Travel Faves

Hot on the heels of another fun trip, I’m sharing some of my fav travel tips that get me through the crazy. One of the fun perks to my job is that there’s lots of fun incentive trips up for grabs, plus my company frequently asks me to help train in different places several times a year, and my crew back at home loves to go and do and that means finding new fun adventures as well- so I find myself constantly on the go. While I love to see new places, actually getting there can be a little stressful- hoping some of this tames the crazy for you too.

One of the things I always do before I start packing is make a list of all the events and fun things we have planned so I know exactly what to pack. And then I turn on a tiny bit of OCD and write down exactly what I’m wearing to each of those ... down to the undies I need to pack for that outfit and the accessories. Weeee bit high maintenance. But it works. 💁🏼‍♀️

I hate getting places and realizing I forgot to pack shoes for this outfit or earrings for that one. And this way I have it all! With a lot of my work trips there can be several events in one day where you need an outfit change or two and so being organized helps me to not overpack and all the stress out of "what to wear" once I get there. But this can be the same on a family beach trip. If you’re going to breakfast with your people and then a day on the beach, followed up with a dinner out you’re doing a couple outfit changes, too. And knowing what’s coming just HELPS. Here's a mom tip: back in the days of yore when my kids let me have input on what they were wearing, I would grab a Ziploc and put all three kiddos outfits for that day in one bag ... shoes, bows, the whole deal. That way I would just go to the suitcase grab the bag that said "Wednesday" and have little thought on getting them all ready to go.
Disclaimer: I totally realize that these are first world problems and in the big scheme of things holds little weight. But I also know that when you’ve put yourself together and like how you look you are more confident, you engage in more conversations and you just feel better. I love beauty in all places: flowers, pretty things for my house, gorgeous views and fun clothes! So whether you like dressing cute for a creative outlet or you're not sure what you're doing but know you need to pack clothes to have on your body, I promise having this picked out ahead of time can be a big time/stress saver and I’m all about that!

Here are some of my travel must haves:

1. ANKER portable charger

This portable battery charger is the best one you’ll ever use. Fa reals. It stays charged for months and you can get almost five full iPhone charges out of it. I’m definitely on my phone a lot and taking ALL the pics and videos so my battery life is not the best. And as my survival skills are lacking, the last thing I need is to be all alone without a GPS or app for Uber to come get me when I’m far from home. So this thing is always in my carryon.

2. POWERBEATS

I'm pretty obsessed with my wireless Powerbeats and keep them with me on the go. There's probably a less expensive dupe out there, but almost any kind of ear bud usually hurts my ears or I’m constantly trying to get them to stay in place but these guys work great. I also love that there’s a mic on here so I use my phone hands free when multi-tasking. {read:every second of my life.}

3. TRAVEL SHAWL by BAREFOOT DREAMS

I have all the heart eyes for this Travel Shawl by Barefoot Dreams. I get stopped while traveling SO many times by people asking me where I got this thing (which is actually how I found it too! One of my friends kept wearing one and I knew I needed it!). Dillards has this on major sale right now and let me tell you why you want it- It wraps you up in this light-weight-softest-fleece you didn’t even know you needed; it’s shorter in the back to avoid bunching when sitting down for a long time, is easy to get on and off while seated and y’all ... it has POCKETS. Basically it’s a blankie you can wrap up in while in public. Hashtag yes, please.

4. Backpack.

While I love my fancy purses/ carry ons, my back and shoulders do NOT love that I end up loading that big bag down with way too many things and I end up sore and annoyed with the bag after a couple days of carting it around. I’ve traded mine in for a cute backpack Eli got me for Mothers Day that I thought I would just use at the ballfields, but turns out I carry it every day and it's the perfect travel companion!  There’s too many darling choices out there to overlook this option! You may miss your pretty tote for a minute, but I think you’ll end up loving this change. Here are some of my current faves:

Here's the link to each option:
@lululemon
@vicidolls
@hershel
@rebeccaminkoff

5. TRAVEL CUBES

Okay, so I snubbed my nose at these for a while thinking they were too fussy and I didn’t need them but it’s a total GAMECHANGER in packing your suitcase. I’m able to fit more in my bag, things stay organized, and I don’t need to steam as much once I get to my destination.
It’s an inexpensive travel hack I think you’ll be glad you tried out!

6. TRAVEL STEAMER

Mini moons ago I invested in a little travel steamer and where I go, that steamer goes. So much easier than ironing, gets out heavy duty wrinkles from traveling and fits easily in my bag. I love this thing and I always have people running in my room to borrow it on trips ... you’ll be glad you brought one!

7. JEWELRY BOXES

I have deep love in my heart for big baubles, mainly earrings. I just think they’re fun and an easy way to add color or interest to an outfit. So when traveling I want options- and lots of them. And since a lot of said baubles can be splurge items for me I want them to arrive safely at their destination. I’ve tried packing my bling several ways but this cheap hack is my go-to. I love packing them in little jewelry gift boxes that have the padding/fill in there. It keeps them in place and then I'll put several of the boxes in a little bag (or cube!) to keep safe. It works so great!

8. Joyōme:

 This has been one thing that has absolutely simplified traveling (and life), and my one step skincare routine. I have a serum for day and a serum for night. Washing my face and applying this serum has given me time back and years off my face! Who has time for tons of steps in a regimen? Not me. This is too easy, has the best ingredient that are up to par with European standards, oh and within just a few days my skin was softer, brighter, and gave me a dewy look I love! Sold!

9. SUPPLEMENTS:

Between flying, sleeping in hotel rooms, eating different foods (some rather indulgent), and in and out of congested areas I used to come home puffy, worn out, ragged and on the brink of a sinus infection, oh and suffering with digestion issues almost every time I traveled.
Enter these guys. It’s amazing what adding a complete multi, anti-inflammatory (aka skinny face in a bottle), BioCleanse (to help with regularity, which while traveling can be an issue), an omega supplement and a daily probiotic can do. We don’t leave home without them.

10. Eli.

After years of traveling with this dude, I seriously hate when he’s not here. He thinks of everything, has a freakish sense of direction and packs snacks and flip flops for me in his backpack, ha! He’s a total TWO on the Enneagram which means he has the biggest servant heart EVAH! He’s the best travel accessory and I’m so glad he’s mine!


Happy Travels!