Travel isn’t just about the destination — it’s about how you feel along the way. I prepare because preparation gives me freedom. When my essentials are in place, my bag is organized, and the details are thought through, I can relax and be present. I notice the skyline as the plane takes off, enjoy a conversation with the stranger next to me, or catch the first scent of a new city without distraction. Travel prep is my way of making space for adventure.

Why Prep?

Even if you don’t travel often, having a “travel-ready” box or a dedicated section in your closet makes life so much easier. My mother, incredibly practical and organized, never wasted time scrambling at the last minute or stressing about a forgotten necessity.

Being prepared doesn’t mean obsessively refreshing your kit or living in a constant state of readiness — that would defeat the purpose. The goal is peace of mind: knowing you’re covered so you can focus on the important things, whether that’s a work project, a family event, or simply enjoying the day. Even if travel itself is stressful, preparation eases some of the weight.

We can’t promise a stress-free travel day (or life), but at Rydir, our hope is to help you make it as seamless and chic as possible.

Products That Pull Double Duty

I gravitate toward items with more than one use — it helps keep my “lotions and potions” bag minimal. If you’re starting from scratch, take a few minutes to list what you use from morning to night. See if you can pare it down. Choose products that work hard in multiple ways, then purchase travel sizes or invest in a great container set.

I love Cadence capsules — they come in various sizes, and I switch between smaller ones for short trips and larger ones for longer stays. For makeup, Westman Atelier and Jones Road Beauty excel at multi-purpose products. For hair, I can get away with dry shampoo on trips under a week. If I wash, I’ll use hotel shampoo but always bring my own leave-in conditioner. A few chic hair ties, clips, and bobby pins can create almost any style.

Don’t forget medications, pain relief, and personal care items. While multi-use is key, having what makes your trip comfortable is non-negotiable.

Keeping It Ready

Once your travel box is ready, you’re set. When you return, refill it right away so it’s prepped for next time — I like to do this while unpacking and starting laundry. This includes my Rydir Bands that I always carry with me and refresh after a trip. I always have black and taupe (the neutral pack) in my bag. A few days before the next trip, give it a quick check in case you need to restock.

Packing Your Wardrobe

I travel with carry-on only about 95% of the time, and it works because I have a capsule wardrobe ready to go. This type of packing requires a little thought. You want to make sure you have all your staples ready to go and in top condition. My staples include dark denim trousers, white ankle jeans, and versatile tees — easy to style for almost any occasion. I love Veronica Beard blazers for instant polish, and neck scarves for a quick style boost. For shoes, multifunctional styles win every time. These days, stylish trainers can take you almost anywhere.

Bringing It All Together

Travel prep isn’t about obsessing over every detail; it’s about freeing yourself from last-minute chaos so you can focus on the moments that matter. Whether it’s a neatly packed Cadence capsule, your favorite blazer, or the Rydir Band securing your bag, the goal is the same: to make your travel day as seamless and stylish as possible. Prep once, enjoy every trip after.