‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Paris Travel Essentials

The question of the summer has been, “Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah?” It’s fair to say that Jenny Han’s long-awaited final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty has fans more invested than ever in the conclusion to this swoony, coming-of-age love story.

The show has always been filled with scenic eye candy, including the picturesque—and fictional—Cousins Beach on Cape Cod (but actually filmed in Wilmington, N.C.). So, when we were taken 3,500+ miles away, I was ready for full-fledged travel wanderlust. As a travel editor with decades of traveling under my belt, I literally squealed with delight when Lola Tung’s Belly Conklin boarded that one-way flight to Paris—alone. If you’re trying to escape from a complicated love triangle, why not head straight to the City of Love, amiright?

Her Paris getaway didn’t just serve up wanderlust—it also spotlighted a few of my own favorite travel staples worth adding to your arsenal. These must-haves, including a durable carry-on and spacious travel backpack, are timeless essentials that make any trip smoother, more comfortable, and more stylish, whether you’re Paris-bound or just plotting your escape after breaking a few hearts.

Belly’s Paris Travel Essentials

Away The Bigger Carry-on

Are we surprised that the always effortlessly stylish Belly Conklin is a carry-on-only traveler? Not one bit. And of course, as a travel editor, I was quick to peep the suitcase she chose for the job: the best-selling Away Bigger Carry-on in the stunning sea green colorway.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to sneak a peek at its contents, but I imagine an aspirational, Paris-ready wardrobe is neatly folded inside. The Bigger Carry-on has room for that and plenty more, with space for up to nine outfits (or more if you’re a really strategic packer). I have the softside variation and can attest to its surprisingly spacious capacity. As a recently reformed overpacker, I’ve been able to fit a week’s worth of clothes inside—along with shoes and toiletries. (I’d like to thank these vacuum-sealed bags for support in my journey.) 

Now, let’s talk about the bag’s level of endurance. On her quest to find her stolen backpack, Belly drags this suitcase down the cobblestone streets of Paris for hours, even carrying it through a jam-packed Parisian nightclub. And while Belly put it through the ultimate trial run, shoppers confirm the wheels really do “roll smoothly” across all kinds of terrain, from cobblestones to airport terminals.

Coachtopia Loop Quilted Backpack

At the top of my must-pack list? A travel backpack that’s spacious enough for everything yet comfy enough to actually carry. I swear by my Dagne Dover Brooklyn Backpack, but Belly’s adorable Coachtopia Loop Quilted Backpack is now sitting pretty at the top of my wishlist.

While the stunning light twilight colorway is sold out at Coach, I did spot it at Amazon for the same price. But you can also nab it in the punchy black hue. This roomy backpack offers plenty of space for your laptop, along with front-zip and side pockets for all your travel accessories. It also features drawstrings and g-hook closures to keep it more secure. Shoppers call it the “perfect bag” that “fits everything.” They also say it’s soft, easy to carry, and surprisingly roomy.

If you also love the comfy, plush look, the Coachtopia line has coordinating totes and pouches, so your travel look can be as put-together as your itinerary.

Apple AirTag

If you’ve ever been on the fence about getting an Apple AirTag, let Belly’s (mis)adventure convince you of its status as a travel non-negotiable. Whether you’re checking a bag or wanting to keep track of your other belongings, a Bluetooth tracker could seriously save the day.

After falling victim to a pickpocket only hours after arriving, Belly even managed to track down her stolen backpack all the way to a Paris nightclub (talk about dedication!). I’d rather skip the drama and enjoy the peace of mind, which is exactly why I’ll always keep one tucked in my bag. Travelers (and T+L editors) agree this is the best and most accurate way to keep track of and ultimately reunite with lost luggage. After losing their suitcase in Italy, a shopper was able to follow directions via the AirTag to an unmarked warehouse, arriving “exactly where the luggage was.”

Salomon Xt-6 Sportstyle Sneaker

Whether I’m trekking through the airport or exploring a new city, a comfortable sneaker is an absolute must. I like to rack up steps in my Cariuma Tocas, but I spotted Belly in the cushy, shopper-loved Salomon Xt-6s in the black colorway (she has also been seen in the Xt-4 OGs).

The Xt-6s really nail that balance of fashion-meets-function, with plush cushioning for long travel days and a sleek design that pairs well with everything from jeans to dresses. Shoppers say the sneakers are “super versatile…durable and long-lasting,” plus they’re “great for everyday use and hiking.” Belly may be running from her problems, but at least she’s doing it in comfortable shoes built for both mileage and a little drama.

What Belly Needs: a Travel Jewelry Case

Now, we need to talk about the travel essential Belly desperately needs: a compact jewelry case, like this stylish velvet pick. This little case keeps rings, necklaces, and earrings neatly tucked away, so nothing gets tangled—or worse, left behind. It’s small enough to slip into a carry-on or backpack and chic enough that Oprah herself swears by it. Plus, in Belly’s case, it could have saved her from a full-blown panic at Passport Control. It’s what Susannah would have wanted.

Whether you’re Team Conrad, Team Jeremiah, or Team Belly, you’ll want these travel essentials with you on your next getaway. As you wait for Belly’s Parisian solo adventure to unfold, keep scrolling to shop wardrobe essentials inspired by her Cousins-to-Paris travel look—all at Amazon from $12.

Shop Belly’s Cousins-to-Paris Travel Look:

Gray Oversized Hoodie

White Crewneck T-shirt

Comfy Jeans

Cute Travel Pouch

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