The Art of Packing: Group Trip Edition

Pack these smart, crowd-pleasing essentials for your next group trip

By Tiffany Figueiredo

01. Bicycle playing cards are timeless and come in limited-edition colorways that feel far more elevated than your standard drugstore deck. Toss a few into your carry-on for late nights around the firepit or lazy afternoons at the villa. A low-lift addition that always pays off.

02. Even with the loveliest of companions, sometimes you need a little space. My go-to: the Sony WH1000XM4 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones. Lightweight, immersive, and still the best value out there (not to mention sturdier than Sony's newer version), they’re perfect for flights, poolside recharge time, or a brief escape from the group chaos.

03. The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3 Smartphone Printer turns your phone snaps into polaroid-style keepsakes in seconds — no bulky camera needed. It’s compact, endlessly fun, and a thoughtful way to give your group tangible memories to take home.

04. We love soft, washed-cotton baseball caps embroidered with something trip-specific: Harry’s 50th, Team Provence, Family Fiesta 2025. They offer sun protection, make your crew easy to spot in a crowd, and look great in photos, especially when everyone’s in the same color.

05. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker is surprisingly powerful for its size. It's also waterproof, dust-proof, and practically indestructible. It comes in a few great colors and sets the tone for beach days, pool hangs, or mellow breakfasts, and a matching carry case makes it easy to toss in your tote.

06. Lightweight, quick-drying, and quietly luxurious, this Kassatex linen beach blanket is equally at home on a boat, at the beach, or spread out for a spontaneous picnic. It folds down small, doubles as a wrap or sarong, and makes a thoughtful, elevated pillow gift for your group — useful on the trip and beautiful enough to keep using long after.

07. A Victorinox Swiss Army Knife is a group-trip MVP. Scissors for stray threads, a mini screwdriver for loose sunglasses, a corkscrew for that bottle you picked up at the wine-tasting— someone always needs something, and this sleek multitool delivers.

08. Bright, color-coded luggage tags make baggage claim smoother, especially when your group shows up with a matching fleet of Rimowa suitcases. I don’t believe in spending too much on tags (they get destroyed or go missing), but a matching set makes bags easy to spot and adds a little polish to your arrival.

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