Babble Travel Contributor: What I Actually Pack (and Why)

Macey Snelson
Mar 16
4 min read

A Note From Your Babble Team:

Babble Travel Contributor, Macey Snelson, literally travels for a living. So who better to ask about what and how to pack than her! She gave us the down and dirty tips and tricks. Check it out. Save time, ditch the stress, and become a world-class traveler in no time!

Saying yes to travel is easier when your bag is packed with things that make the journey smoother. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a flight to paradise, these are the items that always come with me. None of this is sponsored; these are just the tried-and-true items that have earned a permanent spot in my carry-on because they make travel feel more comfortable, calm, and fun.

Morning: Coffee, Comfort, and Getting Out the Door

I always start a travel day (and honestly, any day) with coffee. There’s something about that first cup that feels grounding, especially when you know the day ahead will include lines, security checks, and gate changes. My Cotopaxi bags are packed and already by the door.

Bright, sturdy, and colorful, bringing small bursts of joy in the chaos of travel. I don’t like to check a bag unless I absolutely have to, and these days most airlines force you to check roller bags once you’re at the gate, so I travel with backpacks. One bag on my back and one on my front. Is it the most comfortable? No. But it’s pretty darn convenient.

Before I leave, I double-check that my favorite travel companion, my Kindle, is fully charged and loaded with books from my local library through the Libby app. Sitting at the gate or buckling in on the plane is my favorite excuse to get lost in a story for hours.

Airport Rituals and Settling In

Airports can raise anyone’s stress level, but TSA PreCheck and Global Entry have changed the game for me. The lines move faster, the process feels calmer, and I don’t feel like I’m in line behind someone experiencing their first day on Earth (IYKYK).

Once I’m through security, my AirPod Pros are the first thing I reach for. I have a playlist curated specifically for flights filled with calm, familiar songs that make the world fade away, and usually a podcast or two downloaded ahead of time.

Once I find my seat, I get settled quickly. My AirPods go in, my Kindle comes out, and I sink into my own little bubble. I’m friendly but not chatty. If you see me reading, that’s my polite way of saying, “I’m kind, but I’m not looking for new friends at the moment.”

In the Air: Finding Calm at 30,000 Feet

Once I’m in the air, I make myself as comfortable as possible. If it’s an early morning or late-night flight, then that includes my inflatable travel pillow. It looks a little ridiculous, but I sleep like a baby and couldn't care less about the judgment of anyone walking by. A travel day is not a fashion show.

I also keep a small stash of stress gummies in my bag. When turbulence hits or the day feels long, two of those help the world slow down again. Between the book, the music, and my little rituals, the flight feels like a sacred part of the adventure instead of something to just get through.

The Arrival Routine

If I land at night, I shower and change into comfy clothes before bed. My portable white noise machine always comes out of the bag first. That little hum makes any hotel room or Airbnb feel familiar. Sleep is non-negotiable for me, and that sound helps my body reset fast.

If I arrive during the day, I drop my bags and head outside. I walk, explore, and soak up the local rhythm. Getting sunlight right away helps my body adjust, and it feels like an instant welcome from whatever new place I’ve landed in. First things I scope out are coffee shops and bookstores, those feel like home anywhere.

The Say Yes Philosophy

Packing the right things makes travel easier, but saying yes to the trip itself is what matters most. Every comfort item in my bag, from my Kindle to my hoodie, helps me stay present and open to what’s next. Travel should not feel like a checklist. It should feel like connection, curiosity, and those little moments of ease that make you look forward to doing it again.

So the next time you’re packing for a trip, think less about what to bring and more about how you want to feel. The right things in your bag can make saying yes to adventure that much easier.

Want more? Check out Babble's full list of Travel Essentials here!

About the Author

I’m Macey. Photographer, traveler, and founder of Say Yes Travel Co. I believe travel should feel less like a checklist and more like connection, culture, and memories you’ll carry home.

When I’m not behind the camera or planning group trips for women, you can find me wandering big cities with an iced coffee in hand and probably buying more books than I can fit in my carry-on.

✨ Want more travel tips, itineraries, and real talk about saying yes to adventure? Follow me on Instagram @sayyestravelco_maceysnelson.

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