Bringing the Feel of Travel Home — and Getting You There, Too
While my goal is to help others bring the feeling of travel into their homes, my true passion will always be the travel itself. And let’s be honest — getting there is half the battle…
I’ve been spending the better part of the last few weeks daydreaming about our next trip and planning endlessly in my mind. We’re last-minute travelers at heart — no spreadsheets or locked-in itineraries, just a whole lot of flexible planning and intuition. But there’s one thing I do plan with intention: the packing. Being intentional and creating a peaceful, supportive environment with the things you bring with you is a great way to invite the power of Shui on your trip with you…
Because just like in a well-designed home, what you surround yourself with on a trip impacts how you feel.
So, if surrounding yourself with the spirit of a place still leaves you itching to actually jump on a plane, here are a few tips to help you make it happen and love the process along the way:
Prioritize Passion
Whatever you love — travel or otherwise — put it on a pedestal. Not out of reach, but in plain view. Think about your goals often. Put reminders where you can see them. Every time you skip that impulse buy from the big A site or resist temptation at the red bullseye, stash that money away for what really matters. One less thing can mean one more memory…
Keep It Light (Literally and Energetically)
Shui lives in the interaction between us and our environment. And when you travel, your suitcase becomes that environment. thoughtful packing creates calm and makes all the difference in how fully I can enjoy being away. Thoughtful packing creates calm — it’s energy design in motion. Less weight = more ease. More ease = better trip.
Our Family Travel Must-Haves
We’ve been traveling as a family since our girls were little (we started the “everyone carries their own backpack” rule at ages 5 and 7), and it’s stuck. Here’s what works for us:
Easy Access Essentials: On travel days, keep your essentials close — passports, electronics, toiletries for security checks, snacks, chargers, and water bottles should all be within reach. A great daypack makes all the difference — not just for airport chaos but for daily exploring too.
Packing Cubes: These are non-negotiable for us. Whether we’re using rolling suitcases for an Alaskan cruise or minimalist backpacks for summer in Europe, packing cubes keep everything organized. They also help us separate each person’s items, which makes hotel living way easier.
What We Wear
Lightweight Button-Ups: Each family member brings at least one of these on each trip. These are the MVPs of our travel wardrobes — think sun protection, evening layer, quick pillow, or stylish add-on. We love the ones from Quince, and they make versions for kids and men too, they’ve got you covered… literally.
Scarves or Sarongs: These multitask like no other — blanket on a plane, sun shield, beach towel, or impromptu wrap. I always bring a few, and we all end up sharing. A Turkish towel works great for this too.
Bandanas or other Pop of Color: My girls like to tie them in their hair, we use them to cool off (wet them and wear around the neck), or hey even as a makeshift napkin. A simple red cotton bandana is my go-to, but a fun pattern is great too.
Water Shoes (Yes, Really): Not glamorous, but a game changer if you love European beaches. They protect your feet from sharp rocks and prevent vacation-ruining injuries. We skip them for cooler destinations, but in the Mediterranean? Always.
Hats: A must — enough said. Find something easy to pack and enjoy not being sunburnt.
Toiletries + Tiny Luxuries
Mini First Aid Kit: Because of language barriers abroad, I always bring the basics: pain meds for kids and adults, tummy medicine, sea sickness bracelets, bug spray, anti-itch cream, and my favorite travel tool — The Bug Sucker (trust me on this one).
Theragun Mini: A bit of a luxury, but it’s worth it after long flights, extra-active days, or sleeping on futons (Japan, I’m looking at you).
Simple Beauty Routine: I like to keep things minimal — eyelash curler, waterproof mascara (I love this clean one), and a tinted SPF. Done and out the door.
Don’t skip your favorites: Whether its a shampoo, a perfume or something else you love using at home take it with you. Small luxuries bring the feeling of home with you.
Final Prep: The Packing Ritual
I always lay everything out on the bed, build outfits from just a few pieces, and edit ruthlessly. My goal? Maximum outfit combos, minimum stuff.
Once that’s done — we’re off! Light on things, full of intention, open to the magic of the moment ready to make memories…
xo
Abby
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