Oscar in a suitcase — Life & Luggage with CLL mascot

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Traveling light with CLL means every ounce counts and every item has to earn its keep. Below is how I build my kit, why I chose each thing, and a few Amazon links if you want to peek at the exact items I used.

Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links.

📑 What’s Inside

🧳 Oscar’s Approved Helpers

Everything in Its Place (Oscar Insists 🐾)

I’m a firm believer that everything has a home — and so is Oscar, as proven by his secret stash of cat toys tucked neatly under the couch. Travel packing is no different. The goal isn’t to cram in everything you own, but to save your energy for the journey and leave space for those inevitable treasures you’ll want to bring back.

  • Backpack organizers — A tidy daypack = a calm traveler. I kept my tablet, magic keyboard, meds, and even cords right where I needed them. No more digging to the bottom mid-flight. Find them here.
  • Compression packing cubes — These little lifesavers shrink clothes and keep outfits grouped together. Caution: they’ll tempt you to overpack. My trick? Pack early, then revisit and pull out what you truly don’t need. Voilà, instant room for souvenirs (and dirty laundry). See the set here.
  • Gorilla Grip luggage straps — Let’s be real: baggage handlers are playing a contact sport with your suitcase. Zippers give up, TSA may not re-zip properly… bright straps keep your bag together and help you spot it fast on a sea of black luggage. Check them out.
  • TSA-approved combo lock — The kind with a TSA override, so they can inspect without destroying it. Peace of mind in a pocket-sized gadget. Get one here.

✨ Let’s Talk Clothes (a.k.a. Pack Smart, Not Like a Drama Queen)

Let’s be honest—you want to pack like you’re boarding a five-day transatlantic cruise, complete with matching shoes for every outfit. But here’s the skinny: ✋ you can’t carry it all, and airline baggage fees these days will make your credit card cry.

So, what’s the plan? Think versatile, layerable, and low-maintenance.

First I checked the climate of my destination. Germany, even in summer can be rainy and chilly. I packed skirts that roll up neatly and don’t wrinkle. Lularoeare great for this, but plenty of brands make similar styles. Choose basic patterns, seasonal colors, and a couple of long skirts that play nicely with everything.

For tops, neutral basics with a few “pop” pieces work best. You can throw on a shawl to dress things up for dinner, and it doesn’t take extra suitcase space. I used these:

  • Anrabess henley tops in three colors — comfy, mixable, and they go from day to night without fuss.
  • Foldable flats for dressier moments — they slip easily into your bag and save your feet when wandering medieval towns or castle corridors.
  • Hiking sandals — sturdy, breathable, and essential for cobblestone streets, castle climbs, and impromptu adventures.

For long sightseeing days, good sneakers are your best friends. And remember to take your health and mobility into account when planning footwear—being realistic here can make or break your trip.

🧻 Comfort & Hygiene Essentials

Long flights, trains, and unpredictable pit stops call for a little forethought. I build my comfort and hygiene kit with the same care Oscar uses when selecting the perfect sunbeam — strategically and with zero regrets.

And let’s talk bathrooms—because travel doesn’t politely wait for ideal facilities. ✈️🚽

My biggest bathroom surprise was in Germany. Many public restrooms charge one euro, but they’re spotless, well-maintained, and often give you a coffee discount ticket in return. At one autobahn rest stop, the toilet seat literally sanitized itself—an arm came out, sprayed, rotated the seat, then sanitized again. Reader, I almost applauded. I still used a seat cover, but it was the cleanest public restroom I’ve ever encountered. Worth every euro.

Contrast that with train bathrooms (or U.S. gas stations), which can be… a thrilling adventure in microbiology. 😬 If you’re traveling with a chronic illness or compromised immune system, it’s extra important to prepare for the less-than-pristine.

Ultimately, your comfort level sets the tone. I carried both wet wipes and antibacterial cloths. Peace of mind is half the battle, and a well-stocked kit keeps travel stress where it belongs—outside your bag.


Comfort & Care Kit


Toiletries & Hygiene Kit

💊🥤 Medications, Health & Hydration

We now live our lives around medications and eating, so when traveling, a little preparation goes a long way. Keep medications in their original bottles—they list critical information you or your travel companion may need, and they make security checkpoints much easier to navigate.

I sort mine into clear bags (pills, creams, etc.), and they always go in my carry-on. Some folks have meds that need refrigeration, so make arrangements ahead of time if needed. I also bring letters from my doctors—not always required, but they double as handy contact info.

  • International travel: Keep prescriptions in original bottles for easy verification. For organization, I use the clear toiletries bags mentioned above.
  • Day trips: Use pill organizers for convenience.

Stay hydrated: This collapsible 20oz water bottle turned out to be something I didn’t know I needed. I still use it after the trip. Most airports and lounges have fill stations once you’re through TSA.

And while we’re on the subject of health—snacks matter. I try to bring good, nourishing snacks for long journeys. Some countries (like Australia and New Zealand) are extremely strict about what you bring in due to biohazard concerns for their wildlife and flora. Declare everything, even if purchased duty-free, to avoid trouble later.

European airports often have surprisingly healthy food options, which can give you a much-needed energy boost for those long-haul travel days.

📱 Tech & Travel Docs

Tech can make or break a trip. A little organization keeps cords from tangling, batteries from dying at the worst moment, and your adapter right where you expect it. I travel light but strategic—everything earns its place.

I brought my 13" iPad, downloaded what I needed (books/podcasts/videos), and packed my Magic Keyboard and Pencil. Watch charger, phone cable, iPad cable (sometimes one cable covers both), mic kit (plus its charger), and my “music cozy” all lived in the same organizer—along with the plug adapter.

  • 🎒 Cable organization: Keep cables corralled in an organizer or a slimmer pouch so they don’t snake through the rest of your luggage.
  • 📝 Documents & backups: Store scans of your passport and key docs in a secure cloud folder and on a password-protected USB drive. Tech isn’t just gadgets—it’s insurance.
  • 📍 Tracking & sharing: AirTags + holders in luggage and carry-ons for peace of mind. I shared my location with my husband while traveling solo to cut the anxiety factor.
  • 🔌 Charging strategy (no power banks): Many aircraft and airport gates have outlets or USB power; top up there. Bring the right wall plug and cables so you’re not hunting for adapters at the last minute.
  • 😴 Music Cozy Headband: Link. Part of my anti-anxiety toolkit for two years. I use the headband when traveling and the blackout style at home. Pair to your phone/iPad and play Calm, audiobooks, or YouTube (set a sleep timer if you like).
  • 🔌 European plug adapter (must-have): Don’t forget a reliable adapter: adapter.
  • 🎙️ Creative gear: Capturing soundscapes? This wireless lav mic is great for quick, clean audio when inspiration hits.

💡 Tech Tip: Medical Devices & Chargers

Traveling with medical devices? Pack spare cables, label them clearly, and keep them in your carry-on. It’s far easier to charge a glucose monitor or CPAP machine mid-journey if you know exactly where the right cord is. If possible, bring a backup charging method and keep everything together in your tech organizer for quick access during security checks or flights.

🧳 Travel Light

When it comes to packing, think light and secure. Your luggage and how you carry essentials can make a huge difference in comfort—especially if you’re navigating cobblestones, train stations, or airports solo. Everything you bring should earn its keep, because every ounce adds up fast. Here’s how I break it down:


  • 🎒 Carry-On Choices

    Start with a bag that won’t weigh you down before you’ve even packed. My Maelstrom backpack weighs less than two pounds empty, leaving room for essentials like my iPad, medications, and even a tiny watercolor kit (which made a four-hour train ride downright delightful).

    There are countless styles out there, so pick one that fits you. I have back issues, but this pack worked well because it was light and balanced. If you’re unsure, try testing a few in person—walk around the store with them loaded and see how your body feels after a few minutes. Your shoulders will tell you the truth faster than the tag will.


  • 💵 Money & Security

    For passports, cards, and cash, I used the Peak Gear money belt. It sits close to the body and tucks easily into pants or under a jacket—secure, discreet, and surprisingly comfortable. For daily carry, I switched to the Skysper sling bag, which kept essentials accessible without screaming “tourist.”


  • 🧭 Rolling Luggage (Recommendations Coming)

    I’m on the hunt for a great lightweight rolling carry-on—something sturdy enough for airports but easy to wrangle on trains. My old one’s been a trusty companion, but I’m looking for contenders that balance weight, durability, and clever compartments. Stay tuned!

🐾 Oscar-Approved Travel Gear (Quick List)

👉 Full list with links below:

  • Amazon Basics adult wet wipes — wipes
  • Amazon AirTags + holders — kit
  • Anrabess Henley Tops — these
  • Backpack organizers — set
  • Clear toiletry bags — set
  • Collapsible Water Bottle — these
  • Compression socks — these
  • Disposable toilet seat covers — covers
  • Electronics Organizers — small, slim
  • European plug adapter — adapter
  • Foldable flats — pair
  • Folding toothbrush — brush
  • Gonex Compression Packing Cubes — set
  • Gorilla Grip Luggage Straps — link
  • Hiking Sandals — link
  • Lularoe – link
  • Maelstrom travel backpack — this one
  • Master Lock TSA Combo Lock — lock
  • Mini first-aid kit — kit
  • Music Cozy Headband — link
  • Peak Gear travel money belt — belt
  • Pill organizers — organizers
  • PoP Voice wireless lav mic — mic
  • Sea-Bands + Motion sickness patches — bands, patches
  • Skysper sling bag — selection
  • Systane eye drops — drops
  • TakeToday Collapsible Bottle — bottle
  • Travel hair brushes (4-pack) — brushes
  • Travel tissue packs — tissues
  • WWDOLL KN95 Masks (50-pack) — masks

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Always confirm medical items with your healthcare provider.