Travel Essentials

A few weeks ago, Casey, Harley, and I spent a week in the Los Angeles area. Before I share details of our trip and recommendations on what to do, where to stay, and places to go, I want to first discuss my travel essentials. I should preface this post by letting you know that I am NOT a very organized, plan ahead kind of person. And now that I’m usually traveling with a toddler, it makes things a little way more complicated for me. With that being said, while things may have slowed down a teeny bit since having Harley, I would consider myself a pretty frequent traveler. Despite my procrastinating ways, I’ve gotten my chaotic packing down to a system, so if I can do it, anyone can!

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Luggage: I never realized the importance of having good, solid luggage, until I actually had it. A sturdy exterior and wheels that spin and glide with ease are a must. There are tons of styles to choose from with different colors, fabrics, and compartment options. I love the Hartmann set shown above as well as the Chatelet collection from Delsey.

If you prefer a smaller carryon bag, check out the Stella & Dot Getaway Bag. I’ve been wanting to get one for years! It comes in so many cute prints and expands from an oversize shoulder bag into a large weekender. I may end up getting it to replace the Louis Vuitton Neverfull I usually bring as my “personal item” on airplanes. As much as I love my LV, it doesn’t zip shut which often makes me nervous when traveling. If you prefer a more classic style, the Longchamp ‘Le Pliage’ and the Sole Society ‘Cassidy’ are great picks.

Electronics & Entertainment: Nowadays, I don’t go anywhere without my Macbook. We bring an iPad for Harley filled with children’s learning apps, movies and anything Minnie Mouse [or “Ninnie” as she says], although she doesn’t really have the attention span for it quite yet. Of course in my Mary Poppins bag, I bring books, coloring books, crayons, Play-Doh, and cards in an attempt to keep her entertained while up in the air. Usually none of those things are good enough, and Harley would much rather run up and down the aisle greeting people, but that’s a whole other topic and I’d rather not scare off my childless friends into not having kids! Headphones, chargers, and good reading material are things you don’t want to forget. And in case you are traveling on an airline that doesn’t have a tv, bring an iPod if you don’t want to waste your phone battery or if you’re like me and have zero storage for music on your cell. When traveling sans child, I’ll bring an adult coloring book and/or a notebook to jot down task lists, blog ideas, and whatever else comes to mind. If you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget outlet converters!

Toiletries, Health & Beauty Products: Travel size items are great for quick trips. Over time, I’ve built up a collection of miniature skin, hair & makeup goodies when redeeming my Sephora VIB points or falling into the “gift with purchase” trap, so I’ll try to bring those instead of my full size bottles. I’m obsessed with small cosmetic bags and will usually bring a couple of them to keep all of my crap together when traveling. These poufs are the cutest and they’re only $24! If I can avoid it, I try to not bring a blowdryer. Almost every place I’ve stayed at has had one, even when traveling internationally. I will not however travel without a curling iron and dry shampoo. These are total necessities for me! The ‘Ultimate Travel Bag’ by Sephora featured above is so awesome. It includes shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shower oil, and all of your skincare needs. As far as health products go, Aquaphor is something that’s always in my bag and I know lots of people who like to bring packets of Emergen-C or another type of immune booster with them. Hands down, my favorite hand sanitizer is The Honest Company spray. It smells so freaking delicious, I want to drink it!

It can be a lot always carrying diapers, wipes, a swaddle blanket, and whatever else Harley needs on top of the things for myself, so keeping it all organized and separate in those poufs and other storage bags help tremendously!

Snacks: Before heading to the airport, I always try to eat a full meal. [“Try” being the operative word.] Reality is, I’m usually working up to the minute that it’s time to head to the airport, so that doesn’t always happen. I’m also a psycho when it comes to being punctual and like getting to the airport way in advance, so even if I eat a meal beforehand, chances are I’m hungry again before or during my flight. Some airlines are super stingy when it comes to giving snacks, but even when they do offer their nutritious-less, sugar-full, preservative-rich treats, I politely decline. Lara bars, raw almonds, sliced bell peppers, and apples with almond butter are my go to’s. The Justin’s Nut Butter packets are awesome to have on hand. Bringing your own snacks will save you money and extra unwanted calories!

Travel Attire: Comfy and casual is the way to go unless you’re headed straight to a business meeting or you’re expecting Channing Tatum to greet you with a bouquet of roses. Call me a skeptic, but I don’t think the latter is happening. And dressing comfy and casual doesn’t mean you still can’t look cute or cool or chic or any other positive adjective that starts with the letter “c”! I’m almost always traveling in my Soludos or pair of sneakers. In the colder months, you’ll most likely find me in booties [flat or with a low heel/wedge]. I’m often cold, so regardless of the temperature outside, I travel with an oversize yummy cardigan that I can wrap myself up in. A light scarf may be good to have as well.

Well friends, that’s all I got! If there is something not on this list that you can’t travel without, please let me know in the comments below! [I promise I wasn’t intentionally rhyming!]  🙂