Travel Essentials for Those On The Go

I travel.

A LOT.

In fact, I am rarely home anymore, which does make life difficult at times, but luckily, I have a great family, a support system, and I am able to get out of town and back without too many hiccups.

Along the way, I have run across a few things that have made my life on the road a lot easier, and it seems someone is always asking my advice for how I pack for so many trips in such a small bag.

It easy though. I plan. And I’ve luckily found some really helpful products that make it all a little less hassle. Here are a few of my favorite.

The Suitcase.

You can buy any brand you like, and one that seems well made, but make sure it’s a tad smaller than the regulation overhead bin size on an airplane. Once you pack that sucker full, it expands, and you don’t want to be the schmuck in 11B holding up aisle traffic as you try unsuccessfully to shove that thing in the bin above you. While you are at it, find a bag with wheels that roll in every direction. I have one that does, and one that doesn’t, and the super swirly wheels make zipping through hotels and airport SO much easier. Now, I DO NOT CHECK a suitcase, unless I am FORCED. Sometimes, this happens. So, when picking a bag, choose a color. Grey or Black are so hard to see, so express yourself and get a teal bag. Or yellow. Or flowers or Ninjas. Something different. It makes life at the carousel so much nicer to deal with.

Here is one I like: It’s the Travelpro Luggage Maxlite3 International Carry-On Spinner, and it’s on a huge sale on Amazon. Worth looking into…

The Battery Back Up

There’s NO WAY I am traveling without a battery charger in tow, And this one I love. It’s the Razor Max from MyCharge, and holds FOUR charges. Four. I keep it constantly charged, whenever I sit still long enough to find an outlet, and I know I will be good to go with this. It also makes you look like a rockstar because when that cute man with the dying cell sits down beside you, he can plug in to your charger as well…there are two ports. Now, if only it would transfer his number to you without you having to ask…

Score.

Travel Sized Toiletries.

This used to be a downfall of mine. I’ve gotten spoiled by some really nice hotels who provide stellar lotions and shampoos…but what about our nightly girl routine? It never fails that we can’t take our favorite brands because they are a little too large to stay in our bags. So – I finally found Jojoba Company – and they provide a little bit of luxury when I am on the road now. Lotions, face cream, and so much more. And? They are genius in that the sizes are JUST right for TSA. Genius.

Here’s what the above set includes, for only $25:

1. Jojoba Bead Facial Cleanser
2. Hydrating Day Cream
3. Intense Overnight Cream
4. Lemon & Coconut Hand Cream
5. 100% Natural Australia Jojoba moisturizer

You can get it here!

Neck Pillow/Blanket

Make fun of those folks traipsing through the airport all you want, hugging their woobies, but you’ll be sad once you get on a red-eye and 15F has a snuggly blanky and you are tugging on your jacket to keep you toasty. A blanket, a thin one, is great for an airplane, if you are traveling a couple hours or more.

To me, anything under 1 1/2 hours isn’t worth taking it, but over? Yes. It’s comforting, and provides a little bit of separation, like a cocoon. I like that. And the travel pillow? So much batter than the little white things they give you on board. I like this one from J Pillow – even though it’s weird looking, it’s amazingly comfy…you will think so, too. It can make a redeye actually sleepable.

The Backpack

I used to be anti-backpack, and favored the big purse instead. But – I found the backpack makes so much more sense. it’s easier to carry, easier to deal with, easier to find things in, has more pockets, inside and out, and well, it just HOLDS more. In mine, I pack a travel brush/comb, toothbrush, the toiletries, makeup, a change of clothing, and a pair of shoes. If I can fit other things in there, okay, but these I keep packed all the time. Yes, I KEEP a travel brush, travel toothbrush, a few Band-Aids, some Advil, and things of that nature packed because I know eventually I will forget them if I unpack them. It’s a wise investment.

I have a friend who actually ONLY travels with a backpack, well – two. One he wears on his back, the other on his front. It works for him, and it was his dedication to the backpack that pushed me into loving it for myself. Oh, hey – put a pair of headphones in there too. You never know if they will be offering free movies, or if 12B is a snorer, or an oversharer. Headphones are perfect for these situations.

I know these things seem like common sense, but maybe they aren’t in reality. Just think ahead, make a plan, and go with it. The biggest thing to remember is DO NOT OVERPACK. There’s no reason to. No matter where you are going, there is likely a store that will sell that one thing you forgot. Just remember to enjoy yourself, don’t stress it, and learn to love the life you find on the road.

It’s a great big, adventure filled world out there. Go see it.

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Just so you know. All thoughts and opinions are my own.