It’s a question I get all the time: What’s the one thing you won’t travel without?
One thing. Pft. I’m a chronic over-packer. When I travel I have a list of “must haves”. From a road trip, to a journey up north, a weekend at a fabulous hotel or a week away with family, I NEED lots of things. But as I pack for a week away in the stunning Turks and Caicos I realized it’s the perfect time to examine “What’s in my bag?” Here are a few of my favourite must-haves when traveling.
First a tip: Start with a great carry on bag, one that really works well for you. A mid-size tote is great but my fave way to travel is a small roller bag with a large purse I can stack on top. With these two items a girl anywhere. This Samsonite Spinner Underseater with USB is the perfect Carry-On size and you can rest assured it will fit in most overhead compartments. Also, notice the 4 way roller wheels. Essential when running through an airport. (not that I’ve ever done that) Sigh.
Once you’ve picked your bag, it’s time to pack. Most of these items can all be found on amazon.ca – my favourite place to do shopping in my PJ’s!
1. A tiny first aid kit – You can buy one “pre made” and then top it up. I add in things like a copy of my prescriptions, Gravol, Advil, Peppermint Oil, and bandages including Blister Band-aids. Those things are the best!
2. A jewelry organizer. I’ve tried everything to keep my necklaces from tangling and rings from getting lost. So far, my best trick is to invest in a small but functional jewelry organizer It’s simply the easiest way to keep all those rings and things from tangling or breaking. This one is super cute.
3. An Otterbox or similar for my iPhone. Nothing will spoil your mood faster than a broken cell phone.
4. Headphones – Simply because when you fly, you will want, no need, headphones. My favourite brand for comfort and sound right now are Beats in-ear headphones.
5. A Portable Charger – This is a new one to me, the Zendure A3 portable charger is compact and can fully charge the iPhone 7.4 times, oh, and it’s cute too!
6. Hydrating lip balm and Hand Cream – Travel of any kind is dehydrating and hard on the skin. I’m always sure to pack some hand cream, just a tiny one. One of my favourites is AVEDA hand relief. Not only is it moisturizing, but it has a very mild smell so won’t offend anyone sitting near you on the plane.
7. Pashmina or Blanket Scarf- Great to keep you warm on flights, or depending on your material choice if can double up as a sarong or even blanket on the beach.
Other things you’ll find in my bag? A lip gloss, lysol wipes (yes I’m that girl, gum, a protein bar, and of course my passport, wallet and all things ID.
And not on Amazon but should always ALWAYS be in your carry on – your bathing suit. No one wants the stress of replacing that little number should your suitcase ever go missing.
Feeling inspired to pack up and take a trip! I hope so because one lucky reader of How To Survive Life In The Suburbs has a chance to WIN a $100 VISA gift card to do some shopping of their own. To win simply tell me, what’s one item you won’t leave home without? I need to know – you know- incase I need to pack more things.
Then use the rafflecopter form provided below to earn those extra entries.
This giveaway is open to Canadians only, excluding Quebec, and to all those who have reached the age of majority in their Province. Closes November 1st, 2019. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram.
Alison Braidwood says
I feel naked it I get caught out without some kind of lippie. Either a tinted balm, or lipstick.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
What a question! I guess for me that’s my phone, it’s what I use to communicate with my 7 kids and other family members and friends from where ever I am. Plus it’s my camera too. So yes, it’s my phone that I won’t leave home without. 🙂
CL Chin says
a scarf because it can double as a sarong or a blanket.
Amy Heffernan says
My hairbrush!!!
Tara says
If i’m going on vacation I have to take my big camera with me. My cell phone camera just doesn’t cut it. Yes it takes up a lot of room and it’s heavy. But my pictures of my vacation are my favourite things to look back on.
Jenness M says
I always have lip balm with me! My lips are ridiculously sensitive and its a bad situation if I don’t have any.
Jen V. says
I can’t leave home without my lip balm. It doesn’t matter what kind, I just have to have it with me.
Helen Watkinson says
I always make sure to pack an emery board for those fingernail mishaps
Heather Sibley says
I am an avid reader and always have my Kobo eReader in my bag
Kathy Cichocka says
Hand sanitizer and wet naps. Always a must have. I like to clean my tray on the plane and whatever else people touch lol
Shirley O says
I always take sunscreen with me.
loucheryl says
Lipstick! I know it sounds vain but I look so pale without some lipstick.
Donna S says
I always have my debit card with me.
Rosanne Robinson says
One item that I won’t leave home without is my purse, it carries all of my “must have” at all times products.
Lori says
Yikes, so many things.
My eyeglass wipes for sure, phone, charger, tylenol, water bottle, cell snack , i could.go on