As someone who is completely and utterly obsessed with planning and organization, I obviously did quite a bit of prep when packing for my Mardi Gras adventure. Even if planning ahead isn’t your thing, you’ll be so much more stress free when vacationing if you get it together and pack oh I don’t know, at least three days before you trip. I get it, we’re all busy, but honestly there is nothing worse then being pumped for your trip only to discover you forgot your tooth brush, or your phone charger or your ID. Yikes, talk about a buzzkill. For me, I am completely stressed out until I’m past security–and even after that I’m usually immediately on my way to the airport bar to calm my nerves. I think I’m late even when I’m already there. Oh well, we all have our things.
Below are my top traveling must haves that will make traveling ten times more comfortable!
1. Prep your iPad with entertainment
Especially for the flight home. On the way there you’ll probably be so excited that you’ll be able to distract yourself, but on the way home all you’ll be thinking about is how badly you need to do laundry and was this flight really this long on the way there?? Download movies from iTunes, sync your kindle app with your audio books, whatever. Just have everything installed and ready to go so you don’t have to experience the horror of realizing that movie you were so excited to watch never actually made it to your iPad. Awk.
2. Pack your makeup, undies and a spare outfit in your carry on
Plus your toiletries and anything else you would be devastated to lose if something happens to your checked baggage. If makeup isn’t your thing (then I don’t get you) then maybe you leave that out but I know I would lose my MIND if I lost mine. I have a really healthy relationship with my material possessions, what can I say? Even if you have to make an emergency shopping trip once you arrive at your destination at least you won’t be spending as much money since you’ll have all of the basics you need to survive. I packed a spare outfit as well as my favorite dress so I still had something fun to go out in if anything happened to my luggage (nothing did, although I was panicked the whole time). Think of your priorities and pack accordingly.
3. Invest in a camera you won’t die over if you lose
I originally planned on taking my canon with me but after some research and consideration of the amount of alcohol I would be consuming I realized that it just wasn’t a smart idea to bring it. At least not on this trip. Plus it’s a hefty item to add to my carry on. Finally, I decided to pick up this super precious Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 so I could still take really cute memorable photos (that print immediately, talk about instant gratification!) and I’m so glad I did because all of the pictures make for such amazing keepsakes. I’m probably going to do something adorable with them a la pinterest. I’ll keep you posted!
4. Pack a meds kit-seriously
Hate to be a grandma but planes are foul. So are airports. Nasty, recycled air is NOT good for you and if you’re like me you will probably get sick (I got a disgusting cold when I got home–not fun). So what I do to try and avoid getting sick on my vacations is to bring a little zip lock bag filled with vitamin C tablets, Emergen-C packets and Ibuprofen with me to take before, during and after the flight to keep my immune system strong. This past trip I put an Emergen-C packet in my water before and during the flight but sort of completely forgot to do it ever again and what to do you know, snot for days as soon as I get back. Just saying-take care of your body.
5. Pack a lot of hydrating products
Even if you’re an oily mofo, do it. Just like recycled air isn’t good for your immune system, it’s also not so great for your skin (which is clearly more important, duh). But also, most of the time when you travel even if the new environment isn’t necessarily one that is drying, the shift is temperatures, humidity and altitude will often result in an imbalance in your skin. I already struggle with dry skin so I always prep for the worst by using one of my all time favorite masks; Glam Glow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment ($69, get it here). I leave it on clean, dry skin overnight before I leave and I wake up with glowing, soft and hydrated skin. I bring my travel size with me too and use it throughout the trip if I notice my skin starting to react negatively to the change in climate. I love this mask because you can leave it on overnight and don’t have to worry about washing it off. Adding moisture will help supply your skin with the nourishment it needs to stay healthy and radiant, even if you’re already oily. Don’t be afraid of the moisture! It is your friend.
What are you top traveling trips? Let me know in the comments!
Xoxo,
She
