I pride myself on packing pretty light, yet always bringing exactly what I need when it comes to travel, so I thought I would share my top ten travel essentials I never leave the house without!
Packing cubes are a great way to organize and maximize space inside your suitcase. In the past I have always used 3 cubes; undergarments and socks, tops, and bottoms. For shorter trips you can even use the cubes to organize various outfits. I have bought packing cubes from Marshalls but you can also find them at Wal-Mart and Amazon.
This is key. I only travel with carry on luggage. Why? You never have to worry about your luggage being lost, you save time not having to check luggage and wait for baggage claim, and most of all you don't want to lug around more than what will fit in a carry on for the duration of your travels. Keep it simple. Keep it light. I LOVE my Cal Pak, my specific style is sold out on their website but I have linked the entire set found on Amazon.
TSA requires that you separate all your liquids when going through security. I have found it easiest to simply use a transparent bag for all cosmetics. This also allows for easy access to all your contents while traveling.
4. Sea Bands
Oh my word, I can't say enough good things about my Sea Bands. They are acupressure bands you wear on your wrist that keep you from getting motion sickness. I first learned about them when I was going on a cruise with my family years ago. I wore them almost the entire time, until one night I thought to myself "I don't need to wear these, I haven't gotten sea-sick this entire trip." Almost immediately after I took them off, I threw up in an elevator on the ship. Now, I never leave home without them. Great for car rides, shuttle rides, trains, planes, boats, you name it. If you are sensitive like me, you need these!
While we're on the subject of sensitive travel tummies, I can't forget to mention GinGins Ginger Candies. These are a must have to sooth a sensitive stomach. You never know what foreign foods, smells or motions can set you off.
6. Tieks
My holy grail of travel shoes. Stylish, comfy, packable. What more can I say? The hardest part about traveling with Tieks is simply deciding on which color to bring!
7. Backpack and clutch
Ok, so I like to travel with a backpack that is large enough to fit my small crossbody purse/ clutch (I carry a @studiodiy #cantclutchthis clutch with a strap, this is the most versatile way to travel in my humble opinion). Other than the clutch inside the backpack, I also carry the random things I want to have handy while in the airplane; headphones, sleepmask, snacks, meds and more snacks.
I asked my instagram family for suggestions on face sunscreen, and multiple people suggested this SPF setting spray. It's great for travel because not only does it protect your face from the sun's harmful rays but it also helps your makeup last through the day. I love how fast and easy it is to apply as well.
This is my everyday essential, not just for travel. I always carry a Tarte lip paint with me. For this specific trip I am bring 3 shades; a red, a pink and a dark nude. The shade I have linked it my all-time favorite and a great color to start with.
10. Hat
I always travel with a hat. As simple as that. Find a hat that is comfortable and goes with a majority of the outfits you are packing. Hats are great accessories but are also super functional for protecting yourself from the sun while traveling.
BONUS:
Snacks, snacks and more snacks. Save money by planning ahead and pack your travel snacks in your carry on. My go-to snacks; Cliff Bars, Goldfish, roasted almonds, Mentos, and Applesauce. Yes, you heard me, APPLESAUCE!