Editorial: In Her Bag
Our very own Ela & Earth founder Judi is packing her bags and heading off for a European summer - and of course, her favourite Ela & Earth pieces (and some unreleased sneak peeks!) are heading along for the journey.
We asked her to share exactly what she’s packing in her carry on bag, her favourite travel hacks and how she keeps organised on the move. Read on to find out what’s on Judi’s airport packing list for Euro summer!
What carry-on bag are you taking to Europe and why?
I’m taking our brand new Overnight Travel Bag in Black with Gunmetal hardware. It’s honestly the perfect carry-on - big enough to fit everything I want with me on the flight (and more), but compact enough to easily slide into the overhead locker.
The luggage sleeve is a lifesaver when you’re dashing through the airport - I can just slide it over my suitcase handle and go. I also love the insulated water bottle pocket inside, I always take my 1L Water Bottle on flights to stay hydrated. And with all the internal compartments, it keeps my tech, beauty bits, and a spare outfit really well organised - no more rummaging mid-flight!
How do you keep your travel bag organised? Any packing hacks?
I’m very big on using pouches to keep everything in its place. For this trip, I’ll be trialing our Ela & Earth Compression Packing Cubes (sneak peek alert!). These help save so much space and keep my Overnight Travel Bag super organised.
I’ll also be road-testing a Cosmetic Pouch and Small Travel Case (another couple of sneak peeks!). The Cosmetic Pouch easily holds all my beauty and skincare so I can freshen up on the plane, and the Travel Case means no more tangled chargers or digging for my AirPods.
One thing I never leave behind is my Insulated Black Pouch - it's a great option for keeping snacks cool when travelling with kids, but I also like to use it as a little emergency kit. The key for me is giving everything a ‘home’ - it makes the whole trip feel so much smoother.
Are you a roller or a folder when it comes to packing clothes?
I’m definitely a roller. It saves so much space and helps prevent wrinkles - especially with lightweight summer pieces. I also like to roll outfits together (tops and bottoms), so when I’m on the go, I can just pull out one outfit and I’m set for the day!
What’s your go-to travel outfit for long flights or train rides?
I always go for something comfortable but still a little put-together - you never know if your room will be ready when you arrive at your next destination!
Usually, I’ll wear loose pants, a soft cotton tee, and a cosy cashmere jumper or cardi (planes are always freezing). Comfortable sneakers are a must! I’ll also have my new Odyssey Crossbody Bag on me - it keeps my phone, passport, and boarding pass close by, while leaving me hands-free for my carry-on and anything else the kids decide to throw at me!
What beauty or skincare products do you never travel without?
I keep my in-flight beauty routine pretty simple. I always pack a good serum, a rich moisturiser, and a liquid blush and highlighter to help me look a little fresher after a long-haul flight - oh, and I never forget a comb!
All of this lives in my Cosmetic Pouch, which makes it easy to locate in my Overnight Travel Bag and take to the bathroom mid-flight or when I’m freshening up after landing.
What’s one underrated item that always comes in handy when you travel?
Definitely my Insulated Pouch (I have the Black with Gunmetal). Originally I started using it for snacks, but now it’s become my little emergency pouch.
I keep things like bandaids, antiseptic cream, hand sanitiser and a few kids’ essentials in there. It’s one of those things that just always comes in handy - and I love knowing I have a few ‘just in case’ bits ready to go.
Whether it’s a weekend away or a European summer escape, Judi knows the right bags (and a few clever packing hacks), can make every trip feel smoother, more comfortable and a little more stylish.
Ready to pack your own perfect carry-on? Explore our full range of travel-ready bags and pouches here.
