Travel Tips & The Best Gear
It’s time to get going on your spring and summer travel plans, if you are going places!
As I said last year, I find myself frantic to do and go and accomplish. Can you tell? 😜 I have the crushing feeling that time is running out and I must get going! One of those things to get going on, is traveling. I plan to go until I “can’t go no more…”
I have a great group of ladies that I travel with when possible. And when I can tag along, I travel with Chip. We go to some wonderful destinations, mostly domestic and sometimes Caribbean. With the ladies, my trips have been mainly to Europe. I know I am extremely fortunate in this area.
You would think I’m a pro at the whole travel thing, but I learn something to do/not to do on every trip! I swear if I won the lottery, I would hire a professional packer. Even so, I have learned a lot and here’s my bag full of travel info for you.
I start seriously looking at the weather 3 weeks before I leave, especially if it’s an off season trip (going somewhere warm when it’s cold here). Then I start pulling clothes 7 days out. When the weather starts showing up on my phone, that’s when I can take the weather apps seriously and start putting it all in my suitcase(s). In the last year though, the weather app on my phone has gotten it VERY wrong. So now I look at a weather site online also.
Speaking of suitcases, the older I get, the less I want to drag a stuffed carry-on around with me. I check as much as possible and only carry on what I want to consume (books, screens, pen and paper, snacks), a turkish towel or wrap (for warmth or head rest), in a small carry on with underwear, meds and essential toiletries. And maybe a tote bag/purse.
I’m not a light packer, but I try to be smart about it. If I am not handling my own luggage, then I take a large bag. If I have to pick it up, and carry it around myself, I take more, smaller bags.
If it’s a longish trip and I am moving locations, I try to pack by order of what I’m wearing. I also pack everything that might wrinkle in plastic dry cleaner bags. It really does help. I am the only traveler on the planet that doesn’t like packing cubes. But I’ve included some that got the best ratings in case you are interested. Everyone else seems to love them.
NOTE! When I am traveling with Chip, I am changing clothes two or three times a day, so I am not able to pack really light. There is walking in the morning, then pool or beach, maybe lunch or an afternoon activity, and then dinner out with clients. When I go with my girlfriends, I am usually wearing the same thing all day, but many nights we dress for dinner.
I make a cheat sheet of what I’m going to where and when. It doesn’t always work out, but it keeps me organized and reminds me of what I brought for what activity.
Remember there is a difference in an adapter and a converter. If you are traveling overseas and taking something that has a motor or uses heat, you need both!
If I am not sitting with Chip, and it’s a long flight, I try to sit on the aisle. I try to check in as soon as I can - Chip thinks you have a better chance of getting upgraded if you check in early - you never know!
I try to wear the heavier, bulky things that might be hard to pack, especially in the winter. (ie - hats, jean jacket or puffer, blazer, etc)
Below are some of my favorite travel items and most used accessories.
Click images for links.
AWAY LUGGAGE
I can’t say enough about this luggage and the company. I have a navy set, the large (pictured), the medium and the carry-on sizes. I saved money by buying the set. It is not nearly as expensive as some other brands.
It is has a polycarbonate shell, is VERY lightweight, very attractive and has 360º spinner wheels.
Most of their bags are guaranteed for life, and will be repaired or replaced. No joke. I bought one for Chip that he uses non-stop. He travels weekly and his luggage takes a beating. It was punctured on one trip and I emailed the company. Within a week he had a brand new replacement and we sent the damaged one back in the box. (This has never happened to mine, and they have been to the west coast numerous times, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico and to Europe eight times.)
Truffle Clarity large jetset Case
I put my makeup and brushes in here. Yes - this is in addition to the toiletries bag. I can see what I have and don’t have to fish around to find things. This is the Original bag and I think there are probably some knock offs to be found. This is 6 years old and gets use at least once a month.
Parallelle Medium Makeup Case
I am really thinking about switching to this makeup case. Everything stands up in it and there is no rifling through it or dumping it out. Very close to switching out to this. The hold up is the size may be larger and it is pricey. If you are local in RVA, they have these at 5807!
Travel Steamer
This is a small hand held steamer similar to the one I have which is unavailable. Remember, if you take this overseas - you need a converter AND an adapter. I am actually looking into a dual voltage travel steamer for overseas - most of the converters you buy, are not equipped to handle small appliances.
Acne Dots
These work so well and take up no room in your bag. Great for a shiny new zit on the front of your nose, while on vacay! I rarely have them any more, but when I do, it’s usually front and center…
Travel Adapter
You can hardly see it but this is the newest version of an Apple power adapter for your Mac, iPad, or iPhone. You will also need a travel set of outlet plugs to plug it in overseas. You might need it for your phone too. Look into it!
Hat Clips
These hat clips for your bag are great and really work well. They come in all shapes and colors. I use mine all the time. There are less expensive versions of these out there, but I don’t know if they work as well.
The Everywhere Bag
This is also from Away. I saw how great this was when my friend Kris got it. This is the smallest size of three.
It has a wraparound zipper, has an outer pocket and a handle sleeve, so you just slip it over your bag handle and it stays put. It has a sleeve inside for your laptop and has pockets inside to organize things. It has two handles and a shoulder strap. I really love it. I fit my laptop, a book, paperwork, phone, airbuds, charging cords, my wallet and the small toiletries bag, a tshirt and undies to sleep in - just in case. I would like it to be a little bigger, but then I wouldn’t be able to lug it around.
I use packing cubes sometimes now, for smaller items, and these are the ones I use. They are basic, and they go with my luggage. If I wasn’t going to make the investment in the nicer ones, I would get the less expensive ones from Quince.
Cross Body Bag
This is also from Tumi, and I have had this for 4 years. It looks brand new. I can’t say enough about this.
I will use it instead of a purse and it holds so much. It’s great for day travel, it’s lightweight and comfortable and looks as nice as a purse for evening. It has a secret magnetic compartment in the middle and that’s where my passport goes.
Truffle Clarity Small Jetset Case
I have this one too. This one is TSA approved as your clear, quart sized toiletry bag for your carry on.
I saved up for these cases and they are so nice. (You can get cheaper copies on Amazon!)
Here’s what I do - I put as much as I can fit in this - things that I don’t want to be without if my luggage is late. The rest goes in the Tumi bag and the larger makeup bag. This goes in the Everywhere Bag above.
I only use this on the airplane. I stow it during my trip, using the bigger clear bag for makeup and the hanging bag for all other toiletries.
Shoe Bags
I do use shoe bags when I travel, so as not to bring the dirty pavement into my suitcase. I usually use the plastic bags that come with a pair of shoes in the shoe box. (Sam Edelman shoes come with great dust covers.) Also I have used the plastic bags that my husband’s laundered shirts come in (he has them folded for packing), they are the perfect size for a shoe! If you don’t have anything that you can reuse, these that I found on Amazon would do the trick.
Ladies - it has come to my attention that shower caps work well…..like the ones they have in hotel rooms….!
Travel Detergent
These also take up no space and are great for washing out undies or socks, etc in the sink.
AirTags
These are great to keep track of your luggage. (Or anything!) If you’ve ever lost it, you do feel better keeping track of it. They are pretty accurate, but sometimes there is a 10-15 minute delay.
I also have a three page printable with Tips for Stress Free Travel, a Travel Essentials check list, and a 6 Month Countdown for Travel Abroad.
You can download that for free when you Subscribe to the Blog!
Hanging Cosmetic Case
This one is from Tumi and you can find a less expensive one, but make sure it has all the goodness. This one opens up to three compartments and has a zip off one too. Lots of zippers and compartments. And it’s amazing how much you can get in it and still get it closed! 😬
I like it because I am usually sharing a room and I have TONS of products. I was taking up the whole counter with all my crap. With this bag, I can hang it out of the way.
Yes it’s pricey but I plan to use it from here on out….. I’ve used it for five years now and a lot of travel - it looks brand new and works like a charm.
Luggage scale
This is inexpensive and super handy if you are concerned about luggage weight. They can be very strict overseas about overweight bags. And airlines are charging more and more for overweight bags these days.
Apple Translator App
This is my favorite one. If you get the version with speech, it will play back with the pronunciation. I like this better than making someone speak into my phone to translate it for me.
Jewelry Rollup
I have a jewelry organizer from my store. Mine is nylon and I’ve had it for thirteen years and counting….
This one I found on Travel & Leisure after looking far and wide, and it serves the purpose well, without spending a lot of money.
Sample Colognes
A great way to take your favorite fragrances on the road, is with samples. I found this sample kit with some of my Jo Malone favorites for $25. Aerin has small spray sizes, and lots of fragrances have a smaller rollerball perfume oil. That’s actually easier on your neck - oil based as opposed to alcohol based! (Only use on clean skin - they can pick up bacteria.)
On The Go Peels
When you’re traveling, you can’t bring the whole bathroom counter and space is at a premium. Bring one of these to refresh and brighten your face after jet lag or long days wandering! They take up no room at all. You can get them at Amazon or at Blue Mercury or Sephora.
Turkish Towels
I always take one or three of these when I travel. They are great on the plane to keep warm, or use as a pillow, they are a great wrap when you go out at night, or if you have a chilly day. They go in the washer and dryer, and are soft and just great looking! They also make great beach towels and sarongs!
More Great Travel Tips & Info…
The one thing you need to do on a red eye flight. Very easy and makes sense to me.
I loved Centsational Girl blog for her DIY hacks and great travel info. Here’s a great post from her. Great necessities for international travel.
Thanks for reading and Bon Voyage on your next adventure!
