With Love, Sassou

I’ve been traveling a lot over the past 25 years (Gosh, I sounds old) and have learned A LOT when it comes to packing and must-haves. From never getting my luggage this one time I went to Cape Town in South Africa to having products I love leak everywhere in my luggage, to my absolute horror.

I am sharing some of my absolute favorites! Some are old, some are new but they have all been tested in 15+h flights. Everything is available online and a lot are on my Amazon storefront. Hope this is helpful!

1. THIS SPACIOUS CARRY ON

Béis, $238

The price tag matches the quality! You can fit in SO MUCH! I’ve traveled to Europe with over a week of clothing and space left! I particularily love how smoothly it rolls making it easy to navigate airports, trains and public transport. I got the beige because it was aesthetically pleasing to my eyes….and I ask you to please not make the same mistake. From the first time I used it, I was forced to check it in at the gate for a flight and it immediately got dirty/stained. I suggest getting a darker color. And it is slightly pricier than other carry-ons but the quality makes it worth it! You also get a lifetime warranty! I had an issue with my first purchase after a few years of usage and they quickly shipped me a new one.

2. THIS SPECTACULAR SUITCASE

Samsonite, $179 on Amazon

It’s been through a lot. And survived. I especially love how spacious, sturdy and high quality this piece of luggage is. I picked it in black so that it could never get as dirty as my Beis carry-on.

3. MY GIGANTIC LE PLIAGE BAG

Longchamp, $285 at Bloomingdales

These Longchamp bags are unbreakable! I’ve collected Longchamp bags since I was in college and this is by far my favorite one as my personal item when traveling. I love how much space it has and how easily it can fit under the seat in front of me on airplanes. Plus, if my checked in suitcase is too heavy, it’s easy for me to expand this bag and add things to it! Up to now I’ve had no issues using it as a personal item, even when extended. It’s particularly useful in Europe with all of the shopping and for short weekend trips. I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of this bag ok? I’ve had my Longchamp bags for 10+ years and they have never given up on me.

4. THIS BACKPACK WHICH IS BASICALLY A MIRACLE

Amazon, $30

I fully admit I was influenced by TikTok for this purchase. I needed backpacks for our trips to Bali and Japan as there would be a lot of walking involved, especially in Japan with the trains and public transit. These backpacks came in so handy and fit so much! It has so many pockets I forgot to put things in some of them. I got the beige one (why do I always make this mistake?) and got the black one for Eva. Even at 10 years old, my daughter had no issue carrying this bag. They were perfect! Plus for the low cost, it’s a win-win.

5. THE BEST TOILETRY BACK I’VE EVER HAD

Amazon, $20

I’ve had the designer toiletry bags, the leather ones and guess what? Nothing beats this $20 Amazon toiletry bag. The hook, the space, the pockets…it’s a winner! It’s easy to pack and easy to hook behind doors in hotel bathrooms, even the smallest ones.

6. A NO-FAIL INTERNATIONAL ADAPTER

Amazon, $21h

I’ve learned to bring this adapter everywhere because it was not very fun to arrive in some Caribbean countries thinking they had the same outlets as in the U.S. I’ve been respectfully humbled and have learned my lesson. This one is particularily excellent because you can charge different devices at once as it has USB and C outlets. Perfect!

7. APPLE AIRPODS PRO

Amazon, $189

I listen to music a lot. A LOT. Plus I love watching movies and shows on the airplane so these airpods are great…especially because of the noise cancelling aspect. Although I’m a mom, crying babies are still not my favorite sound on the plane so these come in handy.

8. APPLE AIR TAGS

Amazon, $80 for a pack of 4

Remember how I said I lost my luggage when I went to Cape Town, South Africa? That was pretty terrible. Plus, I’ve had delayed luggage including when I went to London last year and had to figure out my life with what I packed in my carry on for about 3 days until I got my checked suitcase. In stressful moments like this, I really like to know where TF my suitcase is. Airtags are amazing for this! This summer, I purchased a beautiful painting in Bali but had to check it in as luggage. The painting was wrapped in a tube and I added an Airtag in it so I could track it, especially as this piece of art was meaningful for my collection. When I got to Tokyo, I stored the painting at the airport (I did not want to carry this all over Japan, ok?) and once in awhile, checked my iPhone to make sure the painting was still where I left it. I have 4 Airtags because 1) I lose them, sometimes 2) I never know how many suitcases I will have. Oh and I also keep an Airtag with my car keys!

9. COMPRESSION PACKING CUBES

Amazon, $26 for a set of 6

I’ve resisted these for SO LONG because I thought it was a scam. But when I gave myself the challenge of traveling to Europe for a week only with a carry-on, I had to give it a try and never looked back since! I’ve tested packing with AND without the packing cubes and I can tell you that the packing cubes are more efficient and that you can fit more in your suitcase with them! I especially love the compression ones because of the space saving aspect. One of the best purchases I’ve ever made when it comes to travel.

10. THIS PASSPORT HOLDER/COVER

Louis Vuitton, $370

This is one of my favorite travel splurges. It’s beautiful. It’s sexy. It has this “Je Ne Sais Quoi”. It’s a classic! I don’t care what you think about the LV Monogram, I personally think it’s an absolute classic. It fits perfectly in my Longchamp Le Pliage side pocket, holds 3 passports and all of my important cards and documents while remaining sleek. It’s never bulky! I also have the matching card wallet and small bag which I use as a mini purse before stuffing it in my Longchamp right before boarding a flight. That’s another story for another post! This passport holder comes in different designs and is also a great gift for someone who likes to travel! You can also get it initialed 🙂

I could go on and on and on about my favorite things because there are more! This top 10 consists of my essentials. The other things are great but less important.

What are your faves?

With love,

Sassou