The 7 Things Our Travel Pros Insist On Packing

Learn which packing essentials two travel experts swear by, plus how to time your Labor Day trip for fewer crowds.

Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss the gear they just won’t travel without, to help you pack smarter on your next trip. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the Seats.aero Chrome extension, an update to the Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks partnership starting August 5, Bilt's August Rent Day promotion offering an ALL Accor status match, how to score free DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies on August 4, and NerdWallet's TSA data on the best and worst days to fly over Labor Day weekend.

Then, Meghan and Sally discuss their top travel items, including why a 2-in-1 backpack could replace your entire bag strategy, what features actually make a crossbody bag pickpocket-proof, how packing cubes and a spare tote solve the overcrowding problem, and why a deck of cards might be the most underrated thing you can pack.

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Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Is a Bilt Credit Card Worth It?

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Seats.aero Award Search Review: A Go-To for Expert Travelers

• Points Path Review: A Free Tool to Compare Points vs. Cash

• The Best Days to Fly Around Labor Day

Select travel essentials shared in this episode:

• Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L

• Anti-Theft Crossbody Bags

• Reusable Grocery Bags

• USB Charging Cords

• Universal Travel Adapter

• Portable Charger Power Bank

• Copper Cow Coffee Vietnamese Pour Over Variety Pack

• Individual Drink Packets

• Ziploc bags

• Laundry Detergent Tablets

• Packing Cubes

• Owala Stainless Steel Water Bottle

• Melatonin

• Quest Nutrition Protein Bars

• BUILT Bar Puff Protein Bars

• Shop Protein Bars on Amazon

• Shop Instant Noodles on Amazon

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.  

*The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.

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