Current Luggage Stack (When I Leave the Island)

For the past few years, I've told anyone and everyone who would listen that I want to be a travel writer for my journalism day job. I'm passionate about a sense of place, weak for a gorgeous aesthetic, and eager to see everything.

I've still gotten pretty skilled at packing up my entire must-have belongings into approximately three large checked suitcases, and am very open to periods off the island too. Subleases, trips, you name it. I'm very flexible with the blocks in which I can be on and off O'ahu, which I'm very grateful for. Thus far, it's mostly been smaller trips—and it was a gigantic travel year for me.

I recently have had the luck and privilege of actually covering travel for outlets like Lonely Planet, Food & Wine, Well+Good, Hotels Above Par, and more. Through work, I've gotten to visit Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Iceland, Scotland, Mexico (twice!), and a few others, writing about gorgeous boutique hotels, wellness initiatives, and more.

Those who live "on island" tend to group their travel if possible. When I go to the mainland, I definitely hit up my hometown of Tampa to see family. I might also pop by NYC. I may have a gathering or event I'm traveling for, like a wedding. So I'm usually gone for about a month at a time when I go to justify the flight costs and timing (but would gladly hop on a plane whenever the opportunity arises.) So without further ado, here's what I've been packing in lately.

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The Luggage Setup (The Actual Bags)

Credit / Calpak

PERSONAL ITEM (tech, writing work, essentials)

I unfortunately think best on paper, so I have to take a few essentials like my planner, journal, and a blank or partially-filled work notebook. A couple of times, I've even had to take a printed-out version of my manuscript to edit on the plane—which takes up a lot of room. In my personal bag, I also take my cameras, laptop, iPad, Kindle, headphones, medications, passport, and other essentials for comfort. So my "tech bag" is usually stuffed to the gills and quite heavy.

The Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack from Calpak(on sale for $140) has become my favorite for a backpack select. I first brought it to Reykjavik in April 2023 and was skeptical—but quickly started taking it on any trip. It fits a ton, I adore the colorways, it's waterproof, and it's also very well-structured and organized.

For a weekender, I absolutely adored the Metro Duffel from Monos ($215) because the external, attachable pockets were seriously divine and so beautifully constructed. The bag is in this stunning shade of green, and it looked polished while still holding an incredible amount. It's also easy to access from under my seat. Unfortunately, I destroyed the zipper when I overstuffed it once recently, so definitely need to contact about a warranty or repair. Still, I absolutely vouch for it (because that was totally my fault.) I also loved the way it fit through the pass-through sleeve above a carry on.

CARRY-ON

Credit / Carl Friedrik

At this point, I've gotten to try some established luggage brands. For the more upscale pick, I nearly always take my hybrid Carry-On Suitcase from Carl Friedrik because it's sleek and tough. I love the combination of the gunmetal and cognac details, although I'd definitely classify this pick in the luxury category.

Although it's gotten extremely scuffed over the years, I also just trust and love my pink The Carry-On Suitcase from Away Luggage. It's a classic for a reason, and I've never had to deal with breakage or damage the way I have with other brands, and I do love the colorways and compression.

PACKABLE TOTE

Credit / Bagsmart

I nearly always need a tote bag for "overflow" even just for day trips to a coffee shop while away. Recently, I actually tested the Foldable Duffel Bag from Bagsmart ($17) on a giant European trip, and it successfully carted around a full-on gown, shoes, and so much more for a solid four weeks. It's super lightweight and easy to stuff into another bag, so was ideal for tight baggage allowances or souvenirs. I'm bummed I can't find it to link directly aside from Amazon, so it's here (ugh.) The side pockets were also fabulous.

CHECKED BAG(S)

Credit / Quince

At the moment, I've been using the Check-In Hard Shell 24" Suitcase from Quince because I know I can overstuff it and be under the weight limit. It's crafted from polycarbonate and has yet to steer me wrong; I've had the tan colorway for two years and counting and haven't seen a lot of discoloration or scuff either. I have one or two other checked bags in my rotation — one from TJ Maxx, one from a direct-to-consumer brand — but don't yet trust them.

Nowadays, I usually end up leaving the house with my personal item (tech bag), carry-on (the overflow essentials like camera gear or clothing I couldn't stomach losing), and might have the checked bag if headed to a colder climate or out for several weeks at a time. I would love to solely be a carry-on luggage girl, but I'm not always! I like options too much.