Belly's Paris Travel Staples in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Deserve as Much Attention as Her Love Life

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  Travel and Leisure on Sun, Sep 07th, 2025 by Travel + Leisure

A Summer Reimagined: How One Traveler Packaged a Paris Adventure (and the Essentials That Made It Happen)

When Conklin, the writer who shares her travel wisdom on Travel + Leisure, looked back on the summer she spent in Paris, she described it not as a hectic whirlwind but as a “pretty belly” of moments—soft, satisfying, and surprisingly comfortable. That transformation, she tells us, hinged on a handful of thoughtfully chosen travel essentials that turned a potential chaos into a graceful, almost effortless experience. Her article—published in the magazine’s Paris section—serves as both a personal narrative and a practical packing guide, blending anecdotes with a definitive checklist that anyone planning a quick trip to the city of light can use.

The Setup: A Trip That Could’ve Been Overwhelming

Conklin’s journey began with a simple problem: a full‑swing summer in Paris, with its notoriously unpredictable weather and the need to juggle a camera, a journal, and a love of cafés. “I had a suitcase, a backpack, and a few pieces of clothing that didn’t go together,” she writes. “The goal was to reduce that chaos.” She decided to bring only the essentials—no more than a carry‑on—and to pack items that could be layered, mixed, and matched. The result was a lean, efficient kit that still felt complete.

1. The Ultimate Carry‑On

The cornerstone of Conklin’s list is the Travel + Leisure bestseller, the “All‑Day Daypack.” It’s small enough to fit in the overhead bin yet large enough to hold a notebook, a camera, and a reusable water bottle. She praises its multiple compartments, which keep items organized even during a subway ride. The daypack’s waterproof zippers are highlighted as a lifesaver when sudden Parisian showers arrive.

Link Worth Checking: The original article links to a side feature titled “The 10 Best Travel Daypacks of 2024,” which offers a deeper dive into comparable options and includes buyer guides and product ratings. Conklin uses the All‑Day as her reference point because of its blend of style, durability, and price point.

2. Shoes That Can Handle the City’s Sidewalks

“Paris is all about walking,” Conklin notes, and her shoe selection reflects that truth. She recommends a pair of stylish yet sturdy “Ballet Flats with a Thimble Heel” that can transition from a museum visit to a dinner by the Seine. The key takeaway: choose shoes that look chic but feel comfortable from the first step. She also suggests packing a pair of lightweight sneakers for longer walks—a trick that many travelers overlook.

3. Layering for Weather, Not Weight

Weather in Paris during summer is a mix of sunshine and sudden rain. Conklin’s packing strategy revolves around layering: a lightweight turtleneck, a soft cotton tee, and a versatile cardigan. The cardigan, she explains, should be made from a quick‑dry fabric that can also serve as a rain cover if needed. Her recommended brands—M. M. M. and Uniqlo—are noted for their blend of warmth and lightness.

4. Toiletry & Beauty Basics

Keeping a minimalist toiletry kit is a major part of Conklin’s “pretty belly” mindset. She sticks to travel‑size containers for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer, all stored in a clear plastic zip‑lock bag. “The visual cue of an empty bag is oddly satisfying,” she quips. She also includes a mini makeup kit that’s just enough for a natural look—primarily a tinted moisturizer, a concealer, a setting spray, and a lip balm.

Side Link: The article references a separate Travel + Leisure piece on “The Best Travel Beauty Essentials for 2024.” Conklin cites a review of the “No‑Mess Travel Makeup Kit” that highlights the importance of multi‑use products to reduce packing load.

5. Tech: Phone, Charger, and Power Bank

In a city where connectivity is essential for navigation and photo‑sharing, Conklin recommends a small, lightweight power bank with at least 10,000 mAh capacity. She also uses a universal travel adapter (the “TravelMate”) and a compact phone case that doubles as a wallet. Her favorite app, as noted in the article, is “Citymapper” for real‑time transit updates and offline maps.

Link: Conklin provides a link to a Travel + Leisure article titled “Top 5 Must‑Have Tech Gadgets for Paris Travelers.” The article dives deeper into tech reviews, from portable Wi‑Fi routers to smart water bottles that track hydration.

6. The Versatile Scarfl

A scarf may sound quaint, but Conklin explains how it can be a fashion statement, a blanket on chilly evenings, or a face mask in the event of a sudden heat wave. She opts for a cotton‑blend scarf that can be worn in multiple ways, a staple that also helps her avoid carrying an extra jacket. This “multi‑use” approach echoes the article’s overarching theme: reduce, reuse, and repurpose.

7. A Checklist That Saves Time

One of the article’s most valuable assets is the printable packing list that Conklin shares. The list is broken down into categories—clothing, accessories, toiletries, tech—making it easy for readers to tick off items as they pack. It also includes a “Leave‑In‑Bag” section for things that travelers typically forget, like the charger or a spare pair of socks.

8. Tips for Staying Comfortable

Beyond the items, Conklin offers practical advice for navigating Paris’s famed café culture. She recommends the “Eat at 3 PM” strategy to avoid the midday crowds, suggests wearing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, and recommends using a small reusable tote for groceries purchased at the boulangerie. She also advises readers to keep a small journal or note‑taking app handy to capture spontaneous inspirations—something she found invaluable during her stay.

9. Conclusion: A “Pretty Belly” of Memories

Conklin’s summer in Paris turned into a “pretty belly”—a collection of balanced, comfortable, and memorable moments. By carefully selecting travel essentials that were lightweight, versatile, and stylish, she sidestepped the typical packing pitfalls. Her article is more than a checklist; it’s a story about intentionality in travel—choosing what truly enhances your experience rather than what simply fills space.

For anyone planning a quick Paris trip (or any summer city adventure), Conklin’s method offers a practical, approachable way to pack smart and travel with ease. If you’re looking to dig deeper into the items she recommends, the embedded links to Travel + Leisure’s dedicated gear reviews and travel tech guides provide an excellent next step. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a weekend wanderer, the “pretty belly” mindset could very well be your new passport to a lighter, more enjoyable journey.