The Packing List
a curated list of items objects & products that deserve to take up space in your suitcase
Welcome to the packing list,
Packing is the worst part of travelling. Taking a slow, tedious inventory of everything you own—holding up each item like it’s on trial, trying to assess its usefulness. You argue with yourself over the appropriate number of pants to take on a five-day trip, stuffing in a few extra pairs just in case (in case of what, I don’t know). You decant expensive serums from heavy glass jars into lighter plastic bottles, praying they don’t explode on the way. You obsessively check the weather app, trying to see into the future. You pack for every possibility, knowing full well you’ll end up wearing the same three outfits on rotation.
I’ve always wished someone would just tell me what to bring (or better yet, pack for me). So I created The Packing List. This is a monthly list of items, objects and products that I come back to time & time again when I’m travelling. These are the things that have earned their space in my suitcase (and yours).
- Folly
The Packing List:
The Essentials
The Accessories
The Entertainment
The Gadgets
The Essentials:
Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks
They’re popular for a reason. Pop them on during a long-haul flight while you pretend you’re getting beauty sleep in economy. They help with dark circles, puffiness, and the general I’ve been awake for 17 hours look. I’m also a big fan of the Neostrata Hydration & Replenishment Face Masks, if you’re looking for some full face hydration.
Anthropologie Lost Pattern Silk Sleep Eye Mask
This might be the best stocking stuffer I’ve ever received. I backpacked through South and Central America for six months, and this eye mask is responsible for every good night’s sleep I had.
Loop really has a pair of earplugs for every occasion - live music, long-haul flights, busy bars. My Quiet ones turn a noisy hostel dorm into something that feels *almost* peaceful. I’d also recommend silicon earplugs (over the shitty foam ones) as a cheaper alternative if you’re not planning on using earplugs regularly.
Buy the air tag - they’re expensive but worth it (this coming from someone that left her backpack in a hostel toilet, got in a taxi to the bus station and almost had a panic attack thinking it had been stolen).
The Accessories:
Desigual Multi Pocket Baguette Bag
I’ve been sleeping on Desigual, especially their bags. I could have put five different options on this list, but the Multi Pocket Baguette Bag is perfect for a three-day city break—and it’s on sale. What’s not to love?
Coach Swoop Temple Rectangle Sunglasses
I love classic, 70s-inspired rectangular sunglasses. These Coach ones are on the more expensive side, but you can find very similar styles at high street stores: I might even prefer these £20 ones from ASOS.
Misho Swirly Mini Mismatched Hoops
No-one does statement jewellery like Misho. If you’re trying to invest in unique pieces of jewellery (like I am - when the funds allow it) Misho is a very good place to start.
Miista Black Thais Heeled Sandals
Bury me in these Miista wedge heels.
The Entertainment:
Severance: Dan Erickson, Ben Stiller, Adam Scott
If you need a reminder to be grateful you’re on holiday and not trapped in an office, Severance is it. A psychological thriller meets corporate dystopia, it follows employees who undergo a procedure to separate their work and personal memories—literally leaving work at work. Dark, eerie, and SO well-designed.
Evenings & Weekends: Oisín McKenna
This is the definition of a holiday read. It has simple prose, a compelling cast of characters, and is very plot-driven. Evenings & Weekends follows six (or so) characters over the course of a painfully hot weekend in London. There’s also a whale…stuck in the Thames? If you like Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Crashing, you’ll love this.
Tracks: Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver
If you like Reese Witherspoon’s Wild, you’ll love Tracks. Tracks follows a woman trekking 1,700 miles across the Australian desert, accompanied only by her dog and a few camels. It’s quiet, introspective, and beautifully shot—the kind of film that makes you want to disappear into the wilderness, or at least take the long way home.
Actors On Actors: Colman Domingo & Kieran Culkin
Whoever paired these two up is a genius. I’m not a huge fan of Actors On Actors but this is a sweet, candid and genuinely interesting conversation between two brilliant actors.
The Gadgets:
You don’t need the stress of your phone dying just as you’re trying to find your way to that restaurant in Lisbon that your friend recommended. This is where a power bank comes in handy. I can’t say I always remember to take mine with me, but I’m always thankful when I do. I’ve had my Anker one for years; it’s sturdy and a little on the heavy side, but honestly great for the price.
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
I swear by my Sony noise-canceling headphones. I’d recommend choosing whichever model fits your budget. I have a cheaper, older version, and I still love them.
Hear me out - a travel-sized steamer is a game changer. Small enough to pack, powerful enough to make you look like you didn’t just pull your outfit out of the depths of your bag.
I’ve been influenced. I resisted the urge to get a Kindle for the longesttt time, but if you’re a frequent traveler, backpacking, or moving abroad, they’re honestly worth it. I KNOW, but they really are worth the money. That said, I’ll always take a paper book (or two) with me.
See You Next Time,
If you made it this far, thank you! If you have any other items, objects or products you swear by when you’re travelling drop them in the comments or DM me. AND because I take a lot of flights, buses, train & car journeys, I’m always looking for entertainment recommendations so send them my way.
Other Essays You Might Like:
Stay Connected:
Let’s be pen pals - follyelizabethinquiries@gmail.com