Tell me about your travel/commuting must-haves

[MarryingMrDarcy]

I’ll be travelling more for work in 2024 and want to upgrade my commuting/travel bits. I’m planning to buy a new work backpack, water bottle, decent lunchbox, and also want a slim makeup bag for the essentials, so these recommendations are particularly welcome, but am keen to hear about any item/product you would recommend if you are on the road/rails/in the air a lot!

Fluffy socks if flying.

Yes to pouches - little ones for plugs, chargers etc, bigger ones for underwear etc. And an empty one (or a bag) for dirty washing.

I like the Benefit minis of Porefessional, Dandelion and Rollerlash, and the Clinique duo eyeshadows. I keep a separate travel makeup bag, so I don’t need to remember stuff from my daily things.

I recently bought a travel wallet for passport, boarding passes etc and felt it made things a bit easier to manage.

A good travel mug that won't leak even when held upside down and shaken
Paracetamol, Imodium & a few plasters
Powder, mascara, lipstick, blush (I use a lot of the freebie mini's I get from Estes Lauder)
Some coins and £20 note hid in my bag
Power bank and cable
AirPods
Tissues

I carry a very boring rucksack with all my bits in but bloody hell…. Once I’ve added my breakfast / lunch / water bottle etc it gets really heavy. I definitely recommend a small crossbody bag in addition to any rucksack for the small items / purses etc to aid you through the ticket barriers and for nipping out for coffee etc once you’re in the office. (I’d love to be slinking around with a stylish tote but those women must not be carrying the same level of shit as me. )

The Uniqlo bag is brilliant as a hands free addition to a rucksack. I’ve also got a tiny Longchamp crossbody which is equally brilliant but about ten times the cost.

@MarryingMrDarcy I like Osprey backpacks, they do specific ones for commuting/students.
I find they are well thought through, handy pockets where you want them for the water bottle/ pass etc.
Currently a sale on their website with a roll top one I've been eyeing up....

Make up minis, clear pouches, noise cancelling headphones, small purse of change.

Definitely keep a wash bag ready to go with duplicate products, similarly a small make up pouch. Agree re good noise cancelling headphones. I use a handbag with a cross body strap and then a wheelie case for overnight.