As a working professional who splits her time between client meetings and weekend getaways, I’ve perfected the art of packing efficiently without sacrificing comfort or style. Finding that ideal balance of practicality and luxury mirrors how I approach many aspects of life; investing in quality experiences while maintaining mindfulness of what truly adds value.
Today, I’m sharing my curated list of luxury travel essentials that keep me feeling refreshed, organized, and ready for anything while on the go. These are the items I never leave home without, whether I’m connecting with clients across the country or taking a road trip with my family through the Rockies.
Essential Travel Bags for the Professional Woman
Let me start with the foundation of any great travel experience: a reliable, stylish bag. The Canadian company, Monos’s Metro Weekender is on the top of my wish list. This thoughtfully designed and incredibly chic bag has compartments for everything, including a separate water-resistant shoe section. Every compartment is so perfectly thought out, I can’t wait to get my hands on one.
What I love most is how it seamlessly transitions from an overhead bin to business meetings to a weekend away with the fam. It’s an investment piece that delivers on both form and function, proving that strategic spending on the right essentials pays dividends in convenience and style.
Premium Skincare Routines on The Go
One of my non-negotiables while traveling is maintaining my skincare routine. In fact, I find travel is the perfect opportunity to really focus on skin health while taking a break from my typical makeup routine.
For flights, Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask is essential. This hydrating mask works overtime while you’re in the air, combating the drying effects of cabin pressure. The mini set from Sephora is perfectly sized for carry-ons and includes their best sellers in travel-friendly portions.
For road trips through the Rockies or out to our cabin in Invermere, I skip the minis and bring my full-sized favourites. There’s something so satisfying about maintaining your complete routine even while away from home, and speaking of preparation, I’ve found scheduling a facial at The Collective here in Calgary before a big trip sets the perfect foundation for glowing, travel-ready skin. A worthwhile self-care spend that pays off when you realize you haven’t even thought about concealer on day 5 of your trip.
Travel Snacks for the Wellness Minded
I’ll be the first to admit, no matter how meticulously I plan my travel nutrition, there’s always going to be a convenience store stop along the way. Whether I’m wandering through an airport terminal or pulling over during a road trip from Calgary to Lake Louise, I can’t resist the allure of carefully selected treats.
My typical haul includes sparkling water (Think: LaCroix’s brand new strawberry peach), some type of trail mixes for sustained energy, and yes – occasionally a dark chocolate bar. I’ve found that planning for these small pleasures helps avoid impulsive purchases of less satisfying options.
Luxury Touches for the Discerning Traveler
One of my favourite ways to transform a regular road trip into something special is through scent. Diptyque’s Car Fragrance Diffuser in their signature Baies scent brings a touch of luxury to even the most ordinary drives. They clip easily onto air vents and make me feel just a little more at home during any road trip (and keep the fam calm after hour 3 in the car).
When it comes to travel, it’s not about packing your whole life with you in your suitcase but rather selecting experiences and items that genuinely enhance your quality of life. When considering travel accessories, I always ask myself whether the item will truly make my journey more comfortable or memorable.
The most valuable travel lesson I’ve learned over years of business trips and personal getaways is that quality over quantity applies as much to packing as it does to other aspects of life. Investing in versatile pieces that serve multiple purposes not only streamlines your packing process but enhances the entire travel experience.
When I travel for work or pleasure, I approach packing with the same mindset I bring to other important decisions, focusing on what delivers genuine value rather than accumulating excess. A carefully selected capsule wardrobe, multi-purpose products, and a few key pieces create a more enjoyable journey than an overstuffed suitcase ever could.
What are your luxury travel must-haves? Send me a message at @wealthwithjulie on Instagram, I’d love to hear and see if there’s anything I should add to my list!
