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There's luggage, and then there's the luggage that makes you want to book a flight to Europe immediately. SteamLine Luggage falls into the latter category. It's sleek, timeless, and makes for a picture-perfect moment the second you step off the plane.
When Sara Banks started the brand in 2005, she wanted to "make travel feel luxurious again." She tells Just Packed, "I was working in the fashion industry and would see buyers for shops and boutiques wearing beautiful coats and handbags coming from the airport dragging boring, tired luggage, and it just let the whole picture down. As luggage is truly your largest seen accessory, I just knew that this could be improved upon."
Sara, like our editors, is "determined to bring elegance back to travel." Plus, she's someone who has gotten packing down to a science; that means you'll never find her overpacking. According to the entrepreneur and frequent traveler, "Less is always more. Not having to trawl through clothes or outfit plans makes it so much easier to get out and explore a new destination."
So in the spirit of always packing the right things and being prepared when traveling, Sara shares her must-haves below — from her favorite SteamLine luggage to her go-to travel shoes.
My go-to carry-on bag is…
Any SteamLine carry-on! It fits everything perfectly and shamelessly... It's such an easy case to bring and a joy to travel with.
My favorite personal item bag is…
I do love an open tote bag to throw in anything I need easy access to, although I haven’t landed on my favorite one just yet. I quite like the security of the laptop compartment of [this] Tory Burch one and the easy-to-access open top.
The only checked bag I’ll ever need is…
A spinner-sized SteamLine. Believe me, there's a beautiful, practical place for 2-wheeled luggage (like on every city street), but the 4-wheel spinner SteamLine fits my entire family on a weeklong trip anywhere — and two of them fit my entire family on a year-long trip around the world! The protective covers offer carefree check-in, and the wheels are handy in airports when also pushing a buggy.
My tried-and-true travel outfit is…
The recycled cashmere v-neck jumper from Cuyana and an oversized cashmere shawl. I [also] love Cuyana’s French terry tapered lounge pant. I like to feel a little more elegant while traveling, but feeling comfortable is a necessity, so [a] good cut and quality materials are key.
Inside Sara's Carry-On: Her Most-Packed Essentials
Le Spec Sunglasses are always in my bag; this Australian brand offers so many styles.
Trinny London's BFF SPF 30 Skin perfector, stacked Lip2Cheek, Eye2Eye, and Lip Treat Balm.
Layers for a chilly night, [like the] Mini Cardigan from La Ligne. I always like to have something cozy for evenings, reminds me of Ireland.
The Bandolier iPhone crossbody is a game-changer.
Versatile travel shoes, both a flat that can be dressed up and a sneaker for activities. I'm usually traveling with my husband and four young boys, so not many opportunities for heels these days. Right now, I am wearing Isabel Marant sneakers and Loeffler Randall bow slides.
I'm trying to reduce waste while traveling, so I always pack my stainless steel Swell water bottle and various Stasher snack bags for the kids.
Preening hand sanitizer is a great find for a hand sanitizer that doesn’t over-dry your hands on the plane; it's also recyclable, refillable, non-toxic, and vegan.
