your first time flying, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered there too. Check out First Time Flying? Here’s Everything You Need to Know for all my tips on getting through your first trip like a pro.
There’s a version of Gatlinburg that’s all fudge shops and tourist crowds, and then there’s the version that actually makes you want to come back.
Here’s everything worth doing downtown, in the order I’d do it: 🏔️
✨ Start at @gatlinburgskypark before the crowds hit
✨ Walk the strip mid-morning when it’s still manageable
✨ @googooclusters stop (see my post from Tuesday: don’t skip it)
✨ Dinner at one of the local spots off the main drag
✨ Wander back out at night when the lights are on and it gets actually pretty
This isn’t your overscheduled Smoky Mountain itinerary. It’s more of a “here’s what I’d actually do if I had one solid day” kind of list.
Full downtown Gatlinburg guide linked in bio. 🔗
If someone told me I’d spend five hours at SkyPark, I would not have believed them. And yet. 😅
Gatlinburg SkyPark sits above the strip and it’s one of those places that looks like a quick stop on paper and turns into most of your afternoon. The SkyBridge alone is worth it — longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and yes, you will look down.
✨ SkyBridge (longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America)
✨ SkyLift ride up with views of the Smokies
✨ Walking trails with mountain views in every direction
✨ Way less crowded than downtown
Fair warning: if heights genuinely freak you out, the bridge might not be your thing. The rest of the park is still 100% worth it. Full guide with tickets, tips, and what to skip linked in bio. 🔗
I walked into Goo Goo Cluster in downtown Gatlinburg thinking I’d spend five minutes and leave with a small piece of candy. I was wrong on both counts. 😅
You build your own chocolate cluster at a kiosk: caramel, sea salt, pretzels, cocoa pebbles, you name it, and then watch them make it right in front of you. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes and costs $15.
The caveat? This is not a snack. This is a full-size brick of chocolate that I was still eating two days later.
If you’re already walking the Gatlinburg strip, this is an easy yes. Especially if you have absolutely no self-control around caramel. (Asking for a friend.) Full experience breakdown linked in bio. 🔗
Your Knoxville Airport survival guide, from someone who’s flown through TYS 100+ times is now up on my blog🛫
Parking, TSA wait times, where to grab food before your flight, rental cars, all of it, from someone who actually knows this airport. No guessing, no googling at the last minute.
TYS is small, easy to navigate, and honestly one of the less stressful airports I’ve been through. You just need to know a few things going in.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗
Hundreds of motorcycles. Tweed suits. Tennessee roads.🏍️
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a global charity event, classic and vintage bikes, dressed-up riders, raising money for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The bikes are stunning. The outfits are even better.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗 | @gentlemansride
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