Sunday, June 20, 2010

Travel Essentials

Few things are as daunting as packing for a vacation. Sure, there's a sense of romanticism in assembling a well-edited capsule wardrobe for the trip, but the thought of forgetting an essential item sends this gal into fits of panic. Here's a selection of my must-haves:

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Small Notebook: I rely on a notepad more than any other travel essential. I jot down sightseeing destinations, phone numbers for hotels and airlines, the names of restaurants and stores we visit and don't want to forget. When boredom hits, it's a prime place to challenge each other to tic-tac-toe.

Scarf: I'm not a huge fan of scarves when the mercury rises, but with a chilly plane - and a subsequent road trip with a boyfriend who has a penchant for subzero air conditioning - a scarf doubles as a lightweight blanket to fend off goosebumps.

Statement Jewelry: The thought of losing a beloved jewel on vacation strikes indescribable fear in me. I've made it a personal rule to bring only one piece of statement jewelry to wear daily: a piece that transitions seamlessly from day to night and won't leave me in tears if it goes missing.

Philosophy 3-in-1 Shower Gel: Tiny bars of hotel soap are the least luxurious part of traveling and leave you itching (sometimes literally) for a skin-friendly option. Pamper yourself with a bottle of Philosophy's 3-in-1 shower gel with a vacation-infused scent like lime margarita. Better yet, it doubles as shampoo, eliminating the need to pack yet another bottle.

Ziploc Bags: No matter where I am, I always find a use for Ziploc bags. Use them to pack toiletries, keeping spills contained. Take one with you to the beach to collect seashells - and prevent sand from infiltrating the rest of your luggage. Pack not-quite-dry swimsuits and towels. And if you pick up any small souvenirs, Ziploc bags are a great way to keep tabs on them.

Cleansing Cloths: Each time I can avoid a potentially leaky bottle, I take advantage of it. Cleansing towelettes travel well and effectively remove the day's makeup - even waterproof mascara. I always keep a box of these tucked into my suitcase.

Antibacterial Hand Gel: There are no guarantees that public restrooms will be well-stocked with soap. Be proactive and bring along your own bottle of antibacterial hand gel to keep germs at bay.

What are your travel essentials?

29 comments:

  1. Great tips. The notebook is a great idea, I am always searching for something to write on! xo

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  2. My travel essentials? sunscreen, my beloved chapstick, Aveeno face cream, Tarte facial powder, and a few others :)

    xo Lynzy

    http://fromskirtstoskillets.blogspot.com

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  3. Great tips, sweetie..I adore Philosophy 3-in-1 Shower Gel..Its so good and thanks for the ziploc bags idea...So cool:)
    Kisses darling and Happy Monday:)

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  4. Ooh yes great essentials! Mine are....umm...actually, I have no idea since I hardly travel XD...so sad
    http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

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  5. i love scarves as well, they are very versatile :) lovely blog you have here

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  6. Philosophy is my FAVORITE! Great stuff!! :)

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  7. Very practical list... and it looks pretty, too! :)

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  8. great scarf! i always bring lush shampoo bars - no worries about the 3-ounce-only liquid rule or leaky bottles. "godiva" is a bar shampoo AND conditioner. even better, they last forever.

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  9. Great ideas! I especially love the hard-working body/hair soap. I use my shampoo as shave gel, so that's usually how I save space there. Maybe I should look into one that does even more jobs!

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  10. One of my travel essentials is socks. So I can wear them around the hotel room and through security when I have to take my shoes off. Great list, esp. the scarf, you never know when it's gonna get cold on a plane!

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  11. Cleansing cloths is a great idea! My soap spills 9 times out of 10.

    http://jammer10am.blogspot.com/

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  12. girl, going through airport security every week, you'd be surprised how many people still don't get the "liquid in zip lock bag" thing. I don't expect them to travel as much as i do, but where have they been the last 9 years?? i always make sure i have face sunblock too... cause some remote places have janky sunscreen :)

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  13. that neutrogena eye remover is the best! good list. ziplock bags are the best for travel, mos def.

    samandlivi.blogspot.com

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  14. Great tips! Flying out this Friday, will definitely put some of this to good use :)

    Having a giveaway on my blog, check it out if you'd like!

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  15. These are great tips! I have being using a 3 in 1 from Bath and Body works for a while and just love it. Perfect for travel =)
    So excited to hear about your vacation when you get back!

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  16. All of yours are on my list. I also bring stomach medicine and postcards stamps. Two things I seem to always need but can never find when I travel.

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  17. A wrap is ALWAYS in my travel bag. Fabulous list of essentials!

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  18. Jessica I'm busting up laughing because I'm totally obsessed with the Ziploc bags. I'm sure the luggage people must think I'm a hypochondriac.

    SOCKS!! Socks are a must-have in the carry-on at the airport. I'm famous for flip-flops no matter what the temp, but when you have to take your shoes off and go through security...well it's either socks or purell'ing the floors before I walk through and seeing as there's all those liquid restrictions....

    Wrap or light sweater for the plane. Because I'm not paying $10 or $20 for an airplane nasty blanket. They can suck it! wow - you can tell it's Monday and I'm in a mood. woops!

    So excited for your upcoming vacation!! (and for your bro to come home and get out his cooking skills)

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  19. those earrings are really cutee!

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  20. Great list! The only thing I would add is a good book :)
    Hope you had a nice weekend.

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  21. This is a fab list :)

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/lorenabr

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  22. Philosophy Cinnamon Buns for winter, Margarita for summer! I wish they were edible!
    K

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  23. i would always have a thin pashmina with me whenever i travel.

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  24. I hate packing too, I always feel like i'm going to forget something important!

    I always make sure to bring a cross body bag, so I can focus on taking in the sights and not my bag, as well as my camera. And an umbrella, because if you don't bring it, it will rain.

    Chic on the Cheap

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  25. I am all about the ziploc, scarves (especially ones that are big enough to double as plane blankets), cleansing cloths and the shower gel!

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  26. loooove philosophy. I have like 5 bottles in my apartment right now

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  27. What a great idea! I love philosophy products -- never tried this one, but love the pumpkin scent!

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  28. Love philosophy! Have you tried they're purity face wash? It's simply the best! Hope you have a safe trip. I'm bummed I missed out on your giveaway, but congrats to the winner!

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Thanks for commenting - each one means a lot!

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